001228   TELAVE A B, CHANDANKAR S R, PAWAR G P (Botany Dep, Tuljaram Chaturchand Coll of Arts, Science & Commerce, Baramati- 413 102,Maharashtra) : Hyblaea puera cramer: Ravager of Avicennia marina from raigad coast, Maharashtra. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27-S1, 159-61.

Hyblaea puera Cramer is commonly known as Teak defoliator attack mostly the teak plant. This defoliator has migratory behavior feed on young tender leaves of teak. In the absence of young leaves it appears to found on other alternate host. During the field survey on the mangrove habitat of Maharashtra coast this defoliator was observed on Avicennia marina. The infection was very heavy and has damaged almost all individuals of A. marina. It was also recorded that the domestic crow generally feeds on this pest and exhibits the bio-control mechanism.

1 illus, 10 ref

001222   MATHAN G, VENKATESAN A, KARIKALAN L (Botany Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar- 608 002, Tamil Nadu) : Appraisal of water quality index of textile effluent for agricultural irrigation. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27-S1, 124-6.

The calculation of Water Quality Index of an effluent is a simplest and best method to know the quality of an effluent. The important Physico-chemical parameters for irrigation was analyzed from the collected textile effluent and Water Quality Index of textile effluent was calculated from the measurement of Physicochemical parameters made, which reveals that the WQI of the study effluent was severe. So, from the study it is advised not to use the effluent directly before proper treatment or dilution for agricultural irrigation because the property of effluent may disturb the aim of usage.

2 tables, 9 ref

001190   RAJKUMARI J D, BHATTACHARJEE S (Botany Dep, Cotton Univ, Guwahati- 786 001, Assam) : Karyotype analysis of some indigenous cultivars of Zingiber officinale ROSC. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27-S2, 297-301.

Chromosome characterization and Karyotypic analysis of four (4) indigenous cultivars of Zingiber officinale Rosc. of Assam, India was carried out. These cultivars are widely cultivated among the farmers of Assam and are rich source of gene pool. Genetic diversity exists in Zingiber officinale Rosc. of Assam and all these cultivars have economic importance. Karyotypic analysis is considered as one of the dependable criteria to find out the genetic background and to access the evolutionary status of the species..The present study reports 2n=24 and 2n=26 mitotic chromosome number in four (4) cultivars. The cultivars showed differences with respect to their total chromosome length, length of Long and short Arm of chromosome, relative Length percentage, Arm ratio, Centromeric Index etc. Chromosome asymmetry was accessed by considering several asymmetry measures and all four cultivars showed symmetric karyotype but with variable TF% value, Ask%, CVCL index, CVCI index etc. Among the cultivars CV2 was found to have most symmetric karyotype.

4 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

001183   CHETHAN K G, NATARAJA S (Post-Graduate Studies & Research in Applied Botany Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Shankaraghatta- 577 451, Karnataka) : Correlation and path coefficient analysis for yield and yield components characters of fifty indigenous maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27-S2, 251-5.

During the present research work, Fifty Indigenous inbred lines were evaluated during Kharif 2018 for yield and yield contributing characters. Correlation analysis revealed that grain yield was positively and significantly correlated with Germination %, Ear height(cm), Cob Length(cm), Cob width (mm), No. Rows per cob, Grains/ Row (no.), Dehusk cob weight ( g), Rind weight(g), Test Weight(g), while, grain yield was negatively correlated with Shelling percentage. Path analysis revealed that highest positive direct effect of Dehusk cob weight on grain yield followed by Shelling %, Ear height, Days to 50% tasseling, Test Weight, Grains/ Row, Cob width.

2 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

001180   LALAWMPUIA, LALRUATSANGA H (Botany Dep, Mizoram Univ, Tanhril- 796 004) : Impact of plant age on dehydrogenase activity of soil in oil palm (Elaeisguineensis Jacq.) plantation sites of Buhchangphai, Mizoram, India. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27-S2, 236-8.

The activity of dehydrogenases is one of the most frequently used biological parameters for the evaluation of soil quality. They are a potent factor in shaping the diversity of soil microorganism. Among all enzymes in the soil environment, dehydrogenasesare one of the most important, and are used as an indicator of overall soil microbial activity (Quilchano and Marañon, 2002; Gu et al., 2009; Salazar et al., 2011). Establishment of Oil Palm Plantation provoke many statement which posses immense challenge, that mono cropping practice of Oil Palm (Elaeisguineensis Jacq.) Plantation could have an impact on the soil enzymatic activity and the research aim to study the status of soil Dehydrogenase Activity (DHA) in soil of different ages of plantation. The data were collected during late monsoon and study site was located at Buhchangphai. In the study site, weeding was done periodically near the main trunk. Soil from plantation managed with fertilizer and plantation free from fertilizer were analyzed separately. Soil samples were collected from palm avenue which represent plant age of 3, 5, 10 and 15 years old. Soil was sampled 0-15 cm depth from two plots P (1) 2m, P (2) 5m away from the main trunk. V method sampled soil was then brought to laboratory in insulated ice box for analysis. Soil type is mainly sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Dehydrogenase activity was determined using TTC reduction method (Casida, 1977). The result showed a significant decline in DHA as the Palm age increase, and P(1) having decrease DHA in comparison to P(2) in all the study sites. The reduction of enzyme activity in any agriculture land over time is a concern. The DHA were significantly reduced in soil of older plantation elsewhere and therefore further research in determining the reason of disruption in soil enzymatic activity is yet a big challenge.

1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

000842   Choudhary R K (Botany Dep, Ram Lakhan Singh Yadav Coll, Bihar, Email: drrajeshkumar.choudhary9@gmail.com) : Sacred plants with medicinal uses. Bio-Sci Res Bull 2021, 37(1), 12-6.

India is a country of farmers and festivals. On every occasion there is a festival (with various names in different parts of country) with rituals. Many God and Goddess have been worshipped here. Whole plant or plant parts such as twigs, leaves, bark, buds, flowers, fruit, seeds etc have been utilized by peoples during worshipping. This report discussed about eight plant species named as Ficus religiosa, Prosopis cineraria, Emblica officinalis, Mangifera indica, Curcuma longa, Oryza sativa, Hordeum vulgare and Triticum aestivum and its parts utilized in Aurangabad district in religious rituals and ceremonies. These plants also have medicinal values, used for treatment of various diseases.

30 ref

001149   GUPTA A, HAOBIJAM S (Life Sciences Dep, Manipur Univ, Imphal- 795 008) : Life form analysis of weeds from Paddy agro– ecosystem at Imphal East, Manipur, North – Eastern India. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27-S2, 13-9.

Plants can be grouped in life-form classes based on their similarities in structure and function. A life-form is characterized by plant adaptation to certain ecological conditions and is an important part of vegetation description, ranking next to floristic composition. Altogether 62 species were found in the explorative survey from paddy agroecosystem and placed covering the main physiognomic structures as per Raunkier (1934) that included 34 monocot and 28 dicot species belonging to 15 families under 48 genera. The dominant families were Poaceae, Asteraceae, Cyperaceae and Amaranthaceae. In the floristic spectrum, the most represented life-forms were Chamaephytes followed by Hemicryptophytes. The percentage contribution of Poaceae was 43.55% followed by Cyperaceae and Asteraceae as 9.68% each. Chamaephytes (37.09%), Hemicryptophytes (29.04 %), Therophytes (14.52%), Cryptophytes (12.90 %) and Phenerophytes (6.45%) were the different life forms recorded. The biological spectrum was compared with Raunkiaer’s ‘normal spectrum’ which acts as a null model against which different life-form spectra could be compared, pointing out that Chamae-Hemicrytophytic life-form characterized the phytoclimate of the agroecosystem under the present study.

4 illus, 3 tables, 51 ref

001131   MAROYI A (Botany Dep, Fort Hare Univ, Alice- 5700, South Africa) : Diversity of edible plants in home gardens of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27(1), 374-81.

Many plant species cultivated and maintained in home gardens offer a wide range of ecosystem goods and services. The current study was undertaken in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa to document edible plant species cultivated and maintained in home gardens.Research data were collected through interviews and field surveys carried out in different seasons with one hundred and thirty two randomly selected participants. During the interviews, we documented information on names of edible plants grown and managed in home gardens, uses, plant parts used and preparation of edible plants. A total of 40 edible plantsbelonging to 34 genera and 23 families were recorded in the study area. The plant families with the highest number of edible plants were Amaranthaceae (5 species), followed by Asteraceae and Solanaceae with 4 species each, and Rosaceae with 3 species.The main uses of plants grown and maintained in home gardens were edible fruits (45.0%), leafy vegetables (40.0%), edible tubers (15.0%), edible seeds and culinary herbs or spices (10.0% each). The species which were categorized as important with a relative frequency of citation (RFC) values e”0.3 were Brassica oleracea L., Solanum tuberosum L., Zea mays L., Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ex Poir., Spinacia oleracea L. and Cucurbita maxima Duchesne. Home gardens are important agroforestry land-use systems that need to be recognized in terms of their food production

4 illus, 2 tables, 43 ref

001094   CHOUDHARY A, RIJHWANI S (Botany Dep, IIS Univ, Jaipur- 302 020, Rajasthan) : A review of multi-dimensional benefits of innovative agricultural practices with special reference to agroforestry and agrosilvipastoral systema. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27(1), 129-34.

Agroforestry is a scientific farming practice of ancient times in which farmers maintained trees on agricultural landscape. It is a sustainable land use system in which crops, trees and livestock are maintained together on same land to increase total yield and income. Agroforestry can alter the micro climate of soil under tree canopy. It plays an important role in enhancement of farm productivity, climate change mitigation, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, phytoremediation, water conservation, improvement in quality of soil by addition of plant and animal waste. This land use system combines production with conservation of ecology. This paper examines the major benefits of agroforestry systems on agricultural landscape: (i) conservation of biodiversity (ii) carbon sequestration (iii) soil enrichment. Various studies indicate that agroforestry can be promoted in farming practices due to its environmental benefits and ecosystem services.

32 ref

001082   ROSADA I, NURLIANI, GOBEL F A, AMRAN F D, AMINAH (Muslim Indonesia Univ, Makassar, Indonesia) : Strategy development to improve food security at the household level of rice farmers in South Sulawesi Indonesia. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27(1), 29-39.

Rice farmers are a group of low social capacity people. Though rice production target was achieved but their welfare remains undeveloped. The objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate determinants of food security; 2) identify sociocultural aspects of households that achieve food security; 3) develop strategies to improve food security of smallholder farmers in Pinrang Regency. This study was conducted, with 50 respondents, in Samaulue Village, Lanrisang District, Pinrang Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. This research location is an area with a rice agroecosystem type. The study used qualitative and quantitative approaches (mixed methods), data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and documentation of rice farmers’ households. Data analysis uses descriptive qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis. This study concluded that most households in the paddy agroecosystem were categorized as food insecure (66 %), while the others were food secure (34%). Among the food security determinant, food availability such as rice production and farmer income were the supporting factors, while food access and food utilization were the hampering factors. In a farmer’s household in the rice agro-system, food is one way to express a sense of solidarity, solidarity, and social ties. The study results found that household decision-making patterns tended to show the relatively equal positions of spouses in decision-making. This study proposed four strategies that can be selected by farmer groups. First, improving institutional purchase of production facilities and marketing of agricultural products to create farmers bargaining position (avoiding fluctuations in input prices and output output). Second, improving the quality of products that are oriented toward the local, domestic and international markets. Diversifying main food through preservation of local food resource to anticipate the entry of imported food. Improving the government support on increasing outreach activities and training on marketing strategies for online-based agricultural products (e-marketing).

3 illus, 6 tables, 21 ref

001081   KUDRAT-E-KHUDA (Daffodil International Univ, Dhaka- 1207, Bangladesh) : An international environmental court and the international legalism: An overview from legal context. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27(1), 24-8.

This article gives an overview and comes up with an assessment on the recent move led by the International Court for the Environment (ICE) Coalition to get support for the constitution of an international environmental court. This paper argues about Judith Shklar’s idea of legalization and its recent up-gradation by Eric Posner Eric and provides a conceptual background for looking at the idea. It also suggests that the poor attention on legal remedies emphasizing legal accountability and liability seems inadequate. In spite of the limitations, it can be said that the contribution of the ICE Coalition to the debate, on how to best deal with collective action problems damaging the environment, can help develop long-term solutions.

11 ref

001080   ARAT A A, JASIM A H (Al-Qasim Green Univ, Iraq) : Study of some factors to tolerance of different environmental stress to sweet corn plants. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27(1), 18-23.

The experiment was carried out in Abu Gharq (10 km west of the Hillah city) during the fall season 2019, in silt clay loam soil, to study the effect of three planting dates (15 July, 1 August and 15 August), two plant densities (40000 and 80,000 plant ha^-1), and silicon spraying with four concentrations (0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 ml/ L^-1) and their interaction on yield of sweet corn hybrid. Split-split arrangement according to randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was used. The data were analyzed and the averages were tested according to the least significant difference at 0.05 probability level. The most important results obtained that, seeding dates affected most of the outcome indicators , and 15 August achieved the highest number of rows (18.52) per year, grains per row ( 316.3 grains), weight of 100 grains (32.52 g), plant grain yield (130.2 g) and total grain yield ( 8.011 t ha^-1). The plant density caused significant effect , and the low density achieved the highest ear rows number (15.42) and plant grain yield, while high density achieved the highest total grain yield (7.102 t ha^-1). Silicon spraying caused significant effect and the concentration of 4.5 ml/L^–1 gave high plant grain yield (94.4 g). The interactions had a significant effect on most of the studied traits.

5 tables, 16 ref

001078   KNIPPERS R H M, GALLOIS S, ANDEL T V (Wageningen Univ, The Netherlands) : Commercialization of Aframomum spp in Africa: A systematic review of literature and supporting botanical vouchers. Econ Bot 2021, 75(1), 76-91.

Aframomum (Zingiberaceae) is a genus of plants native to tropical Africa that are sold on African markets as spices and traditional medicine. Not all species of Aframomum are equally abundant or widespread, and no overview exists of the specific species traded or the quality of the species identifications in publications referencing the sale of Aframomum. Through a systematic literature review, we show that 14 species of Aframomum are sold in 15 African countries. The majority of the studies were done in Nigeria and Cameroon and A. melegueta was the most frequently reported species in trade. A. kayserianum was the only commercialized species with confirmed conservation issues. Our literature review shows extensive knowledge gaps regarding the commercialization of Aframomum in Africa. Most studies did not include herbarium vouchers, or only used market-sourced plant material, which impedes the possibilities for species verifications. Additionally, most East African countries were devoid of relevant research. These gaps can be bridged by future research in East Africa and voucher collection from living material. Information on the conservation status of traded Aframomum species can be obtained by population studies on wild resources and documenting local domestication efforts, as the cultivation of marketed species tends to relieve the pressure from wild resources.

7 illus, 2 tables, 54 ref

000836   Paramanik T, Bhattacharyya S (Botany Dep, Centurion Univ of Technology and Management, Odisha, Email: shantanu.bhattacharya@cutm.ac.in) : Gum production and its sustainable harvest from forest: A Review. Ambient Sci 2021, 08(1), 1-5.

Natural Resins and Gums (NRGs) are the major NTFP of Indian Forest products. These NRGs have a highly significant role in the paper, textiles, cosmetics and medicinal (to cure fevers, cough, cold, sexual debilities, dysentery) industries. Due to the increasing demands of NTFPs, sales of such products have been increasing significantly day by day. Now India is one of the top NRGs importers of the world though it has mega diversity hot spots. Improper tapping practices affecting a lot to the gum yielding plants. A proper and Continuous manner of research is required on the different physical, chemical and biological factors affecting gum production in different gum yielding plants to increase the production of gums along with decrease the damages facing the plants.Natural Resins and Gums (NRGs) are the major NTFP of Indian Forest products. These NRGs have a highly significant role in the paper, textiles, cosmetics and medicinal (to cure fevers, cough, cold, sexual debilities, dysentery) industries. Due to the increasing demands of NTFPs, sales of such products have been increasing significantly day by day. Now India is one of the top NRGs importers of the world though it has mega diversity hot spots. Improper tapping practices affecting a lot to the gum yielding plants. A proper and Continuous manner of research is required on the different physical, chemical and biological factors affecting gum production in different gum yielding plants to increase the production of gums along with decrease the damages facing the plants.

52 ref

003403   RAMESH G, PRASAD K D, RAO P S (Botany Dep, Hindu Coll, Guntur - 522 001, Andhra Pradesh, Email: dr.ramesh1506@gmail.com) : Morphological and Anatomical Diversity of Bulbophyllum in India. Curr Hort 2021, Vol 9 (1), 57 - 60.

The Orchidaceae is one of the largest families of flowering plants comprising about 40 per cent of the Monocotyledons. India, due to its tropical location, physiological variation associated with favourable climatic conditions, has a moderately rich orchid flora of about 1350 species in 186 genera. The structure of leaf and leaf basis are taken primary importance in this paper. On this investigation, the anatomy of leaf of Bulbophyllum species is taken for the detailed study, to find out the ecological and taxonomic significance.

1 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

003395   MEGHWAL P R, SINGH A, SINGH D (ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur - 342 003, Email: prm20964@gmail.com) : Research status of lasora (Cordia myxa L.) in India — a review. Curr Hort 2021, Vol 9 (1), 15 - 9.

Indian cherry (Cordia myxa L.), locally called lasora or gonda, is an important multipurpose fruit tree species distributed in arid and semi-arid regions of India. Its versatile adaptability to poor soils, wastelands and tolerance capacity to water stress makes it suitable plant for arid ecosystem. The species is known for its nutritious fruits and diverse uses of other plant parts. It is generally planted as shelter belt on farm boundaries, but now a days, it is grown as planned orchard to fetch premium prices from its fruits in summer season (March-April). In view of its benefits both in tangible and non-tangible terms, the research work on its genetic improvement and production technologies has been attempted at various ICAR institutes and Agricultural Universities. High yielding varieties like Maru Samridhi, Karan Lasora and Thar Bold have been developed by selection from seedling population. The vegetative propagation technique, rootstocks, canopy management and crop regulation by defoliation and irrigation scheduling have been standardized. To review the available information on its germplasm collection, evaluation and improvement as well as production, and post harvest management under-utilized may serve the purpose for benefits of growers, researchers, and policy makers.

30 ref

003394   SINGH A K, SINGH S, SAROJ P L, SINGH G P (ICAR-CIAH, Godhra, Gujarat, Email: aksbicar@gmail.com) : Improvement and production technology of bael (Aegle marmelos) in India — a review. Curr Hort 2021, Vol 9 (1), 3 - 14.

Bael [Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa ex Roxb.], belongs to family Rutaceae, is one of the oldest known indigenous fruit. Its wide distribution reflecting its adaptation to wide range of edaphoclimatic conditions. Bael has ability to withstand harsh climate and tolerate heat, drought and moisture deficit situations.The efforts have been made to present the current status of bael growing in India, and discuss recent technologies adopted for bael fruit production i.e. improved varieties, propagation techniques, planting systems, canopy management, water and nutrient management, quality management, pest and disease management, physiological disorders, marketing and export scenario.

7 illus, 1 table, 69 ref

003390   CHOUDHARY R K (Botany Dep, R.L.S.Y. Coll, Aurangabad - 824 101, Bihar, Email: drrajeshkumar.choudhary9@gmail.com) : Sacred plants with medicinal uses. Bio Sci Res Bull 2021, Vol 37 (1), 12 - 6.

India is a country of farmers and festivals. On every occasion there is a festival (with various names in different parts of country) with rituals. Many God and Goddess have been worshipped here. Whole plant or plant parts such as twigs, leaves, bark, buds, flowers, fruit, seeds etc have been utilized by peoples during worshipping. This report discussed about eight plant species named as Ficus religiosa, Prosopis cineraria, Emblica officinalis, Mangifera indica, Curcuma longa, Oryza sativa, Hordeum vulgare and Triticum aestivum and its parts utilized in Aurangabad district in religious rituals and ceremonies. These plants also have medicinal values, used for treatment of various diseases.

30 ref

003380   HUSSAIN S F, REDDY P S S, REDDY M L N, MURTHY B N S, UPRETI K K, LAXMAN R H, SRINIVASULU B (Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta - 560 089, Bengaluru) : Studies on flower induction and improvement of fruit yield and its attributes in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) CV. Bhagwa. Annals Phytomed 2021, Vol 10 (1), 277 - 88.

The present study was conducted to elucidate the response of different propagules, i.e., tissue culture plants, grafted plants and air layer plants and chemicals, viz., methyl jasmonate 100 ppm plant-1, MeJA 150 ppm plant-1, MeJA 200 ppm plant^-1, nitrobenzene (NB) 1.0 ml litre-¹ plant^-1, NB 1.5 ml litre^-1 plant^-1, NB 2.0 ml litre^-1 plant^-1, soil drenching of paclobutrazol (PBZ) 0.375 g a.i. m^-1 canopy diameter 30 days after bahar treatment, soil drenching of PBZ 0.375 g a.i. m^-1 canopy diameter 45 days after bahar treatment, soil drenching of PBZ 0.375 g a.i. m^-1 canopy diameter 60 days after bahar treatment and control and their interaction effects on induction of flowering at the desired period with higher number of hermaphrodite flowers, percentage of fruit set, improved fruit yield and its attributes along with fruiting in pomegranate. Among the propagules, tissue culture plants produced highest number of hermaphrodite flowers, yield and its attributes during ambe bahar and hastha bahar. Among chemical treatments, soil drenching of paclobutrazol 0.375 g a.i. m^-1 canopy diameter 60 days after bahar treatment resulted in highest number of hermaphrodite flowers, yield and its attributes. While in case of hastha bahar, application of nitrobenzene 2.0 ml litre^-1 plant^-1 implicated in producing high number of hermaphrodite flowers plant^-1, yield and its attributes concomitant with fruiting parameters. Among interactions, tissue culture plants (P1 ) produced significantly high number of hermaphrodite flowers, yield and its attributes along with fruiting parameters when soil drenched with paclobutrazol 0.375 g a.i. m^-1 canopy diameter 60 days after bahar treatment during ambe bahar. During hastha bahar, application of nitrobenzene 2.0 ml litre^-1 plant^-1 to tissue culture plants and grafted plants resulted in production of higher number of hermaphrodite flowers, yield and its attributes along with fruiting parameters.

4 tables, 43 ref

003378   MANI A, MITRA S (Post Harvest Technology Dep, BCKV, Mohanpur - 741 252, West Bengal) : Efficacy of different natural herbs in improving qualitative, sensory and microbiological properties of wood apple jam. Annals Phytomed 2021, Vol 10 (1), 255 - 62.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of addition of different medicinal herbs like Ashwagandha powder @2 %, Tulsi extract @2 %, Mint extract @2%, Lemon grass @2 % and Mango ginger @2 % on quality of wood apple jam. The jam was prepared using standardized process and was evaluated for quality, sensory and microbiological properties up to 12 months of ambient storage. After studying the jam for several biochemical and sensory parameters for 12 months, it was concluded that addition of 2 % mango ginger resulted in the best quality of product. Mango ginger addition in wood apple jam resulted in higher retention of vitamin C content through out the storage. The antibacterial property of mango ginger was also evident with a lower total colony count. The sensory properties of the product blended with mango ginger 2 % exhibited a very high hedonic score and acceptability. Hence, this treatment can be commercialized.

9 tables, 25 ref

003376   GOMASHE S S, INGLE K P, SARAP Y A, CHAND D, RAJKUMAR S (ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa Campus, New Delhi - 110 012) : Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.): An underutilized crop with potential medicinal values. Annals Phytomed 2021, Vol 10 (1), 242 - 8.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), is cultivated mainly for its seed, which is used for the extraction of high quality edible oil. Traditionally, the crop is grown for its flowers, used for paint industry, textile industry, flavouring foods and making dyes. Safflower is used as cut flowers and also having pharmaceutical potential for the treatment of male and female infertility, cardiovascular diseases, reduction in the blood glucose level, treatment of cancer and reduction in the plasma cholesterol level, etc. Despite having such significant potency, the crop has remained minor, neglected and underutilized. Therefore, there is a need of scientific community to focus the research on this crop and make it popularize as a commercial crop with various values added products. Safflower contains numerous chemical components (secondary metabolites) that possess anticoagulant, antioxidant activities and other human health benefits with pharmacological importance such as treatment against cardiac, reproductive and gastrointestinal diseases. Research should be focused on the development of spineless varieties with high oil contents. With all these merits, safflower genetic improvement required to be taken up for enhancing overall productivity and income per unit area. This review provides a brief insight in to the safflower crop biology, related species, world production scenario, its phytomedicinal properties and applications, production constraints and future strategies for its overall improvement.

2 illus, 1 table, 58 ref

003371   TUPKE A H, AKHARE A A, GAHUKAR S J, BAHATKAR B P, ZADOKAR A R, GAIKWAD P N, KATKADE R R (Coll of Food Technology, Akola - 444 104, Maharashtra) : DNA fingerprinting: A novel technique for identification of important species of citrus. Annals Phytomed 2021, Vol 10 (1), 202 - 7.

In the present investigation, seven different species specific SCAR markers were used for discriminating Galgal rootstock from other citrus species under study. The PDKV-1, PDKV-2, PDKV-3, PDKV-4, PDKV-5, PDKV-6 and PDKV-7 show the band size of 283 bp, 159 bp, 172 bp, 347 bp, 150 bp, 137 bp and 347 bp, respectively. The PIC value ranged from 0.38 to 0.88. The highest PIC value was observed in PDKV-7 (0.88), followed by PDKV-1 (0.86) and PDKV-2 (0.83). Out of these primers, PDKV-1, PDKV-2, PDKV-6 and PDKV-7 are the potential markers for Galgal discrimination from Rangpur lime, Alemow, Jambhiri, Orange and Sweet orange. Molecular characterization of citrus species revealed highest similarity between Jambhiri and Alemow while the lowest similarity was observed between Alemow and Galgal. The cluster analysis revealed that Galgal rootstock is more diverse from other five species under study. These results will be very useful in testing the genetic purity of citrus at nursery stage.

4 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

003370   AKSHAYA S B, KRISHNAMOORTHY A S, SANGEETHA C, NAKKEERAN S, THIRIBHUVANAMALA G (Plant Pathology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore - 641 003) : Investigation on antifungal metabolites of Chinese caterpillar fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) against wilt causing pathogen, Fusarium spp.. Annals Phytomed 2021, Vol 10 (1), 195 - 201.

Soil-borne diseases pose a major threat to the production of both agricultural and horticultural crops. Fusarium genus is one of the common soil-borne fungi which causes wilt disease with typical symptoms of yellowing, stunting, and wilting and leads to even 100 per cent yield loss under severe conditions. Owing to the residual effects of fungicides and pesticides, eco-friendly approaches are the current focus of researchers all over the globe. Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) G.H. Sung and his team popularly called as Chinese caterpillar fungus is an entomophagous fungus that belongs to the phylum Ascomycota secretes secondary metabolites known to possess antimicrobial properties and used in medicine. In this view, the present study was formulated to tap antimicrobial metabolites from O. sinensis against Fusarium spp. The ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions of cell-free culture filtrate (18 days old) of O. sinensis at a concentration of 3000 ppm showed maximum inhibition of mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (43.10 and 46.6 per cent, respectively), followed by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (42.20 and 41.10 per cent, respectively), when tested by poisoned food technique. Similarly, the methanolic and ethyl acetate fraction of O. sinensis of CFC condensate tested at higher concentrations of 9000 ppm by paper disc assay, showed maximum inhibition of F. o f.sp cubense (72.20 and 70.20 per cent, respectively), followed by F. of. sp lycopersici (61.10 and 66.60 per cent, respectively). Characterization of antimicrobial metabolites of the methanolic fraction of CFC of O. sinensis through GC-MS analysis indicated the presence of twelve different compounds. Among these, n-decanoic acid, glycerin, and 1, 2, 3-benzenetriol was expressed with the highest peak area percentage which might be responsible for antifungal activity. Chitinase gene expression evidenced with the expression of amplicon size of 1047 bp indicates that O. sinensis may also play a major role as a biocontrol agent. This study paves the way for identifying the antifungal compounds of O. sinensis against Fusarium spp.

4 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

003356   DESAI S D, PAI S R, DESAI N S (Botany Dep, Dada Patil Mahavidyalaya, Karjat - 414 402, Ahmednagar) : A review on Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn.: The wonder medicinal plant with prodigious potential in therapeutics. Ann Phy 2021, Vol 10 (1), 62 - 73.

Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn., a medicinal plant belonging to the family Combretaceae is known to display rich phytochemical profile. TA harbors several bioactive molecules such as glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, phenolics and minerals. This review is an attempt to cover various clinical and experimental studies that reveals the clinical relevance of this plant. Most of the studies have indicated that TA possesses various medicinal properties like cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antitumor, antibacterial, antioxidant, gastric, molluscicidal, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. This plant is also reported to enhance wound healing and bone mineralization process. This review presents no potential toxicity imposed by this plant extract but reflects the requirement of more extensive studies to be conducted in order to understand the long-term effect along with its molecular mechanism. This comprehensive review also provides information on various food products made using TA plant extract.

1 illus, 2 tables, 98 ref

003354   KUMAR S, SINGH R R, NAGAR P S, DWIVEDI M (Botany Dep, The M.S. Univ of Baroda, Vadodara - 390 002, Gujarat) : Morphological, anatomical characterization and profiling of laxative principles sennosides in fifteen species from genus Cassia, Chamaecrista and Senna. Ann Phy 2021, Vol 10 (1), 33 - 44.

Cassia, Chamaecrista, and Senna species are potential sources of laxative principle sennosides. About 45 species belonging to the family are reported from India. It is often essential to confirm the identity of official drug material as mentioned in the Pharmacopoeia. In the present investigation, 15 species were selected for morphological and anatomical characterization. Profiling of sennosides A and B in extracts of leaves of selected species was also carried out using a RP-HPLC method. Selected species could be differentiated on the basis of their habit, morphological and anatomical characters. S. alata, S. auriculata, S. polyphylla, S. surattensis are shrub or small tree whereas S. alexandrina,  C. pumila, S. tora,  C. mimosoides, C. absus,  S. occidentalis, S. uniflora are herb and C. fistula, C. javanica, C. renigera and S. siamea are tree. These species can be differentiated by the shape of the leaflets, viz., oblong, obovate-oblong in S. alata, S. auriculata, C. javanica, S. surattensis, S. tora and S. uniflora; elliptic-lanceolate in S. alexandrina; ovate-elliptical in C. fistula; Ovate-lanceolate in S. occidentalis; oblong to suborbicular in Chamaecrista absus; oblong-elliptic in S. polyphylla and  linear-oblong  in Chamaecrista mimosoides and Chamaecrista pumila. The length of the petiole in the selected species was in the range of 0.1 to 0.9 mm. The length of the leaves also varied in these species such as the leaflets were very small in size in S. auriculata ,  Chamaecrista mimosoides, S. poly phylla a nd Ch amaecrista pumila. Medium size leaflets were present in S. alexa nd rin a, C. java nic a, Chamaecrista absus, C. renigera, S. tora and  S. uniflora. The leaflets size were comparatively larger in S. alata, S. occidentalis ,  C. fistula   and  S. surattensis. The weight of the leaves was directly proportional to the size of the leaves. The anatomical characterstics showed that C. fistula, S. polyphylla, Chamaecrista pumila, S. surattensis and  S. siamea had  amphicribal  type  of  vascular bundle and xylem was surrounded by phloem whereas in S. alata, S. alexandrina, Chamaecrista absus, Chamaecrista mimosoides, S. auriculata, C. javanica, C. renigera, S. tora and  S. uniflora had  collateral type of vascular bundle in which phloem was towards abaxial side and xylem towards adaxial side. Based on the sennoside content, three species, i.e., S. tora , C. javanica and S. occidentalis could be considered as potential alternative sources of sennoside A and B.

3 illus, 4 tables, 55 ref

003348   SURESH J, NAGANNA R, NIKHIL B S K, REDDY S S, REDDY C N (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Coll of Agriculture, Rajendranagar) : RNA interference: A new sustainable approach for insect pest management. Asian Jr of Microbiol Biotech Env Sc 2021, Vol 23 (2), 294 - 302.

RNA interference (RNAi) refers to a group of post-transcriptional or transcriptional gene silencing mechanisms conserved from fungi to mammals. It is a phenomenon primarily for the regulation of gene expression, self or nonself depending upon the surrounding factors or conditions. It is done in nature with the help of non-coding RNA molecules to control cellular metabolism and helps in maintaining genomic integrity by preventing the invasion of viruses and mobile genetic elements. It is a simple and rapid method of silencing gene expression in a range of organisms as a consequence of degradation of RNA into short RNAs that activate ribonucleases to target homologous mRNA. The process of RNAi can be mediated by either small interfering RNA (siRNA) or micro-RNA (miRNA). The RNAi pathway is triggered by the presence of double-stranded RNA, which is cleaved by the ribonuclease-III domain-containing enzyme, Dicer to generate 20-25 nucleotide long siRNA duplexes, siRNA is then loaded onto the RNA- induced silencing complex (RISC), in which an Argonaute (Ago)-family protein, guided by the siRNA, mediates the cleavage of homologous RNAs. Synthetic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) introduced into cells can selectively and robustly induces suppression of specic genes of interest. Because of its exquisite specicity and efficiency, RNAi is being considered as valuable research tool, not only for functional genomics, but it also has considerable potential for the control of insect pests.

2 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

003332   SURESH J, NAGANNA R, NIKHIL B S K, REDDY S S, REDDY C N (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Coll of Agriculture, Rajendranagar) : The CRISPR/CAS mediated genome editing: A novel insect pest management strategy. Asian Jr of Microbiol Biotech Env Sc 2021, Vol 23 (2), 205 - 12.

The recent development of gene-editing technologies, such as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and associated protein (CRISPR/Cas), opened new avenues for the development of novel pest control measures. The CRISPR/Cas9 system acts via a ribonucleoprotein complex, where the target recognition lobe of Cas9 directs specific binding to target DNA through interacting with homologous sgRNA and the excision lobe cuts the DNA. CRISPR-containing organisms acquire DNA fragments from invading bacteriophages and plasmids before transcribing them into CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) to guide cleavage of invading RNA or DNA. The efficiency of target editing is dependent on intrinsic factors specific to each species, the target gene sequence, and the delivery methods of CRISPR gRNA and the Cas nuclease. The CRISPR/Cas9 cargo is delivered in different formats for genome editing in cells; Cas9 may be delivered as a DNA or mRNA molecule encoding for the cas9 gene, or it may be delivered as a functional ribonucleoprotein (RNP) into insect body for the control. In cultures, CRISPR cargo is commonly delivered by physical or non-viral and viral delivery approaches viz., physical approaches; lipofection, electroporation, nucleofection, microinjection and viral vectors such as lentiviruses, adenovirus, and adeno-associated virus (AAV) are broadly used as delivery vehicles of CRISPR cargo for efficient genome editing

2 illus, 1 table, 34 ref

003329   NAWSUPE S G, PATIL S C (Botany Dep, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri - 413 722) : Micropropagation studies in ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera). Asian Jr of Microbiol Biotech Env Sc 2021, Vol 23 (2), 192 - 5.

The present investigation on micropropagation studied in ashwagandha (Withania somnifera ) were to study the response of various genotypes on different media. The various genotypes were collected from Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Project, MPKV, Rahuri, Dist, Ahmednagar. Among the different media concentration tried for the establishment of the culture. Least period for the establishment for all genotypes responded on MS media supplemented with 2 mg/l BAP and 0.4 mg/l KIN. However embryogenic callus was formed on MS medium containing 2,4-D (0.5 mg/l) after 2 weeks of subculture. Regeneration was noticed within 3.66 to 12.33 days. The genotype RAS-2 took minimum days 3.66 for emergence of first shoots on media MS + 2 mg/l BAP+2 mg/l KIN. Maximum number of multiple shoots (7.00) were produced by RAS-2 genotype on media MS+3mg/l BAP+1mg/l IAA). The optimums rooting to the shoot were recorded on MS supplemented with 1 mg/l IBA. Maximum percentage of survival 80 % observed in genotype RAS2 plantlets was established after hardening.

2 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

003326   SOWMYA S J, SINGH S, SINGH V (Agronomy Dep, Naini Agricultural Institute, Prayagraj - 211 007, Uttar Pradesh) : Performance of plant growth regulators and micronutrient on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.). Asian Jr of Microbiol Biotech Env Sc 2021, Vol 23 (2), 175 - 81.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2020 at Crop Research Farm, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) to study the performance of plant growth regulators and micronutrient on growth and yield of Maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with eight treatments each replicated thrice. It was observed that T₃ Superzyme 900 ml/ha foliar spray at 30 and 60 DAS was found to be the best treatment for obtaining growth and yield attributes such as plant height (196.20 cm), dry matter accumulation (573.07 g/m² ), Crop growth rate (2.42 g/m² /day), cob length (18.77cm), cob girth (14.47 cm), No. cobs per plant (1.53), No. grains per cob (331.53), No. of grains per row (29.80), No. of rows per cob (11.36), seed index (29.00 g), grain yield (5.23 t/ha) while net returns (110770.78 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (2.40) were also recorded in application of Superzyme 900 ml/ha foliar spray at 30 and 60 DAS. From the above experiment, it was concluded that application of Superzyme 900 ml/ha foliar spray at 30 and 60 DAS was found to be more productive as well as economic.

2 tables, 19 ref

003324   REDDY E S, SINGH S (Agronomy Dep, Naini Agricultural Institute, Prayagraj - 211 007, Uttar Pradesh) : Effect of spacing and potassium levels on growth and yield of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.). Asian Jr of Microbiol Biotech Env Sc 2021, Vol 23 (2), 158 - 62.

A field experiment was carried out during Kharif season of 2020 at crop research farm of SHUATS, Prayagraj to study about the Effect of Spacing and Potassium levels on growth and yield of Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) The experiment was laid out in randomized bolck design by keeping three spacing levels, i.e. S - (20 x 10 cm), S2 – (30 x 10 cm) and S3 – (40 x 10 cm) and three potassium levels i.e. K1 – (20 kg ha-1), K2 – (40 kg ha^-1) and K3 – (60 kg ha^-1) and which was replicated three times. Results revealed that spacing of 30 x 10 cm + 40 kg/ha K recorded significantly higher in plant height (98.14 cm), number of tillers per m² (211.00), number of effective tillers per m² (180.80), number of grains per earhead (2128.67), test weight (4.46 g), grain yield (3.50 t/ha) and harvest index (47.00%). However, net returns (71293.00 INR/ ha) and B:C ratio (2.11) was also obtained with the application of spacing 30 x 10 cm + 40 kg/ha K. Therefore authors concluded that spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm + 40 kg/ha K can produce more grains and will be economically effective.

2 tables, 18 ref

003323   MATHUR M, AGRAWAL S, SUNDARAMOORTHY S (Botany Dep, Gargi Coll, New Delhi - 110 049) : Does patterns of soil erodible fraction in arid region relate with landform types?. Asian Jr of Microbiol Biotech Env Sc 2021, Vol 23 (2), 149 - 57.

Understanding and quantifying the large, unexplained variability in soil erosion data are critical for advancing erosion science, evaluating soil erosion models, and designing erosion experiments. Soil erodible factor has been quantified around the globe with regard to soil properties, land use types and their management methods, but more empirical research is needed to connect the soil erodible fraction (EF) factor and landform types. In this research, we investigated the likely interactions between EF and landform types (Older Alluvial Plain: OAP, Younger Alluvial Plain; YAP and Hilly Undulating Terrain; HUT) and with their biotic (plant community dynamics) and abiotic (soil) components in hot arid region of the India. EF’s behaviors on 36 lands related to specific landform and their interactions with predictor (plant species richness, diversity, evenness, soil nitrogen, phosphorus, moisture, gravel proportion and bare patch index, pH and electric conductivity) were evaluated using non-parametric Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and through partial least square regression. This research proposed that EF was not primarily governed by landform type. At the landform level we found significant negative relationships of species richness and diversity with EF at OAP and YAP. Bare patch size was positively related with EF at OAP only. After sequential use of Variable Importance for the Projection (VIPs), we found that with cumulative data set, richness, species diversity, soil moisture, gravel content and phosphorus were the significant predictors for EF.

3 illus, 9 tables, 48 ref

003322   KUMARI G, KALITA S, HUSSAIN Z, DEKA N C, MEENA B R (Agronomy Dep, Lovely Professional Univ, Jobner, Rajasthan) : Nanoencapsulation to control herbicide residues and resistances: A review. Asian Jr of Microbiol Biotech Env Sc 2021, Vol 23 (2), 140 - 8.

Weeds have the ability to interfere in the life cycle as well as the management practices involved with the crop plants. Their rigidity in adapting to any climate and soil condition has made them nearly impossible to eradicate from crop lands. Integrated weed management is considered the best option to limit their population, but when it comes to managing them at a large scale, herbicides are considered as the easiest method of weed management. But there are negative of herbicides even when their formulations or rotations are used to control weeds, of which their persistence is one. Their overuse has also made the weeds familiar to these chemicals, evolving out resistance in weeds. The use of nanotechnology in the field of agriculture has been developing. Weed management through the use of nanoencapsulated herbicide formulations can be a solution to the problem of weed menace. The article is a review of the potentiality of the nano-formulations in weed control.

8 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

003306   AFRIN S, SHAMIMA K A A, HOQUE M A, SARKER A K, MIAH M A S, BHUIYAN M N I (Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh) : Determination of in vitro antimicrobial activity of stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) leaf extracts against antibiotic resistant microorganisms. Asian Jr of Microbiol Biotech Env Sc 2021, Vol 23 (1), 31 - 41.

Antimicrobial activity of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni), well known as stevia plant which leaves extracts were investigated against a large number of microorganisms, but not yet evaluated its activity against resistant microorganisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial proficiency of stevia against antibiotic resistant microorganisms (10 bacteria, 6 fungi and 16 yeast species) using KirbyBauer disc diffusion technique. Extracts were obtained from the stevia powder of leaves using different solvents like as n-hexane, petroleum ether, acetone, ethanol and water. Among different extracts of stevia, n-hexane, petroleum ether and acetone extracts were more potentially effective with variable efficiency against both gram positive and gram negative resistance bacteria compared to ethanolic and water extracts, respectively. Maximum zone of inhibition (21.0±0.5 mm) was observed with n-hexane extracts against Bacillus cereus and minimum zone of inhibition (7.5±0.5 mm) was specified by the water extracts against Listeria monocytogenes. The n-hexane extracts inhibited significant number of mycelial growth of tested fungi compared to other solvents extracts. Likely as, extracts with n-hexane exhibited more efficacies against most of the tested yeasts, particularly for Candida species. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were also determined. The results of present study indicate that the stevia leaf extracts have inhibitory efficacy against microorganisms and further study will reveal the possibility of employing them in medicines for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by the test microorganisms.

3 illus, 2 tables, 37 ref

003304   MAHMOUD Y A G, SAMMOUR R H, MUSTAFA A Z M A, ALHOZEIM R A (Botany and Microbiology Dep, Tanta Univ, Tanta 31527, Egypt) : Role of sclerotia in the aggressiveness and pathogenicity of sclerotium cepivorum. Asian Jr of Microbiol Biotech Env Sc 2021, Vol 23 (1), 16 - 23.

Twenty-six Egyptian isolates of Sclerotium cepivorum Berk., were collected from eleven Egyptian governorates. Pathogenicity was tested against five onion cultivars grown in local (Giza 6, Giza 20), regional (Baladi from Saudi Arabia), and international (yellow onion from USA and Ailsa Craig from UK) areas. The study revealed that S. cepivorum isolates Kf11, As1, Is, Mf, So1, and So2 had high virulence against all five onion cultivars with ratings of 5, while isolates Kf1, Kf2, Kf3, and Kf4 were rated the lowest in virulence based on disease severity. S. cepivorum sclerotia with high and low pathogenicity of four strains were observed at high and low magnifications using electron microscope analysis to reflect the sclerotia surface and layers. A study of the most virulent S. cepivorum isolate (Is) using electron microscopy showed regular spherical sclerotia, with one pointed end at the germination point. The surface was observed to be rough with many cracks, and contained a thick, multilayered cell wall with small dark spherical precipitates. The inner components of the sclerotia included dense, sharply defined cytoplasmic organelles with a rough outer surface, and a large nucleus with dense chromatin. The avirulent S. cepivorum isolate Kf3 was observed to have irregular sclerotia, and a non-pustular surface with distinctive deep grooves. The Kf3 isolate’s sclerotia contained less dense inner components; the cytoplasmic organelles were smooth and lacked an outer surface while the nucleus was small and granulated and had lighter chromatin than observed in the Is isolate. It can therefore be concluded that S. cepivorum aggressiveness may rely upon content of pigments such as melanin and thickness of cell wall.

1 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

003300   ASWALE D, SUTAR S (Botany Dep, Sir Sayyed Coll, Aurangabad) : Vessel elements in some bignoniaceae. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (2), 293 - 5.

The vessel elements in stems and leaves of 17 genera and 20 species belonging to family Bignoniaceae have been investigated during present study. The vessel elements exhibited variation in their length and breadth.The shape of perforation plate was either oval,rounded, circular or triangular.The position of plate was either terminal, sub-terminal or a lateral, Lateral wall thickening was generally simple pitted, scalariform or reticulate.

16 illus, 7 ref

003299   NAIKWADE P V (Botany Dep, ASP Coll, Devrukh, Maharashtra) : Antibacterial properties of Ageratum conyzoides l.. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (2), 291 - 2.

Antibacterial activity of root, stem and leaf extracts of Ageratum conyzoides L. was tested against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia. For this purpose the extracts were prepared in chloroform, methanol, and acetone. Agar well diffusion method was followed to test antibacterial activity, which was compared with Ciprofloxacin. All parts of Ageratum inhibited in vitro growth of all bacteria under investigation, however the leaves were found to be more effective.

3 tables, 6 ref

003294   PATIL P S, BHUKTAR A S (Botany Dep, Vivekananda Arts, Sardar Dalipsingh Commerce and Science Coll, Aurangabad - 431001, Maharashtra) : Phytochemical screening of Solanum gilo using hr-lcms technique. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (2), 267 - 74.

Solanum gilo Raddi (Solanaceae) is one of the commonly found underutilized vegetables in north-eastern Himalaya India. Phytochemical analysis was done to find out various chemical compounds present in it by employing the technique of High Resolution- Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (HR-LCMS). Alkaloids, AG-1296, alpha solamarine, altersolanol, betamipron, chivosazole A, cordycepin, cycloastragenol, dioscin, dofetilide, flazine, glucoronide, gonoderol B, hemine, lenalidomide, linoleamide, oleamide, solamargine, sulinadacsulfide, and 5,8,12-TRIHOME(9) were detected, which may be precursors of pharmaceutical compounds.

2 illus, 2 tables, 3 ref

003291   NAIK A (Botany Dep, S.B.E.S. Coll of Science, Aurangabad) : Review of research done in cytogenetics at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad (M.S.). Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (2), 257 - 61.

During the years 1975 and 1995, the unit of Cytogenetics at the Department of Botany, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, was actively engaged in cytological research on families Asteraceae and Poaceae (Tribe Maydeae). Cytogenetical work was carried out on Zinnia of family Asteraceae, as well as Maize, Trilobachne and Coix belonging to Tribe Maydeae of family Poaceae. The cytological studies on the genera belonging to tribe Maydeae, revealed various interesting cytological variants, many of which were reported for the first time.

26 ref

003289   CHETIA C, CHUTIA P, RAHMAN A (Entomology Dep, Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Jorhat - 785 008, Assam) : Pesticidal effect of some organics on yellow tea thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis hood. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (2), 252 - 3.

Present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of some organics on yellow tea thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood under laboratory conditions. It was observed that the combination of Vermiwash @ 1:5+Neem oil 2 %+ Cow urine 50 %+ Sapindus mukorossi fruit pericarp extract 5 % showed highest mortality of adult Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood after 96 hours of treatment.

1 table, 7 ref

003288   MIR S R (Botany Dep, Prof. Ramkrishna More A.C.S Coll, Pune, Maharashtra) : Studies on methods of drying flowers and leaves. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (2), 248 - 51.

Present investigation was undertaken to compare five methods of drying flowers and leaves for their preservation. The drying methods includedAir drying, Press drying, Glycerin drying, Hot air oven drying and Silica gel drying. Total 45 leaves and flower samples were dried and drying time required for each sample was recorded.

1 table, 14 ref

003287   JAGTAP A A, MAMLAYYA A B, KAMBLE V V, DESAI M S (Botany Dep, Karmaveer Hire Colle, Kolhapur - 416 209, Maharashtra) : Effect of sulphate and phosphate sources on growth of Sclerotium rolfsii Causing rhizome rot of turmeric. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (2), 246 - 7.

The effect of different sulphate and phosphate sources on growth of Sclerotium rolfsii resistant and sensitive isolates to carbendazim was examined on Czapek Dox Agar medium. Highest growth of the fungus was observed on the medium supplemented with ammonium sulphate and potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate.

2 tables, 1 ref

003286   MEHER S, DESHBHRATAR S, MAHALEY J, GAJBHIYE S (Botany Dep, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's H.S. Coll, Chowpatty, Mumbai) : Assessment of heavy metal contamination in Banganga river, Palghar- Boisar region, Palghar, Maharashtra. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (2), 243 - 5.

Heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb, Mn, Fe, Zn, Hg, Cu, Cr) in surface water of Banganga River, Palghar were periodically determined by Atomic Absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Most of the heavy metals were found to be introduced into the river, in the form of industrial effluents from adjoining MIDC area. Thus, Industrialization in Palghar- Boisar region resulted in resource degradation resulting into decline in water quality.

1 table, 6 ref

003285   JADHAO A B, DEORE A N (Botany Dep, Arts and Science Coll Pulgaon, Wardha) : Addition of Tragia plukenetii radcl-sm. (Euphorbiaceae) To flora of Buldana district. (Ms), India. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (2), 241 - 2.

Present communication reports addition and distribution of Tragia Plukenetii Radcl-Sm. (Euphorbiaceae) from Buldana district Maharashtra state. A comprehensive description, distribution, photographs, phenology, habit, citation, family, locality, morphology of the species have been given.

1 illus, 6 ref

003284   KAMBLE P P, KAMBLE S S (Botany Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur - 416 004) : Effect of different carbon sources on the antagonistic potential of Trichoderma viride (Wild and mutants). Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (2), 238 - 40.

Antagonistic potentiality of Trichoderma viride was analyzed against Pythium aphanidermatum causing rhizome rot of turmeric, by employing dual culture technique. Different carbon sources such as Fructose, Galactose, Dextrose, Maltose, Starch, Glucose and Sucrose were incorporated into Czapek Dox agar culture medium at the concentration of 3 % for evaluation of their effect on antagonistic activity of Trichoderma viride wild (Tv_w) and mutants (Tv_UV-40 and Tv_{SA- 56}). Sucrose was found to be the most favorable carbon source in all Trichoderma viride strains (Tv_w Tv_UV-40 and Tv_SA-56 with showed inhibition in the growth of Pythium aphanidermatum to the extent of 64.6, 68.8 and 69.4 % respectively. Whereas, lowest antagonistic activity was recorded with Galactose in case of Tv_w (57.7 %) and Tv_SA-56 (55.5 %) strains, whereas Tv_UV-40 showed enhanced antagonistic potential (61.1 %).

1 table, 14 ref

003283   VHANALAKAR S A, JAGTAP V A, BHAGAT C P (Karmaveer Hire Arts, Science, Commerce and Education Coll, Kolhapur - 416 209) : Fortification of plant protein sources in the fish food for Cyprinus carpio. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (2), 235 - 7.

Suitability of various plant proteins in the diet of common carp, Cyprinus carpio was studied. Conventional fish meal (CM) containing groundnut oilcake and rice bran was compared with four experimental diets containing plant proteins from different sources e.g. Asparagus meal (AM); Eichhornia meal (EM); Gliricidia meal (GM). Promising growth of fish was observed due to the fortification of plant proteins in fish food. The results indicated that plant proteins can substitute up to 40 % of the total protein in the diet of fish.

3 tables, 15 ref

003282   GODBOLE R P, GOKHALE M V, TORO S V (Botany Dep, Government of Maharashtra's Rajaram Coll, Kolhapur) : Populations of Cardamine occulta hornem. from various habitats of south-western Maharashtra. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (2), 230 - 1.

An attempt has been made to study populations of Cardamine occulta Hornem naturally growing under different habitats in south western Maharashtra. The population of this species was found to be small and fragmented.

1 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

003281   CHILLAWAR R (Botany Dep, Yeshwant Mahavidyalaya, Nanded) : Gardenia gummifera linn. (Rubiaceae): Anaddition to the flora of Marathwada. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (2), 228 - 9.

Gardenia gummifera Linn. belonging to family Rubiaceae has been reported from Shelgaon village,UmriTaluka, Nanded district,from Marathwada region of the Maharashtra state for the first time. It is an addition to the Flora of Marathwada.

3 ref

003280   AVCHAR B K (Botany Dep, Vidya Pratishthan's Arts, Science and Commerce Coll, Pune - 413 133, Maharashtra) : Phytochemical analysis of Aristolochia bracteolata lam. root extract. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 ( 2 ), 226 - 7.

Preliminary phytochemical screening of methanolic root extract of Aristolochia bracteolata Lam. showed presence of alkaloids, glycosides, Saponins, starch and proteins. HPTLC fingerprint analysis revealed presence of Aristolochic acid and triterpenoids as unique chemical constituents, which may be used as a diagnostic tool for validation of the plant. The results from HPTLC fingerprint analysis of the methanolic root extract of Aristolochia bracteolata is useful as a phytochemical marker and also a good estimator of genetic variability in plant population.

2 illus, 8 ref

003277   PATIL V L, CHAVAN N S (Botany Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur) : Salt secretion pattern in Acanthus ilicifolius L.. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 ( 2 ), 212 - 4.

Secretion of salts is one of the characteristic features of mangroves, through which they regulate ion concentration in the tissues. For this purpose, they bear salt glands, which are useful in the process of secretion. Acanthus ilicifolius L. is one of the salt secreting mangrove species. During present investigation, Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Chlorides were analyzed from the salts secreted by this plant. The concentration of Chlorides was found to be highest, while minimum Potassium was secreted by the leaves. Sodium and Calcium were also secreted in appreciable amounts. Maximum Sodium was 2 secreted from first leaf (1.248 mg / l / cm ), which followed a decreasing trend 2 with leaf maturity, reaching lowest concentration (0.038 mg / l / cm ) in senescent leaf. Almost similar pattern was followed by remaining three elements. Secretion of elements was found to be related to the density of salt glands, which was 2 2 maximum in immature leaf (13600 / cm ), while minimum (1300 / cm ) in matured 11^th leaf.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

003276   HINGOLE D G, KENDRE A H (Plant pathology Dep, Coll of agriculture Badnapur, Jalna) : Management of macrophomina phaseolina causing charcoal rot of soybean (Glycine max L.) Through soilamendment. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 ( 2 ), 208 - 11.

Attempts were made to manage charcoal rot disease of soybean (Glycine max L.) caused by Macrophomina phaseolina by applying organic amendments. Out of the 11 amendments tested, Neem seed cake @50g/kg soil was found most effective with significantly highest seed germination (85.00 %); with least pre-emergence (20.00 %), post- emergence (15.55 %) and average (17.77 %) mortality of the host plant. There was significantly highest reduction in pre-emergence (72.11 %), post-emergence (78.78 %) and average (75.44 %) mortality respectively.

1 table, 11 ref