006376   Madhusudhana Reddy A;Sadasivaiah B;Subbaiah K V;SureshBabu M V;Ravi Prasad Rao B (Botany Dep, Conservatin Ecology Div, Sri Krishnadevaraya Univ, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh-515 003, Email: rao_rp@rediffmail.com) : Three new distributional records of poaceae for Andhra Pradesh, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 411-13.

Three grass taxa, Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler ssp. ciliaris var. fimbriata (Link) Jain et Doli Das, Digitaria. ternata (A.Rich.) Stapf ex Dyer and Heteropogon fischerianus Bor are reported for the first time from the State of Andhra Pradesh, India. Complete description, critical notes and illustrations are provided for the taxa.

7 ref

006375   Kongkiatpaiboon S;Gritsanapan W (Pharmacognosy Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Email: pywgs@mahidol.ac.th) : Distribution, bioactive components and biological activities of Stemona species in Thailand. Med Pl 2010, 2(1), 1-12.

Phytochemical investigations of Stemona species have revealed the presence of alkaloids, stilbenoids, tocopherols (chromenols), etc. Stemona alkaloids constitute a unique chemical feature of the Stemonaceae and cannot be detected so far in any other plant families. Their alkaloid structures are characterized by a pyrrolo[1,2-a]azepine core which can be classified into three types based on biosynthetic consideration i.e. stichoneurine-(tuberostemonine-), protostemonine- and croomine-types of alkaloids. Tuberosa group contains stichoneurine- and croomine-types, demonstrating antitussive activity, while non-tuberosa group contains protostemonine type alkaloid which promotes potent insecticidal activity. Biological testings showed that insecticide and antitussive activities of Stemona are depended on Stemona alkaloids while antifungal activity against plant-pathogenic fungi is depended on the presence of stilbenoids. Moreover, preliminary tests on anticancer and antioxidant activities of some Stemona species have also been reported.

^iia2 tables, 61 ref

006374   Kim S K;Sohn E Y;Joo G J;Lee I J (NO, Institute for Bioresources Research, Gyeongbuk Provincial Agricultura, Andong 760-891, Korea) : Influence of jasmonic acid on endogenous gibberellin and abscisic acid in salt-stressed chard plant. J envir Biol 2009, 30(3), 333-8.

Endogenous gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) contents as an effect of different application times of jasmonic acid (JA) in chard seedlings exposed to salt stress were investigated. Endogenous ABA content was increased by JA treatment after NaCl treatment, rather than after JA application before NaCl treatment. JA application after NaCl treatment caused higher ABA content than treatment with 160 mM NaCl alone. Total gibberellin content decreased after NaCl stress, but NaCl-reduction in total GA contents counteracted by exogenous JA. Total endogenous GA contents were increased in JA treatment after NaCl and were highest at 24 hr of JA application before NaCl exposure. JA treatment promoted the increase of dry weight compared to chard plant exposed to 160 mM NaCl. Thus, JA presumably induces gibberellin biosynthesis showing the promotion of growth and dry weight of chard plants under salt stress.

7 illus, 28 ref

006373   Khan T A;Chaudhari G S;Pandey P O (Botany Dep, M.J. College, Jalgaon, Maharashtra) : Novelties in cyperaceae of Maharashtra - India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 347-51.

One species as new record for Maharashtra and a new variety of Fimbristylis dichotoma of Cyperaceae from different parts of Khandesh region (Maharashtra). The specimens lodged in the herbarium of M.J. College, Jalgaon. They have been critically studied, described and illustrated.

1 illus, 8 ref

006372   Kesarwani S;Dwivedi K;Tandon R;Rama Kant (Botany Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: rkojha_1@rediffmail.com) : New record of a coccoid genus Bacularia borzi (Cyanoprokaryota) from India. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2008, 31(5-6), 187-9.

Bacularia vermicularis a Cyanoprokaryote is recorded for the first time from India. It was growing in a tank, Allahabad. The colonies are tubular, mucilaginous upto 200 μ long. Cells are longitudinally oriented and the broader parts of colonies gradually attenuate to single row of cells towards apices. Its attributes and affiliations are also discussed.

10 illus, 9 ref

006371   John Britto S;Soosairaj S;Balaguru B; Nagamurugan N (Rapinat Herbarium, St. Joseph's College, Tirucirappalli-620 002) : Stenochlaena palustris (Burm.F.) Beddome (Blechnaceae): a new record for the eastern ghats in Tamil Nadu. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 318-20.

Stenochlaena palustris (Burm. f.) Beddome collected for the first time in the Eastern Ghats, is described and illustrated.

1 illus, 3 ref

006370   Gupta S L (Botanical Survey of India, Central Circle, 10 Chatham Line, Allahabad-211 002) : Checklist of cynobacteria-I pleurocapsales. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 324-7.

Revisionary study on checklist of Cyanobacteria Part-I, Pleurocapsales is presented evaluating criteria involved at generic and species level based on latest information.

18 ref

006369   Girjesh Kumar;Tripathi R (Plant Genetics Lab, Botany Dep, University of Allahabad, Allahabad-211 002) : Influence of heat stress on genome of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.). J envir Biol 2009, 30(3), 405-8.

Meiosis is an event of high evolutionary stability that culminates in a reduction of chromosome number. Several abiotic environmental factors such as heat may cause anomalies at genetic level that ultimately impair fertility of the plant. In the study, the effect of heat stress on various morphological and cytological parameters has been studied in Lathyrus sativus. The most interesting anomaly recorded during the study was the formation of synezetic knot in prophase-I instead of leptotene and zygotene stages. Furthermore, a large number of interesting karyological and cytoplasmic irregularities viz. multivalents, transmigration of chromosomes, bridges, tripolarity, etc. were found among the heat treated population of 48hr duration in M₂ generation.

11 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

006368   Ghosh A K (Swamiji Eco-club, C/o. Dr. Ashis Ghosh, 1/E-5, Mitra Compound, P.O.+DT.-Paschim Medinipur, Pin-721 101) : Quick regeneration of stem cuttings of bamboos as influenced by planting posture and IAA. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 333-4.

Investigation was made to determine the effect of IAA alongwith the planting posture on the regeneration of stem cuttings of Bambusa. Very low concentrations of IAA (20 ppm) in horizontal posture show initiation of rooting after 10 days of application where as vertical posture with the same concentration of IAA takes 20 days for root initiation.

1 table, 4 ref

006367   Ghose A K (NO, , C/o Tushar Dutta, 1/E-5, Mitra Compound, P.O. Dist. - Paschim Medinipur-721 101) : Comperative study of monocarpic senecence of a monocot (Commelina benghalensis L.) and a dicot (Oxakus corniculata L.): migration of senecence signal vs. nutrient drainage. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 321-3.

Prior to harvest all the parameters (chlorophyll, protein, sugar, dry weight) relating to yield and senescence were higher in two deflorated plant species than defruited or control plants indicating the senescence pattern as control > defruited > deflorated. So, aerial (chasmogamous) flowers are more lethal than the underground fruits to induce better yield and whole plant senescence.

1 table, 8 ref

006366   Dwivedi S (NO, Chordia Institute of Pharmacy, Indore, Madhya Pradesh-452 010) : Status survey of medicinal plants wealth of Malwa region of Madhay Pradesh with special reference to conservation of vulnerable and ednangere species. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 443-52.

WHO has estimated that at least 60-80% of the world population relies on traditional system of medicine for various ailments. Over 21000 plant species were found to be useful in the preparation of medicines. Due to the growing awareness about the side effects and complications of synthetic medicines, usage of herbal products has gained tremendous importance. Drugs obtained from plant origin occupy important positions in different Pharmacopoeias, India is extremely rich in medicinal plants, which are being utilized at large extent by the Indian tribal population; in addition, many of the life saving drugs of the present allopathic system are obtained from plant sources only. Owing to immensity, it is often difficult to make a complete study of the medicinal plants found in a particular country. Enumerates the medicinal plants of the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, India with special reference to their conservation status, uses and conservation strategies.

2 tables, 12 ref 

006365   Cozzolino D (NO, Australian Wine Research Institute, Waite Campus, PO Box 197, Urrbrae 5064, Australia, Email: daniel.cozzolino@awri.com.au) : Use of near infrared spectroscopy for plant analysis. Med Pl 2010, 2(1), 13-20.

Medicinal plant properties are related to individual compounds such as essential oils, terpenoids, flavonoids, which are present in natural products in low concentrations (e.g. ppm or ppb). For many years, the use of classical separation, chromatographic and spectrometric techniques such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry (MS) were initially focused for the elucidation of isolated compounds from different plant matrices. In the last 40 years near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy became one of the most attractive and used methods of analysis which provides simultaneous, rapid and non-destructive quantitation of major components (e.g. protein, dry matter, carbohydrates) in many agriculture related products and plant materials. More recently, the use of NIR spectroscopy has been reported to determine other minor compounds in plant materials. Reviews recent applications on the use of NIR spectroscopy to quantitatively analyse plant natural products.

^iia1 illus, 47 ref

006364   Chauhan G;Sharma M;Varma A;Kharkwal H (NO, Amity Institute of Microbial Technology (AIMT), Amity University, Block E-3, Fourth Floor, Sector 125, Noida-201 303, Email: geetanjalic@aihms.amity.edu) : Phytochemical analysis and anti-inflammatory potential of Fenugreek. Med Pl 2010, 2(1), 39-44.

Large number of medicinal plants are being used today to bring about traditional cure of inflammatory conditions, yet many of them need to be properly investigated and scientifically validated for the same. Potential active constituents from Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) have been isolated and purified. A comprehensive overview of the phytochemical analysis of the seed extract and the literature survey carried out for the antiinflammatory potential and the other medicinal properties of fenugreek seeds.

2 illus, 4 tables, 21 ref

006363   Chakrabarty T;Diwakar P G (Botanical Survey of India, Western Circle, 7 Koregaon Road, Pune-411 001) : Undescribed species of Neolitsea (Benth.) Merr. (Lauraceae) from Andhra Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 345-6.

A new species, Neolitsea gamble! Chakrab. & P. G. Diwakar is described from Andhra Pradesh, India.

006362   Belwal M;Sati S C;Arya P (Botany Dep, Kumaun Univ, Nainital-263 002, Email: manish_belwal@yahoo.co.in) : Temperature tolerance of water borne condial fungi in freshwater streams of Central Himalaya. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2008, 31(5-6), 175-9.

Two different fast flowing fresh water streams, Jageshwar (1775 m. asl) and Jeoli (1150 m. asl) stream of Central Himalaya were studied for water borne conidial fungi. A total of 33 species were encountered within one year. Among these, 9 species viz., Alatospora acuminata, Anguillospora longis-sima, Clavariopsis aquatica, Flagellospora penicillioides, Lunulospora curvula, Tetrachaetum elegans, Tetracladium marchalianum, Tetracladium setigerum, and Triscelophorus monosporus were found throughout the year and regarded as temperature tolerant species. Alatospora flagellata, Lemon-niera cornuta, L. pseudqfloscula and L. terrestris were observed in only a low temperature range (<16°C) and regarded as low temperature loving species. Similarly, three species viz., Flabellospora acuminata, Helicosporium lumbericoides and Sytosynnema isthmospermum were observed only in high temperature range (>16°C) and regarded as high temperature loving species.

1 table, 23 ref

006361   Beevy S S;Kuriachan P (Botany Dep, Kerala Univ, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581, Email: s_beevy@yahoo.com) : Leaf epidermal morphology and its systematic implications in the wild and cultivated species of Trichosanthes Linn., Luffa mill. and Cucumis Linn. (Cucurbitaceae). J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 455-63.

Epidermal characters of fourteen taxa including the wild and cultivated species ofTrichosa-nthes, Luffa and Cucumis were carried out to assess the interrelationship of the taxa. The leaves were amphistomatic except in the genus Trichosanthes which was characterized by hypostomatic condition too. The stomata was mostly anomocytic, but tetracytic type was also recorded. The cultivated and the wild taxa showed remarkable variation in the size of stomatal complexes and stomatal indices. Variations in the nature and distribution of trichomes were also observed among the wild and cultivated taxa. The consistency in the pattern of variations in the distribution of stomata, stomatal complex size, nature of epidermal cells and characteristic feature of trichomes are of much taxonomic significance in the taxa considered. A key at the interspecific and intraspecific level is suggested.

1 table, 31 ref

006360   Barua K N;Khatry P K (Ecology and Biodiversity Div, Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat) : Alien forest weeds in upper Brahmaputra valley and hill zones of Assam. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 414-22.

Many alien weeds have entered either intentionally as ornamental plants or accidentally in the State. These weeds cause enormous losses to forest ecosystems and threaten biodiversity. During the investigation, 46 numbers of common forest alien weeds were recorded with focus on their place of origin. Among the terrestrial weeds Chromolaena odorata, Lantana camara, Mikania micrantha and Mimosa invisa are more troublesome. Neotropical aquatic weeds that threat to the wetlands are reported as Alternanthera philoxeroides and Eichharnia crassipes. Majority of the exotic species are topical American origin (35%) and other invaders are of South American (26%), African and European (9%) source. The maximum number of alien weeds belongs to the family Asteraceae.

2 tables, 22 ref

006359   Bartarya R;Srivastava A;Tonk S;Bhatnagar V P; Srivastava S S;Maharaj Kumari K (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra-282 005) : Larvicidal activity of Artemisia annua L. callus cultre against Anopheles stephensi larvae. J envir Biol 2009, 30(3), 395-8.

Emergence of resistance by both Plasmodium falciparum and Anopheles stephensi made the search for an alternative environmentally safe plant based insecticide inevitable. Artemisia annua is a well known antimalarial. The study is an attempt to induce callus production from young leaves of Artemisia annua plant and study its larvicidal activity against larvae of Anopheles stephensi. Callus was initiated by using different concentrations of auxins and cytokinins. A suitable culture media was standardized for optimal growth of callus. Healthy callus cultures were obtained in the slightly modified Murashige and Skoog's medium + NAA and BAP (0.03 and 0.2 mg l^-1 respectively) + Sucrose 20 gm l^-1 + Agar 8 gm l^-1 within 28 days of inoculation. Callus was successively extracted in order of increasing polarity of solvents. Larvicidal activity, in terms of lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of the callus extract in chloroform was calculated to be 18.45 ± 0.75 ppm after 72 hr against third instar larvae of A. stephensi.

2 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

006358   Aulwar U;Awasthi R S (Botany Dep, Mahyco Research Foundation Trust's Badrinarayan Barwle College, Jalna (M.S.)) : Production of biosurfactants from DPJ by soil fungi. Life Sci Bull 2008, 5(2), 153-5.

In the investigation Deproteinised Juice (DPJ) obtained from plant leaves were used for finding out their ability for the production of biosurfactant. DPJ of Eucalyptus, Castor, Soyabean, Cauliflower and Moringa oleifera were used. Fungi isolated from soil i.e. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillusflavus and Rhizopus nigricans were used for biosurfactant production. Khizopus nigricans was found suitable for biosurfactant production. Rhizopus nigricans shown 347 mg/100ml. growth and emulsion index determined was 25.02. Modified GN medium was used as control in which growth measured was 330mg/100ml. and emulsion index was 21.33. DPJ was found supportive for growth and biosurfactant production by Rhizopus nigricans.

3 tables, 5 ref

006357   Arul Pragasan L;Parthasarathy N (Ecology and Environmental Sciences Dep, Pondicherry Univ, Puducherry-605 014, Email: parthapu@yahoo.com) : Memecylon parvifolium Thwaites (Melastomataceae) from southern eastern ghats - a new record to tree flora of Inida. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 426-7.

Reports the collection of Memecylon paruifolium Thwaites (Melastomataceae) for the first time from India. This tree species, which was earlier reported to be endemic to Sri Lanka, was encountered from Shervarayan hills of Tamil Nadu State during the quantitative assessment of plant resources of southern Eastern Ghats, carried out in 2006-08. Thus, it forms a new addition to the tree flora of India, as per literature on authors disposal.

7 ref

006356   Arul Pragasan L;Parthasarathy N (Ecology and Environmental Sciences Dep, Pondicherry Univ, Puducherry-605 014, Email: parthapu@yahoo.com) : Rediscovery of Memecylon madgolense Gamble (Melastomataceae), after a century from eastern ghats of India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 337-8.

Rediscovery of Memecylon madgolense Gamble nearly after a century from the Eastern Ghats of India has been reported. Authors encountered this species during our quantitative plant biodiversity inventory in Kolli hills of southern Eastern Ghats, India. This species was rediscovered nearly a century after its type collection from Madgol hills of Andhra Pradesh, central Eastern Ghats.

9 ref

006355   Arinathan V;Mohan V R;Maruthupandian A; Athiperumalsami T (Botany Dep, Kamaraj College, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu) : Lesser known wild edible fruits of western ghats, Tamil Nadu. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 295-300.

Gives an account of some of the wild edible fruit plants of Grizzled Giant Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu. A survey of wild edible fruits was undertaken and about 63 species belonging to 30 families were selected and documented from different settlements of Palliyars in the above said Wildlife Sanctuary. The wild edible fruits in this region have been tabulated as per botanical name along with family name, local (Palliyars) name, habit, parts of the plant used and consumption patterns.

1 table, 8 ref

006354   Antony R (NO, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695 562, Email: rajuantonytbgri@rediffmail.com) : Pteris heteromorpha Fee (Pteridaceae: Pteridophyta): a new record for Kerala. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 428-9.

Pteris heteromorpha Fee, a rare fern is reported for the first time as a new record for Kerala State. A brief description along with photograph of herbarium specimen is given for its easy identification.

1 illus, 7 ref

006353   Andola H C A;Rawal R S;Bhatt I D (Biodiversity Conservation and Management Thematic group, G.B. Pand Institute of Himalayan Environment and Develpment, Kosi-Katarmal-263 643, Email: rsrawa;@gbpihed.nic.in) : Antioxidants in fruits and roots of Berberis asiatica Rox. ex. DC. : a highly valued Himalayan plant. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2008, 31(11-12), 337-40.

Analysis, using High Performance Liquid Chromatography, revealed higher concentration of antioxidants in fruits (Xanthophyll - 1.86; total phenolic - 940; ∝- carotene - 6.51 and 6- carotene - 16.84 mg/100 g dry weight) than roots (Xanthophyll - 0.71; total phenolic - 238.16; ∝- carotene -5.11 and β- carotene(tm) 16.34 mg/100 g dry weight).

1 illusn, 1 table, 20 ref

006352   Anant Kumar;Paul T K (Central National Herbarium, Botanical Survey of India, Howrah-711 103) : Hypoestes phyllostachya Baker(Acanthaceae)- a new record for West Bengal State, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 385-6.

Hypoestes phyllostachya Baker (Acanthaceae) is described as an addition to the flora of West Bengal from Darjeeling district.

006351   Aman N;Naqshi A R (Botany Dep, Govet. College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar) : Some species of the genus Pilea Lindl. (Urticaceae) in N.E. India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 307-12.

About 11 species of the genus Pilea Lindl are studied from phytogeographical distribution point of view. They find distribution mainly in Eastern Himalaya & N.E. India. A key to the species, enumeration of taxa with illustrations are provided.

7 illus, 8 ref

006350   Albert S;Joshi A;Patel C (Botany Dep. Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Email: drsusyalbert@rediffmail.com) : Heteranthery in four tree species of Cassia. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 285-8.

Floral morphology, mode of anther dehiscence and percentage of pollen viability in four Cassia species, sensu lato, i.e. C fistula, C. siamea, C. renigera and C. javanica has been analyzed. These species exhibit diversity in the size of stamens, mode of anther dehiscence and percentage of pollen viability. There are three types of anthers large, medium and small designated as A, B and C type respectively. These dehisce by longitudinal slit, basal or an apical pore. Pollen grains in all the three types of anthers are viable. Staminodes are absent.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

006349   Ahire P P;Kadam V B;Tejankar A V (P.G. Bonany & Research Centre Dep, K.T.H.M. College, Nashik (M.S.)) : Aeromycological (Ascomycetes) studies at Nashik (Maharashtra). Life Sci Bull 2008, 5(2), 223-4.

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum Linn.) is one of the most important cash crop of the Nashik district. Nashik is situated in North Maharashtra, nearly 200 km. from Mumbai on national highway no. 3. There are many co-operative and two private sugar factories in the district. Sugarcane is mainly cultivated for the manufacturing of sugar and ethanol. The annual rainfall (175±20 cms) and temperature (27±03°C) of the district are favourable for growing sugarcane crop. The sugarcane crop is mainly affected by more than twenty fungal diseases.

5 ref

006348   Aditya P;Anil Kumar;Yadav D K (Botany Dep. Ethobotany Lab, Magadh Univ, Bodh-Gaya-824 234, Email: anilbpl@gmail.com ) : Some unrecorded psychoactive plants and their less-know ethnomedicinal uses in Gaya district, Bihar. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 313-17.

Ethnobotanical uses of 32 psychoactive plant species from Gaya district are discussed based on survey and cross-examination from traditional medical practitioner (TMP) and Vaidhyas. The study revealed that vast amount of literature has accumulated about ethnobotanical uses of plant, but comparatively less known information is available about psychoactive plants. The present communication gives local name, botanical name, family, plant part used, mode of administration and application in different ailments.

1 table, 17 ref

006347   Acharya P K;Debata A K;Panda P C (Taxonomy & Conservation Div, Regional Plant Resource Centre, Bhubaneswar-751 015) : Occurrence of passiflora suberosa Linn. (Passifloraceae) in Orissa-a new plant record for Eastern India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 423-5.

Deals with Passiflora suberosa L. (Passifloraceae) - an interesting species of the genus, reported for the first time from Orissa or broadly from eastern India. Correct nomenclature, diagnostic features, ecology, phenology and distribution have been discussed.

2 illus, 10 ref

006346   Abdul Kader S (Plant Science Dep, SAFI Institute of Advanced Study, Vazhayoor East P.O., Malappuram District, Kerala-673 633) : Occurrence of Ficus palmata Forsk. ssp. virgata (Roxb.) browcz in Kerala, South India-an addition to the flora of Kerala. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(2), 339-41.

During the recent detailed study on Ficus species in Kerala, F. palmata Forsk., ssp. virgata (Roxb.) Browcz, not known earlier from Kerala, South India was collected from Vadakkanchery in Thrissur District during April 2008. A small population was found on roadsides near Govt. Vocational Higher Secondary School on the wall of Mariamman temple and the nearby wasteland. This species was reported only from Simli in the Visakhagapatnam hills in Andhra Pradesh at 3000 ft only (Gamble, 1921).

1 illus, 4 ref

005394   Zuccarini P (Crop Biology Dep, Section of Plant Pysiology, Pisa Univ, Pisa, Italy, Email: p.zuccarini@virgilio.it) : Tropospheric ozone as a fungal elicitor. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(1), 125-38.

Tropospheric ozone has been proven to trigger biochemical plant responses that are similar to the ones induced by an attack of fungal pathogens, i.e. it resembles fungal elicitors. This suggests that ozone can represent a valid tool for the study of stress responses and induction of resistance to pathogens. This review provides an overview of the implications of such a phenomenon for basic and applied research. After an introduction about the environmental implications of tropospheric ozone and plant responses to biotic stresses, the biochemistry of ozone stress is analysed, pointing out its similarities with plant responses to pathogens and its possible applications.

^iia167 ref

005393   Verma D M;Srivastava R C (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Allahabad-211 002) : Distribution of sedges in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh states of India. J trop For 2008, 24(3-4), 65-8.

Throws light on diversity of the sedge family (Cyperaceae) in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh states of Indian Union. The family is represented by 98 species belonging to 10 genera in Chhattisgarh state and by 104 species under 11 genera in Madhya Pradesh as per present exploration records.

4 tables, 2 ref

005392   Verma A P (Plant Physiology & Biochemistry Laboratory, Botany Dep, A.N. College, Magadh Univ, Patna, Bihar) : Cultivation, processing and economic importance of makhana, Euryale ferox. Bionotes 2008, 10(4), 129-33.

2 illus, 6 tables, 8 ref

005391   Upadhyay A K;Gangwar P;Mahesh Kumar;Gangwar N K (Epidemiology and Preventive Meddicine Dep, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pantnagar-263 145) : In vitro evaluation of Argemone maxicana for antitrematodal properties and phytochemical analysis. Indian J vet Med 2008, 28(2), 128-30.

Different organic and aqueous extracts of Argemone maxicana were evaluated for their antitrematodal activity. Ether extract had maximum cumulative efficacies (66.66% and 71.66%) followed by methanol extract (59.99 and 49.99%) at 2% and 3% concentration, respectively. Maximum overall in vitro efficacies were 52.49% at 20 mg/ml concentration and 53.60% at 30 mg/ml concentration. Phytochemical analysis revealed presence of alkaloids, flavones, proteins, resins, tannins and triterpene in these extracts. Densitometric fraction analysis through HPTLC revealed 2-8 peaks with Rf values in the range of 0.03 to 0.97 and λ max of 200-374.

^ssc2 tables, 8 ref

005390   Tripathi A;Tripathi R;Kumar G (Plant Genetics Laboratory, Botany Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002) : Anaphase-telophas aberration assay of fertilizer factory effluents in Allium cepa L.. J Cytol Genet 2008, 9(1), 85-91.

The study has been carried out to investigate the toxic effect of fertilizer factory effluents on the root tip cells of Allium cepa. The root tip cells were treated with 5 different concertrations viz. 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% for 24 hours. The results obtained showed that the effluent had a marked mito-depressive action on mitosis. However, only 10% concentration was found to be mito-enhancer. Different types of chromosomal abnormalities such as, fragments, laggards, bridges, multipolarity, stickiness, etc. were observed. However, 10% concentration can be considered as safe and tolerable for the plants but the higher concentrations are considered to be potential mitotic poison.

12 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

005389   Savithramma N;Savitha C;Saradvathi J (Botany Dep, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati-517 502, Email: drnsavithri@yahoo.com) : Effect of auxins on in-vivo multiplication of Decaschistia crotonifolia-an important multipurpose plant taxa. J trop For 2008, 24(3-4), 61-4.

Effect of auxins on rooting of stem cuttings was observed in Decaschistia crotonifolia which is an important medicinal and fiber yielding plant. The mature stem cuttings of 10 cm length were treated with different concentrations of growth regulators like IAA, IBA, and NAA. The treated cuttings were planted in polypropagators and provided mist conditions. After 35 days, the cuttings were uprooted. Maximum rooting percentage (5) was observed with IBA, followed by IAA whereas minimum percentage (2.5) was observed with NAA. 1500 ppm of IBA was found as the best concentration for mass multiplication of D. crotonifolia.

1 table, 14 ref

005388   Roy B (Social Studies Div, Office of the Registrar General & Census Commission, New Delhi-110 066, Email: babulroy@hotmail.com) : Folk uses of Temur - a multipurpose medicinal species of central Indian Himalaya and its evolving market & management issues. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2008, 43(3), 235-46.

The high altitude Central Indian Himalaya (Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas) is the homeland of the well known Bhotiya tribe - a transhumance Himalayan community whose economy revolves around sheep and goat raring activities. Temur (Zanthoxylum armatum DC) is a multipurpose medicinal shrub found growing in mid-altitude Himalayan ranges. In Central Indian Himalaya, local exchange of temur entwines social and economic fabrics involving several native castes and tribes in which the Bhotiyas are at the center of the affair. Recently the market price of temur has gone up. This has resulted temur to be an important NTFP (none timber forest products). This study gives a first hand account on local utilization of temur, particularly with reference to the Bhotiya tribe, and also devotes on analyzing issues involving collection, stalk management and trading on temur, which have assumed some new dimensions under recent market drive.

4 tables, 13 ref

005387   Raju N B (Biology Dep, Stanford Univ, 371 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA, Email: nbraju@stanford.edu) : Neurospora as a model fungus for studies in cytogenetics and sexual biology at stanford. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(1), 139-59.

Dodge's early work (1927-1940) on Neurospora genetics and sexual biology inspired Beadle and Tatum at Stanford to use N. crassa for their landmark discovery that genes specify enzymes. Neurospora has since become a model organism for numerous genetic, cytogenetic, biochemical, molecular and population biology studies. Neurospora is haploid in the vegetative phase with a transient diploid sexual phase. Its meiotic cells (asci) are large, allowing easy examination of dividing nuclei and chromosomes under a light microscope. The haploid meiotic products are themselves the sexual progeny that grow into vegetative cultures, thus avoiding the cumbersome testcrosses and complex dominance-recessive relationships, as in diploid organisms. The Perkins' laboratory at Stanford (1949-2007) played a pivotal role in advancing our knowledge of Neurospora genetics, sexual biology, cytogenetics and population biology. Since 1974, I have taken advantage of various chromosome-staining methods to examine ascus and ascospore development in wild type and in numerous mutant strains. In addition, I have used GFP-tagged genes to visualize the expression or silencing of unpaired genes in a post-transcriptional gene silencing process (meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA) that operates specifically during meiosis. The genome of N. crassa contains over 10 000 protein-coding genes. Gene knockouts or mutations in specific sequences may now be readily correlated with the observed cytological defects in the sexual stage, thus advancing our molecular understanding of complex processes during ascus and ascospore development.

10 illus, 100 ref

005386   Qasim S Z (NO, Centre for Environmental Studies, Secular House, 1, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110 067) : Adaptations of mangroves to coastal environment. Bionotes 2008, 10(4), 111.

^iia1 ref

005385   Pawar S B;Deotale R D;Sable N H;Kalamkar V; Baviskar S B (Botany Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur, Maharashtra) : Influence of foliar sprays of cow urine and NAA on chemical and biochemical parameters of groundnut. J Soil Crop 2008, 18(2), 398-404.

Experiment was conducted to study the effect of two foliar sprays of different concentrations of cow urine (4,6, 8 and 10%) and NAA (50 ppm) at 20 and 35 DAS on groundnut. Data revealed that foliar application of different concentrations of cow urine along with NAA 50 ppm increased chlorophyll, nitrogen, potassium content in leaves and oil content in kernels. Data further revealed that combination treatment of 4% cow urine + 50 ppm NAA was found to be most effective in increasing all above parameters over control (RDF).

1 table, 22 ref

005384   Olmez Z;Yahyaoglu Z;Temel F;Gokturk A (Faculty of Forestry, Artvin Coruh Univ-08000, Artvin, Turkey, Email: zaferolmez@yahoo.com) : Effect of some pretreatments on germination of bladder-senna (Colutea armena Boiss. and Huet.) and smoke-tree (Cotinus coggygira Scop.) seeds. J envir Biol 2008, 29(3), 319-23.

The study was carried out to determine effects of pre-treatments including floating in hot water (100°C) followed by continual cooling for 24 hr in the same water, floating in tap water for 24 hr, submersion in concentrate (98%) sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) and cold stratification for different durations (20, 40 and 60 days) and their combinations on seed germination and to investigate how to overcome dormancy of seeds of Colutea armena Boiss. and Huet. and Cotinus coggygria Scop. The seeds were sown in polyethylene pots in the greenhouse and on seedbeds under open field conditions. The statistical design was a randomized complete block design with three replications. The highest germination percentage (77.19%), the best germination rate (16 days) and the highest growth rate (69.01%) were obtained from Colutea armena seeds that were submersed in sulphuric acid for 30 min and sown in the greenhouse. The pre-treatment of submersion in sulphuric acid for 20 min with cold stratification for 60 days gave the highest germination percentage (82.77%) and the highest growth rate (79.37%) in the greenhouse for Cotinus coggygria seeds. On the other hand, the best germination rate (9 days) was obtained from smoketree seeds that were cold stratified 60 days and sown under open field conditions. It can be stated that there is an affirmative effect of the greenhouse condition on germination percentage and growth rate values of the seeds used in this study.

3 tables, 28 ref

005383   Michael T S;Shin H W;Hanna R S;Spafford D C (NO, Chaminade Univ of Honolulu, 3140 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI - 96816, USA, Email: tmichael@chaminade.edu) : Review of epiphyte community development: surface interactions and settlement on seagrass. J envir Biol 2008, 29(4), 629-38.

A focus of community ecology is the spatial distribution of species assemblages and the interactions among species and abiotic features of the environment. While the ubiquity of species associations is apparent, it is less clear if interactions within a community impart an organizational structure to the community. Do settlement processes in early stages of community development contribute to later community structure? What are the interfacial forces that lead to recruitment and colonization of diverse substrata? This review examines seagrasses as living substrates for epiphyte colonization and the surface interactions which may determine settlement success. These epiphytes include primary producers which contribute to biodiversity and are bioindicators of pollution/nutrient enrichment.

^iia1 table, 126 ref

005382   Meenu;Chauhan S V S (Botany Dep, School of Life Sciences, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Univ, Agra-282 002) : Genetic variability and correlation studies in Brassica campestris Prain. J Cytol Genet 2008, 9(1), 1-5.

Genetic variability in 105 genotypes of toria (Brassica campestris) was evaluated and a wide range of variations was found for almost all the traits under study. Phenotypic variance was higher than genotypes variance for all traits. High estimates of heritability along with high genetic advance were recorded for glucosinolate. Correlation studies revealing negative correlation of palmitic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid with erucic acid are of great significance in breeding varieties with very low erucic acid content, thus improving the nutritional quality of oil.

4 tables, 17 ref

005381   Lakshminarasimhan P;Sanjappa M (Central National Herbarium, Botanical Survey of India, Botanic Garden P.O., Howarh-711 103) : Ten threatened endemic trees of India. Bionotes 2008, 10(4), 114-17.

11 ref

005380   Kale A;Jadhav B L;Bhatia K L;Gawade S N (Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd., , Chembur, Mumbai-400 074) : In vitro studies on a mangrove plant (Sonneratia apetala) extracts as botanical pesticides against Xanthomonas malvacerum and Pseudomonas syringae. J Soil Crop 2008, 18(1), 81-5.

Mangrove species Sonneratia apetala occuring along Mumbai coast was selected to study the activity against X. malvacerum and P. syringae. Among the various parts of plant studied, methanol extract of S. apetala leaf was found to be most active and also exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.25 mg ml^{-1 against X. malvacerum. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the highly potent methanol extracts of S. apetala leaves indicated the presence of secondary metabolites saponins, tannins etc. which may be responsible for the bioactivity. The results revealed that the methanol extracts of this plant may be a safe agricultural chemical against X. malvacerum and P. syringae, may play a vital role in meeting the demand for organiclly grown plant produce and alleviate some environmental problems associated with the use of synthetic chemicals and antibiotics.}

5 tables, 17 ref

005379   Gupta S;Srivastava A K (Cytogenetics Laboratory, Botany Dep, C.C.S. Univ, Meerut-250 004) : Meiotic investigation in different species of Carthamus. J Cytol Genet 2008, 9(1), 27-35.

The genus Carthamus was explored cytogenetically using parameters like chromosome configuration at metaphase I/diakinesis, chiasmata/chromosome frequency, number of spores/tetrad, pollen size and pollen sterility. For this 257 accessions belonging to five different species of Carthamus were analyzed. All the species had 2n=24 except C. glaucus and C. lanatus subsp. turkestanicus which had 2n=20 and 2n=64 respectively. The frequency of chiasmata/chromosome was between <62>0.8 and <60>1.0 in majority of accessions. The meiosis within an anther was asynchronous and stages from prophase I to telophase II were found in the same anther. The meiotic course was found to be abnormal in 58 accessions (3 of C. lanatus, 4 of C. palaestinus and 51 of C. tinctorius) and the abnormalities noticed were transcellular migration, restitution nucleus, chromatin bridges at telophase I/II, micronuclei at telophase I and II, etc. The spore arrangement was mostly found to be tetrahedral and opposite. Monads, dyads, triads and polyads were also found along with tetrads. In C. tinctorius more than 75% of the accessions had no pollen sterility while in rest it was 5-20%. In C. tinctorius the pollen/anther varied from 900-1000 though in other species it varied from 800-1200. The pollen diameter was found to be <62>40 μm to <60> 60 μm in more or less all accessions except C. lanatus subsp. turkestanicus which had <62> 80 μm pollen size.

26 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

005378   Dhuria S S (Forestry Dep, Wild Life & Environmental Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Univ, Bilaspur-495 009) : Rooting behaviour of 'Sarpgandha' (Rauwolfia serpentina), using branch cutting under mist condition. J trop For 2008, 24(1-2), 50-3.

Over exploitation of Rauwolfia serpentina plants for the manufacture of several important drugs, has made this species vulnerable. Regeneration of this species with seeds is difficult. Therefore, vegetative propagation through branch cuttings in mist condition has been attempted using three auxins (IAA, IBA and NAA) as rooting hormone. Such methods are being tried for some species of commercial value. The paper summarizes the success obtained in the experiment. Leafy branch cuttings (18-20 cm long), collected from 8-10 months old plants of Rauwolfia serpentina were treated with different concentrations of Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) and Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) on their 2 cm basal portion for 1-2 minutes. Cuttings were planted in impure sand medium, inside a mist chamber possessing congenial micro-climatic conditions of 25-30°C temperature and 70% relative humidity. Cuttings remained unwilted due to intermittent spraying of water through an automatic device. After sixty days, number and length of rooted cuttings sprouted from each cutting was recorded. NAA was observed as the best rooting hormone for the rooting of branch cuttings of R. serpentina at lower concentrations (500-1000 ppm). The number of roots was found to be maximum at higher concentrations of the hormone (3000 PPA) of IAA and IBA. It can be recommended that artificial reproduction of this species can be done in the field by making small.

3 tables, 6 ref

005377   Deepak Kumar;Rahi;Shukla K K;Rajak R C;Pandey A K (Microbiology Dep, Punjab Univ, Chandigarh) : Investigations on In-vitro fruiting of an edible facultative ectomycorrhizal species of Lactarius. J trop For 2008, 24(1-2), 65-9.

Survey of different forest ranges in Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh resulted in collection of an important edible facultative ectomycorrhizal mushroom which was identified as Lactarius species. Looking to its extensive edibility among local inhabitants of the region, an attempt for development of its fructification on six different organic substrates under controlled experimental conditions was made. Consequently, the sorghum+wheat bran was screened out as the best substrate which supported maximum mycilial colonization and initiated the fruiting. Among physical factors, the temperature of 28 ±1 ° C and 12 hours of intermittent conditions of light and darkness was were found optimum for mycelial colonization and therefore, initiation of fructification.

3 tables, 12 ref

005376   Cherian M;Rajeev K;Omanakumari N (Botany Dep, Kerala Univ, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581) : Ursolic acid - a cytotoxic triterpenoid of Coleus zeylanicus (Benth) Cramer an Hypti suaveolens (L) Poit. J Cytol Genet 2008, 9(1), 93-99.

Bioactivity-based fractionation of extracts of Coleus zeylanicus and Hyptis suaveolens has led to the isolation of ursolic acid as one of the active fractions. The crude extracts as well as the isolated fractions showed significant cytotoxicity and antimitotic effects in Allium cepa meristematic cells and anticancer effect in murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells (ED₅₀ <60> 27 μg/ml). The standardized crude extract of C. zeylanicus and ursolic acid, a relatively non-toxic compound, deserve further development as potential antitumour agents.

18 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref