000269   Gayatri;Nambiar R;Raveendran K (P.G. Studies & Research in Botany Dep, Sir Syed College, Taliparamba, Kerala-670 142) : Helicorhoidion nypicola and Trichocladium nypae: new to the marine mycoflora of India. Geobios 2012, 39(2-3), 160-2.

Helicorhoidion nypicola Hyde et Goh and Trichocladium nypae Hyde et Goh., are reported have as additions to the marine mycoflora of India.

1 illus, 16 ref

000268   Gayatri;Nambiar R;Nisreen M;Raveendran K (P.G. Studies and Research in Botany Dep, Sir Syed College, Taliparamba, Kannur, Kerala-670 142) : Marine mycoflora of Maharashtra (India). Geobios 2012, 39(2-3), 109-12.

During mycological study from Maharashtra, 45 marine fungal species comprising 35 ascomycetes, 2 basidiomycetes and 8 mitosporic fungi were encountered. Anthostomella nypensis, Carinispora velatispora and Lindra thalassiae are new reports. Average isolate of marine fungi per sample was 1.48 and percentage colonization was 79.6.

1 table, 15 ref

000267   Fazel S;Hamidreza M;Rouhollah G;Verdian-Rizi M (Medicinal Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy Tehran Medical Sciences Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: mverdian@razi.tums.ac.ir) : Spectrophotometric determination of total alkaloids in some Iranian medicinal plants. J appl Hort 2010, 12(1), 69-70.

Simple spectrophotometric method based on the reaction with Bromocresol Green (BCG) was developed for determination of total alkaloids in medicinal plants. A yellow complex forms and is easily extractable by chloroform at pH 4.7. The absorbance of the complex obeys Bear's law over the concentration range of 4-13 μg atropine per tnL of chloroform. This procedure can be carried out in the presence of other compounds without interference.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

000266   Esfandiyari B;Nejad G H Davary;Shahriyari F A;Kiani M (Horticulture Dep, Ferdowsi Mashhad Univ, Khorasan Razavi Province, Islamic Republic of Iran, Email: behnam.esfandiyari@gmail.com) : Sex determination in Pistacia species using molecular markers. J appl Hort 2010, 12(2), 122-4.

Sex identification in Pistacia species, are economically desirable. Regarding long juvenile stage in Pistacia species and lack of morphological method to identify sex in this stage, molecular marker could facilitate breeding program. Aim of the study was to identify a marker, closely linked to sex locus in Pistacia atlantica Desfmutica, P. khinjuk and P. vera var. Sarakhs. For this pmpose, samples were collected from male and female individual trees from each species and their band patterns were analysed according to band specific presence or absence. Twenty Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers and a pair Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCAR) primer were tested to determine sex in wild Pistacia species. Among RAPD primers, only BC1200 amplified a specific sex band which was present in female plant. The results indicated that all individual samples amplified an approximately 300 base pairs fragment in female trees which was absent in male samples. Although sex determination mechanism in Pistacia is unknown, it might be controlled by single locus acting as a trigger. However, SCAR technique is a reliable technique to identify gender genotypes in seedling stage of Pistacia species, that would help to save time and expanses in breeding program.

3 illus, 28 ref

000265   Dewir Y H;Singh N;Govender S;Pillay P (School of Biological & Conservation Sciences, KwaZulu-Natal Univ, Westville Campus, Private bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa, Email: ydewir@hotmail.com) : In vitro flowering and shoot multiplication of Gentiana triflora in air-lift bioreactor cultures. J appl Hort 2010, 12(1), 30-4.

Hormonal control of flower induction in vitro was investigated in Gentian. The effect of PBZ concentrations on flowering was studied in plantlets cultured in MS medium containing 30 g L^-1 sucrose. Paclobutrazol (PBZ) concentration at 1.0 mg L^-1 induced the highest flowering in terms of flowering percentage (91.5%), number of flowers, days to first flowering, flower length and flower diameter. PBZ did not trigger flowering:but it rather stimulated flowering and its role seemed to be additive but not essential for flowering. Comparison between solid and bioreactor cultures (continuous immersion with a net) revealed that shoot multiplication and growth were more efficient using bioreactor culture. The highest shoot number per explant (29.9) was obtained in bioreactor culture. Regenerated shoots were cultured microponically for 6 weeks. Hundred percent of plants rooted and were acclimatized successfully in growing media containing perlite: vermiculite (1:1).

3 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

000264   Chitale R;Patil N (Post Graduate Research Centre in Botany, Tuljaram Chaturchand College, Baramati-413 102, Email: chitale@gmail.com) : Influence of soil conditioning using oxygenated peptone on rhizosphere soil of organically grown Brinjal (Solanum melongena L. CV. Ajay). Geobios 2012, 39(2-3), 163-7.

Thus soil application of oxygenated peptone improved physical and chemical properties of rhizosphere soil of organically grown brinjal. With treatment, soil pH improved towards neutrality. The electrical conductivity, soil moisture, soil porosity and water holding capacity increased, while soil temperature and bulk density decreased. Organic matter, organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, calcium and manganese increased, while magnesium, zinc and copper decreased.

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

000263   Charan Kumar M E;Gaval A R;Rathod P; Chandregowda M (Horticulture Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bangalore-560 065, Email: charu4coorg@gmail.com) : Effect of organic manures and bio-fertilizers on soil chemical properties and plant nutrient uptake in stevia (Stevia rebaudiana). J Ecobiol 2011, 29(3-4), 181-7.

Investigaton on Effect of organic manures and bio-fertilizers on soil chemical properties and plant nutrient uptake in Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bert.) revealed that, the highest organic carbon content (1.84%) was noticed in the treatment with recommended dose of nitrogen through farm yard manure (basal) + 50% of nitrogen through vermicompost (top dressing). The availability of nitrogen (464.5 kg ha^-1) was higher in the treatment with 50% of recommended dose of nitrogen through vermicompost (basal) + 50% of nitrogen through neem cake (top dressing) + bio-fertilizers. Availability of phosphorus (76.6 kg ha^-1) was maximum in the treatment with recommended dose of nitrogen through farm yard manure (basal) + 50% of nitrogen through vermicompost (top dressing) whereas potassium availability was higher (407 kg ha^-1) in 50% of recommended dose of nitrogen through farm yard manure (basal)+ 50% of dose of nitrogen through neem cake (top dressing) + bio-fertilizers. The highest nitrogen content (1.9%), phosphorus content (0.4%)'and potassium content (1.4%) were noticed in the plants grown with the application of 50% of recommended dose of nitrogen through vermicompost (basal) + 50% of nitrogen through neem cake (top dressing) + bio-fertilizeres.

3 tables, 17 ref

000262   Bumgarner N;Verlinden S (Plant and Soil Science Div, West Virginia Univ, P.O. Box 6108, Morgantown, WV 26506-6057, USA, Email: Sven.Verlinden@gmail.wvu.edu) : Effects of water inclusion in microclimate modification systems for warm and cool season vegetable crops on temperature and yield. J appl Hort 2010, 12(2), 87-92.

Four microclimate modification methods including spun-bonded and slitted low tunnels both with and without the addition of water-filled plastic tubes were tested for their effect on early and total yields of warm and cool season vegetable crops in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Peppers, tomatoes, radishes, and lettuce were organically grown in 2006 and 2007. Early season pepper yields were higher when water tubes were included with low tunnels while early tomato yields did not differ. Total yields for warm season crops in some microclimate modification treatments were higher than the control, and harvests started up to four weeks earlier in the spring. Cool season crop yields in the four treatments showed no increase over the control despite one to three weeks earlier harvests for radish and lettuce. These results show potential for earlier safe planting dates and increased yield, especially in warm season vegetable crops using low tunnels and water tubes. Additionally, economic analysis demonstrated a potential for increased profits over control plots using these microclimate modification techniques.

3 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

000261   Borsani O;Gonzalez-Neves G;Ferre M;Monza J (Laboratorios de Bioquimica, Facultad de Agronomia, Avda. Garzon 780 CP 12900, Montevideo, Uruguay, Email: omarborsani@gmail.com) : Anthocyanins accumulation and genes-related expression in berries of cv. tannat (Vitis vinifera L.). J appl Hort 2010, 12(1), 3-9.

Anthocyanins accumulation and gene expression in berries of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Tannat trained in Lyre system was investigated, expression of genes involved in anthocyanins biosynthetic pathway as chalcone synthase (CHS), flavonoid 3-hydroxylase (F3H), dihydroflavonol 4- reductase (DFR), and UDP-glucose flavonoid-3-O- glucosyl transferase (UFGT) was examined. On the other hand, the influence of plant architecture, Lyre and vertical shoot positioned (VSP) trellis systems, on anthocyanins accumulation and gene expression was also analyzed. Final contents of total anthocyanins were not affected by trellis systems but varied in two years with different water deficit imposition period. However, the individual profile of the genes and anthocyanidins modified according to the moment of water deficit imposition (veraison or harvest) and by the trellis systems (Lyre or VSP). Analysis of gene expression in Lyre along the berry development period showed that low leaf water potentials after veraison cause an earlier and greater induction compared with expression in a year with low leaf water potential at harvest. At harvest, the hydric deficit induced an increase in the expression of CHS, F3H and DFR genes and a higher total anthocyanins content. The study revealed that plant architecture affect the expression of anthocyanins related gene in berries possibly by modifying the canopy microclimate.

6 ills, 34 ref

000260   Bejoy M;Dan M;Anish N P;George G A;Radhika B J (Plant Genetic Resource Div, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Trivandrum-695 562) : Induction of multiple shoots in Amomum hypoleucum thwaites- a threatened wild relative of large Cardamom. J appl Hort 2010, 12(1), 46-9.

An efficient and repeatable micropropagation protocol has been established for Amomum hypoleucum, a lesser known threatened medicinal plant of the family Zingiberaceae. Eighty percent of the rhizome nodes from greenhouse grown plants, cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg L^-1 BA.and 0.5 mg L^-1 IAA, showed axillary bud break in 8-10 days. Multiple shoots proliferated from such shoot explants when transplanted to medium with 3 mg L^-1 BA and 1 mg L^-1 TDZ. An average of 9.2 shoots could be recovered in two months and about 65-70% of the shoots showed simultaneous rooting. Isolated shoots were also rooted in medium fortified with 0.5 mg L^-1 NAA. Plantlets, transferred to the field after acclimatization in greenhouse conditions, showed 85% survival.

1 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

000259   Begum N;Sayeswara H A (Botany Dep, Sahyadri Science College Kuvempu Univ, Shivamogga-577 203, Email: NAFEEZA_khaliqh@yahoo.co.in) : Phytoplankton and pollution tolerant species of Hadadi lake, Davangere, Karnataka, India. Geobios 2012, 39(2-3), 168-72.

Total of 69 species of phytoplankton were recorded at Hadadi lake. Blue-greens constituted the major group (40.71%) followed by chlorococcales (36.67%), diatoms (15.35%), euglenoids (7.22%) and desmids (0.05%). In summer season, relatively more phytoplankton were produced than rainy and winter. Oscillatoria sp., Euglena sp., and Phacus sp. were dominant. The presence of Microcystis aeruginosa indicated pollution.

2 tables, 18 ref

000258   Balavidhya S;Shakila A (Horticulture Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu) : Effect of closure of test tubes on the survival of rose explants. Asian J Hort 2010, 5(2), 467-8.

Experiment was carried out in order to find out the effect of closure of test tubes on the survival of rose explants. Four different types of closures (cotton plug alone, aluminium foil, steristop, and cotton plug with aluminium foil) were used for the test tubes containing equal volume of MS medium. The results revealed that cotton plug + aluminium foil was found to be most suitable as it resulted in the maximum culture survival and also reduced the contamination per cent.

1 table, 9 ref

000257   Anuj Kumar;Sudhir Kumar;Panwar J D S (Botany Dep, J.V. College, Baraut (Baghpat), Uttar Pradesh) : Role of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), sulphur and micronutrients on the cost production of lentil (Lens culinaris). J Pl Dev Sci 2013, 5(2), 122-6.

Bacteria that colonize roots effectively are termed "Rhizobacteria". PGPR are free-living bacteria and some of them invade the tissues of living plants and cause unapparent and symptomatic infections when applied to seeds or crops, enhance the growth of the plant or reduce the damage from soil-borne plant pathogens. An experiment was conducted at the farm of J. V. College, Baraut, during Rabi seasons of 2008-09 on nodulation of Lentil (Lens culinaris). Inoculated with PGPR, S and micronutrients viz. Mn, Zn and Mo. Application of PGPR along with S @ 60 kg/ha, Zn @ 4 kg/ha, Mn @0,5 kg/ha and Mo @ 0.1 kg/ha significantly increases protein content, The use of PGPR along with S and Mn (7,498 Rs. in 2008 & 7,768 Rs. in 2009) was the most economical treatment with higher net return followed by PGPR + S +Mo + Mn (7.323 Rs. in 2008 & 7,533 Rs. in 2009)<62> PGPR + 8(7,113 Rs. in 2008 & 7,233 Rs. in 2009). It is concluded that use of PGPR, S and micronutrients would be an effective approach in term of cost production of lentil under natural conditions.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

000256   Aggarwal P;Bakshi A K;Kanwar J S (Food Science and Technology Horticulture Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: sachdev_poonam26@yahoo.co.in) : Suitability of cling-stone and free-stone low chilling peach cultivars for canning and other processed products. J appl Hort 2010, 12(1), 65-8.

Two cling stone peach cultivars "Shan-i-Punjab" and "Tropic Beauty" and one free stone cultivar "Florda Grande" were processed for canning (whole and halves) and beverages (squash and nectar). Fruits of Shan-i-Punjab were found to have the best characteristics for canning (as whole) and for making pulp based beverages (nectar and squash) with maximum ascorbic acid content (17 mg/100 g) and pulp yield (47.62%). Organoleptically Shan-i-Punjab fruits were found to have the highest acceptability scores i.e. 8.50 for canned peaches, 8.58 for squash and 8.38 for nectar among all the cultivars studied on a 9-point Hedonic scale judged by eight semi-trained panelists and general consumers. Florda Grande also received the higher acceptability scores (8.50) for its canned peach halves because of its tough texture. The fruits of Florda Grande were not much suitable for pulp based beverages, whereas those of Tropic Beauty were found acceptable for canning as well as for making beverages at zero time and also after six months storage.

1 illus, 6 tables, 9 ref

000255   Abubacker M N;Dheepan G (Biotechnology Dep, National College, Tiruchirappalli-620 001, Email: abubacker_nct@yahoo.com ) : In vitro conservation approach of rare medicinal plant Ceropegia juncea Roxb. (Asclepiadaceae). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2012, 9(2), 629-34.

In vitro conservation protocol for rare medicinal plant Ceropegia juncea was developed using nodal explants by culturing on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. The maximum number of greenish nodular callus was induced in MS + 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) 1.5 mg/1 + 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) 1.5 mg/1 and massive callus induction was in MS + Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) 1.0 mg/1 + BAP 1.0 mg/1 + 2,4-D 0.5 mg/1. The greenish nodular calli were raised on the MS medium supplemented with BAP 3.0 mg/1 + kinetine (Kin) 0.5 mg/1 + Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) 0.5 mg/1 + Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) 0.5 mg/I for shoot induction. Root induction was achieved in MS + Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) 0.5 mg/1 + NAA 0.5 mg/I + IBA 0.5 mg/1 + BAP 1.0 mg/1. The plantlets were established, acclimatized and thrived in greenhouse and then in natural environmental condition. The in vitro conservation protocol developed in this study provides a basis for germplasm conservation of this medicinal plant.

3 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

024452   Wei X;Li D;Du L;Gong Q (College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi Univ, Nanning, 53004, P.R. China, Email: wx11651@163.com) : Indirect determination of sulfamethazine sodium by Cu<. Asian J Chem 2011, 23(3), 1163-6.

Sulfamethazine (SM₂) salt and Cu²⁺ combined to form 2:1 complex in the solution of pH 5.0- 6.5. After the complex was extracted with chloroform, the absorbence of Cu2+ remaining in water phase was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). It was found that the absorbancy difference (ΔA) of Cu²⁺ in raffinate solution of reagent blank solution and sample solution increased linearly with the concentration of sulfamethazine. Under the optimum conditions, the linear range of sulfamethazine was 14.6-144.1 mg L^-1, the linear regression equation was ΔA = 0.0025c - 0.0046 (r = 0.9991), the detection limit for sulfamethazine was 5.6 mg L^-1 and the recovery was 99.3-99.6%. This method was used to determine the sulfamethazine sodium injection samples with satisfactory results.

4 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

024451   Wani M H;Shah M Y;Naqshi A R (Botany Dep, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Email: wanimmajid@hotmail.com) : Ferns of Kashmir - an updated account. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 100-31.

Up-to-date account is presented of fern-allies and ferns known to occur in Kashmir Valley, Gurez (Kishenganga Valley) and Ladakh. Also included are their ecological status, phytogeographical affinity and the distributional data. The area has 6 species and 1 subspecies (total 7 taxa) of fern allies, in 3 genera, belonging to 3 families; and 80 species, 22 subspecies and 4 hybrids (total 106 taxa) of ferns, in 29 genera, belonging to 13 families. 47 taxa (42%) were recorded to be rare or endangered. Phytogeographically, the fern flora of the area is a combination of Sino-Himalayan (≥75%) and Euro-Mediterranean elements (≥15%); a few S.E. Asian elements (≤8%), being also represented in the area. The strong presence of Euro-Mediterranean elements in the fern flora of the area, in contrast to their reduced incidence further east of Kashmir lends support to the assumption that Kashmir is strategically located from the phytogeographical point of view, representing the floristic gateway to European, Mediterranean and Central Asian elements in the Flora of India.

8 illus, 28 ref

024450   Sukul S;Chunari N;Mondal S;Ghosh M (Botany Dep, Visva-Bharati ( a central University), Santiniketan, West Bengal, Email: sc_vbharati@rediffmail.com) : Phytochemicals analysis and screening for active compounds in Lycopodium cernuum. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 39-43.

Lycopodium cernum Linn. has been observed lately to grow profusely on the two sides of banks of river Kopai, Santiniketan. West Bengal. Phytochemicals of this lycopsid were analysed as well as were screened following the standard method. The results revealed the presence of a good amount of phenol, protein, carbohydrate, reducing sugar and chlorophyll. It also revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides. Further experiments for industrial and medicinal sciences utilisation of this medicinally potential plant were needed.

1 table, 11 ref

024449   Subramaniyan A;Palanivelu K (Zoology Dep, Government Arts College, Kumbakonam-612 001, Tamil Nadu, Email: ungaldolphin@yahoo.com) : Analysis of culture practices Ficus religiosa waste in Eudrilus religiosa waste in Eudrilus eugeniae (kingberg). Envir Ecol 2012, 30(3), 561-5.

Rate of cocoon production, earthworm weight and casts of Eudrilus eugeniae kept in 0, 25, 50, 75 and 10C PSR (per cent substrate ratio) of partly decomposed Ficus religiosa waste (DFRW) for 30 days were determined. The worms kept in soil alone (0 PSR) for 30 days though showed 100% survival value with different percent change in -7.9 weight loss, only 3 cocoons were laid during the course of study. But the worms kept in 75 PSR of (DFRW) produced relatively more cocoons than the worms kept in control or other PSR media. The values showing the vermicast weight 75 PSR media 63,8 g high level in compared in other PSR media. The pH levels measured in the samples of partly (DFRW) showed a basic pH with 9.2 ± 1.8. B.ut the samples of unused residual compost showed pH levels with 8.4 ± 0.4 respectively. Of the three macro nutrients analyzed the samples of partly DFRW, the levels of P and N very high in 12.1 ±3.1 and 51.6 ± 28.1 in AURC nutrients while the K in macro nutrients BPDC in high level of 73.5 ± 29.5 compared to other AURC nutrients different doses (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100) g/pot Measurement of radish leaf length, width and total shoot weight of 38 days. The plant raised in soil alone showed poor growth than the other PSR 25, 75 and 100 PSR media. Sufficient growth and 50 doses in highly ranged in growth shoot, leaf length and width respectively.

5 tables, 3 ref

024448   Singh D;Sharma R A;Sharma B;Sharma S K;Sharma D;Chandrawat P;Sharma S (Botany Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur-302 055, Email: sharma_ra2007@yahoo.co.in) : Antimicrobial activity of sequential extracts for leaves of Cassia nodosa Bunch.. Asian J Chem 2011, 23(3), 1415-16.

The antimicrobial activity of the sequential extracts (petroleum ether, benzene, acetone, chloroform, ethanol, water etc.) of the leaves of C. nodosa carried out against certain bacteria viz., Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeroginosa and fungi viz., Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Fusarium moniliformae and Rhizoctonia bataticola using disc diffusion technique. Present study showed that most of the extracts were effective against all the test microorganisms. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the extracts of chloroform, benzene, acetone and ethanol were found to be 2 x 104 mg/mL, while the petroleum ether and water showed no inhibition. Present investigation provides scientific basis for the use of the plant extracts in the treatment of fungal and bacterial diseases. It is concluded that the active principles possessing antimicrobial activity may be extracted from the leaves of Cassia nodosa by various organic solvents.

2 tables, 10 ref

024447   Sheokand S;Dudeja S S;Swaraj K (Botany and Plant Physiology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Nitrogen fixation in tropical environments-adaptive responses and benefits. Res Crop 2012, 13(2), 743-53.

It is widely recognized that biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by legume-rhizobium symbiosis is an important component of productivity in tropical agriculture. Nitrogen fixation is strongly influenced by the environmental conditions such as salt stress, drought stress, acidity, alkalinity and nutrient deficiency. These major stress factors suppress the growth and symbiotic characteristics of most rhizobia; however, several strains, distributed among various species of rhizobia, are tolerant to stress effects. Some strains of rhizobia form effective (N2-fixing) symbioses with their host legumes under salt, temperature and water stress. The effect of these conditions on the nitrogen fixation system and the adaptive responses have been reviewed. In addition to their N2-fixing capacity legumes are extremely important in human and animal diets. Globally, they supply 33% of human protein, and some are important sources of oil. Other legumes provide unique phytochemicals which have industrial and medicinal uses. The rhizobium legume symbiosis also plays an important role in phytoremediation.

74 ref

024446   Sharpe J M (NO, Sharplex Services, P.O. Box 499, Edgecomb, Maine 04556 USA, Email: joannesharpe@juno.com) : Annual variation in leaf production of reproductively mature sporophytes of Dryopteris intermedia and Polystichum acrostichoides (Dryopteridaceae: Pteridophyta), two common ferns of the temperate North-Eastern USA. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 240-53.

Long-term demographic study to test the feasibility of assessing temporal variation in leaf production in reproductively matures ferns focussed on two ferns species that are common in temperate northeastern USA : Dryopteris intermedia (Evergreen wood fern) and Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern). Characteristics of leaves of marked fern individuals were observed annually for an 8-year period at a forested site in order to determine the magnitude of annual variation. Two variables, leaf length and number of leaves produced, were used separately and in combination to estimate leaf production. Both species experienced year-to-year increases and decreases in leaf length as well as changes in the humber of leaves produced by a plant. Annual total linear leaf production showed a relatively large net decline of 21% over the eight years of D. intermedia and a much smaller net decline of 2% for P. acrostichoides. The patterns of increases and decreases for these two species were very different, except for years 4-6 when a large increase in the number of leaves was produced by both species in year 5 followed by an immediate decrease in year 6. Annual cohorts of temperate fern leaves can exhibit year-to-year changes leaf size, number of leaves produced, and total individual output suggesting that observing ferns for shorter time spans may over- or under-estimate the contribution of fern leaf production to an ecosystem.

2 illus, 3 tables, 38 ref

024445   Sharma B D;Bohra D R;Suthar O P;Harsh R (NO, , Kath Mahdi, Narnaul-123 001, Email: bdsharma14@yahoo.in) : Introduction and literature on osmundaceous plants. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 137-48.

Osmundaceous plants are included in the family Osmundaceae which has been known since the Permian Period of the Palaeozoic Era. It bears the characters of primitive filicales like Zygopteridaceae, eusporangiatae and early leptosporangiatae. Extinct taxa included in Osmundaceae are Grammatopteris, Thamnopteris, Zalesskya, Palaeosmundo, Osmundites, Osmundacaulis, Millerocaulis, Aureocaulis, Ashicaulis, Osmundopsis, Cladophlebis, Todites etc. The six petrified rhizomes described from the Mesozoic of the Rajmahal Hills, India are now included in the genus Millerocaulis Tidwell. The extant representatives are Osmunda, Todea and Leptopteris. Osmunda and Todea have short and erect rhizomes whereas Leptopteris shows a tendency towards tree habit identical to the Cyatheaceous ferns. Osmunda has three subgenera i.e. Osmunda, Osmundastrum and Plenasium based on anatomical characters of rhizomes, petiole bases and manner of origin of pinnae traces. Fronds pinnate or bipinnate, fertile and sterile leaves either identical or different in morphology. Majority of extinct osmundaceous fronds are included in the genus Cladophlebis. Sori naked, abaxial with massive sporangia with no or little differentiation of annulus cells. Spores homosporous, green with short viability period. Gametophyte thalloid having abaxial sex organs. Embryo development without suspensor formation. The literature cited includes all most all aspects of Botany e.g. systematics, morphology, anatomy, ecology, cytogenetics, physiology, economic botany and palacobotany of the family Osmundaceae.

18 illus, 120 ref

024444   Shaikh S D;Patil S M;Jadhav S B;Dongare M (NO, Rajarshi Chhatrapati Sahu College, Kolhapur, Email: lakish786@yahoo.co.in) : Royal fern - Osmunda huegeliana L. from Northern Maharashtra (India). Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 86-8.

Osmunda huegeliana is a strictly protected fern species, which is dispersed in Western Ghats of India; there are less frequent localities in Maharashtra. The aim of this study was to record new locality of the species, which have not been reported until now. This locality is documented in the area of the Ghanabi from Satara District. Population studies of the royal fern showed that, the specimens are in good condition throughout the free flowing stream of this village. They spores profusely, and also form new plants. But, due to habitat destruction and removal of individuals from the bunds by farmers, the species is at high risk.

2 illus, 4 ref

024443   Senjam P;Singh S R;Narayanaswamy P (Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory Horticulture Div, Agricultural Sciences Univ, GKVK, Bangalore-560 065, Email: pushparanisenjam@gmail.com) : Positive correlation between yield and quality parameters in Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.). Envir Ecol 2012, 30(3), 458-62.

Evaluation of 20 genotypes of jackfruit was conducted to evaluate yield and quality parameters and correlation on different parameters. Jackfruit fruit length had positively correlation with number of flakes and seeds per fruit and fruit diameter had positively correlation with number of seeds per fruit and fruit weight had positively correlation with seed diameter, flakes length, skin thickens, pectin and acidity. Flake length had positive correlations with fruit weight, fruit length, skin thickness and pectin whereas; flake width had positive correlation with fruit weight, acidity, seed diameter, and flake length and skin thickness. Seed diameter had also significant positive correlation with fruit weight, flake width, skin thickness, pectin and acidity while skin thickness had positive correlation with fruit weight seed diameter, flake width and pectin.

4 tables, 8 ref

024442   Ravindra V;Sreenivas K N;Shankarappa T H (Post Harvest Technology Dep, Horticultural Sciences Univ, Bagalkot, PG Center, Bengaluru-560 065, Email: knsreenivaspht@gmail.com) : Value addition and technology development: Shatavari, Aloe and Mango Ginger blended Nectar beverage. Envir Ecol 2012, 30(3), 495-500.

Value adaed product, nectar was prepared by using three medicinal plant extracts namely, shatavira, aloe and mango ginger. The nectar having 20% juice concentration possessing extracts of all the three medicinal plants at 50:40:10 ratios respectively and acidity of 0.5% showed good quality attributes for pH, total soluble solids, acidity, ascorbic acid, reducing sugar and total sugar contents and also the sensory evaluation showed highest overall acceptability of 4.53 out of 10 point scale indicating possibilities of exploring the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties of the medicinal plants in the product.

4 tables, 17 ref

024441   Prakash Pradhan;Dutta A K;Roy A;Acharya K (Botany Dep, Molecular and Applied Mycology & Plant Pathology Laboratory, Calcutta, Kolkata-700 019, Email: krish_paper@yahoo.com) : New records of Coprinus pers. from India. Envir Ecol 2012, 30(3A), 752-5.

Two species of Coprinus belonging to the family Coprinaceae were collected from different corners of West Bengal. Literature survey revealed that they were not reported earlier from India. A detailed macro and microscopic features of them were presented in this paper.

2 illus, 18 ref

024440   Patil S;Mahamuni R;Dongare M (Botany Dep, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Email: sach2010d@gmail.com) : Diversity of ferns in the hills of northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 158-63.

With their diverse ecological and topographical conditions, hills in Western Ghats (Maharashtra) support diversified floral components. The present attempt was undertaken to enumerate the non-flowering vascular cryptograms, especially ferns, in the hills of Northern Western Ghats (Maharashtra) to fill the knowledge gap of valid documentation of the ferns from the area. During this survey authors collected 41 species of ferns where as maximum number of species was collected at Maharashtra hills while the minimum was collected at Khatav and Mann hills.

1 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

024439   Pabuccu K;Gulecek R;Solak C N (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science and Arts, Gaziosmanpasa Univ, Tokat, Turkey) : Seasonal variation of epipelic algal flora in Gunyuzu pond (Eskisehir/Turkey). Asian J Chem 2011, 23(3), 1387-92.

The algal composition of epipelic algae in Gunyuzu irrigation pond was investigated between August 2007 and July 2008 and totally 70 taxa were found belong to bacillariophyta (55), chlorophyta (9) and cyanophyta (6). As a result, Achnanthes linearis (W. Smith) Grunow, Amphora ovalis (Ktzing) Ktzing, Caloneis silicula (Ehrenberg) Cleve, Cyclotella ktzingiana Thwaites, Navicula cryptocehala Ktzing, Nitzschia dissipata (Ktzing) Grunow, N. palea (Ktzing) W. Smith and Microcyctis aeruginosa (Ktzing) Ktzing were most common and dominant in the pond. The physico-chemical features showed that this pond contains soft and clear water.

3 illus, 3 tables, 72 ref

024438   Nath N (Botany Dep, Goalpara College, Goalpara, Assam, Email: dranandadasl.@gmail.com) : Phenology of some wetland plants of urpod beel of Goalpara district, Assam. Envir Ecol 2012, 30(3), 609-10.

District of Goalpara of Western Assam is rich by its aquatic plant resources. So it is important to study the various aspects including phenology of different plant groups of the district. Plant phenological study has great significance because it not only provides knowledge about plant growth pattern but it also provides knowledge about the effects of environment and selective pressure on flowering and fruiting behavior. So in this paper an attempt was made to present the analytical data of phenological study of some wet land plants of Urpod beel of the district of Goalpara, Assam which was carried out from January to December 2009-2010. In the study peak period of flowering was found to be in October-November and fruiting in November-December.

1 table, 5 ref

024437   Nath N (Botany Dep, Goalpara College, Goalpara, Assam, Email: dranandadas@gmail.com) : Comparative palynotaxonomic study of some species of scrophulariaceae acanthaceae, verbenacea, and lamiaceae. Envir Ecol 2012, 30(3A), 821-3.

The recent trend taxonomy is the incorporation of all available data from different branches of botany, Out of characters from such branches various palynological characters are also used in classification marked the beginning of new phase of palynotaxonomic application of palynology. In this paper an attempt was made to study the comparative palynological characters of some members of the -family Scrophulariaceae Acanthaceae, Verbenaceae, Lamiaceae and Scrophulariaceae. The members of the families considered are Justicea simplex, Rungia pectinata, Vitex negundo, Tectona grandis, Leonarus sibiricus, Ocimum sanctum, Limnophila heterophylia and Scoparia dulcis. With regard to the morphological characters the families Verbenaceae and Limiaceae show much close relation. From palynological point of view also this is well justified.

1 table, 9 ref

024436   Mondal B;Sarkar N C;Mondal C K;Maiti R K; Gonzalez Rodriguez H (Plant Protection Dep, Palli Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan-731 236) : Mangrove plants and traditional ayurvedic practitioners in Sundarbans region of West Bengal, India. Res Crop 2012, 13(2), 669-74.

The Sundarbans is the world's largest delta and continuous mangrove forest, classified as moist tropical seral forest, comprising a mosaic of beach forest and tidal forest, located in Bangladesh and in the West Bengal, India. The Sundarbans has a population of over 4 million. The island based habitation within the Sundarbans faces various hindrances to normal daily life which forced the local habitants to develop their own unique way of living. In this situation, very long time back, local people have identified the medicinal properties of the mangrove plants. They have used different mangrove plants in different forms as medicine to cure some common as well as chronic ailments like fever, malaria, cold and cough, bronchitis, asthma, skin diseases, ulcers, leprosy, small pox, diarrhoea, dysentery, diabetes, infertility, etc. In our study, we have tried to document the medicinal uses of Sundarbans mangrove plants by collecting data from local people with special emphasis to the traditional ayurvedic practitioners (Vaidya, Gunin, Ojha, Baule, etc.). Altogether 35 mangrove species having medicinal values were recorded among which 23 trees, seven shrubs, three herbs, one semi-deciduous tree and one woody climbing shrub under 20 botanical families which were used to cure ailments commonly by the local healers.

1 table, 9 ref

024435   Mehltreter K;Valenzuela J (NO, Instituto de Ecologia, A.C. Red de Ecologia Funcional, Xalapa, Veracruz, Maxico, Email: kmehltreter@gmail.com) : Leafcutter ants as test organisms for leaf quality of ferns. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 262-8.

Ferns have been screened for decades in search of antibacterial, antiviral or antifungal components useful for medicine. However, bioassay with living test organisms to study the ecological significance of the secondary chemistry of plants have been scarce. We experimented with leafcutter ants, which are generalist plant consumers cultivate a specific fungus as their main food source, and consequently avoid recollection of plants with antifungal components. Laboratory colonies of leaf cutter ants were offered fresh leaves of 13 different fern species for 24 hours to test their leaf quality to ants. Ants clearly preferred to fern species, Nephrolepis cordifolia, a cultivated fern, and Diplazium expansum of presumably high water content. Both species were of intermediate leaf thickness and specific leaf mass per area (LMA). As a consequence neither leaf thickness nor LMA were correlated linearly with leaf consumption by ants. Some ant colonies responded very differently to the same fern species, indicating that ant colonies may vary in their food demand and selection, perhaps depending on the number of larvae they have to care for. However, standardisation of methodological procedures and alternative approaches are suggested to control for the large variation within results and to deepen our understanding of these possible differences among ant colonies. Future studies of the interactions of ferns and leafcutter ants might be very promising in search for antifungal components.

2 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

024434   Mazumdar J;Mukhopadhyay R (UGC Centre for Advanced Study, Botany Dep, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan-713 104, , Email: mm.burdwan@gmail.com) : Epidermal micromorphology of leaves of some lycophytes and ferns. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 76-85.

Micromorphological features of leaf epidermis, with emphasis on surface micromorphology of epidermal cells and stomata of 18 species of ferns and 4 species of fern allies of different genera and families were studied and found to be useful as additional taxonomic character.

2 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

024433   Mahmood T;Kadam D (NO, Barkatullah Univ, Bhopal, Email: tahirchoudhary786@gmail.com) : Some medicinal plants used for the treatment of Jaundice and Hepatitis based on tribal and rural people of Poonch and Rajouri (Jammu & Kashmir). Envir Ecol 2012, 30(3), 449-54.

Present communication presents study of some medicinal plants species of districts of Poonch and Rajouri of Jammu and Kashmir. The study was based on the extensive and intensive field surveys made during different months on medicinal plants. We selected 12 villages from Poonch and eight villages from Rajouri i.e. Budha Amarnath forest, Haveli, Chandak, Salwah, Girgen, Noori Chamb, Behramgala, Nangali Sahib, Krishan Ghati, forest area, Loran, Surankote, Dherakigali from Poonch, and Saj, Chitti-bittee, Dodaj, Topa-Danah, Jaglanou-Badhal, Jariwali, from Rajouri. All sites were selected in each village. A total of 28 plant species belonging to 16 families were reported by local practitioners for the treatment of jaundice disease. The most important plants species are Adiantum capillus, Boerhaavia procumbens, Equisetum debile, Cucumis sativus, Hordeum vulgare, Justacia adhatoda, Morus alba, Morus nigra, Phyllanthus emblica, Phyllanthus niruri, Plantago ovata, Prunus domestica, Punica granatum, Raphnus sativus, and Tamarandus indica.

1 table, 29 ref

024432   Knapp R (NO, , Taipei, Taiwan, Email: ralf.knapp@gmail.com) : Affinities of Indian and Taiwanese pteridofloras. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 202-37.

Ferns and lycophytes form an important part of the floras of the Indian subcontinent and Taiwan. Recent lists for both regions were compared and as a result a significant overlapping of taxa was documented. A basic set of information is provided for all taxa that are present in both, providing an overview about general altitude range, habitat types and distribution in Taiwan.

4 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

024431   Khullar S P (Botany Dep, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: sp.khullar@gmail.com) : Account of the eusporangiate ferns: diversity and researches - 1. Marattiaceae. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 44-71.

Account of the Marattiaceae including recent researches is provided. Much of such data is not readilty available to people teaching the subject of Pteriodophytes in many Colleges and even Universities. Unfortunately most text books written on Pteridophytes are not written by specialists, thereby resulting in the spread of misinformation. This communication is a step in correcting this lacuna. Marattiaceae is a group of exclusively tropical primitive ferns. Most species are found in Southern and Eastern parts of the country. Members are with large founds, several times pinnate, circinately coiled and with persistent stipules at the base of the fronds. Sporangia on the undersurface of the lamina are either free or forming synangia. Gametophytes large, green, gametangia embedded. Not much information on Indian representative is available. The areas requiring research are mentioned.

86 ref

024430   Kale M V;Ghadage D M (Botany Dep, Jaysingpur College, Jaysingpur-416 101, Email: manishavkale@gmail.com) : Ethnomedicinal and phytochemical studies in some pteridophytes of Western Ghats, Maharashtra. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 238-9.

Phytochemical analyses reveal the presence of secondary metabolites like phenols, tannins and saponins in Lygodium flexuosum (L.) Sw., Blechnum orientale L., Angiopteris helferiana C. Presl and Pteridium revolutum (Blume) Nakai. The decoction prepared from their plant parts is used by tribal for curing intestinal wounds, leprosy, skin diseases, diarrhea etc.

1 table, 8 ref

024429   Jeeva S;Mahesh M;Sukumaran S (Botany Dep, Scott Christian College (Autonomous), Nagercoil, Tamilnadu-629 003, Email: solomonjeeva@gmail.com) : Toxonomic survey of pteridophytes in Chengamal forest - Kanyakumari wild life sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, South India. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 72-5.

Seventeen species of pteridophytes have been collected from Chengamal forest - Rosmiapuram peak, Kanyakumari wildlife Sanctuary, Tamilnadu. Taxonomically Pteridaceae was the dominant family with seven genera and nine species, followed by Aspleniaceae was the docominant family represented by two species. Information on species richness along with eir habitat is provided in this communication.

1 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

024428   Jain R;Yadav B L (Botany Dep, G.M. Momin Womens College, Bhiwandi-421 302, Email: drritujain78@yahoo.com) : Cytology of three ferns of Rajasthan. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 196-201.

Cytological studies of Actiniopteris radiata (Sw.) Link, Athyrium pectinatum (Wall. ex Mett.) Moore, and A. schiemperi Moug. ex Fee have been carried out. Actiniopteris radiata with 'n'=87 have been found to be triploid apogamous, while both Athyrium pectinatum and A. schiemperi reveal n=40 and are thus diploid.

1 illus, 1 table, 34 ref

024427   Hoseiny-Rad M;Ali-Ashraf A;Jagannath S (Biology Dep, Payame Noor Univ, Ilam Center, Ilam, I.R. Iran, Email: manizeh_hosseinirad@yahoo.com) : Metabolic changes during early growth of chickpea affected by imazethapyr (pursuit<. Pollut Res 2010, 29(4), 671-6.

Study was conducted to investigate the effect of herbicide Imazethapyr on germination and metabolic changes during early growth of chickpea. Five concentrations (0.5,1, 2.5, 5, and 10 ppm) of IM was employed along with control in hydroponic condition. Shoot-root axis and cotyledon of 4, 8, 12 and 15 day old germinated seedlings were used to assess the toxic effects of IM on morphological and biochemical parameters. Though a significant decrease in the length of radicle and plumule was observed with increase in concentration of the herbicide, the percentage of seed germination was not affected. In the cotyledon of treated seedlings, total protein, total carbohydrate, and starch content were increased in line with higher doses, but reducing sugar content was in a converse pattern. In the embryonic axis, a decrease in total protein and reducing sugar was observed in response to dose increase, but total carbohydrate and starch increased way at the same condition. It could be concluded that mobilization of seed reserve was suppressed by IM as a result impaired germination and early growth was noticed. Consequently, higher concentration of IM resulted in decline in early growth of non-target or main crop, i.e. chickpea.

2 tables, 31 ref

024426   Horrocks J R (NO, , Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A., Email: sjhorrocks@hotmail.com) : Osmunda japonica. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 254-61.

6 illus, 1 table, 1 ref

024425   Ghanta R;Dutta S;Mukhopadhyay R (Centre for Advanced Study, Botany Dep, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan-713 104, , Email: rnm.burdwan@gmail.com) : Seasonal variations in arbuscular mycorrhizal colonisation status in some pteridophytes of Bankura district of West Bengal. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 30-8.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) colonisation in different seasons of the year has been studied in some members of Adiantum and Pteris collected from Bankura district of West Bengal. It was found that maximum amount of AMF colonisation takes place in winter months and minimum in the rainy season time in all the cases studied. Maximum AMF colonisation was noted in Pteris vittata (79%) in winter and minimum in Adiantum incisum (10%) in rainy season. Sesaonal variations in the formation of vesicles, arbuscules, intraradical and extraradical spores were noted within the same and different species. Arum type colonisation was noted in Adiantum capillus-veneris, Pteris vittata and Pteris multifida.

2 illus, 1 table, 42 ref

024424   Fraser-Jenkins C R (NO, , Student Guest House, Tridevi Marg, Thamel, P.O. Box 5555, Kathmandu, Email: chrisophilus@yahoo.co.uk) : Sanjeevani could not have been Selaginella bryopteris. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 183-95.

Traditionally and widely accepted best candidate for the life restoring Sanjeevani plant of the Hindu epic, sacred Ramayana, has long been Selaginella bryopteris, but this, along with other Angiosperm and Pteridophyte candidates is widespread throughout India and would have been available even in South India. However the very specific description and naming of the locale in the Ramayana strongly indicates that the plant must have occurred only in a small area of eastern Uttarakhand State by the western border of Nepal. Another species, Selaginella pulvinata, has its very restricted range in India in exactly that location and is higly unusual in being so restricted - no other candidate species of any Botanical Division put forward so far have such a restricted range. It is also a much more impressive "resurrection plant" (drying into a tight, grey ball in the dry season, then expanding into a vivid, almost lucent green rosette during the monsoon) than any other species considered so far. In India it is so rare that it is not known medicinally, but further a field in China it has long been known as a strongly medicinal plant, used among other things to stop haemorrhages, and has been analysed to reveal various active ingredients. This is put forward here as being a far better, almost the only possible candidate for the real Sanjeevani and it is hoped that it may be investigated by ayurvedic institutes in India by propagation without damaging the restricted populations.

2 illus, 13 ref

024423   Derzhavina N M (Botany Dep, Orel State University, Komsomolskaya 95, Orel 302026, Russia, Email: d-nm@mail.ru) : Adaptation of ferns to epiphytic mode of life: a case of Platycerium willinckii and Aspelenium nidus. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 164-82.

Idioadaptations of 2 ferns, Platycerium willinckii and Asplenium nidus, to obligate epiphytism are studied. They comprise a complex of structural and functional characteristics of plants at different levels of their organisation. It was demonstrated that structural modifications of fronds and roots on the basis of their polyfunctionality; poikilohydry and crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) could primarily play a key role in successful colonisation of phorophytes by epiphytes.

54 ref

024422   Das D;Nath P C (Botany Dep, Gargaon College, Simaluguri-785 686, Email: dimeshwar@rediffmail.com) : Diversity of pteridophytes in Nazira subdivision of Sivasagar district, Assam, N.E. India. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 89-99.

Pteridophytes are well known for their beautifil foliage fronds and constitute a major group of plant diversity. Their immense variety and very ancient lineage - going back to the Paleozoic era - have made them a very interesting group for studies in terms of evolution. Describes the distribution of the pteridophytic flora in Nazira Subdivision. Sivasagar District (Assam) where 60 species were collectec belonging to 36 genera under 22 families.

3 tables, 42 ref

024421   Benniamin A (Botanical Survey of India, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre, Senkie View, Itanagar-791 111, Email: fernsbenni@gmail.com) : Occurrence and ecology of some dryopteroid ferns in Arunachal Pradesh. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 13-29.

Family Dryopteridaceae is represented in India by c. 170 species, based mainly on two partly independent centres of diversity - the Western Ghats of south India and the Eastern Himalaya. Arunachal Pradesh state, lying on the borders with Tibet and Myanmar in far N.E. India, is the richest area in its Pteridophytic flora. During the study, 77 species plus 7 additional subspecies, of Dryopteridaceae belonging to 10 genera have been recorded from Anunachal Pradesh, of these, 5 species have been recorded for the first time from India. Ecological data such as Habitat, Altitude, Vegetation type and Frequency were also recorded for each species during field work. A new combination is made, Phanerophlebiopsis balansae.

1 illus, 1 table, 34 ref

024420   Benniamin A (Botanical Survey of India, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre, Senkie View, Itanagar-791 111, Email: fernsbenni@gmail.com) : Diversity of ferns and fern allies of Murlen National Park, Mizoram, Northeast India. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 1-12.

Total of 22 families, 51 genera, and 123 species of Pteridophytes were recorded from Murlen National Park, Mizoram. Among these, three families, five genera and seven species are fern allies, all the rest being ferns. Three families, Dryopteridaceae, Pteridaceae and Polypodiaceae were the most represented in the area, with 27, 14 and 16 species, respectively. Accordingly to the habit, it was found that there were 93 terrestrial species, 15 species of epiphytes and 15 species of lithophytes. Included in the above figures, 7 species of ferns and fern allies were found displaying more than one habitat. With respect to habitat the tropical rain forest section of the Park displayed the highest diversity (76 species) followed by semi evergreen forest (36 species) with submontane forest considerably poorer (14 species), some 6 species included in the above figures occurring in dual habitats. A list of the ferns and fern allies is given, including information on their ecology, altitude and status of abundance.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

024419   Antony R;Shareef S M;Mohanan N (NO, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Email: rajuantonytbgri@rediffmail.com) : Natural apospory in Pteris argyraea T. Moore from South India. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 149-52.

Natural apospory is reported for the first time in Pteris argyraea T. Moore, from the forest at Kallar, Idukki District, Kerala, South India. The aposporous gametophytes are yellowish-green, dichotomously branched, thalloid outgrowths from abaxial surface of the pinnules. Report of natural apospory shows that this species is also a sexually reproducing besides the usual process of sexual/agamosporous reproduction.

1 illus, 24 ref

024418   Anilkumar K K;Muraleedharakurup C (P.G. and Research Centre of Botany Dep, Mahatma Gandhi College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala) : Effect of BHC content in the soil on the spore count,. Pollut Res 2010, 29(4), 667-70.

In the present studies an attempt is made to investigate the effect of different levels of BHC an organochloride pesticids on spors count, percentage of infection and growth of Glomus mosseae a VAM fungi. The recommended rate of BHC content in the soil inhibited the mycorrhizal growth.

3 tables, 18 ref