023224   Singh S M;Dasgupta M (Vermiculture & Environmental Res Laboratory Dep of Anim Sci, M J P Rohilkhand Univ, Bareilly-243 006) : Impact of earthworm castings on the growth potential of three species of ornamental plants. Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(2), 11-15.

The impact of castings of two species of earthworms, Metaphire posthuma and Eutyphoeus waltoni on the growth potential of three varieties of ornamental plants viz. Coleus sp., Dudonia viscoca and Salvia officinalis was assessed. Increment in the shoot length of Coleus p. was found 1.82, 1.42 and 1.40 times more in the experimental plants than those of their controls after 20, 40 and 100 days of time respectively, while these values were 1.07, 1.07 and 1.28 times for D. viscoca. In case of S. officinalis it was recorded 2.05 time after 132 days.

2 tables, 10 ref

023223   Singh A P (Ent Div, For Res Inst ICFRE, P.O. New Forest, Dehradun-248 006, Email: singhap@icfre.org) : Initial colonization of red Pierrot butterfly, Talicada nyseus nyseus guerin (Lycaenidae) in the lower western imalayas: an indicator of the changing environment. Curr Sci 2005, 89(1), 41-2.

2 illus, 8 ref

023222   Sharan S K;Mishra P K;Pandey P N (Cent Tasar Res and Training Inst, , Piska-Nagari, Ranchi-835 303) : Absolute number of haemocytes in relation with blood volume and body weight of tasar silkworm (Antheraea mylitta drury (Lepidoptera: saturniidae) in non-diapause and diapause destined generations. Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(2), 39-50.

In Antheraea mylitta Drury, changes in haemogram parameters such as blood volume, body eight, absolute number of haemocytes were measured in different developmental stages like, larvae, pupae and adults in non-diapausing and diapausing generations. The volume of haemolymph was increasing with increased weight and larval instars and it was recorded to be highest in late larval fifth instar. Drastic fall in haemolymph volume was observed in both the sexes of NDD in early pupal age. Their ratio further went down with increases of larval instars, pupae and till emergence of adults. Highest absolute number of haemocytes was recorded in mid age fifth instar male and female. Adult females has comparatively higher(11,647,800) number of cells than adult males (7,914,246) in non-diapausing generation. In diapause destined generation of A. mylitta, highest volume was recorded in late fifth instar age of both the sexes and thereafter the volume gradually decreased until emergence of adults DD generation. The percent volume against body weight was comparatively higher in NOD than DD larvae in II, III; IV instar. In both NDD and DD generations, the percent haemolymph volume against body weight attained its peak in early V instar. Thereafter, this percent gradually declined during subsequent stages of studies, such as middle and late V instar, pupae and adults. When compared between the sexes, the females had comparatively more percent of haemolymph than males. NDD generations had generally higher volume of haemolymph in terms of percent body weight than DD generation. Absolute number of haemocytes showed the similar trends of decrease or increase in sexes of different larval instars, pupal stages and adults as NDD generation of A. mylitta. The haemocytes/haemogram of A mylitta changes quantitatively and qualitatively during growth, development, and a new vista is open to further analyse the factors involved in these changes, especially in the light of the disease detection and prevention.

2 tables, 51 ref

023221   Sharan S K;Mishra P K;Pandey P N (NO, Cent Tasar Res and Training Inst, Ranchi-835 303) : Total heamocyte counts in the ontogeny of tasar silk worm Antheraea mylitta Drury (lepidoptera: saturniidae) in non-diapausedestined generations. Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(1), 91-101.

The haemocytes or blood cells of insects comprise a complex of several types of mesodermal cells which circulate with the blood, play a pivotal role in tranport of nutritional materials to different parts and also in defence mechanism of an individual insect and their population in blood reflects upon the physiological understanding of the insects. Antheraea mylitta Drury is one of the most widely exploited sericigehous nonmulberry silkworm, in tropical India and skips unfavourable climatic condition in diapause state. Keeping in view of its economic importance and the importance of insect haemocyte in overall physiology of an insect, the total haemocyte counts are reported in both of its non-diapausing and diapausing generations in the study. In both non-diapausing and diapausing generations, an increasing trend in THC was recorded from 1 instar to middle aged V instar larve of both the sexes of A. mylitta. The values increased from 43,620.36 ± 210.46/mm³ normal in I istar non- diapausing to 75,097.96 ± 79.77/ mm³ in mid- aged V instar male larvae of non- diapausing generation or 70,967 ± 79.19/mm³ in mid- aged female V instar non- diapausing larvae In Diapause destined life forms of A mylitta, it was observed that the level of THC gradually increased from l insiar larvae (43,370.30 ± 136.68/mm³) to mid- aged female V instar (75,234.66 ± 427.95) or male (77,526.36 ± 221.10). These values went down in spinning larvae of both the generations. A rise in THC level was again recorded in both the pre-pupal forms of non- diapausing and diapausing generations females. Thereafter, THC went down gradually until emergence of adults. Middle age diapausing pupae had significantly less THC than non-diapausing mid aged pupae; however, late- age male diapausing pupae had higher THC than late male non-diapausing pupae. The decrease in THC of mid-age diapausing pupae than non-diapausing pupae in A. mylitta may be attributed to the deeper diapause stage of pupae, however, this difference was observed to be non-significant in late stage female pupae and adults.

3 tables, 28 ref

023220   Shankar D S;Kulkarni R S (Fish Endocrinology Res Unit Zool Dep, Gulbarga Univ, Gulbarga-585 106) : Somatic condition of the fish, Notopterus notopterus (Pallas) during different phases of the reproductive cycle. J envir Biol 2005, 26(1), 49-53.

The study on the mathematical relationship between length and weight of fishes has considerable importance in fishery research especially for the study of fish population dynamics and patterns of growth in fish stocks. This aspects is useful in rationally managing the population of fishes, and is an index of relative robustness of the fish. Variations from expected weight or length of an individual fish or group of fish indicate the general well being and state of gonadal development. The condition of fish can be influenced by the onset of maturity. The results indicate that the overall condition of the female and male fish seems to get improved towards the approach of maturing and mature stages of the gonads during pre-spawning phases. The reduction in the condition factor (K) and somatic condition factor (Ks) during spawning phase may be because of the fish becoming exhausted due to spawning activity. Although improvement in the condition of the fish was observed on the approach of breeding period, the overall condition seems to be better in the aquatic body from which the fish was collected.

1 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

023219   Shahin Anwar M;Raziuddin M (Zool Dep, Patna Muslim Sci Coll, Patna, Bihar, Email: behavlab203@yahoo.com) : Neurosecretory cells in the ventral nerve cord ganglia of mole cricket, Gryllotalpa africana. Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(1), 69-76.

Neurosecrtory cells are the most imporotant type of cells found in insects. these in the ventral chain ganglia of Gryllotalpa afticana are still unstudied and hence the communication is a report on the detailed study (distributional and histological studies in thoracic and abdominal ganglia) of neurosecretory cells of Gryllotalpa africana.

24 ref

023218   Saxena K K;Chauhan R R S (NO, , Param Hans Kuti (Bari), Street No.8, Ashok Nagar, Etawah-206 001) : Biochemical changes under hyperthermic stress in Channa punctatus (Bloch). Geobios 2005, 32(2-3), 197-9.

Hyperthermic shock (30 ± 1°C) on the blood of Channa punctatus caused elevated, levels of bilirubin total protein, SGOT, SGPT and akaline phosphatase but serum cholesterol, serum sodium and serum patassium a decrease. During recovery all the parameters except the serum sodium and serum potassium reached normal levels within 24 h, whose recovery was slow.

1 table, 10 ref

023217   Sangeeta Kumari;Singh P;Prasad P (Zool Dep, V K S Univ, Ara) : Histomorphological studies on the malpighian tubule of Platycorynus peregrinus (Coleoptera: chrysomelidae). Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(1), 17-20.

Playtocorynus peregrinus has six cryptonephric malpighian tubules arising at the junction of midgut and hindgut. Each malpighian tubule is extremely long, unbranched, highly convoluted and the same size throughout their length. They are hugely supplied with trachea. They first move upwards, then turn backwards and surround every organ. They are closely applied to the epithelium of the colon, which is device for conservatin of water as in terrestrial insects. There is no histological distance between the proximal and distal portion of the malpighian tubules. They show presence of a single layer of 9-11 cuboidal epithelial cells having granular cytoplasm. Brush border is present.

2 illus, 13 ref

023216   Saluja U;Kumar S (Dep of Zool and Aquaculture, Govt P G Coll, Sehore, MP) : inhibition and recovery of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and enzyme kinetics in the stomach of Rattus norvegicus exposed to dimethoate. Pollut Res 2004, 23(4), 745-8.

The Rattus norvegicus were exposed to sublethal dose (1/7th LD₅₀ i.e.36.42 mg/kg body weight) of dimethoate for 15 and 30 days. The AChE activity of stomach was found to be decreased in a time dependent manner with a concomitant accumulation of acetylcholine (ACh). Enzyme kinetic studies reveal the competitive nature of inhibition. The AChE activity recovered up to certain extent after the treatment of dimethoate for 15 days.

5 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

023215   Sahay P;Sinha M;Srivastava H;Alka (Dep of Zool, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi) : On the synonymy of Pseudoprolepts satendri sahay, 1966 with Pseudoproleptus vestibulus Khera, 1954. Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(1), 35-44.

Pseudoproleptus satendri Sahay (1966) has been synonimised with Pseudoproleptus vestibulus Khera (1954). The authors have reasons to consider this synonymy valid. The authors have also lend support to the synonymy of Notopteroides notopteri Chakravarty and Majumdar (1962) and N.alatae Majumdar (1965); Metabronema notopteri Karve and Naik (1951) and Collarinema with the genus Pseudoproleptus.

2 tables, 31 ref

023214   Saha M P;Pandey P K;Purbey S;Datta Munshi J S (Histo Chem Laboratory, Univ of Dep of Zool T M Bhagalpur Univ, Bhagalpur, Bihar) : Anatomy and histochemistry of ocular muscles and myodomes of a fresh water fish, Labeo rohita (HAM). Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(2), 27-37.

The anatomy and topography of eye muscles of Labeo rohita were studied with special reference to their histo-chemical reactions. The six ocular muscles of Labeo rohita can be grouped into two main divisions viz. rectus and oblique muscles. The oblique muscles in this fish are weak compared to rectus muscles. Superior and inferior recti are well developed and stout, enveloped with other recti by "Anulus of Zin". The intensity of reaction for SDH and lipid are correlated with the probable functions of the ocular muscles. The superior and inferior oblique muscles are biconcave and joined to form boat shaped depression in ethmoid region. The reticulo motor system of L. rohita is elaborated and further discussed.

13 illus, 1 tables, 25 ref

023213   Sah H;Srivastava H;Sahay P;Sahay U (P G Dep of Zool, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi) : A discussion on the possible synonymy between Genarchopsis piscicola Srivastava (1933) Manter, 1938 and Genarchopsis ovocaudatum Srivastava (1933) Manter, 1938. Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(1), 45-51.

Genarchopsis piscicola and Genarchopsis ovocaudatum are trematode parasites described by Srivastava (1933) which he recovered from Ophiocephalus punctatus. These two species were given independent status by Srivastava though Chauhan (1953) indicated that G.ovocaudatum is a synonym of G.piscicola but he did not forward any argument in favour of this synonymy. The authors have compared these two species in detail and have reasons to consider G.ovocaudatum a synonym of G.piscicola in the light of work of Van Cleave and Mueller (1934); Roberts (1961); Chappel(1969); Noble and Noble (1974) and Das and Sahay (1993).

12 ref

023212   Rajeswari K;Isaiarasu L (Post Grad and Res Dep of Zool, Ayyanadar Janakiammal Coll, Sivakasi, Tamilnadu-626 124) : Influence of the leaf, flower and pod extracts of Moringa oleifera on the growth and reproductive parameters of Bombyx mori L. Entomon 2004, 29(4), 331-8.

Dietary supplementation of the leaf, flower and pod extracts of Moringa oleifera (1% W/V) elicited varied responses in the final instar larvae of the mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori. The mean larval weight and the weight and size of cocoon increased significantly as a result of this supplementation. Although, the weight of the male and female pupae increased considerably, the increase in female pupae was much higher in the case of Moringa leaf extract supplementation and this was reflected in the weight of their ovariole also. Significant increase in the weight of male and female moths was noticed in the experimental sets that received the leaf extract supplementation. The number and weight of the eggs were found to increase significantly in the sets that received the dietary supplementation of Moringa leaf, flower and pod extracts. However, the protein content of the eggs increased to a large extent only in the sets that received the Moringa leaf extract. The advantages of the dietary supplementation with Moringa leaf, flower and pod extracts in improving the growth and reproductive potential of the silkworm are discussed.

3 tables, 20 ref

023211   Priya Mohan;Faizal M H (Dep of Ent, Coll of Agric, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram-695 522) : Seasonal occurrence of two egg parasitoids, Chrysochalcissa oviceps Boucek and Gryon spp. of coreid bug (Paradasynus rostratus distant) of coconut in Kerala. Entomon 2004, 29(4), 383-8.

A survey on seasonal occurrence of newly recorded egg parasitoids, Chrysochalcissa oviceps Boucek and Gryon sp. of coreid bug (Paradasynus rostratus Distant) of coconut was carried out at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Trivandrum, Kerala. Parasitisation by C. oviceps peaked during April-May and extended till October. Parasitisation by Gryon sp. was observed from June to November with maximum parasitisation during October. Both parasitoids were found to be potential egg parasitoids of coreid bug. The diagnostic characters of the parasitoids are also discussed.

4 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

023210   Prashanth M S;David M;Mathed S G (Environmental Stud Univ, Natn Inst of Advd Stud Indian Inst of Sci Campus, Bangalore-560 012) : Behavioural changes in freshwater fish, Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) exposed to cypermethrin. J envir Biol 2005, 26(1), 141-4.

The toxicity of insecticide cypermethrin to the freshwater fish, Cirrhinus mrigala was studied using static bioassay method. The 96 h LC₅₀ was found to be 5.13μg/l. Increase in opercular movement, loss of equilibrium, increase in surface behaviour, change in body colour, increase secretion of mucus, irregular swimming activity, rapid jerk movement, `S' jerky, partial jerk, and aggressiveness were observed in fish exposed to lethal concentration of cypermethrin. But in sub lethal concentration changes were observed from that of lethal and with the approach of 14 and 21 day, fish attained to normalcy.

2 illus, 19 ref

023209   Prasad A;Mukherjee B;Pandey P N (P G Dep of Zool, Ranchi Coll, Ranchi, Bihar) : Carbon transfer of an aquatic system at Ranchi. Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(1), 87-90.

The basic ecosystem model includes the various trophic levels such as the producers, herbivores, carnivores and decomposers, through which matter and energy flows. So far workers in the field have developed models of material cycling and energy flow through the food chains connecting the various compartments (Odum, 1982). However, there are very few studies defining the rate constants, governing the transfer of matter and energy (Riley, 1946;Mc Kellar, 1977). Expressions for matter and energy exchange between compartments may be presented in the form of transfer coefficients (Mukherjee, 2001). The various equations can then be treated mathematically by a simple finite difference method or by successive summation of changes over small time increments. The transfer coefficients at the producer levels using carbon units of the inorganic and organic pools of an aquatic system at Ranchi have been drawn.

2 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

023208   Piska R;Gummadavelli V (Zool Dep P G Coll of Sci, Osmania Univ, Saifabad, Hyderabad-500 004) : Ovary as an indicator of frequency of spawning in Amblypharyngodon mola (HAM). Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(1), 77-82.

Deals with the study of intraovarian eggs of the ovries and to know whether ovary is useful as an indicator of frequncy of spawing in Amblypharyngodon mola (Ham). The fish matures during the first year. Fish breeds only once during the year with a prolonged season from April to October. The distribution of ova in the ovary is uniform. A.mola is a multiple spawner having a series of spawning bursts during the spawning season. The ovary is a very good indicator of frequency of spawning in A.mola. This is evidenced by the morphological changes in the ovary, the growth of ova, distribution of ova in the ovary and the ratios (Y and Z) between smaller ova to larger ova in the ovary.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

023207   Patro N;Patro I K (Neuroscience Cent, Sch of Stud in Zool Jiwaji Univ, Gwalior-474 011, Email: nishpatro@rediffmail.com) : Effects of deltamethrin on granule cell migration during postnatal development of rat cerebellum. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(2), 158-62.

Deltamethrin(DLT;0.7mg/kg body wt/day, ip, dissolved in propylene glycol) administration during postnatal days 9- 13 in Albino rat pups, resulted in a delayed appearance of radial glial fibers, that guide the migrationof granule cells. Moreover, the radial glial fibers in the DLT-treated pups were disorganized, hypertrophied and heavily stained. Thus, it is being proposed that although after exposure to DLT the neuronal proliferation occurs at normal rate, the neuronal migration along the stumpy and crumpled radial fibers hamper the journey of the healthy neurons to their proper destination.

4 illus, 1 tables, 26 ref

023206   Patil S M;Hande R S (Dep of zoology, KET's V G Vaze Coll, Muland, Mumbai-400 081) : In vitro studies of ferrous chloride on brain acetylcholinesterases of Arius nenga a marine teleost. Pollut Res 2004, 23(4), 783-6.

Deals with the invitro effect of Ferrous on Acetylcholinesterases (AChE 3.1.1.7) from brain of marine teleost Arius nenga (Catfish). The enzyme was assayed by U.V. Scanned. Spectrophotometer (U.V. 2100 Chemito). The results were analysed in terms of Michaelis constant (Km) and V max. It was observed that the Ferrous exerted the inhibitory effect on cytoplasmic and membrane- bound fractions of AChE. In both the cases the Km and V max were altered. The efficiency of enzyme was computed in terms of Vmax /Km ratio.

2 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

023205   Pathak B (Dep of Zool, Magadh Univ, Bodh Gaya-824 234) : An study of hydrogen ion concentration in the alimentary canal of Dysdercus koenigii (Hemiptra: Pyrrhocoridae). Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(2), 89-92.

Dysderus koenigii is Hemipteran pest of Cotton and Bhindi (Abelmoschus esulentas) plants in India. In the paper the gut pH of aforesaid insect has been studied which ranges from 6.30 to 7.00. A correlation between gut pH with respect to starvation and feeding habit has been found out a discussed in the light of relevant literature.

1 table, 15 ref

023204   Pandey B N;Verma S N;Verma S;Arun Kumar (Dep of Zool, Magadh Univ, Bodh Gaya, Bihar) : Studies on bimodal oxygen uptake in relation to sex in two species of air breathing fishes. Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(1), 53-5.

Studies on bimodal oxygen uptake in relation to sex were made in two species of air breathing fishes namely, Clarias batrachus (Linn.) and Channa punctata(Bloch). It was observed that total and oxygen consumption through aerial route in male of both the species of fishes were higher as compared to female species. The oxygen uptake through aquatic route in Clarias batrachus is higher in females as Campared to males but in Channa punctata there was no significant difference in oxygen uptake through aquatic route between male and female species. The reason for such change in oxygen uptake in male and female in both the teleostean species has been discussed in the paper.

1 table, 8 ref

023203   Narendran T C;Sheeba M;Sudheer K (NO, , ) : New record and new species of Aridelus marshall (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Euphorinae) from India. Geobios 2005, 32(2-3), 121-4.

Two new species of Aridelus Marshall viz., A. keralicus sp. nov. and A. malabaricus sp. nov. from Kerala have been discribed with illustration.

2 illus, 11 ref

023202   Narendran T C;Girish Kumar P;Santhosh S (Systematic Ent Laboratory Dep of Zool, Univ of Calicut, Calicut-673 635) : On a new genus and a new species of Entedoninae, (Hymenoptera: chalcidoidea: eulophidae) from India. Entomon 2004, 29(4), 351-5.

New genus Bomyiabius Narendran and a new species Bomyiabius frontus Narendran are described from Kerala state (India). The diagnosis and difference with other related genera are also provided.

023201   Mohanraj R S;Dhanakkodi B (P G And Res Dep of Zool, Kongunadu Arts and Sci Coll, Coimbatore-641 029) : Ovicidal effects of neem products on mosquito eggs. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2005, 15(1), 73-77.

Ovicidal effects of neem extracts and a formulation were tested against mosquito (Aedes aegypti) eggs. The hatchability of untreated normal eggs was 80%. This was significantly reduced to the lowest levels of 2, 0, 4, and 3 % on treatment with crude neem seed kernel water extract (1%), neem oil (20%), residual neem seed kernel water extract (1%) and neemitaf (20 ppm), respectively.

1 table, 21 ref

023200   Mohan K G;Kumaresan G;Mathavan S; Muraleedharan D (Dep of Zool, Christian Coll, Kattakada, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala) : Characterization and cDNA cloning of apolipophorin III gene in the red cotton bug, Dysdercus cingulatus. Entomon 2004, 29(4), 373-81.

Lipophorin, a major plasma lipoprotein acts as a true carrier of lipids, phospholipids, carotenoids, cholesterol, fatty acid and hormones. It is composed of three distinct apoproteins: apolipophorin-I, apolipophorin-II and a smaller apolipophorin-III. Nucleotide sequencing of apolipophorin-III gene of D. cingulatus consists of 615 nucleotides. Amino acid composition showed a high percentage of isoleucine and low percentage of histidine, tryptophan and methionine. Phylogenetic tree of D. cingulatus revealed close relationship with the coleppteran insect, Derobrachus geminatus while distantly related to lepidopteran insects.

4 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

023199   Mishra D;Srivastava S K;Srivastava A K (Dep of Zollogy, DDU Gorakhpur Univ, Gorakhpur-273 009) : Acute toxicity and bevahioural anomalies of freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis to an organophosphate insecticide, methyl parathion. Pollut Res 2005, 24(2), 307-10.

A four-day static renewal acute toxicity test was performed to determine LC₅₀ value of methyl-parathion for the freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. The LC₅₀ value, their upper and lower confidence limits and slope functions were calculated. The LC₅₀ values for methyl-parathion for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h are 10.40, 9.60, 7.20 and 6.60 mg/L, respectively.

4 illus, 24 ref

023198   Meshram C B (Dep of Zool, Shri Shivaji Sci Coll, Amravati-444 603) : Zooplankton biodiversity in relation to pollution of lake Wadali, Amravati. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2005, 15(1), 55-9.

Water quality assessment through pollution indicator species was studied at seven different stations in the lake Wadali, Amravati during 1995 - 96, considering morphometric features of the lake. Stations II and III are dominated by pollution indicator species like Cephalodella, Lepadella, Monostyla from Rotifers; Cyclops, Diaptomus from Copepods and from Cladocerans Ceriodaphnia, Leydigia and Moinodaphnia were observed. These stations were infested not only by the influx of animal waste and sewage from the zoo and forest quarters, but also polluted due to domestic activities like bathing, washing of cattle, vehicles, clothes etc.

3 tables, 10 ref

023197   Malhi C S (Dep of Zool & Fish, Punjab agricultural Univ, Ludhiana, Punjab) : Evaluation of artificial perches for attracting beneficial birds to crops. Pestology 2005, 29(3), 49-52.

Artificial 'T' shaped perches installed in cotton, chilli and cowpea field were accepted by birds in 2-3 days of their installation and were found utilized by 18, 3 and 6 species. Overall, the artificial perches performed better in cotton crop raised with organic practices/Utilization of artificial perches in cotton crop with respect to their heights, viz., 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m was by 10, 15 and 9 species of birds. In July, only 3 species of birds used perches of 0.5 and 1.0 metre height, whereas during August - October all types of perches were used by 8-11 species of birds. Artificial perches facilitated birds to easily prey on insect fauna of the crops.

5 tables, 2 ref

023196   Kirti J S;Sodhi J S (Dep of Zool, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002) : Studies on the internal genitalic organs of Indian species of genus creatonotos hubner (Arctiidae: lepidoptera). Geobios 2005, 32(2-3), 177-84.

Studies have been conducted on the internal genitalic organs of three species i.e., interruptus (Linnaeus), transiens (Walker) and fumipennis (Linnaeus) under Creatonotos Hubner of family Arctiidae for the first time. A key to these species by incorporating their internal attributes has also been formulated.

5 illus, 20 ref

023195   Karuppasamy R;Subathra S;Puvaneswari S (Zool Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Haematological responses to exposure to sublethal concentration of cadmium in air breathing fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch). J envir Biol 2005, 26(1), 123-8.

The effect of sublethal concentration (29 mg/l) of cadmium on haematological parameters of Channa punctatus after the exposure periods of 7, 15 and 30 days were studied. In treated groups of cadmium exposed fish have been found to significantly decreased in total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin content, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and oxygen carrying capacity of blood, and at the same time the white blood cell count, mean cell volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin were found to significantly increased. Both increasing and decreasing of the above mentioned haematological characteristics of blood cells of cadmium intoxicant are mainly with time dependent effects. With regard to the pathological characteristics of blood cells of cadmium intoxicant fish shows fragility and rupture of erythrocytic membrane and leads to haemolysis, which are very severe on 30 day of exposure group.

6 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

023194   Karunaratne V;Wickramasinghe A;Herath A M C; Amarasinghe P H;Parakrama Karunaratne S H P;Rajapakse G (Chem Dep, Peradeniya Uni, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, Email: veranjak@pdn.ac.lk) : Phototoxic effect of some porphyrin derivatives against the larvae of Aedes aegypti, a major vector of dengue fever. Curr Sci 2005, 89(1), 170-3.

Porphyrins when photosensitized, transfer their energy/electron to the triplet ground state oxygen, producing cell-lethal reactive oxygen species. Dengue is a tropical disease and the causative viruses are maintained in a cycle involving humans and the principal urban mosquito vector, Aedes oegypti. Infection with dengue virus causes a spectrum of clinical illnesses, ranging froma a nonspecific viral syndrome to severe and fatal haemorrhagic disease. In the communication author reports on th epromising photodynamic effect of porphyrin-generated singlet oxygen on the larvae of A. aegypti, with possible applications in controlling the dengue vector.

4 tables, 15 ref, 1 scheme

023193   Kamlesh;Kaushik R;Singh N P (Dep of Zool, Univ of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004) : Susceptibility of larvae and pupae of Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti to leaf extract of Ocimum canum sims. Entomon 2004, 29(4), 389-91.

The susceptibility of various larval stages and pupal stages of three species of mosquitoes. Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus was determined by treatment with varying doses of leaf extract of an indigenous plant, Ocimum canum Sims, belonging to family Lamiacae. The second instar of A. aegypti was found most susceptible followed by A. stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus.

1 table, 8 ref

023192   Joshi S C;Goyal R (Reproductive toxicology Unit Dep Zool, Univ of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004) : Effect of lindane on fertility of male rats. Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(2), 1-9.

In the study authors a investigated the Lindane induced testicular dysfunction in rats. Lindane at the dose level of 15mg/kg b.wt./day was administered orally for 2 and 4 weeks. In comparison to the control rats, there was a signficant reduction in the weight of the testes of both groups of animals. Testicular sperm density was decreased in the animals treated with Lindane for both the duration. Biochemical profiles of the testis revealed a significant decline in the contents of sialic acid and glycogen was observed in both group as compared to control group. A signficant increase in the protein content of testis and testicular cholesterol was observed. The activity of testicular enzyme acid phosphatase increased significantly while decreased alkaline phosphatase activity was found observed. Results of study clearly suggest that Lindane induce toxic effects on male reproductive system of rats.

2 illus, 2 tables, 42 ref

023191   Joseph S M;George M C;Senan V P;Pillai D; Sherief P M (NO, Coll of Fish Kerala Agric Univ, Panagad, Kochi-682 506) : Effect of feeding cuttlefish liver oil on immune function, inflammatory response and platelet aggregation in rats. Curr Sci 2005, 88(3), 507-10.

The effect of feeding 1% cuttlefish (Sepia pharoonis) liver oil or a period of 45 days on immune function, inflammatory response and platelet aggregation was studied in male albino Sprague Dawley rats. It liver oil-treated animals, spllen cell proliferation was significantly higher, especially in the presence of mitogen. The bone marrow cells also showed enhanced proliferation in the treated animals compared to control; however, mitogenic stimulation was not observed. An increase in the number of plaque-forming cell sin the spleen and antibody titre in the ciruculation was also observed in the treated animals, indication an emhanced humoral immne response. Cuttlefish liver oil feeding also led to a significant decrease in both carrageenan-induced and formalin-induced paw oedema. ADP-induced platelet aggregation was also found to be inhibited in the test animals. The results indicate that feeding a low dose of cuttlefish liver oil can stimulate the immune functions, inhibit inflammatory response and platelet aggregation in rats. The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid present in the cuttlefish liver oil, may be responsible for the observed beneficial effects.

1 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

023190   Johal M S;Grewal H (Dep of Zool, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014) : Toxicological study on the blood of Channa punctatus (Bloch) upon exposure to carbaryl. Pollut Res 2004, 23(4), 601-6.

Effect of carbaryl was observed on the blood of Channa punctatus (Bloch) after exposure of the fish to different sublethal concentrations of insecticide for 5, 15 and 30 days. In general, RBC count was observed to decrease with increase in exposure period. Integrated density of different regions i.e. cell membrane, cytoplasm, nuclear wall and nucleus of the erythrocytes did not show any specific trends either decreasing or increasing. Various morphological alterations were observed in the erythrocytes of toxicant exposed fish through scanning electron microscopic study which were directly proportional to the increase in toxicant and exposure period.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

023189   Jha B S (Dep of Zool, L N Mithila Univ, Darbhanga-846 008) : Gill pathology in the freshwater fish Channa punctatus (Bloch) under sublethal stress of phosalone. Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(2), 51-5.

The study reflects changes in the gills of the freshwater fish Channa punctatus exposed for 10, 20 and 30 days to 7.56 mg/l sublethal concentration of phosalone, a wide spectrum organophosphate pesticide. With increase in the period of exposure the severity of gill lesions reflected progressive increase. 10 days' exposure of the fish produced hyperplasia of branchial epithelium, mild hypertrophy of mucus cells and fusion at the tips of some secondary lamellae. Hyperplasia and concominant fusion & swelling of secondary lamellae increased further in 20 days exposed fish gill which also exhibited loss of mucus from the mucus cells and deposition of degenerated blood cells at the base of secondary lamellae. The severity of lesions in 30 days exposed fish gill was such that the adjacent secondary gill lamellae showed almost complete fusion reducing the respiratory surface area. Epithelial lining of secondary lamellae underwent detachment from the pillar cells. Besides, mucus cells appeared as hollow spheres due to complete loss/vacuolization of mucus/and oedema in few filaments also appeared. Results, therefore, denote adverse impact of the pesticide on respiratory and osmoregulatory efficiency of the fish.

4 illus, 16 ref

023188   Hussaini S S;Nagesh M;Rajeshwari R;Hussain Dar M (Project Directorate of Biol Control (ICAR), , P B No. 2491, H A Farm Post, Hebbal, Bangalore-560 024, Email: sshbir@yahoo.com) : Formulation of host cadavers infected with indigenous Heterorhabditis spp. (Nematoda: Heterorhabditidae: Rhabditida) isolates. Entomon 2004, 29(4), 339-44.

Feasibility of formulating nematode-infected insect cadavers to overcome problems in storage and handling of cadavers for biocontrol of insect pests was studied using Heterorhabditis spp. Poinar and bioassayed on G. mellonella (L.). Formulation of insect cadavers by immersing in liquid suspension of cellulose and rolling in talc and kaolin had no significant deleterious effects on nematode reproduction and infectivity for one month. Four-day-old infected cadavers were more amenable to desiccation than 8-day-old cadavers. Formulated cadavers were more resistant to rupturing during storage than non-formulated cadavers.

2 tables, 9 ref

023187   Gupta D;Gupta P R;Verma S P (Dep of Ent and Apiculture, Dr Y S Parmar Univ of Hort and forestry, Nauni (Solan)-173 230) : Kiwifruit, Actinidia deliciosa chev. as a host of california red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell)-A new record. Entomon 2004, 29(4), 393-394.

California red scale Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) infestation was recorded on the kiwi fruit vine Actinidia deliciosa Chev. from Solan (Himachal Pradesh), situated at an elevation of about 1400 m amsl, in the northern part of the India. The population of the scale was sparse (3-4/cm²) on the twigs. This is a first record of the pest on kiwifruit vine from the world.

4 ref

023186   Gupta B B P;Spessert R;Vollrath L (Environmental Endocrinology Laboratory Dep of Zool, North-Eastern Hill Univ, Shillong-793 022, Email: gupta@nehu.ac.in) : Molecular components and mechanism of adrenergic signal transduction in mammalian pineal gland: regulation of melatonin synthesis. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(2), 115-49.

Rhythmic neural outputs from the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which programme the rhythmic release of norepinephrine (NE) from intrapineal nerve fibers, regulate circadian rhythm of melatonin synthesis. Increased secretion of NE with the onset of darkness during the first half of night stimulates melatonin synthesis by several folds. NE binds to both α1- and β-adrenergic receptors present on the pinealocyte membrane and initiates adrenergic signal transduction via cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) generating pathways. The NE-induced adrenergic signal transduction switches 'on' melatonin synthesis during the early hours of night by stimulating expression of the rate-limiting enzyme of melatonin synthesis, N-acetyltransferase (AA-NAT) via cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA)-cAMP response element binding protein (CREB)-cAMP response element (CRE) pathway as well as by increasing AA-NAT activity via cAMP-PKA-14-3-3 protein pathway. Simultaneously, adrenergically-induced expression of inducible cAMP early represser (ICER) negatively regulates aa-nat gene expression and controls the amplitude of melatonin rhythm. In the second half of night, increased release of acetylcholine from central pinealopetal projections, inhibition of NE secretion by SCN, withdrawal of adrenergic inputs and reversal of events that took place in the first half lead to switching 'off' of melatonin-synthesis. Adrenergic signal transduction via cGMP protein kinase G (PKG) mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) pathway also seems to be fully functional, but its role in modulation of melatonin synthesis remains unexplored. This article gives a critical review of information available on various components of the adrenergic signal transduction cascades involved in the regulation of melatonin synthesis.

^iia6 illus, 371 ref

023185   Dutta T;Acharya S;Das M (Cent Inld Fish Res Inst, , Barrackpore-700 120) : Physiological response of Labeo rohita (Hamilton buchanan) Fingerlings exposed to sublethal acidic and alkaline pH. Pollut Res 2004, 23(4), 711-16.

Fingerlings of Labeo rohita exposed to sublethal acidic pH of 5.5 and alkaline pH of 9.0 for 30 days exhibited changes in various physiological parameters. At pH 5.5 fishes from 7 days onwards elevated levels of haemoglobin, haematocrit, plasma cortisol, glucose, cholesterol, protein and lactic acid with reduced levels of plasma chloride, hepatosomatic index, RNA/DNA ratio of muscle and condition factor were recorded. No indication of metabolic recovery was observed at the acidic pH. Fishes exposed to pH 9.0 also showed similar changes in the various parameters only after 21 days of exposure. The severity of alterations in blood and tissue parameters were greater in case of pH 5.5 exposed fishes than at pH 9.0 indicating the fishes to be under greater physiological stress at the acidic pH.

11 illus, 30 ref

023184   Dhanya S;Rajagopal S;Ajmal Khan S; Balasubramanian T (Cent of Advd Study in Mar Biol, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502) : Embryonic development in alligator pipefish, syngnathoides biaculeatus (Bloch, 1785). Curr Sci 2005, 88(1), 178-81.

The alligator pipefish, Syngnathoides biaculeatus (Bloch, 1785) is a common inhabitant of seagrass beds along Palk Bay, sourtheast coast of India. This primitive pipefish broods the embryos along the undersurface of its trunk. Eleven embryonic stages were sequenced based on morphological differences. The newborn resembles adults in form except for a slightly cylindrical body, shorter snout and brown colour. The gestation period was 25°C.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

023183   Devi G;Baruah B K;Das M (Dep of Zool, Cott Coll, Guwahati-781 001, Email: binodekbaruah@rediff.com) : Study on the effect of paper mill effluent on haematological profile of Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Pollut Res 2004, 23(4), 611-4.

The communication deals with the analysis of blood of H.fossilis exposed to paper mill effluent for a period of 90 days. The study recorded fluctuation in respect of TEC, TLC, DLC and Hb percentage. The TEC and HB% declined indicating impairment of respiratory activities, the alteration of DLC and TLC revealed defensive and immune status of the fish.

1 table, 24 ref

023182   Choudhary S (Dep of Zool, R B S Coll, Agra-282 002) : Toxic effects of pyrethroid (Fenvalerate on Drosophila melanogaster. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2005, 15(1), 99-100.

Fenvalerate, newly introduced synthetic pyrethroid, was analysed for its toxic effects on mutant from (Sepia) of Drosophila melanogaster. It has been estimated that the LC₅₀ was 0.01166μl/100 ml food. The study has also revealed that fenvalerate is toxic as it had a pronounced effect on the growth and development.

1 table, 7 ref

023181   Chaudhary M P;chandra R (Environmental Microbiology Sect, Industrial Toxicol Res Cent, M G Marg, Post No. 80, Lucknow-220 001) : Toxicity assessment of heavy metals with Nostoc muscorum L. J envir Biol 2005, 26(1), 129-34.

Heavy metals in aquatic ecosystem (Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu) were tested for their toxicity against Nostoc muscorum L, a common fresh water phytoplankton, with respect to chlorophyll, protein, total carbohydrate and starch contents alongwith growth (OD). Mn showed stimulatory effect up to 1.5 ppm for all the observed parameters. However, Ni, Zn and Cu (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 ppm) showed adverse effects even at 0.1 ppm. Chlorophyll was most sensitive parameter followed by carbohydrate, protein and starch. Ni was most toxic to N. muscorum followed by Cu and Zn. The IC₅₀ for Ni was 0.1 ppm for growth, chlorophyll and protein, while total carbohydrate and starch showed IC₅₀ at 0.3 and 0.4 ppm, respectively. The IC₅₀ for Cu was recorded at 0.2 ppm for all the parameters. Zn shoved IC₅₀ at 0.3 ppm for growth, chlorophyll, protein and starch at 0.4 ppm for carbohydrate. The study can be applied as bioassay using cyanobacteria for toxicity assessment of various industrial wastes in aquatic ecosystem.

4 tables, 41 ref

023180   Chaudhary A;anand P K (Dep of Zool, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014) : Assessment of dominant lethal effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) using mosquito genetics. Pollut Res 2004, 23(4), 767-71.

The screening of pesticides to assess their genotoxic potential using suitable experimental models and protocols is an important research activity in the area of genetic toxicology. The submammalian models like insects are most ideal for testing the dominant lethal effects of suspected environmental mutagens. Deals with the results of dominant lethal tests (DLT) of a pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) on Culex quinquefaciatus. Males originating from larvae treated with LC₂₀ were crossed with normal females and the number of hatched and unhatched eggs was statistically analyzed. The results show CPF induced dominant lethality which led to the production of unhatched eggs. It was also observed that this pesticide is harmful to the genome for the mosquito as it produced structural and numerical aberrations in the chromosomes of male meiosis and structural alterations in the larval polytene chromosomes.

9 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

023179   Brinda S;Bragadeeswaran S (CAS in Mar Biol, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502) : Influence of physico-chemical properties on the abundance of a few economically important juvenile fin-fishes of Vellar estuary. J envir Biol 2005, 26(1), 109-12.

Studies on the economically important juvenile fin-fishes such as Elops machnata, Chanos chanos, Lates calcarifer, Epinephelus sp., Sillago sihama, Etroplus suratensis, Mugil cephalus, Liza parsia and Liza tade with relation to the hydrographical parameters as rainfall, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and pH of Vellar estuary during September 2001 to August 2002. The simple correlation co-efficient showed positive significance against juvenile density with water temperature and dissolved oxygen. The influence of hydrographical parameters to the fin-fishes and its abundance is discussed.

2 illus, 12 ref

023178   Binoy V V;Menon S;Thomas K J (NO, , ) : The influence of methyl paration (metacid) on the behaviour of the climbing perch, Anabas testudineus (Bloch). Pollut Res 2005, 24(2), 253-9.

The effect of an organophosphorus (OP) insecticide, methyl parathion on the behaviour of a freshwater air breathing teleost fish, the Climbing perch, Anabas testudineus was studied. The breathing rate, rate of feeding, performance of sustained swimming behaviour against water current and the learning ability were severely curtailed in the fish exposed to 5 mg/L of methyl parathion. Gill breathing was shut down during the initial days of exposure and the fish relied completely on air breathing during these days. However, opercular movements started from day five onwards and reached near normal level by the sixth day of exposure. Food intake and sustained swimming performance in constantly flowing water was reduced considerably in fish treated with methyl parathion. The treated fish also exhibited inconsistency in associative learning ability when subjected to a conditioning procedure. Hence, it is suggested that methyl parathion may interfere with several vital behavioural functions of the fish and thus reduce the normal survival ability of the species.

4 illus, 21 ref

023177   Biju S D;Bossuyt F (Biol Dep Unit of Ecology and Systematics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel(VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brusselts, Belgium) : A new species of frog (Ranidae, ehacophorinae, Philautus) from the rainforest canopy in the western ghats, India. Curr Sci 2005, 88(1), 175-7.

A new frong of the genuys Philautus is described from Wayanad district in the Western Ghats of India. It differs from all its congeners by the combination of webbed fingers, nearly fully webbed toes and a distinct dermal fringe along the outer margin of the foreand hind limbs. Philautus nerostagona sp. nov. exhibits several characteristics suggesting that it is strongly adapted to life in the upper layers of the rainforest.

3 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

023176   Bhatia N P;Sandhu G S;Johal M S (Dep of Zool, S G N Khalsa Coll, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan-335 001) : Haematological alterations in Heteropneustes fossilis upon exposure to endosulfan. Pollut Res 2004, 23(4), 633-6.

The study was conducted to ascertain the effect of sublethal concentrations of endosulfan on some blood parametes in Heteropneustes fossilis. The study revealed atterations in total erythrocytes count (TEC), haemoglobin value (Hb) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH). Initally endosulfan intoxication resulted in increase in number of erythrocytes as well as Hb value after 5 d exposure. The organochlorine pesticide showed deleterious effect on prolonged exposure (15d and 30d) in both erythrocytes count and Hb value. But unlike previous two parameters MCH value showed decrease after 5 d exposure but MCH value increased on prolonged exposure (15 d and 30d). The alterations in blood parameters resulted in anemia and thus impair the oxygen carrying capacity of the fish.

1 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

023175   Baruah B K;Sengupta S;Das M (Dep of Zool, Cott Coll Guwahati, Guwahati-781 001, Email: binodekbaruah@rediff.com) : Effect of paper mill effluent of muscle protein profile of fish Heteropneustes fossilis (bloch). Pollut Res 2004, 23(4), 623-5.

In the experiment fishes were exposed to Paper mill effluent for a period of 90 days. The muscle soluble protein profile was analysed at the interval of 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days and compared to that of control. Exposure to 30 days resulted gradual decline in protein profile which may be explained as increased proteolysis to provide energy to the fishes to carry on activities under environmental stress. Exposure beyond 30 days revealed partial recovery of protein profile perhaps by regulating the proteolysis through cellular homeostasis in the adverse environment.

2 tables, 20 ref