024417   Ajay Kumar;Kaushik P (Botany and Microbiology Dep, Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar-249 404, Email: jkmr156@gmail.com) : Seasonal study on antibacterial activity of Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw.. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 153-7.

Aim of this research work was to find out possible antibacterial action of the alcoholic and chloroform extracts of Diplazium esculentum traditionally used as herbal medicine. Antibacterial activity of the alcoholic and chloroform extracts of Diplazium exculentum against Bacillus subtilis, Escherchia coli, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus, was investigated. Seasonal sampling of the Diplazium esculentum were also carried out in three different seasons summer, winter and rainy. The extracts of Diplaxium esculentum were prepared in alcohol and chloroform and compared with the 1 unit strength of antibiotic tetracycline.

1 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

024416   Ahuja P S;Singh R D (NO, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, Email: psahuja@ihbt.res.in) : R & D on pteridophytes at CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. Indian Fern J 2012, 29(1-2), 269-71.

1 illus, 1 ref

023378   Yonzone R;Lamai D;Bhujel R B;Gogoi K;Rai S (Botany Dep, St. Joseph's College, North Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal, Email: ryonzone99@gmail.com) : Herminium mackinnonii Duthie (Orchidaceae): a new angiospermic record for Darjeeling Himalaya of (West Bengal), India. Natn J Life Sci 2012, 9(2), 219-20.

Present paper deals with the Herminium mackinnonii Duthie (Orchidaceae) is collected from Rachela forest of Kalimpong sub-division and Maneybhanjang and Tonglu of Darjeeling sub-division of Darjeeling Himalaya of West Bengal and is reported as new angiospermic record for the Darjeeling Himalayan region of India. Detailed tax-onomic descriptions along with relevant notes are provided.

1 illus, 10 ref

023377   Yadav M;Khan K K (Botany Dep, Shibli National College, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Email: manisha.mgs@gmail.com) : Study of ethnomedicinal plants used in the treatment of viral hepatitis, Rewa disctrict, Madhya Pradesh. Indian J scient Res 2012, 3(1), 149-51.

The deals with the exploration of ethnomedicinal Plants of Rewa District Madhya Pradesh, with special reference to the treatment of viral hepatitis. Out of the several plants species used by the tribal communities of Rewa region, only fourteen plant species have been presently reported, used for the treatment of viral hepatitis.

1 table, 11 ref

023376   Xavier T F;Suresh P;Auxilia A;Kannan M;Bastin A A (Botany Dep, St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirrappalli, Tamil Nadu) : Floristic composition and practices on the selected sacred groves of Rajapalayam, Virudhnagar district, Tamil Nadu. Archiv appl Sci Res 2013, 5(3), 7-10.

Conservation of plants and the practices are very ancient in India. Many plant species have much reverence in culture of our country. When ecological disturbances and forest degradation have been taking place at an alarming rate in many parts of world, in India numerous pockets of natural vegetation spread over the country are preserved. Such preserved pockets are commonly called sacred groves or sacred forests, in Tamil it is called koil kadugal. At present, these small diversity units are being ignored (or) given least important by the common people and the conservationist. In view of the above reason the present study was undertaken. The study reveals the floristic composition and ethnobotanical practices of the sacred groves of in and around Rajapalayam area, Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu. A total of 67 plant species belonging to 62 genera distributed among 35 families were recorded. The mode of mythical, therapeutical and conservation practices of these plants by the local people has been discussed.

11 ref

023375   Wasnik A;Singh R;Chile S K (Botany Dep, Govt. P.G. College, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh) : Diversity of the fleshy fungi (Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes) from Balaghat distt, Eastern Madhya Pradesh. Natn J Life Sci 2012, 9(2), 225-8.

Fungi are the important element of forest ecosystem as they take care of deposition of coarse woody debris. Forest of Balaghat region harbours with many fleshy fungi belonging to class Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes. During the present investigation we found about 18 species of fleshy fungi in forests of Balaghat to know their distribution pattern in global context.

18 illus, 25 ref

023374   Waghmare V N;Bagde U (Life Sciences Dep, Mumbai Univ, Vidyanagari, Santacruz (East) Mumbai, Maharashtra, Email: mudravijay@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of the genetic variability of four important species of bamboo, using RAPD markers, found in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra state, India. Natn J Life Sci 2012, 9(2), 137-41.

The Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, India, is a good pocket of wild as well as cultivated bamboo. This district is rich in Bamboo flora with four species viz., Bambusa bambos; Pseudoxytenanthera ritcheyi; Pseudoxytenanthera stocksii and Dendrocalamus strictus. Bamboos are arborescent grasses belonging to the family Poaceae and are grouped under the subfamily Bambusoideae, which is distinguished from other members of the family by the presence of petiolate blades with parallel venation, stamens are three, four, six or more, gynoecium is with one style, one to three stigmas and caryopsis. Bamboo is regarded as the major resource that meets the need of common man and also a poverty alleviator due to its multipurpose uses. To study the genetics of bamboo one has to face enormous difficulties simply because of rare flowering and also we cannot make hybridizations as easily as like other angiosperms. The Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method is used for genetic characterization of bamboo. This method of DNA profiling is proven excellent for identification, phylogenetic analysis, population studies and genetic linkage mapping of many plant species. Establishing multilocus markers RAPD analysis of genomes gives a versatile and rapid technology requiring low infrastructural input and use of arbitrary primers for developing plant DNA fingerprinting. In the present study, a genetic variability was carried out by RAPD markers, among four species of bamboo B.bambus, P.ritcheyi, P.stocksii and D.strictus collected from different locations of Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India had been carried out using PCR-RAPD analysis. The present investigation demonstrated the reliability of RAPD technique in determining the relationships in this plant group with high commercial importance and diagnostic fingerprinting pattern of four bamboo species.

1 illus, 6 tables, 18 ref

023373   Verma J;Thakur K;Kusum (Botany Dep, Shoolini Institute of Life Sciences & Business Management, Solan-173 212, Email: verma.jd@gmail.com) : Ethnobotanically important plants of Mandi and Solan disricts of Himachal Pradesh, Northwest Himalaya. Pl Archs 2012, 12(1), 185-90.

Information is provided on traditional knowledge of plants that are used by inhabitants of Mandi and Solan districts of Himachal Pradesh as household remedies for alleviating diseases that are suffered by the local people and their livestock. People from 2 tribes (Gaddis and Gujjers) as well as village vaidyas were the main source of present information and 35 plant species (7 trees, 13 shrubs, 11 herbs and 4 climbers) belonging to 26 families were found to be used in the local medicinal preparations. Of the various plant parts used, leaves were the most commonly employed source of these herbal remedies (18 species); however, crushed whole plants constitute integral part of such preparations in case of 4 species (Cuscuta reflexa, Sida rhombifolia, Urtica dioica, Verbascum thapsus). Field surveys revealed that some plant species (Aloe vera, Centella asiatica, Dioscorea deltoidea, Tinospora cordifolia, Viola serpens) were unscrupulously exploited by locals that might be incompatible with natural increment of their wild population.

1 table, 15 ref

023372   Thakur K;Santvan V K;Verma J (Botany Dep, Singhania Univ, Pacheri Bari-333 515, Email: krantithakur1@gmail.com) : Floristic composition and life form spectrum of Bandli Wild Life Sanctuary, district Mandi (Himachal Pradesh), India. Pl Archs 2012, 12(1), 57-62.

Floristic composition and life form spectrum of Bandli Wild Life Sanctuary (WLS), located in district Mandi of Himachal Pradesh, was studied from July, 2009 to June, 2010. Vast altitudinal variation (762-2160 amsl) and jagged topography in this Protected Area (PA) has resulted in occurrence of much diverse climate, and this is well reflected in its floristic composition. A total of 144 plant species belonging to 52 families were recorded during present course of study. Poaceae with 29 species was the most dominant family, however, as many 24 families were represented with a single species each. Life form spectrum revealed the dominance of phenerophytes (42.36%) and therophytes (33.33%) and these were followed by hemicryptophytes (18.75%), geophytes (3.47%) and chamaephytes (2.8%). Therophytes were found higher than normal biological spectrum which indicated that study area is under biotic pressure.

2 tables, 39 ref

023371   Talukdar T;Talukdar D (Plant Taxonomy and Systematic Section, Botany Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani-741 235, Email: dibyendutalukdar9@gmail.com) : Ethno-medicinal uses of plants by tribal communities in hilly block of Dakshin Dinajpur district, West Bengal. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(1), 110-18.

Use of plants by different ethnic tribal communities for treatment of various ailments in 'Hili' block of Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal, India has been documented. As many as 62 plant species belonging to 34 families (61 Angiosperms and one fern), used by Santhal, Oraon, Munda and other communities (Folia, Sabar, Lodha) for medicinal purposes were identified. Largest number of plants was found in the family Fabaceae (8), followed by Amaranthaceae and Euphorbiaceae (4 each), Acanthaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Rubiaceae and Poaceae (3 each). Malvaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Moraceae and Polygonaceae contained two plants each, while rest of the families possessed one plant each. The common health problems such as fever, diarrhoea and dysentery, indigestion and respiratory troubles dominated among the tribes for which herbal medicines were used. Significantly, fairly high numbers of plants have been used in treating sexually transmitted diseases and diabetes. Among the plant parts, leaves have been used most frequently by ethnic peoples, of which Santhals were the best among tribal communities under study in acquiring, maintaining and using traditional knowledge of herbal plants.

2 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

023370   Subin M P;Anju V P (Post Graduate Botany Dep, Sree Narayana College, Calicut Univ, Nattika, Thrissur-680 566) : Effects of Croton hirtus L 'her. plant extract on cytology and biochemicals of Allium cepa L.. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2011, 30(1-2), 25-31.

The effects of whole plant extracts of Croton hirtus on cytotoxicity and some biochemicals of Allium cepa were investigated at different concentrations. The abnormalities noticed were both clastogenic and non-clastogenic types. The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities showed an increase in trend with increase in concentration of the extract however mitotic index, concentration of buffer soluble proteins and catalase activity were decreased as the concentration of the extracts increased.

12 illus, 26 ref

023369   Srivastava M P;Sharma N (Mycology and Plant Pathology Div, Botany Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow) : Biosorption of copper, zinc and chromium from aqueous solution by fungal strains. J Chem chem Sci 2013, 3(3), 131-9.

Fungi con accumulate heavy metals and radionuclides even from dilute external concentration. Fungal cell wall and their component have a major role in biosorption and also take up suspended metals particles and colloids. The biosorption of Copper, Zinc and Chromium from aqueous solution on to the unmodififide compact biomass of filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger, Altrnaria solani and Rhizopus arrhizus was studied in the concentration range of 1-20 mM. The effect of temperature, best results were obtained at 25-30°C for fungal strain. A. niger was 30°C, the dry weight 172.4 mg while Altrnaria solani was 22°C, the dry weight 142 mg. Rhizopus arrhizus was 30°C, the dry weight 160 mg after 15 days inoculation. Aspergillus niger, Altrnaria solani and Rhizopus arrhizus was good found* biosorption of Copper, Zinc and Chromium from aqueous solution to be 72 hours at an initial metal concentration. While comparing the percentage uptake, Copper, Zinc and Chromium removal decreased with increasing initial metal concentration. The bioaccumulation of heavy metals by these fungus isolates was observed to be in the order of Aspergillus niger <62> Rhizopus arrhizus <62> Altrnaria solani.

4 illus, 32 ref

023368   Srivastava D K;Saluja T J (Botany and Microbiology Dep, Govt. E.R.R. P.G. Science College, Bilaspur, Chattisgarh, Email: dhiru_arch@yahoo.co.in) : Antibacterial properties of exo-toxins released by cyanobacteria- Phormedium calcicola and Oscillatoria princeps isolated from Bilaspur (Chattisgarh). Natn J Life Sci 2012, 9(2), 229-31.

Cyanobacteria produces a variety of secondary metabolites and compounds which are not used in primary metabolism of organisms but that, can behave as allelo-chemicals, antibiotics, hormones, and toxins. Secondary metabolites of so many Cyanobacterial strains have been studied extensively and their antimicrobial properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, antialgal and antagonism have been observed. To assess the antibacterial behavior of the exogenous cyanotoxins, in vitro study has been carried out. Cyanobacterial strains - Phormedium calcicola and Oscillatoria princeps have been isolated from local ponds. Actions of crude methanol extract of isolated Cyanobacterial strains against clinically important standard bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa - ATCC 27853 and Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 25923) were examined and observed that there was gradual suppression of growth exhibited by the pathogen with increasing concentration of extract over control. The results indicated that the Cyanobacterial strains possess a potential broad spectrum of antibacterial activity that may serve as lead in the development of new Pharmaceuticals that address unmet therapeutic needs.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

023367   Solomon Raju A J;Venkata Ramana K;Govinda Rao N;Varalakshmi P (Environmental Sciences Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: ajsraju@yahoo.com) : Monoecy and entomophily in Cardiospermum canescens Wall. (sapindaceae), a medicinally valuable herbaceous vine. Curr Sci 2011, 101(5), 617-19.

1 illus, 18 ref

023366   Sinha R;Singh S N;Gupta A K (Botany Dep, Udai Pratap College, Varanasi-221 002) : Impact of bimetalic combinations of Cu and Ni on percentage germination and early seedling growth of Vigna mungo L. cultivars. Pl Archs 2012, 12(1), 383-6.

Experiment were performed to study the interaction of Cu and Ni on Vigna mungo L. CV T9. Studied the toxicity of Cu and Ni, individually as well as in combination (Cu + Ni) in percentage germination and early seedling growth of Vigna mungo cultivar. Both test metals used individually showed promotory effect at initial concentration and pronounced toxicity at higher concentration on all parameters studied. However, the interactive effect is antagonistic (at higher concentration).

2 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

023365   Shiragave P D;Chavan N S (Botany Dep, Devchand College, Arjunnagar, Tal-Kagal, Dist.-Kolhapur-591 269, Email: drpanditds@gmail.com) : High frequency in vitro multishoot regeneration from axillary buds of Momordica dioica Roxb. ex. Willd.. Pl Archs 2012, 12(1), 295-7.

The effect of cytokinins, auxins and coconut milk on multishoots formation from axillary buds of Momordica dioica was studied. Among the various combinations of growth regulators studied, BAP (1.0 - 2.5mg/l), NAA (2 mg/1) and coconut milk (10%) in Murashige and Skoogs (1962) medium induced multiple shoots. Maximum number of shoots (28.00) were regenerated on MS medium enriched with BAP(2 mg/1)+NAA(2 mg/1) + Coconut Milk (10%). In vitro regenerated shoots develop roots in the MS medium supplemented with IBA (2 mg/1). The regenerated plantlets hardened and successfully transferred to the field.

2 tables, 9 ref

023364   Scrivanti L R;Anton A M;Zygadlo J A (Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biologia Vegetal (CONICET- Nacional d, Casilla de Correo 495, 5000 Cordoba, Argentina, Email: rscrivanti@imbiv.unc.edu.ar) : Allelopathic potential of South American Bothriochloa species (Poaceae:Andropogoneae). Allelopathy J 2011, 28(2), 189-200.

In laboratory bioassays the aqueous extracts from different plant parts of six Bothriochloa species (B. barbinodis, B. edwardsiana, B. perforata, B. saccharoides,. var. sac.charoides and B. springfieldii) inhibited the seed germination and root and shoot growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), maize (Zea mays L.), wintergreen paspalum (Paspalum guenoarum Arechav.) and lovegrass [Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees)] test species. Aqueous extracts were more inhibitory to shoot and root elongation than to seed germination. Significant inhibition in shoot length at all concentrations indicated the phytotoxic activity of extracts. The toxicity enhanced with increasing aqueous extract concentrations. Perhaps these extracts may contain allelochemicals, which interferes with seed germination and seedling growth of plants. Consequently, the study of these chemical interactions might be useful to develop new classes of environmentally safe herbicides.

9 illus, 42 ref

023363   Roshchina V V;Yashin V A;Yashina A V;Goltyaev M V (Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Science, Pushchino, Moscow Region-142 290, Russia, Email: roshchinavic@mail.ru) : Coloured allelochemicals in modelling of cell-cell allelopathic interactions. Allelopathy J 2011, 28(1), 1-12.

Modelling of cell-cell interactions using microscopy is based on the observations of direct interactions of acceptor cells as biosensors (unicellular plant generative and vegetative microspores) with pigmented and fluorescing components of secretions released by the donor cells of allelopathic plant species. Pigmented secretions enriched in red anthocyanins (glucosides of pelargonidin from Hippeastrum hybridum petals), blue azulenes (synthetic azulene and azulene extracted from leaves of Artemisia absinthium) and yellow alkaloids (rutacridone from Ruta graveolens roots) serve as tool to study the mechanisms of cell-cell interactions. The compounds may stimulate or inhibit the germination of pollens, vegetative microspores and seeds. Test allelochemicals penetrate into the acceptor cells and get bound with DNA-containing organelles (nuclei and chloroplasts) that change the colour or fluorescence of cellular structures. Coloured allelochemicals were used as histochemical dyes to determine the cellular mechanisms during the allelopathic interactions.

5 illus, 5 tables, 25 ref

023362   Renu Bala;Kaul V (Botany Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 006, Email: renuverma39@gmail.com) : Floral traits in relation to breeding system in Emex australis Steinh. Curr Sci 2011, 101(4), 554-9.

Emex australis Steinh. is a monoecious winter annual which has assumed the status of an obnoxious weed in some countries. In India, there are three reports on its occurrence which date back to the 1980s. Since then nothing has been reported about its life history, spread and control. Plants bear male and female sexes in separate flowers. Being axillary, the male flowers are aggregated in a raceme whereas female are solitary borne in clusters of 4-6 below the male. Small size, herbaceous nature, structure and arrangement of flowers favour self-pollination. However, at a closer look a number of evidences such as protandry, male-biased sex ratio, high P/O ratio and wind pollination indicate cross-pollination. The species, therefore, exhibits facultative xenogamy. This conclusion is supported by the data on pollen-ovule and sex-allocation ratios, results of pollination experiments and reproductive outputs thereof.

1 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

023361   Ravi Kant;Verma J;Thakur K (Botany Dep, Shoolini Institute of Life Sciences and Business Management, Solan-173 212, Email: ravi.puchd@gmail.com) : Distribution pattern, survival threats and conservation of 'astavarga' orchids in Himachal Pradesh, Northwest Hiamalya. Pl Archs 2012, 12(1), 165-8.

All of the 4 orchid species used in 'Astavarga' group of Ayurvedic medicine, Habenaria edgeworthii Hook, f, ex Collett, H. intermedia D. Don, Malaxis acuminata D. Don and M, muscifera (Lindl.) Ktze. occur in Himachal Pradesh. These are distributed in temperate climates between 1800-2800 m altitudes and bloom during monsoon months. Illegal collection of the plant parts, shrinkage of natural habitats under the duress of expanding urbanization arid grazing are main threats faced by orchid population in the state. Both in situ and ex situ conservation strategies are immediately required to ensure sustainable utilization of these therapeutically important herbs.

1 table, 15 ref

023360   Rama Kant (Botany Dep, Ramkrishna Mahavidyalaya, Kailashahar, North Tripura, Email: rkojha_1@rediffmail.com ) : Natural pigments production by two strains of Tolypothrix Kutzing, Scytonemataceae, blue-green algae. Natn J Life Sci 2012, 9(2), 221-3.

The synthesis of different natural pigments viz. chlorophyll-a, carotenoids and phycobiliproteins (C-phycocyanin, allophycocyanin and C-phycoerythrin) were studied in two strains of genus Tolypothrix Kutzing (Tolypothrix-19 and Tolypothrix-24) of Scytonemataceae, isolated from the tree bark of angiosperms. Tolypothrix-19 and Tolypothrix-24 were isolated from tree bark of Coccus nucifera, Palmaceae and Albizia lebbeck, Leguminosae respectively. The concentrations of chlorophyll-a and C-Phycoerythrin were observed highest 30.25% and 50.91% respectively in Tolypothrix-19 and lowest 19.57% and 43.57% in Tolypothrix-24. The production of carotenoids, C-Phycocyanin and Allophycocyanin was highest 3.82%, 24.15% and 8.89% respectively in Tolypothrix-24 and lowest 2.10%, 12.47% and 4.29% respectively in Tolypothrix-19.

1 illus, 20 ref

023359   Rajkumari J D (Botany Dep, Cotton College, Guwahati-1) : Genetic variability for yield attributing characters in mutagen treated Trigoenella foenum graecum L. plant. Pl Archs 2012, 12(1), 283-5.

Study on genetic variability was carried on mutagen treated Trigoenella foenum graecum L. plant. The physical mutagen gamma ray and chemical mutagen EMS created a wide range of variability for yield attributing characters like plant height, number of nodes/plant, number of pod/plant, seeds/pod and 1000 seeds weight. The result showed high genotypic & phenotypic variance, high heritability and reflects the presence of additive genetic components for the traits and relative ability of those traits for selection.

2 tables, 6 ref

023358   Petrus A J A (Chemistry Dep, Kanchi Mamunivar Centre for Post-Graduate Studies, Puducherry-605 008, Email: ajapetrus@hotmail.com) : Ethnobotanical and pharmacological profile with propagation strategies of Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M. Roem-a concise overview. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(1), 9-26.

Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M. Roem. (Family-Cucurbitaceae) [syn. Melothria maderaspatana (L.) Cogn.] grows common in village hedges and other open habitats and in the disturbed sites of the semi-evergreen and deciduous forests. It is distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics of the Old World, where different parts of the plant are being utilized for the health-care needs of human beings and livestock. The leaves and tender shoots are also frequently consumed as a part of the South Indian cuisine. Preclinical animal experiments have substantiated a number of traditional and folkloric medicinal claims, including hypotensive, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycaemic, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antiplatelet-aggregation, antiulcer, anxiolytic and local anaesthetic characteristics of the plant extracts. Encouraging results have emerged from clinical investigations also as a chemoprotective plant in subjects suffering from hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and rheumatoid arthritis. The present review aims to offer a concise pioneering account of (i) the ethnomedical uses of the leaves, tender shoots, stem, fruits and roots of the drug-plant among various traditional communities inhabiting different parts of the world, (ii) the motivating outcome of the preclinical and clinical investigations of the plant extracts and (iii) progress attained in the techniques of propagation of this potentially useful indigenous functional food plant which is currently tending to transform as an endangered taxon.

2 tables, 130 ref

023357   Panda S (Anglosperm Taxonomy & Ecology Laboratory, Post Graduate Botany Dep, Darjeeling Government College, Darjeeling-734 101, Email: bgc.panda@gmail.com) : Final plea for conservation of Gaultheria akaensis panda & sanjappa (Ericaceae), an extremely threatened, endemic medicinal plant from Aka hill in Arunachal Pradesh of Eastern Himalaya, India. J Threatened Taxa 2013, 5(7), 4118-21.

2 illus, 1 ref

023356   Otoide J E;Kayode J (Plant Science Dep, Ekiti State Univ, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, Email: joeotoidejo@yahoo.com) : Phytochemical study of some plants commonly used as herbal remedies in Southern Nigeria. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2011, 30(1-2), 33-40.

Distributions of crude alkaloids, tannin, saponin, anthraquinone, flavoloid and cardiac glycosides in seven medicinal plants belonging to different families were investigated. The plants were Ocimunn gratissimum, Cymbopogon citratus, Senna alata, Senna occidentalis, Curcuma longa, Chromolaena odorata and Calotropis procera. All the plants contained tannin, flavonoids and alkaloids except in Calotropis procera where alkaloid was found to be absent. Anthraquinone was only discovered in Curcuma longa but absent in others. Saponin was found in all the plants except in Cymbopogon citratus and Curcuma longa. Cardiac glycoside was absent in Ocimum gratissimum, Senna alata, Senna occidentalis and Calotropis procera but found in the remaining plants. The significance of these plants in traditional medicine in Southern Nigeria and the importance of the distribution of these chemical constituents in the plants were discussed vis-a-vis ethno medicinal practice in Southern Nigeria.

3 tables, 18 ref

023355   Nonibala K;DuttaChoudhary M (Life Science and Bioinformatics Dep, Assam Univ, Silchar, Email: knonibala10@gmail.com ) : Ethnomedicinal plants used to cure skin diseases among Kuki tribe of Saikul, Senapati district (Manipur). Natn J Life Sci 2012, 9(2), 207-8.

Senapati, the northernmost district of Manipur, is inhabited by a large number of tribals. A survey was carried out to study the ethnomedicinal plants used by Kuki tribe of Saikul, Senapati district of Manipur. Through questionnaire, personal interviews and conversation, a total number of 21 plant species used by the aboriginals to treat skin ailments were enumerated. The plants were listed in tabular form along with families, Manipuri name of the plants and mode of application.

1 table, 15 ref

023354   Nandi S;Dalal T (Botany Dep, UGC Center for Advanced Study The Burdwan Univ, Golapbag, Burdwan-7143 104) : Evaluation of allelopathic potential of Lantana camara L. on seeds of Raphanus sativus L. and Spinacia oleracea L.. Pl Archs 2012, 12(1), 459-62.

Allelopathic potential of Lantana camara L. was evaluated from fresh leaf extract with two different concentrations (50% and 300%) using seeds of Raphanus sativus L. (radish) and Spinacia oleracea (spinach) as bioassay materials. The concentration dependent effects were observed in both species. Pretreatment of seeds with different concentrations of leaf extract reduced percentage of germination and growth of the seedlings with concomitant enhancement of T50 value and also lowered dry weight significantly. The pretreating agent stimulated leaching of electrolytes, soluble carbohydrates and soluble nitrogen on the one hand and declined the contents of chlorophyll, DNA and RNA on the other.

4 tables, 19 ref

023353   Nand Lal;Datta J (Life Sciences Dep, C.S.J.M. Univ, Kanpur-24, Email: nl_pr@yahoo.co.in) : Progress and perspectives in characterization of genetic diversity in plant pathogenic Fusarium. Pl Archs 2012, 12(1), 557-68.

Fusarium is a group of filamentous fungi widely distributed on plants and in the soil. This is a large cosmopolitan genus of imperfect fungi and is of primary interest because numerous species are important plant pathogens. Mycotoxigenic Fusarium species cause significant qualitative and quantitative losses to world agriculture. In addition, Fusarium species can cause serious animal and human diseases by producing harmful mycotoxins. Out of different pathogenic Fusarium species, F. oxysporum is most dangerous, because the diseases caused by them continue to threat crop production in modern agriculture, thus challenging plant pathologists for their efficient management. Traditionally, identification at species level is possible in several cases based on important cultural and morphological characters such as pigmentation produced by the fungus in culture media, kind of mycelium and their growth, characters of the sporodochia, nature of conidiogenous cells, micro- and macroconidia and presence, absence and type of chlamydospores are among the major cultural and morphological characters used to differentiate Fusarium at species level. The conventional methods for identifying the variability in the pathogens at species, sub-species and intra sub-species level have been the study of virulence reactions using disease rating scales on sets of host differentials. In several cases, traditional and conventional methods are either inadequate or completely lacking and therefore, precise information on these aspects need to be generated for elucidation of the extent of pathogenic diversity present in the pathogens using new methods. Molecular biology has brought many powerful new tools to fungal taxonomists including the potential for rapid identification of isolates, methods for rapid determination of virulence or toxicity of strains. Molecular methods (RAPD, RFLP, AFLP, SSR, ITS and rDNA markers) are being used to distinguish between closely related species with few morphological differences and to distinguish strains (or even specific isolates) within a species. The present paper reviews and gives a comparative account and progress made in traditional, conventional and molecular methods towards characterization the Fusarium population infecting various crops.

3 illus, 1 table, 100 ref

023352   Misra S;Dharmwal N S;Upreti D K (Lichenology Laboratory, Plant Biodiversity and Conservation Div, National Botanical Research Institute, CSIR, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Email: shagunnbri@gmail.com) : Selection of best supportive media and optimum temperature for lichen mycobiont culture. Pl Archs 2012, 12(1), 367-70.

The study was aimed to select the best culture media and optimum temperature in order to obtain large scale industrial production of lichenized fungi and secondary metabolites. At first the lichenized fungi obtained from the "Ascospore Discharge Method". After three months period 1-cm square piece of growing mycobiont get transferred into petriplates containing three different types of media PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar), MYA (Malt Yeast Agar) and SDA (Sabauraud Dextrose Agar) and the plates are incubated into the BOD at three different temperatures 15°C, 20°C and 25°C and 70% RH for the period of two months and the growth of growing lichenized fungi wad recorded periodically at 15 days interval. The results of the study indicates that the PDA media showed the maximum growth rate for all the three lichen species at 20°C in comparison to MYA and SDA media.

1 table, 13 ref

023351   Mary Kensa V;Neelamegam R (Botany and Research Centre Dep, S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoli, District Kanyakumari-629 002, Email: surejkensa@gmail.com) : Analysis of antioxidants in Ruellia tuberosa L. collected from polluted and unpolluted areas. Pl Archs 2012, 12(1), 125-8.

Analysis of antioxidants (total phenol, tannins and flavonoids) in various solvent extracts (water, methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform and petroleum ether) of Ruellia tuberosa L. collected around the polluted and unpolluted water bodies (ponds) was investigated. The results of present study confirm the presence of flavonoids, phenols and tannins in all extracts at different proportions. Among the extracts tested, methanol extract show maximum level of antioxidant in plant samples collected from both sites. The methanol extracts of R. tuberosa from near the unpolluted pond contain high level of phytochemicals than the samples from the polluted and maximum concentration of total phenol (101.16 mg/g), tannin (98.67 mg/g) and total flavonoids (3.57 mg/g) was determined, in the methanol whole plant extract of R. tuberosa collected from unpolluted pond. The results indicate that the polluted condition affects the antioxidant constituents of R. tuberosa.

1 table, 25 ref

023350   Mary Kensa V;Neelamegam R (Botany and Research Centre Dep, S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoli, Dist Kanyakumari-629 002, Email: surejkensa@gmail.com) : Comparison of free radical scavenging activities in the extracts of Ruellia tuberosa L. collected from polluted and unpolluted areas. Pl Archs 2012, 12(1), 69-74.

The free radical scavenging activity of various whole plant solvent extracts of Ruellia tuberosa L., collected around the polluted and unpolluted pond areas, was assessed by using 1, l-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Nitric oxide radical (NO), Ferric and Superoxide anion methods. The results show that the methanol extract of R. tuberosa collected from polluted and unpolluted areas contain significant level of DPPH radical scavenging activity as compared to the other extracts. Maximum DPPH radical scavenging activity of 86.34% and 84.71% was noted at higher concentration (250μg) of plant samples collected from unpolluted and polluted areas respectively. Similarly, the Nitric oxide and Superoxide radical scavenging activities of plant samples were maximum amount of high concentration of methanol extracts. However, the low concentrations (150μg) of petroleum ether extract of unpolluted area samples showed more nitric oxide radical scavenging activity, while it was recorded in ethyl acetate extracts of R. tuberosa collected from polluted site. The methanol extract of R. tuberosa from polluted and unpolluted area samples showed low inhibitory concentrations at all antioxidant activities tested than the other extracts. The antioxidant activities are concentration dependent. The ferric reducing power of R. tuberosa extracts was noted maximum in the methanol extracts of both samples.

4 tables, 32 ref

023349   Manandhar L;Vaidya B L;Mallick P K (Central Botany Dep, Tribhuvan Univ, Kirtipur, Nepal) : Contribution to the chromosome atlas of the Nepalese flora III. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2011, 30(1-2), 1-24.

Chromosome numbers for 16 taxa within the families viz. Amaryllidaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Polygonaceae and Urticaceae from Nepal are reported here. Somatic or/and haploid chromosome counts of the taxa collected from central parts of the country have been recorded to be n=8, 2n=16 in A/Hum cepa L, 2n=16, 32 in Allium hyposistum Steam, 2n=32, 48+3B in A. tuberosum L. (Amaryllidaceae); 2n=22 in Apium graveolens L (Apiaceae); 2n=32 in Artemisia indica Willd., 2n = 18 in Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist, 2n=28 in Echinops niveus Wall ex Royle (Asteraceae); 2n=72. in Mentha piperita L., 2n=24 in Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae); n=ll, 2n=22 in Aconogonum molle (D. Don) H. Hara var. molle and P. Perfoliata (L.) H. Gross, 2n = 20 in Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Spach, 2n=22 in P. pubescens (Blume) Hara (Polygonaceae) and 2n=39 in Urtica dioca L. (Urticaceae) in the present research. Of these, the chromosome counts of Aconogonum molle var. molle, Allium tuberosum, Apium graveolens, Conyza' canadensis, Mentha * piperita, Rosmarinus officinalis are new records for Nepal. The number reported in Allium hyposistum, Echinops niveus and Persicaria pubescens in this research are perhaps the new reports. The counts for Aconogonum molle var. molle, Apium graveolens, Pericaria perfoliata, Urtica dioica in the present investigation confirmed to be different from the previously reported numbers for these taxa. The counts for Allium cepa, Apium graveolens, P. hydropiper, Mentha piperita, Rosmarinus officinalis tally with the previous reports.

22 illus, 2 tables, 142 ref

023348   Mallick P K;Manandhar L;Vaidya B L (NO, Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Ghantaghar, Kathmandu, Nepal) : Chromosome numbers of some taxa of the nepalese asteraceae. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2011, 30(1-2), 55-68.

Chromosome numbers for 14 taxa of Asteraceae, have been reported from the Nepalese flora. The taxa viz Artemisia indica Willd., Aster ageratoides Kitam., Calendula offcinalis L, Cirsium arvense Mill., Conyza Canadensis (L.) Cronquist, Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg, ex Sweet., Dichrocephala integrifolia (L. f.) Kuntze, Echinops niveus Wall., Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Gnaphalium affine D. Don, Galonsoga parviflora Cav., Parthenium hysterophorus L, Wedelia wallichii Less., Zinnia elegans Jacq. collected from different parts of Nepal were observed. Somatic chromosome number was recorded to be 2n=32 in Artemisia indica and Parthenium hyseterophorus; 28 in Calendula officinalis and Echinops niveus; 2n=36 in Aster ageratoides, 2n=34 in Cirsium arvense Mill; 2n=26 in Coreopsis grand/flora; 2n=24 in Zinnia elegans; 2n=22 in Eclipta prostrata; 2n = 18 in conyja canedensis and Dichrocephala integrifolia; 2n = 16 in Galonsoga parviflora; 2n = 14 in Gnaphalium affine and 2n=30 in Wedelia wallichii. Chromosome number for Aster ageratoides, Calendula officinalis, Conyza Canadensis, Coreopsis grandiflora, Dichrocephala integrifolia, Eclipta prostrata, Gnaphalium affine, Parthenium hyseterophorus and Zinnia elegans studied in this research are new records for Nepal. The count for Artemisia indica in the present investigation confirms new number for this taxa. The counts for Cirsium arvense, Eclipta prostrata and Galonsoga parviflora tally with previous reports. Aster ageratoides, Echinops niveus and Wedelia wallichii studied in this research are perhaps new reports.

2 tables, 14 illus, 82 ref

023347   Mahmood T (NO, Barkatullah Univ, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Email: tahirchoudhary786@gmail.com) : Medicinal plants used in treating viral infection by tribal people in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Pl Archs 2012, 12(1), 393-7.

The present communication pertains to the medicinal plants which used to treat some common viral disease, such as chicken pox, poliomyelitis, hepatitis, measles and jaundice was carried out in districts Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Udhampur, Ramban, Khatuha, Samba, Akhnoor, state in Jammu and Kashmir, India (2011). Total number of plants species, sixty three (63) data were collected and tabulated. In this paper, treatment of viral disease by tribal people herbal healer of this areas will be discussed. Deals with same medicinal plants use in viral disease in J. & K. areas. The tribal name, botanical name, family name, parts used, medicinal use, local name, common name were considered which found in the study. Many plants in the study areas, may be a good source of leads molecules needed in viral chemotherapy after extractions of the bioactive components as well as removal of toxic residue following toxicological studies.

1 table, 16 ref

023346   Lohi Das J (Botany & Research Centre Dep, Scott Christain College, Nagercoli-629 003) : Traditional values of banana cultivars in Kanyakumari district (Tamil Nadu), India. Pl Archs 2012, 12(1), 499-503.

Kanyakumari district is the southern most tip of India lies in the Western Ghats. Describes the traditional values including folklore of different varieties of banana cultivated in Kanyakumari district. All the varieties of banana cultivated were identified and observed the values through interviews with the tribal people, traditional sidha practitioners and patients treated by traditional and folk medical practitioners.

8 illus, 12 ref

023345   Limbachia H;Jadhav U (Lifesciences Dep, Mumbai Univ, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Email: uja_life@yahoo.com) : Phytochemical analysis and effect of antimicrobial activity of Cassia tora and Anacyclus pyrethrum. Pl Archs 2012, 12(1), 169-72.

The antibacterial effect of Cassia tora and Anacyclus pyrethrum was evaluated on bacterial strains like Escherichia coli MTCC 843, Staphylococcus auretis MTCC 437, Salmonella typhi and an isolated organism from clinical sample. The methanol, ethanol, acetone and chloroform extracts of the leaves of Cassia tora (Takara) and roots of Anacyclus pyrethrum (Akkalkara) were critically evaluated for their antibacterial activities. The in vitro antibacterial activity was performed by agar well diffusion method on Mueller and Hinton agar. The significant antimicrobial activities of extracts were compared with the standard antibiotic amoxicillin. The chloroform and methanol extracts of both the plants were proved to be more effective and showed better activity than ethanol and acetone extracts. The results obtained in present study suggest that Cassia tora and Anacyclus pyrethrum can be used in treating diseases caused by these pathogens.

4 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

023344   Li Y;Huang X F;Ding W L (NO, Institute of Medicinal Plants Development, Chinese Academy of Medical, No. 151 Malianwa North Road, Beijing-100 193, China, Email: yonglilp312@yahoo.com.cn) : Autotoxicity of Panax ginseng rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil extracts on early seedlings growth and identification of chemicals. Allelopathy J 2011, 28(2), 145-54.

Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the allelopathy of Panax ginseng growing soil extracts on the growth of its own seedlings. Soil samples were extracted with methanol. P. ginseng seeds were incubated on water-soaked filter paper in Petri dishes containing 6-concentrations (50,100,150,200,250,300 μl per petri dish) of extracts. Each treatment was replicated thrice. After incubation at 20°C in darkness for 15 days, radicle and shoot length of ginseng seedlings were measured to determine the effects of soil extracts. The methanol extract from P. ginseng rhizosphere soil inhibited the growth of P. ginseng seedlings more than extracts from non-rhizosphere soils. Furthermore, chemicals in each soil extracts were analyzed by GC-MS, and more than 30 chemicals were identified.

4 illus, 2 tables 34 ref

023343   Kandwal M K;Sharma M L (NO, Botanical Survey of India (NRC), Dehra Dun-248 195, Email: zoysia04@gmail.com) : Cynodon dactylon (L.) pers.: a self-treatment grass for dogs. Curr Sci 2011, 101(5), 619-21.

3 illus, 24 ref

023342   Joshi H;Kesarwani S;Tandon R (Botany Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, Email: dr.hemaupreti@gmail.com) : Physiological characterization of agriculturally important heterocystous cyanobacteria of rice field of Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh). Natn J Life Sci 2012, 9(2), 215-17.

The present investigation deals with ten heterocystous cyanobacterial strains belonging to four genera namely Nostoc (4),Anabaena (2), Calothrix (3) and Scytonema (1), which were isolated from rice fields of Allahabad district, Uttar Pradesh. Above mentioned strains were selected for characterization based upon their fast growing habit. These strains were examined for growth attributes and pigment composition (Chlorophyll, Carotenoid and Phycobilins). The selected strains may prove useful in biofertilizer technology and other applied aspects.

2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

023341   Jhansi Lakshmi B;Reddy K J (Botany Dep, Kakatiya University, Waranga, Andhra Pradesh) : In vitro studies in dikamali gum (Gardenia resinifera Roth)- a medicinally important plant. Indian J scient Res 2012, 3(1), 81-6.

Study was undertaken to evaluate the standardization of protocols towards callus induction and subsequent in Gardenia resinifera. The best callus induction was found in half cut seeds cultured on MS medium fortified with 2, 4-D(2mg/l) concentration produced white friable callus with shoot buds. Combination of 2, 4-D (2mg/l) + BAP (0.lmg/l) produced white callus which gave the most effective for callus induction. Callus from internode responded maximum percentage of callus response (60%) was observed in the MS medium containing NAA (0.lmg/l) + BAP (0.5mg/l) with minute shoot buds. Half cut seed produced 80% of response in giving white calli and single shoot bud in the MS medium containing NAA (0.1mg/l) + BAP(0.1mg.l).

8 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

023340   Hazarika T K (Horticulture Dep, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants School of Earth Sciences and Natural Res, Aizwal, Email: tridip28@gmail.com) : Nutritionally rich indigenous fruit resources of Northeast India and their value addition. Prog Hort 2012, 44(2), 229-33.

North Eastern Region of India being one of the eighteen hot spots of the world is rich in diversity of indigenous fruits and contains more than one third of the country's total fruit diversity. Indigenous fruits are known to play an important role in food and nutritional supplement of rural community from time immemorial. These fruits are hardy and can be grown under stress and adverse climatic conditions and are known for their medicinal, therapeutic and nutritive values. Although these fruits contain almost all known vitamins and many essential minerals, they are generally not found in the commercial orchards. Many of the indigenous fruits remained underexploited due to the lack of awareness of their potential, market demand and knowledge of value addition. There is great potentialities of various value added products such as jam, pickles, chutney, squashes, dried fruits, pulp etc. from these indigenous fruits. Therefore, organised processing, value addition and export of these value added products would provide an opportunity to consumers all over the world to enjoy these nutritious indigenous fruits and also to ensure the food and nutritional security of tribal and rural population of the region and to enhance the income of farmers.

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023339   Goel S (Botany Dep, Shoolini Institute of Life Sci. and Business Management, Solan-173 212) : Effect of salicylic acid on growth and oxidative metabolism of Brassica juncea and Trigonella foenum graceum under cadmium and lead stress. Pl Archs 2012, 12(1), 173-80.

Salicylic acid (SA) is considered as an endogenous growth regulator involved in local and endemic disease resistance in plants in response to a pathogenic attack. In the present study, the effects of SA were studied on Brassica juncea and Trigonella foenum graceum under Cd and Pb stress. When the plants were grown in metals alone there was decrease in shoot length and total chlorophyll content. SA application along with metals proved beneficial as there was less decrease in shoot length and total chlorophyll content. SA treatment influence the H₂O₂ level in leaves of seedlings by up-regulating the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), repressing the activity of catalase (CAT). The results supported the conclusion that SA played a positive role in both the crops in ameliorating metal stress.

5 illus, 50 ref

023338   Estari M;Sripriya D (Infectious Diseases & Metabolic Disorders Research Lab, Zoology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Antibacterial and phytochemical properties of Schefflera stellata (G.) leaf extracts against various bacterial species. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect A 2012, 31(2), 65-71.

Different organic and aqueous extractions of leaves of Schefflera stellata (G.) (Araliacea) were screened for their antibacterial activity against six pathogenic bacteria by disc diffusion assay. The pattern of inhibition varied with the solvent used for extraction and the microorganism tested. Among these extractions, petroleum ether, Chloroform and Aqueous extracts showed significant Antimicrobial Activity against most of the tested microorganisms. The most susceptible microorganism was Lacto bacillus (6mm zone of inhibition in Chloroform extraction) followed by Bacillus subtilis (4mm zone of inhibition in aqueous) and E. coli. (3.5mm zone of inhibition in petroleum ether extraction). Preliminary phytochemical analysis of different extracts revealed the presence of Anthraquinones, phenolic compounds and Flavonides while the alkolodes, terpinoids were absent in all the tested extracts. Petroleum ether, Aqueous and Benzene extracts of Scheffleera stellata(G.) were most effective against the tested microorganisms.

1 illus. 3 tables, 10 ref

023337   Dubey S;Satya H N (Botany Dep, Holkar Science College, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Email: professor.satya@gmail.com ) : Some new species of anamorph genus Bartalinia Tassi from Madhya Pradesh-III. Natn J Life Sci 2012, 9(2), 201-6.

Two new species of Bartalinia are described i.e. B.buchananiae and B.andrianovae. They are compared with B.satyae, B.vittalii, B.psidii, B.careyae and ten accepted species of Bartalinia. Key to 16- species of Bartalinia is given. Conidial ontogeny is given along with justification for formation of two new species.

3 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

023336   Dobhal U;Bhandari S;Bisht S;Bisht N S (Botany Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, Pauri Campus, Pauri-246 001, Email: upmadobhal@yahoo.co.in) : Plant regeneration through somatic embrygenesis in Sapindus mukorossi. Pl Archs 2012, 12(1), 219-21.

A reliable protocol was established for propagation of Sapindus mukorossi through Somatic Embryogenesis. Callus derived from the leaf and petiole explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different range and combination of Kn (0.1-0.4 mgl^-1) and KNO₃ (500 -1500 mgl^-1). The embryogenic calli thus formed were separated from non embryogenic calli and were subcultured. Globular and heart shaped somatic embryos thus formed were transferred to MS medium containing high level of KN0₃, with varying combinations of casein hydrolysate CH (500 & 1000 mgl^-1) and L-glutamate (50 mgl^-1) for further proliferation. Addition of GA₃, lead to the maturation of somatic embryos. Matured cotyledonary embryos were germinated on fresh MS medium supplemented with Kn (1.0 & 2.0 mgl^-1), NH₄C1 (50 and 100 mgl^-1) and coconut milk CM (10%) for further growth and germination. The fully developed plantlets were successfully transferred to soil.

1 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

023335   Dinakaran J;Mehta N;Krishnayya N S R (Ecology Laboratory, Botany Dep, Faculty of Science, The M.S. Baroda Univ, Vadodara-390 002, Email: krish14@gmail.com) : Soil organic carbon dynamics in two functional types of ground cover (grasses and herbaceous) in the tropics. Curr Sci 2011, 101(6), 776-83.

Studied the soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics in two types of tropical ground cover (grasses predominantly as C₄ functional type and herbaceous predominantly as C₃ functional type), located in a permanent plot of the Department of Botany, the M.S. University of Baroda, Vadodara, India. The aboveground bio-mass (AGB) and belowground biomass (BGB, as root biomass), soil respiration (R_s), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and SOC were measured for 12 months in the selected types of ground cover. Differences in AGB and BGB allocation indicated the functional difference in both these ground covers. Higher R_s values during monsoon seen in the present study (in both the covers) are attributed to higher biomass production which increases fresh inputs into soil. In both the covers, correlation (R² 0.6) was seen between BGB and MBC. DOC in both the covers showed higher values during monsoon coinciding with biomass production. Results of ANOVA showed significant differences (P <60> 0.05) in the measured parameters of both types of ground cover, indicating functional differences. Higher SOC values (15.6-23.2 g kg^-1) in herbaceous cover indicated larger inputs of dead organic matter coming from the death of ephemerals. Lesser and relatively stable quantities of SOC (7.8-9.8 g kg^-1) in grass cover have been attributed to lower inputs and/or uniformity in their proportion of expenditure of fixed carbon. The findings of the present study indicate that soil carbon dynamics in these ground covers is governed by fluctuations in organic carbon input (fresh and dead), and its pattern of utilization by soil biological/microbial community. The study highlights the importance of herbaceous (C₃ functional type) ground cover in improving soil fertility in the tropics.

3 illus, 4 tables, 48 ref

023334   Chauhan A;Verma R S;Padalia R C (NO, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Resource Centre, Udham Singh Nagar-263 149, Email: amitcimap@gmail.com) : Aroma in plants: can its serve as a criterion in delimitation of taxa at infraspecific level?. Curr Sci 2011, 101(4), 489.

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023333   Chandrakasan L;Neelamegam R (Botany and Research Centre Dep, S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoli, Kanyakumari Dist., Tamil Nadu-629 002, Email: rnmegamsthcngl@gmail.com) : Comparative eveluation of antioxidant compounds and free radical scavenging activities in the extracts of Loranthus longiflorus leaf samples obtained from two host trees. Pl Archs 2012, 12(1), 31-40.

Antioxidant compounds and free radical scavenging (FRS) activities in various solvent extracts of Loranthus longiflorus leaf samples collected from Casuarina equisetifolia and Ficus religiosa host trees were assessed. The results recorded confirm the presence of total flavonoids, total phenols and total tannins in all extracts at different proportions. Among the extracts tested, ethyl acetate extract shows maximum level of total phenols (232.17 and 134.44mg/g) and total tannins (116.20mg/g and 50.32mg/g) in Loranthus leaf samples collected from Casuarina and Ficus hosts, respectively. The hexane extract show more amount of flavonoids (3.56mg/g) in the Loranthus leaf sample from Casuarina host tree, while it was only trace amount in the leaf sample collected from Ficus host. The results of FRS activities revealed that the ethyl acetate extract of Loranthus leaf sample collected from Casuarina and Ficus contains maximum level of DPPH (1264.20% and 64.04% at 1 1500μg), Nitric oxide (43.92% and 43.35% at 250 μg) and Superoxide (40.14% and 23.41% at 250 μg) FRS activity, respectively, as compared to other extracts, while Hydroxyl FRS activity was higher in water extract (55.14% and 51.89%, respectively, at 250 μg). All the FRS activities, tested, were concentration dependent. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC₅₀) was ascertained as 20.43μg/ml and 487.80μg/ml of ethyl acetate extract for DPPH-FRS activity; as 143.70μ/ml and 132.30μg/ml of ethyl acetate extract for NO-FRS activity; as 99.80μg/ml and 177.30 μg of ethyl acetate extract for SO-FRS activity and as 29.04μg/ml and 33.07μg/ml in Loranthus leaf samples collected from Casuarina and Ficus host trees, respectively, than other extracts, tested. The ferric reducing antioxidant power of L. longiflorus leaf samples from Casuarina and Ficus was maximum in ethyl acetate extract (2963.02 and 30.85mMol Fe (II)/mg extract, respectively) than other extracts tested. These results indicate that the host trees, on which the hemiparasite infested, influence the antioxidant constituents and free radical scavenging activities of L. longiflorus.

5 illus, 8 tables, 55 ref

023332   Chand P;Singh M (NO, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Email: mayankrai71@gmail.com) : Evaluation of anti-entric potential of some angiosperms of India. Prog Hort 2012, 44(2), 220-8.

The enteric bacteria causing gastrointestinal diseases such as typhoid fever, diarrhoea, dysentery are of medical significance as important human pathogens with increase in drug resistant strains coupled with dearth of new and safe effective drugs. Plant derived drugs constitute a major share in the market of anti-infective agents and efforts are being made to reap the benefits of combinatorial chemistry of nature encoded in vast and unique chemo-diveristy of plant kingdom. In this context the present study attempted to analyse the anti-enteric potential of angiosperms of India. 54 plant extracts of 35 plants were examined through standardized disc diffusion and broth dilution assays against a test screen of six enteric pathogenic bacteria. Cassia fistula (stem), Rhododendron arboretum (stem), Euphorbia hirta (whole plant), Macrotyloma uniflorum (seed), Punica granatum (flower), Quercus leucotricophora (stem), Rubus lanatus (stem), Aegle marmelos (root), Bergenia ciliata (rhizome and leaf), Tamarix dioica (stem) and Livistona chinensis (leaf, stem and inflorescence),Terminalia viz. T. chebula, T. bellerica and T. arjuna), Eclipta alba (root) and Cassia alata (leaf), Rheum moorcroftianum, Bergenia ciliata, Datura innoxia and Cissus quadrangularis were found active in the bioassays. Myrtus communis and Mallotus philippinensis were the most active plants with an MIC of 0.0075 and 0.03 mg/ml, respectively against Enterococcus faecalis.

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023331   Chalotra P;Gaind M;Sharma P;Anand V K (Botany Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir) : Epiphytic algae associated with two floating aquatic macrophytes in a sluggish polluted stream in industrial area of Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir). Natn J Life Sci 2012, 9(2), 209-14.

The algal flora associated with Chara and Spirogyra in a sluggish polluted stream in industrial area of Jammu, J&K was investigated during the period of 2008-2009. Variation in the physico-chemical characteristics influenced the epiphytic algal communities and the parameters were governed by the seasonality of rainfall and waste discharges. Four major algal classes were recorded in the present study i.e. Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Euglenophyceae. The algal flora was dominated by Chlorophyceae. The continued deposition of domestic and industrial wastes into the stream probably enhanced the colonization of an array of tolerant aquatic macrophytes and epiphytic algae in the stream. The presence of Phacus sp. and Phacus longicauda (Euglenoids) which were known to tolerate organically polluted waters, may be a strong indication of the high pollution status of the stream. Spirogyra had more epiphytic flora in terms of number than Chara.

5 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref