024438   RAO P S, SUNDARI B T, KALVA S (Sri Venkateshwara Coll of Pharmacy, Hyderabad - 500081, Email: sailajarao476@gmail.com) : Formulation and evaluation of gel containing Mangifera indica leaves extract for anti-bacterial activity. Int J Pharmac 2018, 5(1), 61-8.

In the present study, an attempt was made to formulate ethosomal gel containing leaf extract of Mangifera indica, and was evaluated for antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Different formulations of ethosomes using lecithin, cholesterol, and ethanol were prepared using Mangifera indica herbal leaf extracts. Carbopol 940 was used to prepare ethosomal gel. The entrapment efficiency of ethosomes was 65.1 % - 96.54 % and the average vesicle size was 920 nm. Three formulations of different doses (100, 200 and 300 mg) were selected based on entrapment efficiency and drug release. Prepared gels were then evaluated for physicochemical characteristics and drug content. The antibacterial activity was done using agar well diffusion method for the zone of inhibition. The pH of the gel formulations was found to be in the range of 5.4 - 6.2 and viscosities between 2250 - 2399 centipoises. The drug content of gels ranged between 74.67 - 82.31 %. The zone of inhibition was measured as 9 mm for the dose of 200 mg formulation for gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and 13 mm for gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Norfloxacin and Ciprofloxacin were used as standard. It was found that the ethosomal gel of Mangifera indica herbal extract FN2 (Formulation 2, 200 mg) was found to possess greater zone of inhibition when compared to the other two formulations. From the study, it can be concluded that ethosomal gel served as an efficient drug delivery system for herbal extract with potential antibacterial activity.

6 illus, 9 tables, 18 ref

024437   BAGCHI B (Botany Dep, Bangabasi Coll, Kolkata- 700 009, Email: bipbagchi@gmail.com) : Diversity of endophytic fungi in lianas?Combretum roxburghii from west Medinipur district and its seasonal and regional variation. Environ Ecol 2018, 36(1), 144-50.

To determine diversity of endophytic fungi associated with the lianas Combretum roxburghii from different forests of West Medinipur district. Samples were collected randomly in various seasons. Fungi were isolated and identified based on mycelial shape and structure ; sexual and asexual reproductive characters ; attachment of spores and cultural conditions. A total of 603 endophytic fungi were isolated from 675 different sample segments. Colonization frequency is 74.66 %. In Belpahari highest number of endophytes have been isolated and Chilkigarh was also nearer to Belpahari. In summer highest percentage (92.44 %) were isolated. Dominant endophytic fungi were Verticillium, Pestalotiopsis, Beltrania, Chaetomium. Maximum endophytic isolates were obtained from stem segments followed by leaves and petioles. Among all endophytic fungi class Deuteromycetes were dominant over other fungi classes. Shannon-Weiner and Simpson’s indices showed rich diversity of endophytic fungi. This indices suggest even and uniform occurrence of various species.

3 illus, 7 tables, 10 ref

024436   AMIRA K, CHOUAIB T, DJEGHADER N E, BOUDJELIDA H (Biology Dep, Mokhtar Univ, Annaba- 23000, Algeria) : Laboratory study of the larvicidal efficacy of a local plant Hertia cheirifolia against the most abundant mosquito species, in Algeria. J Entomol Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 258-62.

Mosquitoes are vectors of several diseases affecting humans and domestic animals worldwide. Plants seem to be alternative sources, instead of conventional pesticides, for mosquito control agents. Essential oils are used fumigants and have low toxicity to non target animals and toxicity to insect pests. The purpose of the present study was to assess the larvicidal activity of a medicinal plant, Hertia cheirifolia, against Culex pipiens mosquito, under laboratory conditions. The toxicological assays were carried out using a powder formulation of Hertia cheirifolia, with different concentrations (8, 16 and 48g/l), on the fourth instar larvae of Culex pipiens, for 24 hours as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), to determine the two lethal concentration LC₅₀ and LC₉₀. The obtained results showed a highly significant effect of this plant with all tested concentrations, with dose response relation-ship mortality, for all treated larval stages. Using the highest concentration of 48 g/l of the plant extract the mortality increased throughout the stages; when it was 98.66 % for the L1, 93.33 % for L2, 86.66 % for L3 and 82.66 % for the oldest stage L4. The lethal concentrations LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ were estimated with confidence limits, and their values increased inversely to the larval stages.

1 illus, 3 tables, 41 ref

024435   MODI R, KHANNA V (Microbiology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana- 141 004, Email: ritimodiii@gmail.com) : Evaluation of thermotolerant rhizobacteria for multiple plant growth promoting traits from pigeonpea rhizosphere. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 518-21.

In pigeonpea due to the prevailing high temperature, poor nodulation have usually been observed as a limiting factor in its productivity. Plant growth promoting traits of 5 pigeonpea rhizobacterial isolates out of 32, selected on the basis of maximum growth at 30, 40 and 50 °C, were evaluated for their potential application in enhancing symbiosis and plant growth of pigeonpea. The level of IAA at 30, 40 and 50 °C varied from 0.95-20.96 μg/ml, 1.21-34.82 μg/ml and 0.16-17.34 μg/ml in the presence of tryptophan respectively. Maximum flavonoid production and siderophore production was recorded bacterial isolates with S12p6 (6.68 μg/ml) at 30 °C and S1p1 (4.2 cm) at 40 °C respectively. Isolates S1p1 and S12p6 showed relatively superior production of growth hormone, flavonoid-like compounds and siderophores can further be tested as co-inoculant with recommended Rhizobium for studying their efficacy under field conditions for symbiotic parameters and growth of pigeonpea.

1 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

024434   YADAV B (Chemistry Dep, Amity Univ, Haryana, Email: bhuvneshyadav@gmail.com) : Induction of laccase in fungus, Cyathus stercoreus using some aromatic inducers. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 445-7.

To improve the feed quality removal of lignin from plant biomass is essential. To improve the activity of laccase of white rot fungi, aromatic inducers are used. In this study three inducers [Resorcinol (5 mM and 10 mM), Xylidine and Anisaldehyde] to induce the production of laccase enzyme in the culture of fungus: Cyathus stercoreus. Resorcinol (10 mM) was found to be the best inducer among the rest. The enzyme activity was observed highest on the 8th day of induction (226.7 U/ml). Protein content was also increased with the age of the culture. 80 % ammonium sulphate was suitable for precipitating the laccase enzyme for culture filtrate. The laccase production can be enhanced with inducers and can be further used for the removal of lignin from the plant biomass.

1 illus, 20 ref

024433   KAUR A, KAUR N (Botany Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana- 141 004, Email: avneetkhalsa08@gmail.com) : Mango malformation: A fungal disease, physiological disorder or malady of stress. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 403-9.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the important commercial crops occupying a prominent place among various fruit crops. Mango malformation is a crucial malady in mango production leading to heavy economic loss. Malformation occurs in vegetative as well as floral tissue, later being virulent leading to loss of entire crop. Fusarium moniliforme is suggested as dominant causal agent of the disease although association of ‘stress ethylene’ with disease occurrence has also been studied. Fungal pathogens responsible for the malady are known to elevate the level of ‘stress ethylene’ in malformed plants. Various reports have been put forward to explain the etiology and control measures of the disease but nature and management of the disease is still a mystery. Hence, the present review aims at offering information regarding aspects of development and management of mango malformation.

47 ref

024432   BEHERA B, SAHU S, KAR R K, PANDEY R K (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Orissa Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Odisha, Email: rajeshkar023@gmail.com) : Studies on genetic variability for some metric traits in slender grain rice genotypes. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 375-8.

An experiment was conducted to study genetic variability in forty-nine elite slender grain rice genotypes for thirteen component characters including grain yield. The experimental materials possessed a considerable amount of variability for all the traits. Majority of the traits showed the smaller difference between phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV). Both PCV and GCV were high for grain yield (gm) (PCV:27.14 %, GCV:26.27 %), and fertile grains per panicles(PCV:20.61 %, GCV:20.52 %), indicating less effect of environment on these characters. PCV and GCV were moderate for characters like harvest index (PCV:16.99 %, GCV: 14.18 %), 100 seed weight (gm) (PCV:14.57 %, GCV:13.82 %), fertility percentage (PCV:15.72 %, GCV:15.05 %), flag leaf area (cm²) (PCV:17.83 %, GCV: 17.74 %) and days to 50 % flowering (PCV:11.20 %, GCV:11.17 %) indicating that there is considerable amount of environmental effect on such characters. Moderate to a high degree of heritability estimates were observed for the majority of the traits under study except for a number of effective tillers/plant indicating the low or negligible influence of environment in the expression of these traits and may respond to selection for their improvement. High heritability (H² estimates were associated with moderate to high genetic gain over mean (GAM) for days to 50 % flowering (H²: 99.35 %,GAM:19.52 %), plant height (H²:93.89 %,GAM:14.01 %), panicle length (H²:94.06 %,GAM:14.04 %), flag leaf area(H²: 98.93 %,GAM: 31.05 %), fertile grains/panicle (H²:99.20 %,GAM:35.98 %), fertility percentage (H²:91.57 %,GAM:25.34 %),100 seed weight (H²:89.90 %, GAM:23.06 %) and grain yield per plant (H²:93.71 %,GAM:44.76 %) indicating the presence of additive gene effect and hence selection based on phenotypic performance for these traits would be effective.

2 tables, 25 ref

024431   BHATNAGAR A (Chemistry Dep, D.B.S. (P.G.) Coll, Dehradun-248 001, Email: anju_bhatnagar_2007@yahoo.com) : Composition variation of essential oil of Cymbopogon spp. growing in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 363-6.

The present study was aimed to find out the chemical constituents of essential oils of cymbopogon species,viz. Cymbopogon martinii var motia, Cymbopogon flexuosus Nees., Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt., growing in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The essential oils were obtained by hydro-distillation and subjected to detailed Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis in order to determine the variation in their volatile constituents. Twenty seven compounds are α-pinene, β-myrcene, Limonene, Cis-b-Ocimene, p-Cymene ,Terpinolene, 6-Methyl hept-5-en-2-one, Citronellal, Linalool, Linalyl acetate, β-Elemene, β-Caryophyllene, Citronellyl acetate, Neral, α– Terpineol, Borneol, Gerainal, γ-Cadinene, Geranyl acetate, Citronellol, Nerol, Geraniol, Caryophyllene oxide, Germacrene—D-4-ol, Elemol, Epi-α-cadinol, δ-Cadinol representing 92.24 to 95.86 % of the oil compositions as identified. While comparing the common constituents of three different species of cymbopogon taxa , the remarkable variation in compositions of essential oil was observed and it was in concentration of nearl (0.40;34.9;1.6), gerainal (nil;47.5;0.96) geraniol (82.5;4.5;20.15), citronellol (T;0.2;12.39) , citronellal (0.1;0.5;36.19), and linalool (0.8;1.6;0.96) for C.martini, C.flexuosus, C. winterianus respectively.

1 table, 14 ref

024430   VINAYKUMAR H D, GOVINDAPPA M R, ASWATHANARAYANA D S, PATIL M B (Plant Pathology Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Bengaluru -560 065, Email: mrgpathology1@gmail.com) : Magnitude of bud blight disease of tomato caused by peanut bud necrosis virus (PBNV) in Northern Eastern Karnataka. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 301-6.

The present study on magnitude and spatial distribution of bud blight disease of tomato caused by Peanut bud necrosis virus in major tomato growing area of North Eastern Karnataka through GPS approach during 2014-15, revealed that disease was found to occur at all the stages of the crop with characteristic symptoms such as necrotic rings with green or yellow hallow spots on leaves, later tip necrosis and die back. Further, presence of longitudinal brown necrotic streaks on petioles, stem and characteristic brown ring and chlorotic ring spots on green and red ripened tomatoes respectively. GPS based survey indicated that the % disease incidence varied from location to location (spatial variation), with the mean incidence ranging from 14.52 to 62.13 per cent. Among the six districts, highest incidence of 62.13 per cent was recorded in Kalaburgi district followed by Raichur, Bidar, Yadgir and Koppal with 60.35, 57.96, 45.68 and 37.13 per cent incidence, respectively and the least disease incidence of 14.52 per cent was recorded in Ballari district. The GPS maps plotted based on PDI scale (0-4) represents high risk areas of the disease in North Eastern Karnataka and higher magnitude of disease was recorded in many of the location surveyed were the tomato fields surrounded by alternate hosts of PBNV. The study signifies PBNV diagnostic symptoms and its prevalence in North Eastern Karnataka.

7 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

024429   KAUR Y, LORE J S , PANNU P P S (Plant Pathology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana- 141 004, Email: yesminkaur@gmail.com) : Development of screening technique for artificial creation of false smut in rice. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 253-7.

False smut (Ustilaginoidea virens (Cooke) Takahashi) of rice is an emerging disease and a potential threat to rice growers in different countries due to reduction in yield, quality and production of mycotoxins. Development and cultivation of resistant varieties is desirable approach for its management. Different inoculation techniques viz. spray inoculation, syringe inoculation and dusting method were evaluated for creating artificial epiphytotic conditions in susceptible variety PR116 under natural as well as artificially provided humidity conditions. Spray inoculation method produced more number of smut balls per plant (3.21) and per cent infected panicles (33.44 %) followed by syringe inoculation (2.00 and 26.57 %, respectively) and dusting method (0.33 and 6.67 %, respectively). However, syringe inoculation method produced more spikelet sterility (14.82 %) in rice panicles. More disease occurrence was reported in plants provided with artificial humidity after inoculations (51.12 % infected panicles) than the plants grown under natural conditions (13.33 % infected panicles). Late transplanted crop developed higher disease severity (18.17 % infected panicles and 3.34 smut balls/plant) which might be attributed by slight decrease in temperature and increase in relative humidity conditions (up to 88 % RH) at time of infection from boot to early flowering stage of the rice crop.

1 illus, 4 tables, 11 ref

024428   MASOODI H U R, RANA D, THAPLIYAL M, SINGH V R R (Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Email: haseebgis@gmail.com) : A study on phenological traits of Abies pindrow (Royle) Spach. in the different sites of Garhwal Himalayas, India. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 178-84.

Phenology, the timing of various events in a species life cycle, is an important life history trait for both plants and animals. Dharali site situated in the highest altitudinal range i.e. 2800-3300 m above msl and showed the initiation of all the phenological characteristics i.e. leaf fall, leaf emergence, appearance of male and female strobili, pollination, cone maturation and seed dispersal in advance as compared to all the other sites. The comparison of the two years phenological data in all the sites (Mundali, Bhukki, Dheoban, Dharali) showed that in the year 2013 early leaf emergence, prolonged cone maturity and early seed dispersal were observed. Rise in temperature and change in climate in mountainous regions has caused the tree line to advance to higher elevations as temperatures have increased over the past few decades. In addition to changing their spatial distributions, plants are also changing their temporal niches.

6 illus, 1 table, 50 ref

024427   KUMAR S, SOHU V S, BAINS N S (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana -141 004, Email: kumarsatish227@gmail.com) : Agronomic performance of Indian wheat varieties and genetic stocks known for outstanding chapati quality characteristics. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 149-57.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate set of wheat genotypes in one location for their agronomic performance and chapati quality. The cultivars included the tall traditional wheat of the pre-dwarfing era, which were known to excel for chapati quality. This set also included varieties known to have good chapati quality, commercially grown wheats, advanced lines and genetic stocks excelling in one or other quality attribute. All these genotypes developed for different component traits were evaluated along with the recently released high yielding varieties to assess their quality. The mean chapati score of these genotypes revealed that the tall varieties had a distinct edge over others and are the best resource available for this trait. C306 had a high mean chapati score of 8.17 followed by C518, C591 and C273. The released varieties WG357, HD2733 and PBW343 were intermediate in chapati quality whereas the genetic stocks WH1103 and WH712 had lowest score in the group. Among other agronomic traits recorded the traditional varieties were tall and had lower yields than the recently released varieties. The tall varieties had a slightly higher test weight. The environmental conditions and the quantitative nature of the chapati quality did not auger well with the set of genotypes tested however, better and stable performance of the tall traditional varieties. C306 the wheat variety released in 1965 for cultivation has remained the best quality genotype over the years and was also established from this study.

6 tables, 33 ref

024426   KATARIA S K, SINGH P, PANDOVE G, KALIA A, CHANDI R S (Punjab Agricultural Univ, Bathinda, Punjab, Email: k.sanjeev@pau.edu) : Penicillum oxalicum spg1: A novel entomopathogenic fungus isolated from mummified Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) of cotton. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 138-43.

Whitefly has assumed the status of a serious pest of cotton in north India in recent past due to its severe attack on cotton crop. The productivity of cotton crop has fallen substantially from 574 kg haB^-1 of lint in the year 2014-15 to 197 kg ha^-1 in the year 2015-16 in Punjab. During extensive epidemiological surveillance of whitefly on cotton crop in the month of September 2016, mummified whiteflies with fungus were noticed on both abaxial and adaxial surfaces of leaves of the infested cotton plant at village, Mandi Khurd, Mansa District of Punjab, India and at Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bathinda, India. The fungus was isolated and purified from the mummified white fly and characterized at molecular level by sequencing 633 bp D2 region of Large Subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and identified as Penicillium oxalicum spg1. The gene sequence has been submitted to NCBI, USA with accession no. KY214238. The microscopic studies (stereo- and scanning electron) of the cotton leaves with mummi-fied whitefly further strengthen the entomopathogenic potential of P. oxalicum spg1. There are few reports of ento-mopathogenic potential of P. oxalicum spg1 against other insects and pests. To our knowledge, this is the first report of isolation and identification of P. oxalicum spg1 from mummified white fly. It’s potential as a biocontrol agent against white fly can be exploited in a promising way with nominal interference with biological equilibrium.

15 illus, 26 ref

024425   WANI T A, BHAT G N, AHMAD M, ANWAR A, ZAFFAR G (Plant Pathology Div, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar- 190 025, Email: tnvrwani@gmail.com) : Screening of maize germplasm for Turcicum leaf blight resistance. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 98-101.

A study was conducted during Kharif 2012 and 2013 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar Campus Srinagar with the objective of screening sixty maize genotypes against Turcicum leaf blight caused by Exserohilum turcicum (Pass.) Leonard and Suggs. Field experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. In order to ensure establishment of infection, artificial inoculation of E. turcicum on test genotypes was made twice at 30 and 40 days after sowing with two different methods of inoculation (spraying on foliage of maize with spore suspension of pathogen @ 5x10⁴ spores/ml at 30 DAS and by whorl drop inoculation of pathogen multiplies on sorghum grains at 40 DAS). Disease severity on test entries was scored at silk drying stage and studies revealed that two inbred lines, viz., NAI-112 and NAI-147, and one hybrid, viz., HQPM-1 were found resistant with pooled disease intensity of 4.12 per cent, 4.04 per cent and 4.38 per cent, respectively. Four inbred lines, viz., KDM 381 A, KDM 918 A, NAI-152 and NAI-167 were found susceptible with pooled disease intensity of 52.82 per cent, 51.02 per cent, 58.58 per cent and 61.33 per cent, respectively. The remaining genotypes were moderately resistant to moderately susceptible.

3 tables, 20 ref

024424   KUMARI R, SINGH A K, SUMAN S (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Nalanda Coll of Horticulture, Bhagalpur, Email: ranjupusa@gmail.com) : Quantitative studies on heterosis and inbreeding depression in maize (Zea mays L.). J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 64-9.

The present investigation was carried out for studying heterosis and inbreeding depression of twenty eight hybrids (F₁ʼs) and their F₂ʼs made by crossing of eight maize inbreds in all possible cross combinations excluding reciprocal. Observations were recorded on ten quantitative traits viz., plant height (cm), ear length (cm), ear girth (cm), number of kernel rows per ear, number of kernels per row, 100 kernels weight (g) yield per plant (g), days to 50 % tassel emergence, days to 50 % silk emergence and days to 50 % maturity. Variable magnitude of heterosis was observed for different cross combinations for all the traits. Based on higher mean performance (94.33 to 118.67 g/plant) and higher heterotic response (11.95 to 30.48 %) eleven crosses were selected. Response of inbreeding depression was significant in positive direction for most of the traits. Among these eleven crosses five crosses CM 300 x CML 142, CM 300 x CML 144, CM 300 x CML 150, CM 300 x CML 176 and CML 150 x CML 144 were selected having high heterotic value (12.31 to 30.48 %) and lower inbreeding depression (less than 15 %) for their utilization in maize improvement programme for the development of superior inbred lines.

4 tables, 27 ref

024423   SINGH R (KwaZulu-Natal Univ, Durban- 4001, South Africa, Email: rshnsingh1@yahoo.com) : A commentary on the hair-like appendages (indumentum) of the leaves in African pumpkin, Cucurbita maxima. Bull Pure Appl Sci- Sect B 2018, 37B(1), 56-7.

African forestry enterprises are plagued by many problems, one being the infestation of crops and vegetation by insects. One structural feature found in African pumpkin, the trichomes, have several advantages and disadvantages. However, this trait ensures that African pumpkin plantations thrive, creep and spread in breeding grounds across the world. This paper is a succinct commentary on the hair-like appendages of the leaves in African pumpkin. Although it is specifically written for this plant species (i.e. Cucurbita maxima), perhaps, the same deductions can be made for the leaves of other pumpkin varieties.

4 ref

024422   NITHISH S A, RAMESH BABU H N, RAJESHWARI N (Botany and Seed Technology Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Karnataka- 577 203, Email: anchan.nithish@gmail.com) : Survey and collection of Jatropha curcas Linn. germplasm in Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka, India. Bull Pure Appl Sci- Sect B 2018, 37B(1), 42-8.

Jatropha curcas Linn. endemic to tropical America is a drought-resistant plant which recently gained much importance in Asia and Africa as a biodiesel crop. Though it has wide cultivation in these areas the characterization and conservation of genetic resources remain poor. The present study focuses on surveying and collection of J. curcas germplasm in the study area. The study area falls under three different Agro-climatic zone of Karnataka viz., Southern Transition Zone (STZ), Hilly Zone (HZ) and Central Dry Zone (CDZ). All the taluks falling under STZ showed the incidence of J. curcas cultivation. In HZ except for Sringeri, all the taluks had an occurrence of J. curcas. The nonoccurrence of Jatropha plants in this area had been found mainly because of behavioral factor rather than environmental. In none of the taluks of CDZ which included entire Districts of Chitradurga and Kadur taluk of Chikkamagaluru district, J. curcas cultivation was found. The unawareness shown by farmers to the crop was found to be the reason for the non cultivation of Jatropha plants in these areas. Among the districts, in Shivamogga all the taluks had a prevalence of J. curcas cultivation. In all the surveyed area J. curcas was grown as a hedge plant. The accessions belonging to drier regions of STZ had more fruit density per meter of live fence than the accessions of HZ with wet climate.

1 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

024421   SINGH M, RANI A, GUPTA D K (Life Science Dep, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Technology and Science, Uttarakhand- 248 001, Email: singhmaneesha2@gmail.com) : Euphorbia helioscopia L: Past, present and future prospects. Bull Pure Appl Sci- Sect B 2018, 37B(1), 20-6.

Sun spurge (Euphorbia helioscopia L., Euphorbiaceae family) is an annual plant, native to most of northern Africa, Europe and eastward through most of Asia. It emerges from November to December and invades winter crops and vegetables, such as wheat, lentil, chickpea, potato, and pea. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by flies. Seedlings of E. helioscopia L. exhibit epigeal germination. This plant showed various types of biological activities such as an antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial, nematicidal, an antifungal and molluscicidal effects. The presence of secondary metabolites revealed that the plant Euphorbia helioscopia L. can be used in future for finding various biological potential for prevention of various human diseases.

47 ref

024420   PHULARA G, SINGH C, RANI A (Life Science Dep, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Technology & Sciences, Uttarakhand- 248 121, Email: singh_june07@rediffmail.com) : Study of anatomical changes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum.L) due to different saline conditions. Bull Pure Appl Sci- Sect B 2018, 37B(1), 13-9.

Present study focused on the response of two different varieties of wheat (Triticum aestivum.L) against salinity. Salinity treatments were made by measuring half the amount of NaCl ds m^-1 needed to be prepared in distilled water. Anatomical alterations were seen in all treatments and the alterations increased as saline concentration increased. However, both the varieties managed to survive and bring about changes in stem, root and leaf. The anatomical features of both the varieties were observed under microscope and photographs were taken.

9 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

024419   MONDAL A, SADHUKHAN S, MUKHOPADHYAY S, KHAN V, PAL A K, CHAUDHURI K N, MUKHERJEE A (Botany Dep, Vivekananda Coll, Kolkata – 700 063, Email: ashutoshcaluniv@gmail.com) : Effect of arsenic-induced toxicity on seed germination of Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek and Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper: A comparative study. Bull Pure Appl Sci- Sect B 2018, 37B(1), 1-12.

Arsenic (As) is a highly toxic metalloid present in soils, sediments and water. Arsenic contamination in soil and/or groundwater is a global alarm because of its quick mobilization in the environment during recent decades. Exposure to arsenate causes considerable stress in plants, including inhibition of growth, physiological disorders and finally death. In West Bengal (India), several areas with agricultural practices are arsenic contaminated. The increased arsenic levels in soil severely affect the normal growth and development of plants and eventually result in a reduction in the yield of many crops. Arsenic is not only being bioaccumulated via groundwater plant-soil system, it is severely affecting the rural economy by reducing the crop yield. Development of safe crops for cultivation in arsenic contaminated soil is an important strategy to counter the detrimental effect of arsenic accumulation in crop plants. Thus, understanding of different morphological traits is extremely important from very early stage of growth and development. Several studies on the effect of arsenic on some crops have shown that arsenic stress significantly hampers the growth, development and yield of several plants. However, comparative analyses of the effects of arsenic-stress on different crop plants have not been studied thoroughly. This study has been done with two species of Vigna viz. Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek and Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper to study their response to arsenic stress. Both of these crops showed significant decrease in seed germination and radicle growth with increasing arsenic concentration. However, regarding seed germination, the two species responded differently upto 150 μM of arsenic concentration, while at 200 μM, they responded similarly. Additionally, V. mungo was found to be more sensitive than V. radiata regarding radicle growth at lower arsenic concentration. The study will help for future agricultural practices of these economically important crops.

2 illus, 2 tables, 65 ref

024418   SINGH R, UPADHYAY S K, RANI A, KUMAR P, SINGH M, KUMAR P, KUMAR V (Biotechnology Dep, Maharishi Markandeshwar, Ambala- 133 207, Email: dr.rajsingh09@gmail.com) : A review on enzymes and substrate colonization by microflora. Biosci Res Bull 2018, 34(1), 27-32.

The analyses of plant litter revealed that generally cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin are the major constituents, being a part of structural framework. Therefore, carbohydrate biochemistry is likely to be the key factor in ecology. The pectic substances though constitute a little amount, are also important because these act as cementing material. It can be expected that the decomposition of a substrate by a fungus or a fungal community depends upon their capacity to produce enzymes which can degrade cell wall constituents of the substrates. Good enzyme-producing equipment as one of the important characteristic contributing towards successful colonization of a dead organic substrate by the fungi because of invasion of plant tissue by a fungus. The important characteristic is the rate at which it can penetrate successive cell walls in a cellular tissue.

51 ref

024417   KAYODE J, ADEDEJI E D, OLANIPEKUN M K, OYEDEJI A A (Plant Science and Biotechnology Dep, Ekiti State Univ, Nigeria, Email: joshua.kayode@eksu.edu.ng) : Folk medicinal values of plant folia among the Ijaw tribal community of Bayelsa state, Nigeria. Biosci Res Bull 2018, 34(1), 8-18.

The study examined plant folia used in folk medicine by the Ijaw tribe of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Plant species whose leaves were valued for folk medicine were identified through field visits and interviews of relevant stakeholders. The interviews were conducted through the use of a semi-structured questionnaire matrix. They were focused, conversational and two-way in communication. The diseases they cure and / or prevent were identified as well as their mode of administration. The results obtained revealed that 44 plant species that belonged to 31 families have their leaves valued for medicine and health maintenance in the study area. These consisted of 19 herbs, 8 shrubs and 17 trees. Field observation revealed that leaf harvesting in the identified shrubs and trees were not annihilative as the number of leaves harvested were substantially low compared to the number of leaves possessed by these plants hence harvesting was nonpredatory to the mother plants. However, leaf harvesting in herbs could be annihilative and predatory, especially in species with less number of individuals in the study area. The examination of the respondents’ indigenous knowledge on these species revealed that the species would thrive in the study area. Also, the species have multiple utilities values in the study area that could serve as incentives for their cultivation. Strategies that would enhance sustainable supply of the identified species were proposed.

3 tables, 22 ref

023501   BABAEI K, NEJATI S, GHESMATI F (Nursing and Midwifery School, Tehran Univ of Medical Science, Iran) : Evaluating the effect of aloe vera plant ointment on pain reduction of CABG surgery ulcer in diabetic patients. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(4), 1491-5.

CABG surgery is commonly used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients. This treatment procedure causes severe pain and large sores in the sternum of diabetic patients. The effect of Aloe Vera’s plant on healing of the wound and reducing the pain of the surgical wound in patients was investigated. 60 patients from the diabetic patients, who referred to Imam Ali Hospital in Kermanshah for CABG operation, were randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control groups. Wound healing was evaluated on days 4, 7, and 14 after operation and daily washing with % Aloe Vera ointment, by means of Bates-Jensen wound healing scale. The amount of pain was evaluated with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) on days 3, 4, and 7 after intervention. SPSS 16 was used to analyze the data. In this research, in order to describe the methods, descriptive statistics including frequency distribution, mean, standard deviation, and in relation to the objectives and research fields and the homogeneity of the samples Chi-square and independent T-test were used. The mean and standard deviation of the total score of wound healing was compared between the two groups on days 7 and 14 after dressing were P <0001, which shows the significant difference between the healing of two groups. The rate of healing was more in Aloe Vera group. The present study shows that using Aloe Vera ointment for at least 3 days reduces the pain of the surgical wound and at least 1 week of using Aloe Vera ointment promotes the healing of surgical wound in diabetic patients.

2 illus,19 ref

023500   VISHWANATHA B T, BABU G, PADMASHRI, MALAGI S B, DANDIN C J, NAYAKA S (Botany Dep, Karnatak Univ, Dharwad- 580 003, Email: sreenivasankud@gmail.com) : Isolation, identification and characterization of streptomyces sp. SN-2. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(4), 1401-7.

The present investigation is carried out for the isolation and molecular characterization of actinomycetes from the soil samples from Karnatak University campus, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. Totally four actinomycetes isolated, out of four isolated only one actinomycetes strain (SN-2) showed positive results for antimicrobial activity. SN-2 isolated actinomycetes was further analysed for morphological, physiological, biochemical and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. The SN-2 strain gene sequence was predicted with secondary structure and restriction sites were identified with the help of Genebee and NEBcutter tools. This investigation clearly indicates that the isolated strain SN-2 as Streptomyces sp.

4 illus, 2 tables, 38 ref

023499   MOLLASHASHI H, MIRSHEKHARI A, GHORBANI M, TARRAH A (Plant Protection Dep, Univ of Zabol, Iran, Email: armin.tarrah@phd.unipd.it) : Insecticidal effect of the fruit extract bitter melon (Citrullus colocynthis) on Locust Chrotogonus trachypterus (Orth: Pyrgomorphidae). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(4), 1285-9.

Chrotogonus trachypterus Blanchard is an active grasshopper on farms in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran, in high populations and is one of the most important pests of vegetables, alfalfa, early growth stages of Gramineae and many crops. Chemical pesticides have harmful effects on the environment and human health; therefore, the use of natural insecticides derived from plants play significant role in pest management because of lower costs, lack of environmental pollution and protection of human health. In this study, lethal effect of Citrullus colocynthis fruit extract was evaluated on the Ch. trachypterus grasshopper under controlled laboratory conditions (at a temperature of 24±2°C, relative humidity of 75±5%, and photoperiod of 16: 8) in a completely randomized design with three replications. The plant was collected from its natural habitat around the city of Iranshahr, Iran, and then dried in the shade. The extraction was performed using methanol. The results obtained from experiments showed significant increase in mortality of tested insects after 24 hours with increasing concentrations of plant extracts. The effect of this extract with concentrations of 10, 20, 25, 35 and 40 milligrams per milliliter were tested on adult Ch. trachypterus grasshoppers. The highest mortality rate (87.50%) was found at a concentration of 40 milligrams per milliliter and the lowest mortality rate (23.33%) was observed at concentrations of 10 milligrams per milliliter. The mortality rate elevated with increasing concentration in all treatments. The LC 50 value for C. colocynthis plant on adult grasshopper was calculated 18.58 milligrams per milliliter.

2 illus, 21 ref

023498   FARHAN A A, GULL M,, RAHIMUDDIN S A, KUMOSANI T A, AL- HEJIN A M, KAUSAR A, MEHMOOD M A (Biochemistry Dep, King Abdulaziz Univ, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Email: munagull@hotmail.com) : Antimicrobial activity and biochemical profiling of selected medicinal plants against blood cancer clinical isolates. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(4), 1277-84.

The need of antibiotics obviate in treated cancer patients when suppression of immune system leads to secondary infections development. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity and biochemical profiling of various medicinal plants Trigonella foenum-graecum, Ocimum basilicum, Olea europaea, Mentha longifolia and Boswellia sacra against clinical isolates of blood cancer cases. Crude plant extracts in ethanol and methanol were used to test antimicrobial activity through disc diffusion method. Biochemical profiling identified the presence of Gallic acid, parahydroxy benzoic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid and ferulic acid by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Boswellia sacra showed the maximum antibacterial activity against Streptococcus viridian with 12.4 mm inhibition zone. Trigonella foenum-graecum showed the maximum antibacterial activity against Salmonella Group B 11.8 mm with crude extracts in methanol. The antibacterial activity showed that Streptococcus viridian and Corynebacterium were more inhibited bacteria but Klebsiall pneumonia was found more resistant. Total phenolics analysis by HPLC revealed that parahydroxy benzoic acid was the major phenolic acid found in Olea europaea with 797.8 ng/g. The highest concentration of Gallic acid was found in Ocimum basilicum with 547.02 ng/g. These results indicated that these medicinal plants may serve as antimicrobial agents against clinical bacterial isolates from cancer patient successfully.

2 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

023497   ABU- ZAHRA T R (Plant Production and Protection Dep, Al-Balqa Applied Univ, Jordan, Email: talebabu@bau.edu.jo) : Effect of Cold storage and modified atmosphere packaging on strawberry (Fragaria X Ananassa Duch.) cv. “Arben” fruit keeping quality. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(4), 1251-8.

Strawberry is one of the most popular fruits worldwide. Therefore, it is important to maintain its supply and freshness and potency guaranteed from the farms to the point of consumption. Strawberries spoil rapidly and the quality changes with storage delays. However, little is known about the effect of storage methods on the changes of its quality. In this study, two storage methods; Cold Storage (CS) and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) were investigated to see how it will maintain its quality. Results obtained showed that storage method has an effect on keeping its quality, and it proved that MAP is the acceptable storage method because it kept on strawberry quality, extended storage period, and decreased weight loss, in contrast, showed the highest fruit decay, in compare to the cold stored fruits. And that means; MAP can be useful supplements to provide optimum storage conditions (temperature and relative humidity) and maintain the quality of fresh strawberry fruits after harvest.

4 tables, 30 ref

023496   DERTYASASA E D, TUNJUNG W A S (Jalan Teknika Selatan, Sekip Utara Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Email: wanindito@ugm.ac.id) : Volatile organic compounds of Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix DC.) leaves fractions and their potency as traditional medicine. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(4), 1235-50.

Previous studies have reported that a number of organic compounds are present in kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix DC.) leaf extracts. Further research is needed to purify these compounds and determine which are biologically active. The objective of this study is to identify the volatile organic compounds of kaffir lime leaf crude extracts and fractions and to study their bioactivity. Fractionation was performed by the double maceration method, using hexane as the second solvent. TLC was performed to analyze the qualitative separation, whereas the individual constituents were detected using GC-MS. Our results showed that chloroform and ethyl acetate crude extracts contained various volatile organic compounds such as fatty acids, fatty alcohols, prenol lipids, sterol lipids, terpenoids and long chain alkanes. Fractionation separated these compounds into non-hexane fractions, which contained less volatile compounds, and hexane fractions. The volatile compounds of non-hexane fractions were identified to be long chain alkanes, meanwhile the hexane fractions contained terpenoids, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, prenol lipids and sterol lipids. Palmitic acid and terpenoids, such as citronellyl propionate, nerolidol, citronella and caryophyllene oxide were found to be the most dominant bioactive compounds in chloroform and ethyl acetate crude extract and their hexane fractions, which were reported to possess cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Meanwhile in non-hexane fractions, long chain alkanes such as triacontane and hentriacontane were found to be the most dominant bioactive compound which also possessed cytotoxic effect. In conclusion, fractionation using the double maceration method yielded different volatile organic compounds composition with different biological activities. The crude extracts and fractions of kaffir lime leaves were potential to be developed as a traditional medicine for cancer treatment.

8 illus, 6 tables, 76 ref

023495   BARDE S K, SRIVASTAVA S (Entomology Dep, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Email: skbarde@gmail.com) : Efficacy of plant products against Serpentine leaf miner and white fly on tomato. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(3), 1187-90.

Field studies were conducted to evaluate different botanical insecticides against sucking insect pests on tomato. The experiment was carried out at College of Agriculture, Jabalpur during Rabi season 2005-06. Pusa Ruby variety was sown in 4.8 X 3.6 meter square plots, with three replication in RBD. There were eight treatments including untreated control. It was revealed that the NSKP 10% was found most effective against leaf miner Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) and neem oil 3% was considered the most effective treatments against White fly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) and provided maximum protection and higher yield. It may be due to their antifeedant activity also.

2 tables, 11 ref

023494   RAJESHWARI P, KAPOOR R (Botany Dep, Univ of Delhi, Delhi- 110 007, Email: aksharaasmitha@gmail.com) : Combined application of different species of Trichodermaand Pseudomonas fluorescens on the cellulolytic enzymes of Fusarium oxysporum for the control of Fusarium wilt disease in Arachis hypogea. L. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(3), 1169-76.

Fusarium oxysporum causes Fusarium wilt of crop plants leads to considerable yield loss. The study was conducted to determine the beneficial effects of combining Trichoderma species and Pseudomonas fluorescens i.e Trichodema viride+ Pseudomonas fluorescens (Tv+Pf) (1+2%), Trichoderma harzianum+Pseudomonas fluorescens (Th+Pf) (1.5+2%), Trichoderma viride +Trichoderma harzianum (Tv+Th) (1+1.5%) on the activity of cellulolytic enzymes of Fusarium oxysporum to control Fusarium wilt of Arachis hypogaea. L wilt in vitro. The activity of 1,4 -? – Endoglucanase, 1,4 -? – Exoglucanase, Cellobiases produced by Fusarium oxysporum (Control) was higher. Maximum inhibition of Cellulolytic enzymes was shown by culture filtrate of Trichoderma viride + Pseudomonas fluorescens (Tv+Pf) (1+2%), followed by Trichoderma harzianum + Pseudomonas fluorescens, (Th +Pf) (1.5+2%) and Trichoderma viride + Trichoderma harzianum (Tv+Th) (1+1.5%). However, disease suppression of Fusarium wilt of Arachis hypogaea. L by the compatible combination of Trichodema viride + Pseudomonas fluorescens (1+2%) was considerably better as compared to other two strains. At the same time the other two combinations resulted in enhanced disease suppression as compared to single strains. This indicates that the potential benefits of using combination treatments to suppress Fusarium wilt. The study suggests the significance of interactive effects of Trichoderma and Pseudomonas in biocontrol of wilt disease.

2 illus, 1 table, 43 ref

023493   PRASHANTH J, VAISH S S, OMPRAKASH S (Mycology & Plant Pathology Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Varanasi- 221 005, Email: joruprashanthkumar@gmail.com) : In vitro studies on the direct effect of garlic cloves and different botanical extracts against bipolaris sorokiniana (sacc.) Shoem causing foliar blight of wheat. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(3), 1165-8.

Foliar blight of wheat is mainly caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem. syn. Drechslera sorokiniana (Sacc.) have emerged as serious concern for cultivation of wheat in warmer and humid regions of the world. A study has been conducted at Department of Mycology and plant pathology, Institute of Agricultural sciences, BHU, Varanasi on in vitro evaluation of direct effect of garlic cloves and different botanical extracts viz garlic (Allium sativum L.) clove extract, ginger (Zingeber officinale L.) rhizome extract, neem (Azadiracta indica L.) leaves extract, onion (Allium cepa L.) bulb extract, tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.) and marigold (Tagetus erecta L.) leaves extract were evaluated against foliar blight of wheat. The reduction in growth of the fungus measured to the difference in radius of the colony covered with cloves and kept uncovered exhibited 45% reduction in growth of B. Sorokiniana four days after the clove treatment and out of the six test botanicals, garlic clove extract showed complete inhibition of spore germination followed by ginger rhizome extract and neem leaves extract at the 5.0 percent concentration ( P=0.05).

1 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

023492   MISHRA B, SINGH R P (Plant pathology Dep, Govind Ballabh Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar- 263 145, Email: mishrabhavya239@gmail.com) : Fungicidal management of Stemphylium blight of onion caused by stemphylium vesicarium (Wallr.) simmons. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(3), 1043-9.

Onion is an important commercial crop grown all over the world. It is attacked by many diseases which cause yield losses and result in lowering the quality and export potential of the produce. Stemphylium blight caused by Stemphylium vesicarium (Wallr.) Simmons is one such disease, which has become an economic threat since past few years, especially in Northern and Eastern India. In the present study, field evaluation as well as in vitro study was conducted for evaluating some fungicides for the management of Stemphylium blight as well as to observe their effects on yield and quality parameters of onion. The results of the in vitro study revealed that fluopyram + tebuconazole gave complete mycelial inhibition of test fungus at 50 ppm concentration. Results of the field experiments showed that all the treatments significantly reduced the disease severity. However, strobilurins were found to be more effective, giving more than 50% disease control over check. Keeping in view the overall performance of the fungicides, it was concluded that the combination products azoxystrobin 25% + flutriafol 25% SC and fluopyram 20% + tebuconazole 20% SC can be recommended for the management of Stemphylium blight of onion under field conditions.

1 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

023491   KUSHWAHA K, CHAUHAN R S, SARBHOY R K, KUMAR H (Botany Dep, Agra Coll, Agra- 282 002) : Chromosomal aberrations induced by Carbarylin root meristem cells of Pisum Sativum L. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(3), 985-7.

Carbaryl, which is also known as sevin, induced mitostatic and turbagenic leading to clastogenic effects in the root meristem cells of Pisum sativum. The study was conducted at Department of Botany, Agra College, Agra. Seeds of uniform size of Pisum sativum were germinated on moist filter paper in petriplates. 1to 2 mm root tips were cut and treated with different concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.5%) of carbaryl prepared in distilled water for varying duration (3 to 9 hrs.) of time. It has mitodepressive and mitostatic effects on somatic cell division. These effects are directly proportional to concentration and duration. Common clastogenic effects are stickiness, condensation, breakage and bridges etc. Present investigation clearly revealed that carbaryl showed clastogenic and mitostatic effects. So, it should be used with precautions as it can be hazardous to both targeted and non-targeted biota.

6 illus, 11 ref

023490   BEHERA B, BEHERA S, JENA P K, BARIK D P, NAIK S K, (Botany Dep, Ravenshaw Univ, Cuttack- 753 003, Email: sknuu@yahoo.com) : Adventitious shoot organogenesis and plant regeneration from internode explants of Paederia foetida L. : A valuable medicinal plant. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(3), 893-900.

A plant regeneration protocol via adventitious shoot organogenesis from internode explants of Paederia foetida (Skunk vine) is reported here for the first time. Three explants (leaf, mature internode and internode derived from axenic shoot cultures) were tested for shoot organogenesis. Leaf explants failed to induce adventitious shoots whereas axenic internode explant was found to be superior to mature internode explants for the induction of adventitious shoots. Axenic internode explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/l BAP showed maximum (86.7 %; 10.4 shoots per explant) adventitious shoot organogenesis. The regenerated shoots were best rooted (90 %; 14 roots per shoot) on half-strength MS medium. Eighty percent of the rooted shoots were successfully acclimatized in soil: sand (1:1) mixture. All these acclimatized plants were successfully transferred to larger pots containing garden soil and subsequently established in the field.

1 illus, 2 tables, 42 ref

023489   RANJAN A, KUMARI A, RANJAN S (CSIR-National Botanical Research institute, Uttar Pradesh- 226 015, Email: alok_ranjan84@yahoo.com) : Gossypium herbaceum GhCYP1 regulates Water-use efficiency and drought tolerance by modulating stomatal activity and photosynthesis in transgenic tobacco. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(3), 869-80.

The cyclophilins genes are induced by abiotic stresses, yet their detailed function in drought and salinity remain largely unclear and need to be elaborately validated. Expression of cyclophilin was drastically induced under drought conditions in Gossypium herbaceum L. suggesting its stress-responsive function. In an attempt to characterize the role of G. herbacuem cyclophilin gene GhCYP1, we over expressed the GhCYP1 in tobacco using Agrobacterium mediated transformation and explored its possible involvement in drought and salt stress tolerance. The transgenic plants over expressing GhCYP1 exhibited tolerance against drought stress as evidenced by leaf disc assay, estimation of chlorophyll and proline content along with various physiological parameters such as stomatal conductance, rate of photosynthesis and water use efficiency. The drought stressed transgenic tobacco plants exhibited higher proline content in leaf ( 1.84 ? mol-g fw) and root (2.02? mol-g fw ), while a reverse trend was observed in the drought stressed wild type plants, implicating the involvement of GhCYP1 in the maintenance of physiological homeostasis. The detail physiological, biochemical and molecular analysis results demonstrate the implicit role of GhCYP1 in conferring multiple abiotic stress tolerance at whole-plant level.

4 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

023488   GOKHALE M, GAUTAM D, KHANNA A (Botany & Microbiology Dep, St. Aloysius Coll, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Email: mamtashrirang@gmail.com, gokhalesr@gmail.com) : A comparative GC-MS analysis of bioactive compounds in the different fractions of root extract of Oroxylem indicum(L.) vent. Analyt Chem Lett 2017, 7(3), 410-20.

The focus of this paper is on the analytical methodologies, which include the extraction, fractionization and identification of active ingredients of root extract of medicinal tree Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent. The genus Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent. (Family Bignoniaceae] is a small deciduous, soft wooded tree. Every part of tree produces a broad spectrum of valuable compounds mainly flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Root of O. indicum has long been used in different ayurvedic preparations like Dashmularisht and Chyavanprash. A comparative study of compounds present in the chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of root extract through gas chromatography mass spectroscopy was performed. Maximum number of compounds (50) were isolated in chloroform fraction, whereas in ethyl acetate, n-butanol and in aqueous fractions the number of compounds isolated simultaneously were 35, 24 and 22. Two compounds (9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid and baicalein) were common in all fractions. Other important compounds isolated were myristyl myristate, hydroxy methyl furfural, ascorbic acid 6-hexadecanoate, pseudopelletierine and squalene.

6 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

023487   BALIAH N T, PRIYATHARSINI S L, POOMARI B (Botany Dep, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal Coll, Tamil Nadu) : Encouraging effect of organic fertilizers on the growth and biochemical performance of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.). Int J Multidiscipl Res Dev 2017, 4(11), 127-30.

A nursery experiment was conducted to study the beneficial effect of various organic fertilizers such as vermicompost, Azospirillum, farmyard manure, agricultural waste, organic manure, wood ash and neem cake on growth and biochemical characters of pigeon pea Cajanus cajan. The results revealed that there was significant response in both growth as well as biochemical parameters of pigeon pea. Amendment of organic fertilizers was increased the shoot length in plants with neem cake and in the case of root length, the effect was higher neem cake followed by wood ash. All the organic fertilizers greatly affected the fresh weight of pigeon pea over the control. Among them, the plant fresh weight was higher with neem cake followed by organic manure. The effect was directly reflected in the plant dry weight also. In addition to growth characters, the biochemical characters of pigeon pea such as chlorophyll, carotenoid, protein, glucose, free amino acid and in vivo nitrate reductase activity were higher in organic fertilizers treated soil compared to the control plants.

2 tables, 21 ref

023486   RAINA A P, MISRA R C (Germplasm Evaluation Div, ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Cuttack, Odisha, Email: aprraina@yahoo.co.in) : Chemical evaluation of Mucuna species for L-dopa content - an anti-Parkinson'sdrug yielding medicinal plant from India. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(1), 148-54.

Mucuna species is an important medicinal plant of India which is the best known natural source of bioactive compound L-dopa (L-3,4-dihydroxy phenylalanine) used as potential drug for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The present study was undertaken for the chemical evaluation of four species of Mucuna, viz.; M. pruriens var. pruriens, M. pruriens var. utilis (Wall. ex Wight) L. H. Bailey, M. monosperma Wight, M. nigricans (Lour.) Steud., M. gigantea (Willd.) DC., collected from wild habitats of Odisha state of eastern India for pharmaceutically valued compound L-dopa. Results indicated a wide range of germplasm variability in seed size, color and L-dopa content. Among the four Mucuna species, highest L-dopa content was found in M. pruriens var. pruriens germplasm varying between 4.91 % - 7.09 %. Other Mucuna species having high L-dopa were M. gigantea (6.76 %), M. nigricans (6.16 %) and M. monosperma (4.61 %); while M. pruriens var. utilis showed least L-dopa content of 1.22 %. Promising accessions with high L-dopa content (> 6%) were IC599290, IC599342, IC599336, IC599361 and IC599350. Superior accessions along with other rarely occurring Mucuna species can be exploited for large-scale cultivation of this drug plant for pharmaceutical use.

3 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

023485   SAHA M R, KAR P, SEN A (Botany Dep, Univ of North Bengal, Siliguri, Email: senarnab_nbu@hotmail.com) : Assessment of phytochemical, antioxidant and genetic diversities among selected medicinal plant species of Mimosoideae (Mimosaceae). Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(1), 132-40.

Mimosoids form a major group in legumes. Of which, most of the members are traditionally reported remedies to diseases in rural India. However, proper justification and validation of their traditional practice are lacking. Hence, we intended to explore a comprehensive account of phytochemical profiling, antioxidant activity and genetic variation among selected ethnomedicinal species of Mimosoideae (Mimosaceae). The phytochemical study confirmed the presence of alkaloid, tannin, phenolic and flavonoid in all selected members. Antioxidant profiling through DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl), OH (Hydroxyl radical), NO (nitric oxide), and TAA (total antioxidant activity) assays was found to be significant (p < 0.001). In fact, all the extracts exhibited higher scavenging potentiality than the respective standards underlining their ethnomedicinal significance. An attempt was also made to analyze the genetic diversity of nine selected Mimosoids employing RAPD and DNA barcode analysis. A total of 330 amplified distinct bands, ranging from 190-1763 bp with 100 % of polymorphism were yielded through RAPD analysis. The dendrogram constructed clearly revealed the genetic relatedness among the species of Mimosoids validating conventional classification. We further correlated the dendrogram with phytochemical profiling. What's more, two phylogenetic dendrograms of matk and TrnL-F loci of selected taxa clearly showed inter-generic and intra-generic diversity among the nine studied species as a first-hand information.

4 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

023484   MAROYI A (Botany Dep, Univ of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa, Email: amaroyi@ufh.ac.za) : Ethnomedicinal uses of exotic plant species in South-central Zimbabwe. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(1), 71-7.

Herbal medicines are important for primary healthcare needs of both rural and urban communities in Zimbabwe, and among these therapies are those made from exotic plants. The aim of this study was to document ethnomedicinal uses of exotic plants in Shurugwi district, South-central Zimbabwe. Semi-structured interviews, personal observations and guided field walks were conducted between December 2014 and January 2015 with 128 participants comprising of community members (93.0 %, n = 119) and traditional healers (7.1 %, n = 9) from seven villages to obtain ethnobotanical data on medicinal uses of these plants. Data collected included local and scientific names of plants used, parts used, methods of herbal preparation and administration. A total of 26 exotic plants belonging to 15 families and 23 genera, mostly from Euphorbiaceae and Solanaceae (15.4 % each), Asteraceae (11.5 %), Apocynaceae and Myrtaceae (7.7 % each) were used to traditionally manage 21 human and four animal diseases. Majority of the plant species used (69.2 %) had one or two therapeutic uses while Bidens pilosa, Citrus lemon, Datura stramonium, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Nicotiana tabacum, Psidium guajava and Schkuhria pinnata had at least three therapeutic uses each. This study revealed that exotic plants play an important role in provision of primary healthcare to local communities in South-central Zimbabwe.

2 illus, 2 tables, 47 ref

023483   BUSSMANN, RAINER W, ZAMBRANA P, NAREL Y, SIKHARULIDZE, SHALVA, ZAAL K, KIKODZE, DAVID (Institute of Botany and Bakuriani Alpine Botanical Garden, Tbilisi, Georgia, Email: rbussmann@gmail.com) : Unequal brothers – Plant and fungal use in Guria and Racha, Sakartvelo (Republic of Georgia), Caucasus. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(1), 7-33.

Guria and Racha are historical provinces of Republic of Georgia, located on the South-facing macro-slope of the western part of the Greater Caucasus (Racha) and East of the Lesser Caucasus towards the Black Sea (Guria). In this study we documented traditional plant use in Guria and Racha, and hypothesized that (1) plant use knowledge in general would be higher in isolated high elevation communities, and that (2) use of home gardens would be much more restricted to lower elevation settings. Fieldwork was conducted in Lechkhumi in July-August 2014, and in Guria and Racha in July-August 2016. Interviews using semi-structured questionnaires were conducted with 32 participants (10 women and 22 men), with oral prior informed consent. We encountered 338 plant species belonging to 252 genera of 101 vascular plant families, 4 undetermined species, and 20 fungal species and 15 undetermined fungi, belonging to at least 16 general of 16 families being used in the research region. Of these 223 species were exclusively wild-collected, 110 were grown in home gardens, and 56 were both grown in gardens and collected in the wild. Plants and their uses mostly overlapped among the areas within the region, with a slightly wider divergence in uses than in plants. The environmental fit analysis showed that a large degree of this variation was explained by differences among participant communities. The elevation of the participant community significantly fit the ordination in plant-space and explained a large degree of the variation in plant species reported but not in use-space. Gender was not significant in plant-space or use-space.

10 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

023482   TSERING J, GOGOI B J, HUI P K, TAM N, TAG H (Botany Dep, Rajiv Gandhi Univ, Arunachal Pradesh, Email: huitag2008rgu@gmail.com) : Ethnobotanical appraisal on wild edible plants used by the Monpa community of Arunachal Pradesh. Indian J Tradit Know 2017, 16(4), 626-37.

The present study based on ethnobotanical exploration deals with such aspects as documentation of traditional uses, diversity, distribution, threat status and marketing potentialities of wild edible plants consumed by the Monpa community of Arunachal Pradesh. A total of 187 wild edible species belonging to 137 genera of 76 families were documented, of which almost 82.88 % were recorded from subtropical to temperate region, 11.23 % from tropical areas and 5.88 % of the alpine meadows. Rosaceae (19 species) was the most dominant family distributed in high Montane slopes and temperate to sub-tropical forests of Tawang and West Kameng districts. Among genera, Berberis and Rubus were the most widely consumed genera with 06 species each. Fruits (77 species) happen to be the most common edible plant organ getting consumed mostly raw (81.81 %) whereas leaves and shoots are mostly cooked. As many as 48 wild edible species were found to be extensively exploited by the local residents from wild habitat for food, medicines, rituals, traditional paper making, firewood and construction work. Thirty-two species were found to have local market value and 08 species were identified to be facing high degree of threat in the study area. Twenty two plants are reporting for the first time as edible and many other plant uses are novel.

3 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

023481   MENGISTU M, KEBEDE E, SERDA B (School of Plant Sciences, Haramaya Univ, Ethiopia, Email: melese43@yahoo.com) : Ethnobotanical knowledge of pastoral community for treating livestock diseases in shinle zone, somali regional state, eastern Ethiopia. J Vet Sci Technol 2017, 8(5), 60-5.

Modern livestock health care is still at its lowest stage in Ethiopia and most modern veterinary services like drugs and veterinary professionals are not accessible and affordable to the majority of pastoral farmers. As a result, they are heavily relying on their traditional knowledge and practices on locally available materials mainly plants in the management of animal diseases. However, this traditional knowledge has not yet been well documented and analyzed. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify medicinal plants and examine factors that threaten ethno-veterinary.This study was conducted in Ethiopian Somaliland regional state, Shinle zone. Survey was conducted to gather information from 180 households on indigenous knowledge using a semi-structured questionnaire and filed guided observations. The data was collected and analyzed using SPSS. The variability of documented knowledge and the homogeneity of the information given by the respondents were estimated by informant consensus factor. Thirty-one plant species belonging to eighteen families used against fourteen types of livestock health problems. Majority of plant identified fall under Fabaceae (22.5%) and Euphorbiaceae (16.1%) family that are largely shrubs. The most commonly used plant parts were roots (35.5%) followed by leaves (25.8%). Remedy preparation was mainly through chop and soak in concoction of water and salt. Oral, topical and nasal route were the common mode of administration with no standardized dosing and treatment duration. The principal threats of medicinal plants were invasive plants, drought, over grazing, agricultural activity and firewood collection. Indigenous knowledge on ethno-veterinary medicinal plants was accepted orally from healer’s forefathers and transmitted similarly. Awareness should be raised and ethno-veterinary medicine should be integrated in to livestock extension delivery systems for the need to exploit the possibility of discovering more medicinally viable plants. Further studies needed under controlled conditions on the efficacy of such plants.

1 illus, 6 tables, 50 ref

023480   SAKLANI A, TIWARI S C (Botany Dep., Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Univ, Uttarakhand, Email: chandolaashita@gmail.com) : Grazingland ecosystem in Garhwal Himalaya and fire effects on plant biomass. J Mount Res 2017, 12, 109-17.

The study was conducted for Grazing land Ecosystem in Garhwal Himalaya using three experimental sites, one unburnt protected second burnt protected and third unburnt open grazing land. After burning treatment, the above ground biomass (live and dead shoot) was found highest in August on burnt plot. Below ground biomass fluctuated quantitatively in the sampling months on all the plots. The litter biomass (dry matter) was found to be highest in May and lowest in July. Net primary production was found to be more in above ground on burnt plot than on unburnt plot. Turnover rate of above ground biomass was found to be higher on burnt plot while the below ground biomass and litter biomass was higher on unburnt grazed plot. Turnover time was found to be highest on burnt plot and lowest on unburnt protected plot. It has been shown to lead that the fire treatment increased the above ground net production and decreased the below ground net production in a considerable way.

4 tables, 27 ref

023479   BALUNI P, KUMAR R, CHAMOLI K, JOSHI H K (Botany Dep., A.P.B.G.P.G Coll Agustyamuni, Uttarakhand, Email: drjoshihk2013@gmail.com) : Studies on the periphyton density, diversity and physico-chemical parameters of lastar gad stream in district rudraprayag from India. J Mount Res 2017, 12, 73-9.

The present study deals with the study of physico-chemical characteristics and the periphytic algal community of the Lastar Gad stream in district Rudraprayag, state Uttarakhand, India. During the investigation it was found that the periphytic algal community of Lastar Gad stream was represented by 27 taxa belonging to 3 major class namely Bacillariophyceae (Gomphonema, Navicula, Nitzchia, Fragilaria, Cymbella, Synedra,Achnanthes, Amphora, Bacillaria, Diatoma, Epithemia, Tabellaria etc), Chlorophyceae (Cladophora, Oedogonium, Spirogyra sp., Cosmarium sp., Geminela sp., Microsporasp., Volvox sp., Zygenema sp. and Ulothrix sp.) and Cyanophyceae (Phormidium sp., Rivularia sp., Nostocsp., Calothrix sp. and Anabeana sp.).

7 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

023478   NAIK R R, CHANDRA R (Mycology and Plant Pathology Dep., Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) : Evaluation of different substrates on growth period and yield of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) (Jacq. Fr.) P. Kumm. J Ecofriendly Agric 2018, 13(2), 92-4.

Mushroom cultivation is the most suitable technology for creating wealth and health out of waste from plants, animal and industries which are abundantly available on earth in India. There are agricultural waste are available in huge quantity but maximum part of these agricultural waste are burnt after harvesting. This poor management of agricultural waste are increasing environmental pollution. The investigations carried out on the comparison of different substrates on growth period and yield of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) revealed minimum spawn run period on wheat straw (20.67 days) against maximum of 25 days on paddy straw. Similar pattern in the cropping period, registering lowest of 54 days on wheat straw and maximum of 60 days on paddy straw was recorded. The highest yield (878 g bed^-1) was obtained from mushroom bed of wheat straw + paddy straw + weeds. Wheat straw substrate also gave a good yield (821.33 g bed^-1) while the lowest (598.34 g bed^-1) from mushroom bed of paddy straw.

2 tables, 6 ref

023477   CHANDRA R (Mycology and Plant Pathology Dep., Banaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh, Email: rcrbhumpp@yahoo.com) : Bio-efficacy of fungicides against late blight disease of potato caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont). J Ecofriendly Agric 2018, 13(2), 88-91.

The present work deals with the bio-efficacy of newer fungicides against sheath blight of potato, the most important disease of potato worldwide. All the fungicidal treatments recorded significantly less PDI in comparison to control. However, amisulbrom 20% SC (Kirari) applied @ 500 ml ha^-1, recording minimum and significantly less PDI was found the most effective in producing disease free tubers and yielding significantly higher yields ie., 402.77 q ha^-1 in 2013-14 and 380.06 q ha^-1 in 2014-15 than other treatments.

3 tables, 7 ref

023476   BOHRA B, MATHUR K, TRIVEDI P C, VYAS B N (Plant Pathology Dep, Rajasthan Coll of Agriculture, Rajasthan) : Integrated management of root-rot of guar using biological agents along with neem and fungicids. J Ecofriendly Agric 2018, 13(2), 80-7.

In order to ecofriendly management of root rot of guar, biocontrol agents, oil based neem formulation and carbendazim were evaluated in various combinations as seed and seed + soil treatments in field condition. The seed treatment with T. harzianum Gn1+B. subtilis Ch-Kp-b-1 resulted in highest seed germination and dry biomass of plants and lowest disease incidence as compared to untreated control where seed germination and dry biomass were lowest and root rot incidence was highest. The combination of T. harzianum with oil based neem formulation and the combination of B. subtilis with both oil based neem formulation and carbendazim also proved better resulting in higher seed germination and dry biomass and reduced disease incidence as compare to control. In case of soil + seed treatment T. harzianum soil treatment & carbendazim seed treatment was found higher effective followed by the combination of T. harzianum Gn1+B. subtilis Ch-Kp-b-1 where disease incidence were less dry biomass were high. It has been observed that the over all disease incidence was lower and dry biomass of guar plants was higher in the treatments specially BCAs which were applied as seed treatments compared to their soil treatments. The integrated treatments were significantly superior over the individual treatment. All the treatments significantly suppressed the inoculum density of F. solani and R. solani over the untreated control. The studies on population densities of the BCAs and the two pathogens revealed that the BCAs established and multiplied well in guar rhizosphere and could also effectively suppress the pathogens. The effective BCAs- T. harzianum Gn1 and B. subtilis Ch-Kp-b-1, were further evaluated in micro plots by integrating the host plant resistance, chemical fungicide carbendazim, and oil based neem formulation. These were tested in different combinations with guar root-rot tolerant cultivar ‘Swati-55’ and highly susceptible cultivar ‘Pusa Nav Bahar’. Highest seed germination was recorded in tolerant cultivar where combination of T. harzianum Gn1 and B. subtilis Ch-Kp-b-1 was applied. This was followed by carbendazim seed treatment + drench. Combination of T. harzianum Gn1 and B. subtilis Ch-Kp-b-1 also resulted in lower disease (ranging from 4.4 to 14.9 per cent during 30-70 days of sowing) and highest yield of green pod and dry biomass of guar plants followed by carbendazim (seed treatment + soil drench) and T. harzianum Gn1+B. subtilis Ch-Kp-b-1+ oil based neem formulation. Similar trend of the efficacy of combined treatments were also observed with susceptible cultivar ‘Pusa Nav Bahar’. In this seed treatment with oil based neem formulation along with BCAs was significantly superior in suppressing the disease and higher yield of green pod and dry biomass weight of plants over control. All the treatments resulted in significant suppression of the guar root-rot pathogens as compared to untreated control in both the cultivars. The population densities of F. solani and R. solani was considerably less in tolerant cultivar “Swati-55” (42 and 22 x 105 c.f.u./g soil, respectively) than in the susceptible cultivar ‘Pusa Nav Bahar’, where these were 60.3 and 30.8 x 105 c.f.u./g soil, respectively. In Pusa Nav Bahar also, the integrated treatments resulted in significantly low inoculum densities of the 2 root-rot pathogens as compared to control. The lower population densities of these two guar root -rot pathogens as observed in the pot experiment was further confirmed in micro plot testing. Though the effects of the treatments were consistent in both, tolerant and susceptible cultivars, their effects were better realized in tolerant cultivar. This shows the effectivity of the selected strains of the BCAs. The integration of fungal and bacterial BCAs as seed treatment proved highly effective than fungicide (carbendazim) seed treatment plus drench, and the individual BCAs were almost at par with it. Integration of BCAs with oil based neem formulation was also quite effective.

4 tables, 11 ref

023475   KULMITRA A K, SAHU N, KUMAR V B S, THEJESHA A G, GHOSH A, GULNAZ Y (Plant Pathology Dep, Univ of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore-560 065, Email: akhilesh.patho@gmail.com) : In vitro evaluation of bio-agents against Pyricularia oryzae (Cav.) causng rice blast disease. Agric Sci Digest 2017, 37(3), 247-8.

The five different bio-agents viz., Trichoderma viride, T. harzianum, T. virens, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis were evaluated against Pyricularia oryzae at four and eight days after incubation through dual culture technique. Among the five different bio-agents, highest per cent inhibition of mycelial growth of fungus was recorded in T. virens i.e. 67 per cent and 70 percent after four and eight days after incubation respectively with mean of 68.5 per cent followed by Trichoderma viride with the inhibition of 61 and 63 per cent respectively with mean of 62 per cent. The Pseudomonas fluorescens did not show any inhibition of mycelial growth of P. oryzae as the pathogen over grew the bio-agents.

2 tables, 13 ref

023474   GUNASEKARAN K, SIVAKAMI R, SABARIAPPAN R, PONAIAH G, NACHIMUTHU V V, PANDIAN B A (Center for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: karthi.tnau07@gmail.com) : Assessment of genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis for morphological and quality traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(4), 251-6.

Nine rice genotypes were evaluated for this present study. Genetic variability parameters, correlation and path coefficient analysis were estimated for eleven agronomic and quality traits. Among all the genotypes, ASD 16 recorded highest significant grain yield per plant. In this present study, the PCV was higher than GCV for all the characters studied. The grain yield per plant recorded highest GCV, high heritability coupled with high genetic advance which indicates that the trait were governed by epistasis and dominant gene action. Number of productive tillers per plant and thousand grain weight showed positive significant correlation and direct effects on grain yield per plant. The purpose of this study is to estimate the amount of variability present in this material, which in turn helps to select these material for further breeding programme to develop high yield hybrids combine with blast and leaf folder resistance.

2 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref