025403   KUMARI S, TRIVEDI M, SHUKLA N, MISHRA M (ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow - 226 101, Email: swati19111987@gmail.com) : Polyamine mediated genotype independent somatic embryogenesis in papaya (Carica papaya L.). Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 581-9.

A highly repeatable genotype independent, two-steps somatic embryogenesis protocol was developed. Immature zygotic embryos excised from 90 to 120 days old fruit of Pusa Delicious, CO 7 and Red Lady induced somatic embryos in half strength MS medium fortified with 10 mgl^-1 2,4-D and polyamine spermidine at 100 µM. Embryos were matured with 45 mgl^-1 polyethylene glycol (PEG) and germinated on hormone free medium. Embryogenesis frequency among different cultivars ranged from 5.7 to 72 per cent. Rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized in autoclaved coco peat fortified with MS salt mixture under shade net condition. The plants were established successfully in field.

6 illus, 6 tables, 33 ref

025402   VARDHANA R (Botany Dep, Govt. P. G. Coll, Uttar Pradesh, Email: celinpapparani@gmail.com) : Aquatic plants of Delhi, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Ghaziabad, Hapur and adjacent areas. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 571-6.

In the present study, this paper enumerate 319 Aquatic angiospermic plants those are growing in Delhi, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Hapur and adjacent areas. Delhi is the metropolitan city of India. It stretches along the bank of the Yamuna River. Delhi state comprises of a long narrow strip of territory along the Yamuna River. Which has formed from a part of the Old Delhi district and 65 Trans Yamuna villages (formerly in the Ghaziabad and Meerut districts of Uttar Pradesh). On the south west of Delhi lies the Thar Desert, to the north lies the lofty Himalaya. In the north east lies the plain area on the IndoGangetic divide west of which are the plains of the Indus to the south and in N.E.-S.W. direction is the Aravalli range, the last tail extension of which enters Delhi from Gurgaon. While to the east lies fertile Gangetic plain. Delhi is bounded on the north by Karnal on the east by the river Yamuna that separates it from the district of Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar and Bulandshahar in the Uttar Pradesh, on the south by Gurgaon and on the west by Rohtak.Thus Delhi occupies a unique position in the form of a gateway between the Thar Desert, Aravalli range and the Himalayas. The Ghaziabad district fall in the indo-Gangetic plain of north west India, being a heavily industrialized district in Uttar Pradesh, near National Capital Delhi. There are four rivers in the district viz. Ganga River, Yamuna River, Black River, Hindon River and level plain with gradual slope from North to South. An extensive survey has been conducted for 4 years (2011-2015) and during the period of study it has been kept in mind that no place should be missed because every place is very useful to collect and record the new plant species. In this survey total given area was studied and collected the information of the aquatic angiospermic plants that are grown, planted, cultivated and naturalized in the area. The plants were identified with the help of different published flora and herbarium lodged in different places of India.

1 table, 19 ref

025401   THAKUR O, KUMAR V, SINGH J (Vegetable Science Dep, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur- 492 012, Email: omithakur10@gmail.com) : Influence of pruning and GA for yield improvement in rabi onion (Allium cepa L.). Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 561-5.

A field trial on Pruning and Gibberellic acid on the yield of onion cv. Agrifond Light Red during Rabi season of 2015-16. The treatments included: three levels of pruning (Root pruning, leaf pruning, leaf and root pruning ) and six levels of GA₃ and its application method (50, 100, 150 ppm as root dip and foliar spray) along with control. It was found that there was a linear increase in yield parameter like number of leaves per plant, dry weight of bulb and leaves, root length, number of roots, bulb weight and yield. The bulb yield (6.75 kg/plot) was recorded maximum in P₂G₆ i.e. leaf pruning along with GA 150 ppm foliar spray as compared to control treatment. The bulb yield (6.75 kg/plot) was recorded minimum in P₀G₀ (control) i.e. without leaf and root pruning and no GA control treatment.

2 tables, 9 ref

025400   AI-MASHHADANI A N, AI-HUSSAINI A F, AI-MOHSEN A A S A (Biology Dep, Baghdad Univ, Iraq, Email: aseelalhussaini84@gmail.com) : The morphological and pollen grains study of Tropaeolum L. (Tropaeolaceae) in Iraq. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 531-8.

The current study included a detail morphological study of all parts of the two species of the genus Tropaeolum L. (Tropaeolumceae) cultivated in different gardens, the roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruit were studied in detail, also the pollen grains were studied, and there are photographs for all that parts were putted. A specimens of that taxa were studied in some Iraqi herbaria. The study found that there are many characters were used in differentiation of two species under study.

3 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

025399   THARAKAN S T, NEELAMKAVIL S V (Botany Dep, Vimala Coll, Thrissur, Email: sheejatharakan@gmail.com) : Therapeutic potentials of Premna latifolia. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 496-500.

In the present study antibacterial, antiviral, anthelmintic and phytochemical screening of Premna latifolia extract was evaluated. Turbidimetric method and disc method were used for antibacterial analysis. The strains of bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhi were used for this study. In turbidimetric method, there was a concentration dependent inhibition of growth of bacteria observed in Premna latifolia treated cultures. In disc method, Premna latifolia extract showed potential inhibitory action against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhi. The diameter zone of inhibition was found to be 14.7 mm (100 μg/ ml) against Klebsiella pneumonia and 23.7 mm (100 μg/ ml) against Salmonella typhi. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the ethanolic extract of Premna latifolia against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhi was found to be 6.25 μg/ml and 3.125 μg/ml respectively. In Newcastle Disease (NDV) virus alone treated embryonated chik eggs, the embryos were poorly developed and were shown haemorrhage and developmental abnormalities. Treatment with the plant extract at 500 μg/egg reversed the NDV induced cytopathic changes. The heamagglutination titre was found to be 512 in NDV virus alone treated group, while in Premna latifolia extract (500 μg/egg) treated group it was reduced to 4. Anthelmintic activity was also performed with the ethanolic extract of Premna latifolia against Indian adult earthworm, Pheretima posthuma. When compared to standard drug Albendazole, in 50 mg/ml of Premna latifolia treated groups the earthworm get paralyzed after 2 min and died after 5 min. It was found to be closer to control treated groups. Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloid and phenols in this extract.

4 tables, 12 ref

025398   AI-SHYBANY S S, HUSSAIN L E, KADHIM M K (Biology Dep, Al-Qadisiyah Univ, Iraq, Email: samah.saleh@gmail.com) : The use of plant Helianthus annuus as accumulators of heavy elements in some soils. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 476-8.

This study was conducted in Al-Qadisiyah governorate to determine the ability of Helianthus annuus plant to withdraw and accumulate heavy metals cadmium, chromium, lead and copper to reduce soil pollution. The study included estimating the concentration of the elements in (12) soil samples in addition to soil control. The samples were analyzed for the concentration of certain heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, lead and copper, it turns out that the highest value of cadmium was 18.8 mg/g dry weight in sample (3) and lowest 11.5mg / g dry weight in sample 13 and chromium element (41.2 mg / g) dry weight in sample number (3) and the lowest value was 12.3mg / g dry weight in sample No. (13). For the lead element, the highest value was 25.9mg / g dry weight in sample No. (11) and lowest value in sample No. (13) was 5.22mg / g. The highest copper value was 37.8mg / g dry weight in sample (3) and the lowest value was 12.9mg / g dry weight in sample No. (13) indicating that these elements are absorbed by the studied plant which showed results in the absorption efficiency of the studied elements.

1 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

025397   SARKAR B, BASAK M, CHOWDHURY M, DAS A P (Botany Dep, North Bengal Univ, Siliguri-734 013, Email: mono_malda@yahoo.co.in) : Importance of Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) sw. (Athyriaceae) on the lives of local ethnic communities in Terai and Duars of West bengal - A report. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 439-42.

Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. or ‘Dheki Shak’ is used as a nutritive leafy vegetable by the local communities of Terai and Duars parts of West Bengal. From our study and previous literatures it was found of having very important ethnobotanical value. The people of lower socio-economic communities rely mainly upon the collection and selling of this plant during the summer and monsoon season in the study area. The step wise photographs from field to market are represented here along with the ethnobotanical uses by different communities across India.

1 table, 24 ref

025396   ABDUL-HUSIN I F, AL-MUSAWI S, HINDI A N K K, ABUDI-MAHDI S (Al-Qasim Green Univ, Babylon, Iraq, Email: fadhel_iman @yahoo.com) : Aqueous lemon extracts as anti microbial agent against some pathogenic bacteria. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 431-4.

Herbal medicines are plants have been used by over three-quarter of the world’s population due to the fact of their possibility to be beneficial but are not completely harmless. the aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of lemon aqueous extract against different bacterial isolates. The antimicrobial effects was studies against 5 Gram-positive and 5 Gram negative bacteria, including; Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcuspneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactiae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi. The water extracts of all the materials screened showed various inhibitory effects. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, showed the highest resistance to both extracts. Antimicrobial activity of Lemon extract against different Gram-positive, Gram-negative pathogens could be used for prevention of various diseases caused by these organisms.

3 tables, 16 ref

025395   AL-OBAIDI M J, ABBAS A H, AL-SAADY A J, AL-HUSSEINY I A (Baghdad Univ, Iraq, Email: lafta@sc.uobaghdad.edu.iq) : Schistosomiasis vector control using Cucumis melo plant extracts with bioassay experiment. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 425-30.

The aim of this study is to get a plant extracts to use it as molluscicides to control the snail vector of Schistosomiasis and finely control the disease. Laboratory study was performed to compare the molluscicidal activity of leaves and stems extracts of Cucumis melo against Bulinus truncatus snail. The snail B. truncatus was exposed to a serial concentrations of leaves and stems extracts (4000 ppm, 5000 ppm) in this work. Different effects of the extracts to the snail B. truncatus were recorded.These effects includes death, escaping and imbalance of snail behavior. 96hr-LD50 values of leaves extracts were calculated for the doses 4000 and 5000 ppm as (76 and 37 %) respectively while for stems were (105 and 47 %) respectively. We found that the snail B. truncatus was more susceptible to leaves than stems extracts. The Molluscicidal activity of C. melo extracts depended on increase of extract concentrations and time of exposure (p >0.05).

4 illus, 6 tables, 20 ref

025394   JAWAD M M, ALDUJAILI A N, HOMADY M H (AL-Furat AL-Awsat Technical Univ, Iraq, Email: murtadham.alkhafaji@student.uokufa.edu.iq) : Assessment study of alpha-fetoprotein level after treatment with Urtica dioica phenolic extract in male rat induced by carbon tetra-chloride. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 410-4.

The present study was conducted on 70 males of Wistar rat weightings (190-300 g), aged (15-17) weeks, at the animal house Science College, Kufa University during the period from December 2015 to July 2016. This study included some physiological and histological criteria to evaluate the defensive role of the phenolic compound of Urtica dioica leaves (250 and 500 mg/kg) against hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride. The animals experimental are divided into 22 groups (n= 5 rats per each group (22×5=110) for duration of two and three months. The levels of biomarker protein (Alpha-Fetoprotein), were measured in control groups, groups induced at carbon tetrachloride and groups treated by the phenolic extract of Urticadioica. The results showed a significant increase (P <0.05) in serum levels of Alpha-Fetoprotein in carbon tetrachloride groups as compared with the control group. A significant decrease (P <0.05) in the serum levels of Alpha-Fetoprotein in groups treated with phenolic extract of Urtica dioica as compared with carbon tetrachloride group.

2 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

025393   BHASKAR V V, RAO K K (Horticultural Research Station, West Godavari- 534 475) : Performance of oil palm hybrid crosses under the Krishna-Godavari zone of Andhra Pradesh. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 372-4.

The present investigation comprising of eleven hybrid crosses of oil palm was carried out at the Horticultural Research Station, Vijayarai, West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh under alfisols to evaluate their growth and yield characters. The eleven hybrid crosses of oil palm tenera hybrids were viz., 128D × 291P, 124D × 266P, 18D × 32P, 35D × 291P, 65D × 111P, 104D× 98P, 82D × 266P, 109D × 291P, 115D × 291P 148D × 98P and 220D × 98P were planted at a spacing of 9m X 9m in a randomized block design, replicated thrice during the year 1992 under tube well irrigation. The data recorded has revealed that the hybrid crosses derived of 291P male parent recorded tallest in height where as the hybrid crosses derived of 98P male parent have recorded shortest in plant height. The variation in collar girth of palms was found non-significant. The perusal of pooled performance of the past four years data it can be concluded that significantly highest fresh fruit bunch yield (15t/ha/year), highest number of fresh fruit bunches (7.6) and fresh fruit bunch weight (15.7 kg) were recorded with 115D × 291P. Based on the differences in both growth and yield data indifferent dura × pisifera hybrid crosses it can be concluded that 115D × 291P has been identified as precocious in bearing coupled with Fresh Fruit Bunch yield potential of 15t/ha/year.

3 tables, 6 ref

025392   VARDHANA R (Botany Dep, MJPR Univ, Bareilly) : Ethno-religious significance of sacred plants of district Ghaziabad (U.P.), India. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 331-40.

The observation of powerful natural forces, such as storms, floods, earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes, fire, heat and cold, greatly impressed the expanding mind of man. The inexplicable things of life are still termed “acts of God” and “mysterious dispensations of Providence.” So in the present study is the compilation, analysis and documentation of information on the sacred plants of district Ghaziabad (U.P.), India. A total of 103 species belonging to 95 genera and 54 families have been recorded. These species are distributed within different life forms viz. herbs (52.4 %), shrubs (17.5 %) trees (25.2%) and climbers (4.9 %). Angiosperms is the dominant group with maximum number of sacred plants, while, Pteridophytes (01 spp.) and Gymnosperms are represented by (02 spp.). The sacred plants and parts of plants utilized there of are categorized on the basis of their socio-cultural perspective. Traditionally various parts of plants such as leaves (29 spp.), stem/branches (16 spp.), flowers (11 spp.), seeds/grains (22 spp.), fruits (15 spp.), bark (03 spp.), roots/rhizome (03 spp.), stigma (01 spp.), flowerbud (01 spp.) and whole plants (10 spp.), are used in different religious ceremonies and social rites. Apart from sacred value, the study also contributed to the ethno-medicinal uses of such plants in the study area. There is a myth related to the sacred plants, if a plant is used for pooja, the same plant can be used as elixir of health. Sacred plants being integral part of biodiversity need proper attention in terms of conservation and sustainable utilization for the present and future use. So, the development of an appropriate strategy for conservation and sustainable utilization of sacred plants is suggested.

2 tables, 28 ref

025391   GUPTA R, KULMI G S, BASEDIYA A L, JADAV M (KVK, Mandsaur - 458 001, Email: rajgupta171@gmail.com) : Influence of furrow irrigated raised bed seed drill on growth characters and yield of soybean (Glycine max l.) in Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 320-4.

The field trials were conducted during the two consecutive years 2014-15 and 2015-16 at farmer’s field in Daludarail and Gurjarbardia villages of Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh to assess the effect of furrow irrigated raised bed (FIRB) seed drill on the growth characters, yield and economic parameters of soybean cultivation. The FIRB seed drill was found superiorin terms of plant population, number of branches per plant at 60 DAS, number of root nodules per plant at 60 DAS, number of pods per plant at harvest, seed index and harvest index as compared to conventional seed drill. Though, less consumption of fuel (28.35 l/ha) was recorded in conventional seed drill but the productivity of soybean was observed highest in FIRB seed drill (1318 kg/ha) whereas, it was found lowest in conventional seed drill (1103 kg/ha). The higher net return of 25792 Rs/ha with B:C ratio of 2.36 was recorded for soybean cultivation under FIRB drill as compared to lower net return 18735 Rs/ha with B:C ratio of 2.00 for soybean cultivation under conventional seed drill.

3 tables, 15 ref

025390   BHASKAR K (V. B. S. Government Degree Coll, Gorakhpur) : Potential soap, shampoo and detergent plant resources of India and their associated traditional knowledge. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 301-19.

The present paper deals with 108 species of potential soap, shampoo and detergent plants belonging to 87 genera and 52 families of vascular plants of India. These include indigenous cultivated plants with wild-forms. Botanical names of plants are listed in alphabetic order. Correct names, important synonyms, name of the family; vernacular names; mode of use of plant parts; chemical constituents; geographical distribution of each plant are presented in tabular form. Data sources for every recorded use of the listed plants are indicated. Cleaning property of plant parts, healing actions, bioprospective potentials, scope for value addition, promotion of cosmaceutical uses, trade of natural cleaning agent are discussed.

3 illus, 1 table, 83 ref

025389   RANI J C P, JAYAVARTHANA T, JEEVA S (Botany and Research Centre Dep, Scott Christian Coll, Nagercoil-629 003, Email: celinpapparani@gmail.com) : Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by the rural people of Subramaniapuram village, Tirunelveli district, Tamilnadu, India. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 257-65.

Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in Subramaniapuram of Tirunelveli district, Tamilnadu, India. A semi-structured interviews conducted to 50 informants in order to determine traditional medicinal knowledge of villagers to treat simple ailments. Medicinal uses were analyzed using quantitative ethnobotanical indices such as Use Value (UV), Informant Consensus Factor (Fic) and Fidelity Level (FL). The present study identified a total of 70 medicinal plants belonging to 65 genera and 35 families used for the treatment of human ailments. A total of 711 use reports were recorded from fifty informants of Subramaniyapuram village. Ocimum tenuiflorum with 36 use reports, giving the highest use value of 0.72, followed by Cocos nucifera (0.66), Calotropis gigantea (0.54) and Aloe vera (0.52). The ailment categories having the highest level of Informant Consensus Factor (ICF = 1.00) obtained for Genito-urinary problem, General health, Liver problem and Poisonous bite. In the present study 22 taxa were recorded with 100% fidelity level for different ailment category. This documentation of medicinal plants shows rich traditional knowledge of the villagers of Subramaniapuram. The study provides opportunity for pharmacological research and serve as reference for quantitative ethnobotanical investigations.

3 tables, 25 ref

025388   ALI M R H C, SUSANKHOSROYAR, MOHAMMADI A (Chemical Engineering Dep, Quchan Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Iran, Email: susankhosroyar@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Harpagophytum procumbens and Urtica dioica against the denaturation of protein. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 161-6.

Anti-denaturation effects of plant extracts in heat treated Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA), are potential therapeutic parameters for finding anti-inflammatory compounds without the use of animal for preliminary pharmacological screening. Harpagophytum procumbens and Urtica dioica can bring natural compounds with significant anti-inflammatory effects. The anti-denaturation effects of H. procumbens and U. dioica ethanol extracts and their combinations were evaluated using albumin denaturation assay at different concentrations. Aspirin was used as standard drug. The present finding exhibited a concentration dependent inhibition of protein (albumin) denaturation by H. procumbens and U. dioica extracts. The effect of Aspirin was found to be less than extracts. In conclusion it can be concluded that H. procumbens and U. dioica extracts possessed in vitro antiinflammatory effect against the denaturation of protein and H. procumbens was stronger than U. dioica. Also combination of H. procumbens and U. dioica extracts hadn’t good effect on inhibition of protein (albumin) denaturation. Further investigations are required to isolate the active component responsible for their anti inflammatory effects.

1 illus, 1 table, 45 ref

025387   KUMAR S, SARKAR A, SINGH R P, SINGH R (Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi- 221 005, Email: rajeevprataps@gmail.com) : Agro-environmental consequences of quality protein maize (QPM) hybrid development with special emphasis of soil nitrogen management. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 147-57.

Maize (Zea mays L.) ranks within the top three widely cultivated and consumed crops worldwide. More than one-third of the global population at both developed and underdeveloped countries depend on maize as their primary dietary supplement. During late 1990’s, quality protein maize (QPM) hybrid was developed mainly to provide higher amounts of both the amino acids lysine and tryptophan, essential for humans and monogastric animals, through conventional crop breeding system. As a result of superior hybrid nature, QPM also shows improved tolerance to different environmental conditions and grows across a wide range of agro-ecological zones. In general, QPM inbred lines develop at both winter and summer season. The phenological responses and yield performance of QPM are significantly better than that of normal maize varieties. The nitrogen (N) utilization dynamics of QPM is also very interesting. Usually, it produces higher grain yield under lower N levels. The critical value of N plays an important role in tryptophan and lysine production of QPM. Therefore, lysine and tryptophan fluctuations might act as markers to understand regulatory aspects of amino acid synthesis in QPM plants under different N levels. The present review aims to catalogue previously published works at this sphere, and plans to draw a roadmap for the future researchers.

3 illus, 5 tables, 65 ref

025386   KUMARI S, MEHTA J P, SHAFI S, DHIMAN P (Botany Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, Garhwal- 246 174, Email: sharesthbaldotra24@gmail.com) : Vegetational analysis of woody vegetation in burnt and unburnt forest communities of Pauri, Garhwal Himalaya. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 135-43.

The present work was carried out in four different forest regimes of Pauri, Garhwal and analyzed the consequence of forest fire on different attributes of the forest ecosystem. Four permanent sites were selected of which two were burned and other two were unburned. Vegetational data were collected from all the sites and analyzed i.e., Floristic composition, frequency, density, TBC, A/F and IVI etc. Different diversity indices i.e., Shannon Wiener index, Simpson’s index of dominance (Cd) and Margalef species richness index etc. were also applied for the data analysis. The results revealed that burned forests were more dense and rich than unburned forests. The values of diversity indices were higher on the burned sites than unburned sites. The maximum number of species was randomly and contagiously dispersed while regular distribution is rarely observed in some species. The observed results of the study indicates that phytosociological changes in woody vegetation of forest were carried out by forest fire, anthropogenic and other biotic pressure in terms of floristic composition, frequency, density and dispersion pattern.

2 illus, 6 tables, 46 ref

025385   BHASKAR K (V.B.S. Government Degree Coll, Gorakhpur) : Ethnobotany and conservation status of saponin rich plants of gangetic plain having both medicinal and cleansing properties. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 81-97.

The potential cleansing plant genetic resources of India are investigated about 108 species. These plant species mostly contain saponins which may be harmful or beneficial to health. In present paper the plants having saponins with medicinal and cleansing values are investigated from the Gangetic plain. With a wide range of climatic conditions from the torrid to the arctic, India has rich and varied vegetation. India can be divided into eight distinct–floristic-regions, namely, the Western Himalayas, Assam, the Indus plain, the Ganga plain, the Deccan, Malabar, Western Ghats and the Anadanams. The area of Gangetic plain is approximately to 196000 square miles.

83 ref

025384   SAGAR A, ADITI, PRAKASH V (Biosciences Dep, Himachal Pradesh Univ, Shimla- 171 005, Email: vedp685@gmail.com) : Studies on antibacterial and antioxidant activity of different extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn. and Anethum graveolens Linn. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 73-80.

While the use of synthetic antimicrobials and antioxidants is increasing day-by-day, people thinking about their welfare have motivated the pharmaceutical industry to discover the natural alternatives. The objective of present study was to assess antibacterial and antioxidant activity of two spices plants i.e. Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn. and Anethum graveolens Linn. Extracts of different plant parts in methanol and acetone solvent were taken from each plant and screened for antibacterial activity. T. foenum-graecum (leaf and seed) and A. graveolens (stem and seed) samples in two different solvents (methanol and acetone) were extracted and assessed for antibacterial activity against four medically important pathogens (Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Yersinia pestis) by Agar-well diffusion method. T. foenumgraecum leaf and seed extracts produced maximum zone of inhibition (ZOI) against S. aureus (26.4 ± 0.09 and 28.9 ± 0.88 respectively) in methanol extract whereas A. graveolens stem and seed extracts showed maximum ZOI against L. monocytogenes (24.9 ± 0.75 and 25.8 ±1.22 respectively) in same solvent. The antioxidant activity of methanol and acetone extracts of both the plants was evaluated in-vitro by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay. All the plant part extracts showed potent DPPH scavenging power ranging from 21.98 % to 71.82 % (IC₅₀ i.e. 36.12 μg/mL to 489.83 μg/mL). Seed extract of T. foenum-graecum exhibited best antioxidant activity in acetone extract (IC50 i.e. 52.29 μg/mL) whereas seed extract of A. graveolens in methanol displayed best antioxidant potential (IC₅₀ 36.12 μg/mL). Therefore, it can be concluded that both the plants could act as a potent source of antimicrobials and antioxidants.

2 tables, 27 ref

025374   BALEIL M, KHALID H S, ELSHAIEKH F A, ALHASSAN M S (King Khalid Univ, Abha, Saudi Arabia) : In vitro antimicrobial activity and phytochemical analysis of Cyprus routduns volatile oil. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2018, 5(4), 41-4.

Volatile oil of Cyperus rotundu L. rhizomes, which were collected from Kosti, White Nile Province, Sudan was obtained by hydro-distillation method. Yield percentage of oil was found to be 0.49 %. Oil was tested for its antimicrobial activity against five standard organism of bacteria and two standard organisms of fungi, it showed moderate activity against all organisms except E, coli, which was sensitive to the two concentrations used. GC MS analysis of the oil showed the presence of sixty compounds. The major compounds were cyperene (16.9 %), caryophylene oxide (8.9), β-selinene (6.6 %), α-longipinane (8.4 %), eugenol (4.7 %), aristolone (3.5 %), β-calacorene (3.3 %), α-copaene (3.2 %), trans- γ-bisabolene (3.1 %) and α-cyperone (3.0 %.).

2 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

025373   KAVITHA B, GOPAL V (Pharmacognosy Dep, Pharmacy Coll, Tamil Nadu) : In vitro micropropagation of nodal segments of Phyla nodiflora (L.) verbenaceae. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2018, 5(4), 1-4.

Phyla nodiflora (L.) is one of the highly demanded medicinal crops. Nodal explants of Phyla nodiflora (L.) were cultured on Murashigi and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different combination and concentration of cytokinins for multiple shoot regeneration. Maximum number of shoot regeneration occurred in 1.0 mg/l BAP Compared to kinetin. Among twenty five different combinations of BAP & NAA, BAP was found to be the best for producing creamish green fast growing and friable callus. This protocol can be used for continuous and rapid multiplication of Phyla nodiflora. Moreover, plant secondary products are often produced only in small quantities in most of the plant species. It is not always feasible to isolate secondary compounds from intact plants. Therefore, plant cell and tissue culture techniques can be an alternative approach to maintain sustainability supply of plant materials for producing bioactive compounds continuously under artificially controlled condition.

3 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

025372   SADAT S R, SIMON S, LAL A A (Plant Pathology Dep, SHIATS, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Evaluation of selected botanicals essential oil against black mold disease of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) caused by Aspergillus niger. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2018, 5(3), 53-6.

Black mold is an important storage disease of pomegranate caused by the fungus Aspergillus niger. The fungus A. niger is common as a saprophyte in soil and on decaying plant material. Survey of fungi associated with postharvest deterioration of pomegranate was conducted in three major markets in Allahabad district during January – February (2016). Rotten pomegranate obtained from the three selected markets viz. Mundera Mandi. Barana Mandi and Phulpur Manndi. Aspergillus niger was isolated from the infected pomegranate. Five essential oils viz. Syzgium aromaticum(Clove), Eucalyptus globus (Eucalyptus), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Citrus lemon (lemon), and Mentha piperita (Mint) were tested on A. niger in vitro condition. All the essential oils significantly inhibited the radial mycelia growth of the test pathogen (A. niger).The highest percentage growth inhibition was achieved with eucalyptus oil (100 %) and clove oil (100 %)essential oils against A. niger followed by Neem oil (22.66 %), citrus (21.48), mint (17.4 %). The present investigation showed that essential oils of the mention plants have antifungal effect on Pomegranate postharvest rot fungi.

1 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

025371   ALHASSAN M S, KOKO W S, KHALID H S (National Center for Research,, Khartoum, Sudan) : Evaluation of antimicrobial, antioxidant and phytochemical screening of some Sudanese medicinal plants. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2018, 5(3), 35-9.

The present study was carried out to investigate possible antibacterial; antioxidant activities and phytochemical screening of ethanol extract some Sudanese medicinal plants. Phytochemical analysis of the crude extract was performed to detect presence of different kinds of phytoconstituents. The antibacterial activity was investigated against two Gram positive and two Gram negative bacteria and two fungi by using disc diffusion method. All extracts showed moderate or week antimicrobial activity against all strains used except M. pigra extract, which showed promising activity. Antioxidant activity showed that M. pigra was the most active one (85 ± 0.05) compare to the other sample and standard propyl gate (83 ± 0.05). Pytochemical screening showed the presences and absence of the secondary metabolites among all sample tested.

6 tables, 21 ref

025370   SINGH I, MADAN V K (Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: vikku60@gmail.com) : Phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) as affected by various moisture levels. Asian J Chem 2018, 30(3), 525-8.

Moisture content in a plant matrix is an important factor as the nature of phyto-constituents present in spices may be altered by the presence of moisture. The present study was conducted to observe the effect of moisture levels viz. 5 % moisture level (more than normal), 10 % moisture level (more than normal) and normal moisture level (control) on phyto-constituents and antioxidant activities of clove buds. Contents of total phenols, flavonoids, sugars, DPPH free radical scavenging activity and antioxidant activity decreased under the influence of moisture conditions during storage. The contents of total phenols in samples with 10 % and 5 % and normal moisture level after 64 days of storage were 70.89, 73.76 and 96.07 mg GAE/g, flavonoids (21.02, 23.37 & 38.24 mg CE/g), total sugars (12.73, 13.88 & 23.01 mg/g), reducing sugars (12.59, 13.73 and 22.77 mg/g), non-reducing sugars (0.14, 0.15 and 0.24 mg/g), IC₅₀ values from DPPH free radical scavenging activity (253.0, 231.7 and 124.9 μg/mL) and antioxidant activity (51.05, 55.19 and 84.67 %). The contents of various phytochemicals and antioxidant activity decreased more at 10 % moisture level in comparison to 5 % moisture level.

2 tables, 21 ref

025369   JANGRA S S, MADAN V K, SINGH I, DUSYANT (Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Section, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: vikku60@gmail.com) : Comparative analysis of phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). Asian J Chem 2018, 30(3), 508-12.

In the present investigation, two varieties viz. DH-5 and DH-36 of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) were assayed for their phytochemical profile and screened for their DPPH free radical scavenging activity and antioxidant activity. Phytochemicals from coriander leaves were extracted using water, ethanol and acetone. The results revealed that among the two varieties; DH-5 had higher total phenolics, flavonoids, chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b contents, moreover DH-5 also exhibited higher DPPH free radical scavenging activity and antioxidant activity by β-carotene bleaching method in comparison to DH-36. DPPH free radical scavenging activity of extracts increased with increase of concentration levels. Amongst the different extracts, acetone extract of both varieties of coriander contained highest flavonoids content and also exhibited highest antioxidant activity whereas total phenolics were found to be highest in water extract of both varieties.

2 illus, 3 tables, 33 ref

025368   RAMESH G, KHASIM S M (Botany Dep, K.B.N. Coll, Viayawada-522 001, Andhra Pradesh, Email: dayakar_2008@rediffmail.com) : Morpho-anatomical and molecular characters of Bulbophyllum and Dendrobium spp. found in Southern Ghats of India. Curr Hort 2018, 6(1), 50-4.

Anatomical and molecular analysis of genetic variability was investigated by using SDS-PAGE and RAPD markers in 6 epiphytic orchids, i.e. four species of Bulbophyllum and two of Dendrobium, collected from Southern Ghats of Sikkim, India. The Bulbophyllum careyanum (W.J. Hook.) Spreng., B. maculosum Schltr., B. thomsonii J. D. Hook., B. tremulum Wight., Dendrobium anceps Sw. and D. crassinode Benson and Rchb. f. were collected from East and West Sikkim. A low stomatal frequency and an extensive lignification on inner walls, and handle-cells were recorded in populations collected from East Sikkim (Pakyong) as compared to those from Central-Sikkim (Gangtok). The RAPD and protein profile data indicated intra-population diversity between these two sites which may be attributed to ecological and climatic conditions prevailing in both sites of North-East Himalayas.

4 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

025367   GHOLAMI A A, KAVIANI B (Horicultural Science Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Rasht, Iran, Email: b.kaviani@yahoo.com) : Somatic embryogenesis, encapsulation, cold storage, and growth of hybrid Citrus [C. paradisi Macf. (`Duncan`) × C. reticulata Blanco. (`Dancy`)] shoot tip segments. Indian J Biotechnol 2018, 17(1), 134-44.

Artificial seed or encapsulation technology presents an innovative tool in plant biotechnology for an efficient and cost-effective large-scale propagation, breeding, in vitro conservation, non-embryonic synthetic seed production and germplasm exchange and distribution. Somatic embryogenesis is a proper method for micropropagation of fruit crops like Citrus and has the potential of commercial mass propagation. This method offers advantages in improving fruit species over other in vitro propagation methods. The combination of somatic embryogenesis and conservation strategies allows to develop both in vitro propagation and propagated germplasm exchange. In the first study, seeds of Minneola tangelo [C. paradisi Macf. (‘Duncan’) × C. reticulate Blanco. (‘Dancy’)] were placed on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium supplemented with 500 mg l^-1 malt extract. Shoot tips from in vitro grown seedlings were excised and cultured on MS basal medium supplemented with 10 mg l^-1 BAP and 1 mg l^-1 napthalene acetic acid (NAA) for proliferation. A large number of micro-shoots were obtained when shoot tip explants were cultured on this medium. In vitro derived shoot tips were dipped in 3 %, 4 % and 5 % of Na-alginate dissolved either in liquid MS medium supplemented with 50 g l^-1 sucrose + 10 mg l^-1 6 benzyl amino purine (BAP) + 1 mg l^-1 NAA, liquid MS medium supplemented with 50 g l^-1 sucrose and distilled water with 50 g l^-1 sucrose as treatments. The suitable artificial or synthetic seeds were formed when the micro-shoots were encapsulated in 4 % Na-alginate with 100 mM CaCl₂.2H₂O. Encapsulated and non-encapsulated shoot tips were stored at 4 °C for different storage periods (1-8 weeks). Maximum viability (55 % after 3 weeks, 34 % after 4 weeks and 12 % after 7 weeks) was obtained in shoot tips encapsulated on liquid MS medium supplemented with 50 g l^-1 sucrose + 10 mg l^-1 BAP + 1 mg l^-1 NAA, while non-encapsulated shoot tips and shoot tips encapsulated on distilled water with 50 g l^-1 sucrose lost their viability completely after 3 weeks. After the storage time, encapsulated shoot tips were germinated and multiplied on MS medium containing 10 mg l^-1 BAP + 1 mg l^-1 NAA as regeneration medium. Roots were formed on the basis of shoots when they grew on MS medium enriched with 50 mg l^-1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). In the second study, the effects of various media on callus induction and direct and indirect somatic embryogenesis of immature seeds of Citrus were examined. Maximum somatic embryogenesis (direct and indirect), induction of embryonic callus and embryo maturation were achieved in MS medium supplemented with 500 mg l^-1 malt extract, 50 g l^-1 sucrose and 3 mg l^-1 BAP.

4 illus, 5 tables, 55 ref

025382   PAL S (Botany Dep, Lady Brabourne Coll, Kolkata- 700 017, Email: suparna_005@yahoo.co.in) : Comparative assessment of cadmium, chromium resistance capacity of Amaranthus viridis, Trianthema portulacastrum, Alternanthera philoxeroides collected from contaminated site and assessment of phytoremedial potential. Environ Ecol 2018, 36(2), 409-17.

Among heavy metals cadmium and chromium pollution of soil is an alarming environmental issue as these metals are released in the atmosphere by anthropogenic activity. Their various use in industry, agriculture and domestic applications have led to their accumulation in the environment. Being biologically non essential both these metals are phytotoxic and injurious to animal also. Plants with greater capacity of metal accumulation are potential candidate of phytoremediation for cleanup of heavy metal contaminated soil. As, identification of metal tolerant native plant is prerequisite for phytoremediation, field studies were conducted to different Cd, Cr contaminated sites to assess metal tolerance of various plants. Comparative study was done with three different species (Amaranthus viridis, Trianthema portulacastrum, Alternanthera philoxeroides), collected from metal contaminated sites of Kolkata. Metal concentration of these plants and various biochemical parameters (lipid peroxidation, proline, non protein thiol content, SOD, glutathione reductase activity) were studied to assess metal detoxification capacity. Soil properties were studied to determine metal bioavailability. Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), was found to be most abundant with considerable metal accumulation capacity and biochemical defences in comparison to others plants. To assess phytoremediation potential, this plant was potted in laboratory condition with artificial treatment of different concentration of Cd, Cr and metal uptake was estimated. Phytoextraction capacity was estimated also.

5 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

025380   ANAMIKA (Botany Dep, Vardhman Coll, Bijnor) : Synergestic and inhibitory effect of cycocel and urea on Cyamopsis tertagonoloba. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 1147-50.

Synergestic and inhibitory effect of cycocel and urea spraying observed on growth and yield attributes of Cyamopsis tetragenoloba. After the age of one month, four concentration of cycocel in decreasing order given to the plant, which were 1200 ppm, 900 ppm, 600 ppm and 300 ppm and two concentration of urea in increasing order used, which were 2 % and 3 %. All treatments were applied regularly at 15 days interval. It is observed that all characters are increasing with the increasing concentration of cycocel except plant height. But in the case of urea all characters of plant enhance with enhancing concentration of urea i.e. 2 % and 3 %.

5 tables, 5 ref

025379   HASSOON A S, USSAIN M H, HARBY H H (Al-Furat Al-Awsat Tech. Univ, Iraq) : Effect of spraying of humic acid on sepals extract content from some antioxidants for three varieties of Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.). Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 1129-33.

The experiment was carried out in the fields of one of the farmers of the Musaib area of Babil Governorate during the summer season 2017 to study the effect of Spraying of Humic Acid on Sepals Extract Content From Some Antioxidants for Three Varieties of Rosella. Experimental factorial is applied according to complete randomized blocks design (R.C.B.D). Included the first factor three varieties (red, lined and white). The second factor is Humic acid in three Concentrations (2, 4, and 6) mg/ lit In addition to the control treatment. The results showed that the varieties and Humic and their interaction affected all measured substances (Apigenin, Lutelion, Chrysin, Myricetin, Hesperetin, Genistein), red variety dominated on other varieties, also Spray treatment by Humic acid 6 mg/lit And their Interaction dominated in All measured substances.)

1 illus, 9 tables, 14 ref

025378   DHIMAN P, MEHTA J P, SINGH P, SHAFI S, BALDOTRA S (Botany and Microbiology Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, Srinagar - 249 161, Email: poojadhiman.0023@gmail.com) : Effect of prescribe fire on bacterial abundance and their enzymatic activity in burnt and unburnt soil of Chilla forest, Raja ji National Park, Uttarakhand, India. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 1125-8.

To minimize the incidences of wildfire and their effect on forest ecosystem prescribe burning is being used .It is used to burn the excess of litter fall, flammable material and to prepare seed beds. This study was designed to understand the effect of fire on bacterial population and their enzymatic activity. Soil samples of burnt and unburnt site were compared for their individual bacterial abundance and were screened for their cellulolytic and proteases activity. The study indicated Bacillus is dominant genera in both the samples but their abundance was higher 41 % in burnt soil than unburnt soil i.e. 26 %. The enzymatic study revealed that bacteria showed 94 % cellulase and 65 % protease activity in burnt were as 86 % cellulase and 43 % protease activity in unburnt soil. It is concluded that fire affect not only the bacterial abundance but also their enzymatic properties.

3 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

025377   KUMAR S (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Lovely Professional Univ, Jalandhar - 144411, Email: sanjeev.19379@lpu.co.in) : Molecular phylogeny and systematics of Glomeromycota: methods and limitations. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 1091-1101.

Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (AM) fungi are symbiotically associated with more than 80 % of terrestrial plant. AM fungi provide multiple benefits to plant by increasing uptake of nutrients from soil and also enhance level of soil fertility. Currently AM fungi have being used as a potential biofertilizers for sustainable agriculture production. However, AM fungi is ultimate biological organism for organic agricultural practices in cultivated land but identification, screening and mass scaling of specific genotype of AM fungi with desirable function is very tedious and time consuming. Therefore, present study revealed application and limitation of modern molecular tool and suggested some reliable molecular marker with broad taxonomic range for accurate detection of AM fungi from complex environment. Present study may future used as reference data sets for molecular systematics and community analyses in AM fungi collected from complex environmental soil.

2 illus, 3 tables, 96 ref

025376   RANJITH Y, NAIK T P (Botany Dep, Sahyadri Science Coll, Shivamogga– 577 203, Email: ranjith.ykn@gmail.com) : Biodiesel production from freshwater algae as a renewable source. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 1024-5.

Biodiesel is a nontoxic and biodegradable alternative fuel that is obtained by the transesterification of triglyceride oil with monohydric alcohols. The need of energy is increasing continuously, because of increases in industrialization and population. The basic sources of this energy are petroleum, natural gas, coal, and etc. In this study three naturally occurring algal samples were collected from different areas of Shivamogga. Algae were identified in the Botany lab as Spirogyra spp, Oedogonium spp and Zygnema spp oil was extracted from the all the three dried algal samples and pH were analyzed. These results indicate that biodiesel can be produced from Spirogyra spp, Oedogonium spp.

1 table, 15 ref

025375   SARITHA P, DEVI U A (Botany Dep, Government Degree Coll For Women, Karimnagar- 505 001, Email: saritha.perkari@gmail.com) : Cultural and medicinal properties of Telangana state tree Jammi Chettu (Shami tree) (Prosopis cineraria Linn.). Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 991-4.

Prosopis cineraria Linn. commonly known as Jammi Chettu, Shami Chettu and Spunge tree is the State Tree for both Telangana and Rajasthan states of India. It is also considered as the National tree for the United Arab Emirates. This tree has various medicinal properties to cure many diseases. It has been used as a folk remedy for various ailments like skin diseases, blood purifier, leprosy, dysentery, bronchitis, asthma, diabetes, anaemia, kidney & liver disorders and the leaf has antibacterial, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant properties. Review of the present study aims to compile medicinal and cultural values of Jammi Chettu.

5 illus, 12 ref

025366   SEN A, BHATTACHARYA M K, PRASAD S K, SHARMA G D (Botany and Biotechnology Dep, Karimganj Coll, Assam- 788 710, Email: mrinalkxj@yahoo.co.in) : Plant growth promoting activities of rhizosphere bacteria from two ferns Pronephrium nudatum (Roxb.) Holttum. and Bolbitis heteroclita (C. Presl) Ching: An analysis of fern-rhizophere relationship. Indian J Exp Biol 2018, 56(4), 267- 73.

Studies on rhizosphere bacterial community of ferns is scarce and with more works in this field, it might become clear how ferns modulate the soil environment and act as repository for good soil modifying bacteria. The rhizosphere is of central importance not only for plant nutrition, health and quality but also for microorganism-driven carbon sequestration, ecosystem functioning and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. The survaivality of a particular species of fern is dependent on the types of its microbial association. Rhizosphere microflora tends to differ according to different ecological conditions where the ferns are growing and with different plant groups and plant communities. Studies on twenty six predominant rhizosphere bacteria of two fern species have been done in the present work for their plant growth promoting activities which included phosphate solubilization activity, indole acetic producing capability, ammonia producing capacity, antagonistic activity against Rhizoctonia solani, a plant pathogenic fungi, metal tolerance capacity and siderophore production ability. Biochemical and molecular diagonistics of the isolates were done to identify the bacterial species. The results yielded that most of the isolates had plant growth promoting traits and the dominant strains belonged to the genera Bacillus, followed by Pseudomonas and actinomycetes.

5 illus, 3 tables, 39 ref

025365   KADIAN N, YADAV K, AGGARWAL A (Botany Dep, Kurukshetra Univ, Haryana- 136 119, Email: aggarwal_vibha@rediffmail.com) : Mass multiplication of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with some leguminous plants: An ecofriendly approach. Indian J Exp Biol 2018, 56(4), 258- 66.

Plant microbe interactions are interesting events that contribute to sustainable agriculture. The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi enjoy a mutualistic association between the roots of most plant species and serve as the most common type of biofertilizer. However, production of inoculums is one of the hindrances in the large-scale production of AM fungi. In this context, a pot experiment was performed under polyhouse conditions, to evaluate the effect of chickpea husk as substrate with jowar (Sorghum bicolor), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) as different host plant on mass multiplication of dominant AM fungi. The results revealed that AM fungal multiplication was significantly influenced by the presence of different concentrations of substrate and different type of the host plants used. Among the different hosts, sorghum showed prominent results pertaining to maximum inoculum production of G. mosseae. Spore numbers tend to increase with period of growth and increase in size of the host plants. Thus, the present study might be highly significant as it suggests an economical as well as eco-friendly species specific highly effective inoculum.

12 tables, 39 ref

024451   NAHAR S, TANTI B (Botany Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati- 781 014, Email: shamsunnahar0609@gmail.com) : Freshwater diatoms from deepor beel - A Ramsar site of Assam, India revealed potential photoluminescence properties for nanotechnological applications. J Mater Sci 2017, 5(4), 17-22.

Photoluminescence property of few freshwater diatoms was studied form Deepor Beel, a Ramsar site of Assam, India. Diatom, a unicellular, eukaryotic, photosynthetic alga of the class Bacillariophyceae has the natural ability biogeochemical cycling of natural silica and to deposit nanoporous silica over cell frustule. Nanoporous silica with excellent photoluminescence properties become suitable material for wider applications in IT based sector. Keeping view in mind, the present study was undertaken with some freshwater diatoms obtained from an important internationally recognized important freshwater wetland. Four diatom viz. Navicula sp., Thalassiosira sp., Nitzschia sp. and Achanthes sp., treated with acid digestion method were subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis to characterize their structural properties of the frustules. Photoluminescence properties (PL) of diatom frustules excited at 250 nm, 285 nm and 329 nm showed a diverse range of PL spectra at ultraviolet, green and blue ranges that indicated their potential optoelectronic behaviours. Time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) analysis of the diatom frustules, excited at 375 nm revealed the decay time in the range between 3.85 eV to 2.67 eV suggesting the biexponential decay of natural diatoms.

4 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

024450   INADA K O P, DUARTE P A, LAPA J, MIGUEL M A L, MONTEIRO M (Federal do Rio de Janeiro Univ, Brazil, Email: mariana@nutricao.ufrj.br) : Jabuticaba (Myrciaria jaboticaba) juice obtained by steam-extraction: Phenolic compound profile, antioxidant capacity, microbiological stability, and sensory acceptability. J Food Sci Technol 2018, 55(1), 52- 61.

Jabuticaba (Myrciaria jaboticaba) is a dark-colored fruit native to Brazil that has a desirable flavor and high anthocyanin content. In the present study, jabuticaba juice was produced by steam-extraction and the phenolic compound profile, antioxidant capacity, instrumental color, and microbiological quality were evaluated during 90 days of storage at 25 °C. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside represented 45 % of the total phenolic content of the juice, which reduced with extent of 80 % during storage. Total phenolic content of the juice increased by 59 % during 90 days of storage, which entailed, average 4.4-fold increase in the content of gallic and ellagic acids. FRAP assay was most sensitive for measuring gallic and ellagic acids, while the TEAC assay was the most sensitive for measuring antho-cyanins. Although a and b values of jabuticaba juice decreased and ∆E increased during storage. Jabuticaba juice remained microbiologically stable during storage, and did not support the growth of inoculated Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis, suggesting antimicrobial activity.

1 illus, 4 tables, 38 ref

024449   SONI, KUMAR A, LALITA (Botany Dep, CCS Univ, Meerut- 250 004) : Vigna radiata (L.) yield and its quality influenced by Rhizobium inoculation and different concentration of iron and molybdenum. Int J Pharma Res Bio Sci 2018, 7(1), 11-26.

The aim of this research was to study the effect of different concentrations of application of molybdenum and iron in combination with Rhizobium on the vegetative growth and yield of Vigna radiata (L.) under field conditions. Different concentration of Mo (3,6 and 9 ppm) were given to plants whilst Fe was given at 30, 60 and 90 ppm. Results showed that 6 ppm Mo and 60 ppm Fe significantly improved the growth characters, yield and the nodulation efficiency of Vigna radiata (L.). However, when the amount of these micronutrients increase (9 ppm Mo and 90 ppm Fe) there are decrease in growth and yield parameters of the plant. From these results, it could be recommended that molybdenum and iron individually or in combination with Rhizobium are important and essential elements in the chemical fertilization management system for the legume production and can be used to improve the legumes yield and production. It can be concluded that these micronutrients are vital for optimum activity of Rhizobium and plants inoculated with Rhizobium, enhanced mung bean productivity.

6 illus, 6 tables, 31 ref

024448   HOUSSOU A M, MONTCHOWUI E, BONOU C A (Nationale d’Agriculture Univ, Benin, Email: arsnehous@yahoo.fr) : Composition and structure of phytoplankton community in Ou?m? River basin, Republic of Benin. Int J Aquat Biol 2017, 5(6), 413-24.

This study aimed to assess the composition and structure of floating phytoplankton assemblage in Ouémé basin. Phytoplankton samples were collected monthly from October 2014 to September 2015. Quantitative samples were taken with a horizontal Van-Dorn sampler and 20 μm mesh plankton net was used for additional qualitative sampling. Microscopic observation of phytoplankton allowed identification of 208 species including 70 Bacillariophyta species, 58 Chlorophyta species, 24 Charophyta species, 21 Euglenophyta species, 18 Cyanophytes species, 9 Phyrrophyta species, 5 Ochrophyta species and 3 Cryptophyta species. The Shannon diversity index varied from 2.4 bit.ind-1 and 3.1 bit.ind-1 showing a relatively good diversification of the community. The population appears largely dominated by 14 species which represent 83.8% of the total phytoplankton. Aulacoseira granulata and Euglena gracilis were the most predominant species with respectively 40.17% and 15.91% relative abundance. Regarding the horizontal pattern of phytoplankton abundance, downstream stations have the greatest abundances. So, the results suggest that downstream stations are richer in phytoplankton which structure differs from that in upper stations.

3 illus, 4 tables, 40 ref

024447   PREETHA T S, ANJU S, ANILKUMAR S, MINI I (Botany Dep, Univ Coll, Thiruvananthapuram- 695 034, Email: preethahemanth@yahoo.com) : Nutritional analysis of selected species of Alternanthera Forsskal (Amaranthaceae). Indian J Exp Biol 2018, 56(1), 48-53.

Alternanthera Forsskal (Amaranthaceae) is an underexploited genus with potent medicinal activities exhibiting biotic and abiotic tolerance, survival with basic minimal requirements, with a palatable taste and free of insecticides or pesticides. Here, we analyzed selected species of these under-utilized plants for various nutrients to enable identification of unconventional food resources. Among the species investigated, Alternanthera sessilis showed high amount of energy rich nutritional factors, such as carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. High content of aminoacids and flavanoids have been observed in A. sessilis and A. philoxeroides. Alternanthera versicolor recorded higher amount of vitamin A while A. tenella showed the least. Vitamin C content was predominantly high in all the species investigated. Regarding pigment composition, highest chlorophyll content was noticed in A. philoxeroides followed by A. sessilis; the least amount in A. tenella. The concentration of carotene was high in A. sessilis. With regard to antinutritional assays, A. sessilis and A. philoxeroides exhibited only low level of phytic acid and majority of them had low tannic acid content. These two species possess high nutritional and low level of antinutritional factors. All the species studied revealed comparatively high amount of phenol. With their demonstrated nutritional qualities with low level of anti-nutritional factors, it can be suggested that A. sessilis and A. philoxeroides be included in the dietary menu along with other conventional leafy vegetables. Further, these nutritive herbs can be advocated for domestication and thereby effective utilization.

1 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

024446   ASHWATHANARAYANA R, NAIKA R (PG Studies and Research in Applied Botany Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Shankaraghatta- 577 451, Email: ashwinjamadagni497@gmail.com) : Antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of Pavetta crassicaulis Bremek. leaf crude extract and its isolated pure compound. Indian J Nat Prod Res 2017, 8(4), 335-50.

Pavetta crassicaulis Bremek. (Family Rubiaceae), an important ethnomedicinal shrub/small tree, belonging to the family Rubiaceae, grows up to 4 meters tall. The plant is endemic to peninsular India. Plant parts have many medicinal properties used in the treatment of arthritis, boils and itches, hemorrhoidal pains, dropsy, epilepsy, urinary complaints, and anticephalagic. Fruits used as anthelmintic and flowers are eaten fried. The antioxidant experiments conducted were metal chelating activity, superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radical, DPPH radicals, ABTS radical scavenging assays. In vitro cytotoxicity was tested in DLA and EAC cancer cells by using Trypan blue dye exclusion technique and MTT assay. The results revealed that the leaf ethanolic crude extract of the Pavetta crassicaulis Bremek has appreciable radical scavenging activity and its extracted pure compound, 2-Tert-Butyl-4,6-Bis(3,5-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Hydroxybenzyl) Phenol, showed appreciable radical scavenging activity but not as good as the standards used. The cytotoxic experiment revealed that leaf ethanolic extract has considerable cytotoxicity activity and its pure compound 2-Tert-Butyl-4,6-Bis(3,5-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Hydroxybenzyl) Phenol also showed noticeable activity which is not comparable to the standard Curcumin.

6 illus, 12 tables, 69 ref

024445   VIMALA G, GRICILDA SHOBA F, PANDIKUMAR P, SUKUMAR E (PG and Research Dep of Zoology, Voorhees Coll, Vellore- 632 001, Email: vimala_shoba@yahoo.com) : Pharmacological evaluation of ethanol extract of Ficus benghalensis seeds for antiulcer and antimicrobial efficacy. Indian J Nat Prod Res 2017, 8(4), 329-34.

The alcoholic extract of the seeds of the plant Ficus benghalensis L. has been screened for acute toxicity, gastroprotective effect, antimicrobial efficacy, antioxidant potential and HPTLC analysis. Toxicity study was performed according to the OECD test guidelines and the antiulcer assay was performed using ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in albino rats. The antimicrobial activity and HPTLC analysis were also performed. The seed extract did not show any sign of toxicity upto dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight. Reductions in the ulcer index and gastric acid volume with increase in the pH of the gastric fluid in extract treated rats proved antiulcer activity. Increased levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase with a decrease in lipid peroxidation in the extract treated animals demonstrated its antioxidant effect. The zone of inhibition was significant in all the tested microorganisms. HPTLC chromatogram showed a total of 9 peaks at different Rf values and peak area at 366 nm whereas seven peaks were observed at 254 nm. The number of peaks indicates the presence of constituents in the extract. Pre-treatment with F. benghalensis seed extract showed appreciable antiulcer activity that might be attributed to its antioxidant potential. The extract also showed approciable activity against the bacteria and fungi tested. The extract containing phytoconstituents must have contributed to this property.

3 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

024444   VERENKAR N G S, SELLAPPAN K (Botony Dep, Goa Univ, Goa- 403 206, Email: skrish@unigoa.ac.in) : Some potential natural dye yielding plants from the state of Goa, India. Indian J Nat Prod Res 2017, 8(4), 306-15.

Goa is a small state on the western coast of India is gifted with more than 3,000 different species of flowering plants. Some of these plant species are known to produce the colours, thus, recognised as natural dye-yielding plants viz. Cassia fistula, Garcinia indica, Tectona grandis. During the study, natural dyes were extracted from various plant parts such as fruits, seeds, bark, flowers, roots, etc. About 62 dye-yielding plants belonging to 37 different families were recorded. Methods of extraction of dyes such as boiling the barks and grinding or chopping the leaves, fruits, flowers, etc. and various dye colours obtained are provided in this paper. These extracted dyes are showing multiple colours, the sustainable utilisation of these potential dyes may provide employment, economic and ecological benefits to the people and dyeing industries.

2 tables, 36 ref

024443   KAVALE M G, KAZI A, BAGAL P U, SINGH V V, BEHERA D P (Botany Dep, I. C. S. Coll, Maharashtra- 415 709, Email: monicakavale@gmail.com) : Food value of Pyropia vietnamensis (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) from India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(02), 402-8.

The red seaweed Pyropia vietnamensis was assayed for its nutritional value. Samples were assessed for fatty acid profile, protein, carbohydrate, lipid, ash and moisture content. P. vietnamensis showed a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the ratio of n6/n3 (< 10) being in agreement with recommendation of WHO guideline. Moreover, the proximate analysis of the samples revealed an appreciable amount of proteins levels varying from 12.35±0.59 – 20.5±0.35 % on dry weight basis. Data exemplified were determined by one way ANOVA with level of significance at p<0.05. Present result suggests that P. vietnamensis has the potential to be utilized as food in India.

2 tables, 28 ref

024442   VEERAGURUNANTHAN V, VADODARIYA N, CHAUDHARY J P, GOGDA A, SAMINATHAN K R, MEENA R (Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar-364 002, Email: rmeena@csmcri.res.in) : Experimental cultivation of Gelidium pusillum in open sea along the south east Indian coast. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(02), 336-45.

Experimental cultivation of Gelidium pusillum was attempted in the south east coast of India with three different cultivation methods to enhance the biomass production for obtaining superior quality agar with high gel strength. The maximum biomass yield (0.465 ± 0.34 kg.fr.wt m^-2) was recorded in net bag method whereas minimum biomass yield (0.144 ± 0.03 kg.fr.wt m^-2) was recorded by net pouch method. Similarly, Daily Growth Rate (DGR) was more in net bag method (1.05 ± 0.529 %) than raft (0.679 ± 0.13 %) and net pouch (0.56 ± 0.256 %). Furthermore, best quality agar was obtained by net bag method [high gel strength: 2100 ± 50 g cm^-2 in 1.5 % gel; gelling temperature: 35 ± 1 ˚C; ash content: ≤1 %; sulphate content: ≤0.34 %] essential for potential superior quality agar applications.

4 illus, 6 tables, 27 ref

024441   KHOKHAR F N, NAZ T, BURHAN Z , ABASSI M J, SIDDIQUI P J A (Karachi Univ, Karachi-752 70, Pakistan, Email: farahnaz0007@yahoo.com) : Occurrence of HAB / toxic Dinoflagellates species from the coast of Karachi, Pakistan (Northern Arabian Sea). Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(01), 73-88.

Morphological identification of dinoflagellate species were investigated from the coastal waters of Manora Island and Mubarak village Karachi, Pakistan throughout the two years of study period from (Apr 2008 – Mar 2010). A total number of seventy two dinoflagellate species were identified among them, 42 toxic and 30 HAB species were morphologically differentiated. Dominant species included Alexandrium catenella, Dinophysis caudata, Gymnodinium spp., Prorocentrum micans, Noctiluca scintillans, Prorocentrum gracile, Tripos furca and Gonyaulax spp. these species were previously reported. The sampling area of Mubarak village site was discovered for the first time for dinoflagellates community analysis. This site shows interesting results as some species were observed in high abundance. The high cell concentration of these toxic/ HAB species suggests that our findings add substantially to the HAB dynamics in area and on this basis predicts future event.

3 illus, 2 tables, 118 ref

024440   BAEHAKI A, HERPANDI, PUTRA A A (Fisheries Product Technology Dep, Sriwijaya Univ, Indonesia, Email: ace76_none@yahoo.com) : Antibacterial activity of extract from swamp plant, Eleocharis dulcis. Orient J Chem 2018, 34(1), 573-5.

The purpose of the research was to access bacterial activity from swamp plant extract of Eleocharis dulcis against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Vibrio cholera. The phytochemical compounds of ethanol extract of Eleocharis dulcis were tannins, flavonoids and triterpenoids. Phytochemical compounds of ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts were flavonoids and triterpenoids. The maximum antibacterial activity the all of solvents in 2.000 ppm concentration. The bacterial activity of Eleocharis dulcis extract against Bacillus subtilis higher than that of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Vibrio cholera.

2 tables, 10 ref

024439   AHMAD T, BHARDWAJ U (Maharaj Vinayak Global Univ, Jaipur - 302004, Email: tbrzahmad29@gmail.com) : Antibacterial activity and HPLC analysis of Thevetia peruviana leaf extracts. Int J Pharmac 2018, 5(1), 69-73.

Thevetia peruviana (or Cascabela thevetia) belongs to the family Apocynaceae and commonly called as Yellow Oleander. The leaves of this significant medicinal plant were subjected to antibacterial investigation and HPLC analysis. Hexane, acetone, and methanol were used as organic solvents. Four different concentrations (200 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml) of each extract i.e. hexane, acetone and methanol were prepared for antibacterial activity by dissolving them in 100 % DMSO. The leaf extracts were subjected to test the antibacterial activity by agar well diffusion method. The methanol extract of leaves showed significant antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and poor activity against Micrococcus luteus and Shigella flexneri. Acetone extract showed moderate activity against the tested micro-organisms viz. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Micrococcus luteus and Shigella flexneri. Hexane extract showed moderate activity against Micrococcus luteus and poor activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Shigella flexneri at different concentrations. HPLC analysis of methanol leaves extract was performed which showed that plant leaf contains different types of phytosterols. Thevetia peruviana leaves a promising possibility of developing a new drug of pharmaceutical interest.

1 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref