001435   Singh M;Satish Narain Lal;Nawlesh Kumar (Biosystematic and Molecular Lab. Botany Dep, Patna Science College, Patna Univ, Patna) : Electrophoretic study of seed proteins of Cassia L. species. Modern J Life Sci 2007, 6-7(1-2), 131-4.

Comparative study of storage seed proteins of three species of Cassia. viz., C. tora, C. occidentalis and C. sophera has been studied using SDS-PAGE. The data reveals a progenitor derivative relationship of C. sophera with the other two species.

2 illus, 9 ref

001434   Shankar U;Mukul Kumar;Dilip Kumar (P.G. Dep of Botany, Magadh Univ, Bodh-Gaya) : Physico-chemical changes in food reserve of mung seed due to storage moulds. Modern J Life Sci 2007, 6-7(1-2), 99-102.

Maximum percent loss of lipid was caused due to Alternaria tenuis, Curvularia lunata and Cladosporium oxysporum, total nitrogen due to Aspergillus flavus and Curvularia pallescens, starch due to A. flavus, dry weight due to C. pallescens and germination of seed due to A. flavus, TFS and TFAA due to A. flavus and C pallescence after 6 months storage of the seed. Aspergillus flavus and C. lunata caused maximum decrease in pH.

1 table, 4 ref

001433   Sahani M (NO, S.N.S. College, Hajipur, Vaishali, Bihar) : Induction of callus and organogenesis from cultured leaf for the micropropagation of Cestrum nocturnum Linn.. Modern J Life Sci 2007, 6-7(1-2), 111-16.

Leaf explant of Cestrum nocturnum Linn. were cultured on MS media variously supplemented with different concentrations of IAA, 2, 4-D, KN, BA and CW either singly or in different combinations. Shoot apices were differentiated on these explants directly or through callus formations. Murashige and Skoog's (1962) medium was used as basal medium for all in vitro experiments. The cultured leaves showed swelling and very little callus formation was observed particularly on media with NAA in case of C. nocturnum. Caulogenesis directly or through callus formation w.as observed in C. nocturum on media with KN only.

3 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

001432   Palani S;Raja S;Venkadesan D;Karthi S; Sakthivel K;Senthil Kumar B (NO, , ) : Antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of Terminalia pallida. Archiv appl Sci Res 2009, 1(1), 18-28.

Terminalia pallida (TP)Brandis is one of the oldest medicinal herb of India, is an ingredient of Indian Ayurvedic drug 'triphala' used for the treatment of digestion and liver disorders. In Indian traditional system of medicine, the fruits are also used in the treatment of hepatic disorders and treatment of diabetes by tribal people. Acetaminophen (APAP) is used as an analgesic which produces liver and kidney necrosis in mammals at high doses. The aim of the present study was to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the ethanol extract of Terminalia pallida at two doses level of 250 mg/kg & 500 mg/kg B/W on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The results of study showed that APAP significantly increased serum levels of GOT & GPT, ALP and total bilirubin. In addition, the ethanol extract of TP significantly (p<0.01) elevated the decreased level of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) & catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH). Histological analysis of the liver of these rats revealed marked necro-inflammatory changes by APAP and ethanol extract of TP attenuated the necro-inflammatory changes in the liver. The activity of ethanol extract of Terminalia pallida at 500 mg/kg B/W was comparable to the standard drug silymarin (25mg/kg B/W). This study reveals that ethanol extract of TP showed significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties from APAP induced liver damage & oxidative stress.

001431   Muthumani P;Venkatraman S;Meera R;Devi P; Kameswani B;Eswarapriya B (Pharmaceutical Chemistry Dep, K.M. College of Pharmacy, Madurai) : Phytochemical investigation of Ruelia patula, Luffa cylindrica and Elephantopus scaber. Der Pharma Chem 2009, 1(1), 210-18.

The phytochemical studies on the plant of Ruelia patula, Luff a cylindrical and Elephantopus scaber resulted in isolation of 7-hydroxy 1 methyl coumarin. Stigmasterol, Stigmasterol- 6- en- 3 beta -ol, Campesterol, Dicoumarals, CU I, CUII, CUII1, Lupeol acetate, Triacontanol and Molephantinon are being reported for the first time from this plant. These compounds have been characterized on the basis of spectral and other data.

001430   Mohanty R B;Dash B L;Dash N C (Botany Dep, N.C. College (Auto), Jaipur-755 001) : Ethno-horticultural and olericultural concepts in floklores of Orissa. J hum Ecol 2008, 23(1), 21-5.

Oriya folklores and folk proverbs concerning aspects of farming schedule, climate, soil and habitat, germplasm se1ection and farming methods including interim care for cultivation of around 30 different varieties of horticultural and Olericultural produce of Orissa state, India are highlighted. They include fruits, vegetables, pulses, oil seeds, condiment, fibres and some cash crops. The relevance and utility of such ancient knowledge codified in those folklores are analysed.

11 ref

001429   Mitra A;Bhattacharya D (NO, B. C. Roy Technology Hospital, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: amitra@adm.iitkgp.ernet.in ) : Effects of melatonin in mild diabetics with dyslipidaemia. J hum Ecol 2008, 23(2), 109-14.

Diabetes is spreading at an exponential rate in Indian sub-continent. Existing infrastructure of health in India is poor, particularly in its rural sectors. Of all verities of diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is commoner and is about 80%. Different drugs, herbal medicines and neutraceuticals are used to control diabetes. Melatonin, the hormone of pineal gland is being considered as a neutraceutical by FDA. Many workers thought melatonin might have a role in diabetes control through central mechanisms. The studies lead to many controversies and counterclaims. Study is intended to observe the effects of melatonin at a higher dosage per day. The effects in rural Indian diabetic population at that melatonin dosage in different blood parameters were observed and also change in endocrine secretions observed. Melatonin caused reduction in Serum Insulin, Serum Cortisol, Serum ACTH and Serum TSH levels while increase in Serum Gastrin level. Of the biochemical parameters, melatonin caused reductions in TLC, LDLC and FBS while increase in HDLC. It also caused reduction in neutrophil and increase in lymphocyte count in a diabetic with increase in faecal fat excretion.

1 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

001428   Mishra A N;Ansari M H (Chemistry Dep, S.G.R.P.G. College, Dobhi, Jaunpur-221 149) : Phytochemical investigation of fermented leaves of Cassia obtusifolia Linn.. Int J chem Sci 2008, 6(4), 2000-7.

The chemical composition of the methylene chloride extract of the fermented leaves of Cassia obtusifolia legume was analysed for the first time by GC and GC/MC. The major components are found to be aliphatic acids and identified as hexonic acid (26%), palmitic acid (10.4) and valeric acid (6.3%) with lesser amounts of p-ethyl phenol (17.2%) and p-methylphenol (14%). Examination of the protein fraction from leaves indicated 20.3% in the crude leaves and 12.9% in the fermented leaves. Moreover this traditional legume had a high content of potassium and calcium element.

3 tables, 13 ref

001427   Meena Kumari;Dubey S (Botany Dep, V.K.S. Univ, Ara-802 301) : Some common medicinal plants from Ara (Bhojpur). Modern J Life Sci 2007, 6-7(1-2), 177-80.

Survey of medicinal plants from Ara was made during 2007-08 and some common plants, used by local people as therapeotic aid aleviating various human ailments have been documented. These Plant species have been utilized since ancient period in traditional health care systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Sidda and Homeopathy.

1 table, 8 ref

001426   Kaushik D;Jogpal V;Kaushik P;Lal S;Saneja A; Sharma C;Aneja K R (NO, , ) : Evaluation of activities of Solanum nigrum fruit extract. Archiv appl Sci Res 2009, 1(1), 43-50.

The study was designed to evaluate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of ethanolic extract of fruits of Solarium nigrum plant blonging to Solanaceae family. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was evaluated by using Carrageenan-induced rat paw edema while analgesic activity of the extract was evaluated for its central and peripheral pharmacological actions by using Eddy's hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing respectively. The study was carried out using doses of 100, 250 & 500 mg/kg orally. The extract showed showed significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity at the dose of 500 mg/kg (P<0.01) as compare to standard drug Diclofenac sodium (50 mg/kg). The plant extract significantly inhibited the S. aureus and 8. sublitis (Gram +ve) at all the tested concentrations (100, 75, 50 and 25mg/ml) as compare to standard drug Ciprofloxacin (20 μg/ml) whereas the extract failed to show inhibitory effect against E. coli and P. aeruginosa (Gram -ve) at a concentration of 25mg/ml. The extract also showed significant inhibitory effect against C. albicans at all concentrations except at 25 mg/ml as compare to standard drug Amphotericin B (100 μg ml).

001425   Jain J (Chemistry Dep, L.R.P.G. College, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad-201 005) : Sequential extraction of micronutrient in O. gratissimum. Int J chem Sci 2008, 6(3), 1266-9.

The ancient Ayurvedic scriptures have mentioned the medicinal plant in the management of several diseases. O. gratissimum is a sacred plant of the Hindus and is worshipped at homes and temples, Medicinal properties have been attributed to this plant in several ayurveda literature. The plant extract was analyzed for certain trace metals viz. copper, zinc, manganese and iron. Concentrations of these metals in plant extract were found to be zinc (55 μg/g), iron (59 μg/g)> copper (29 μg/g) and manganese (9 μg/g). These trace metals impart therapeutic values to this herb specified in Indian Ayurvedic medicinal system.

1 table, 14 ref

001424   Binod Kumar;Sinha K R;Prasad S N;Sinha A K (P.G. Dep of Botany, Gaya College, Gaya-823 001) : Cytological studies in three populations of Cuscuta reflexa Roxb.. Modern J Life Sci 2007, 6-7(1-2), 49-56.

Three populations of Cuscuta reflexa were studied cytologically from Gaya town. Mitotic and meiotic studies were carried. Meiotic anomalies were common in all the populations and similarly pollen sterility was also significant. It was concluded that Cuscuta reflexa, a stem parasite, possesses general purpose genotype as it tolerates wide environmental and climatic fluctuations.

11 illus, 4 tables

001423   Ashok K;Jain R K;Sahu B K (Botany Dep, S.S.L.Jain P.G. College, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh) : Cyanophyceae of Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh. Ind Res Commun 2009, 3(1), 104-5.

Deals with the systematic account of cyanophyceae from Vidisha and its environs. 49 species belonging 29 genera of cyanophyceae are recorded for the first time from Vidisha city and its environs.

1 table, 7 ref

001422   Anil Kumar;Choudhary S R (Botany Dep, P.N.K. College Achhua, Patna, Magadh Univ, Bodh Gaya) : Ethnomedicinal plants of Bihar used in skin care. Modern J Life Sci 2007, 6-7(1-2), 155-60.

Contains ethnomedico plants used in skin care in Bihar-Fifthsing plant species with their botanical names, local names, families and parts used in different skin care have been described.

1 table, 3 ref

001421   Alam M K;Ahmad N (Molecular Systematics Laboratory, Botany Dep, Patna Univ, Patna-5) : Use of electrophoretic seed protein profiles and karyotype to circumscribe th identity of some Indian desmodium. DESV. NOM. CONS. species.. Modern J Life Sci 2007, 6-7(1-2), 135-40.

Genus Desmodmm commonly known as Beggar weed has a pantropical distribution with Sino-India region is its centre of diversity. The plants are difficult to identify and name due to possession of homoplastic characters. Hence the present work is aimed to distinguish some tropical wild species of Desmodium based on karyotype morphology and seed protein profiles and also to find out the genetic similarities between the said species.

2 tables, 13 ref

000363   Zhang Q;Peng S;Zhang Y (State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen Univ, Guangzhou, 510275, China, Email: lsspsl@mail.sysu.edu.cn) : Allelopathic potential of reproductive organs of exotic weed Lantana camara. Allelopathy J 2009, 23(1), 213-20.

Studied the allelopathic effects of aqueous extracts of leaf and reproductive organs (flower and fruit) of L. camara on seed germination, seedling growth and dry matter production of radish and lettuce. The reproductive organs of L. camara were found allelopathic and the effects were concentration-dependent. GC-MS analysis showed that the reproductive and vegetative organs have similar volatile compounds but their contents were different. Fruit extracts were most stimulatory, while flower and leaf extracts had similar stimulatory/ inhibitory effects. Thus the allelopathic effects of L. camara reproductive organs were stronger than vegetative organs. Since L. camara is perennial, hence, large quantity of flowers and fruits produced more allelochemicals. The allelopathic effects of its reproductive organs makes it more competitive and invasive.

^ssc4 illus, 2 tables

000362   Yenkar A W;Dalal L P (P.G. Dep of Botany, J.B. College of Science, Wardha-442 001, Email: ashish.yenkar@yahoo.com) : Antifungal activity of dopamine, HCl and codeine phosphate on Aspergillus spp. Bioscan 2009, 4(1), 93-5.

Antifungal activity of two drugs i.e. Dopamine HC1 and Codeine Phosphate against two plant pathogenic fungi namely Aspergillus fumigatus Fresen and A. nidulans Berk was studied. Effect of these drugs on morphological characters like colour, shape and thickness, radial or diametric growth and conidial germination in legands (drugs) as well as in water of all these fungi was investigated. The result showed that 0.5% concentrations of these two drugs were inhibitory for Aspergillus fumigatus Fresen and A. nidulans Berk.

2 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

000361   Wahegaonkar N;Bharaswadkar S (Botany Dep, Botany Research Centre, Vasantrao Naik Mahavidyalaya, Aurangabad, Maharashtra) : Phosphate solubilizing fungi. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(1), 281-2.

Soil is a large sink of microorganisms. The soil microflbra contains, protozoan, yeast, molds, algae, bacteria, nematodes etc. The diversity of microorganisms plays a key role in elemental cycles such as carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and phosphorus. Several specials of bacteria (Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp.) and Fungi (Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp.) degrade and solubilize the insoluble phosphates into soluble form through the mechanism of secretion of organic acids. Although bacteria have been used in commercial preparation of phosphate - dissolving cultures to improve the growth of plants, fungi seem to be better agents in the solubilization of phosphate. Solubilization of tricalcium phosphate by fungi was. studied and found to be appreciable, species of Aspergillus, Acrothecium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Paecilomyces, Phoma and Rhizoctonia proved to be phosphate solubilizing fungi.

^iia5 ref

000360   Verma R K;Vinod Kumar;Gupta S R (Botany Dep, Institute of Basic Sciences, Bundelkhand Univ, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh) : Some ethno-medicinal plants used for various skin ailments in villages of Jhansi, India. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(1), 273-6.

Survey of ethno-medicinal plants was conducted in different areas of Jhansi district, Uttar Pradesh. A total of thirty one plant species from eighteen family were studied for their antiseptic potential. There were 13 trees, 03 shrubs and 14 herbs in the selected ethnomedidnal plants. All plants were angiosperms and dicotyledons. Different ethno-medicinal plants of antiseptic value were also collected for making herbaria. It is also desired that the other indigenous plant material should be collected, identified, processed and utilized for medicinal purposes.

14 ref

000359   Vanitha S (Plant Pathology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Management of leaf blight disease in Solanum nigrum L. caused by Alternaria chlamydospora by botanicals. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(1), 30-6.

Application of new 30 EC formulation of winter green oil, lemongrass oil and their combination (0.025 %) were tried under in vitro, green house, mini-field and field conditions at 0.1 per cent concentrations. The combination of wintergreen oil, lemongrass oil and individual application of these two significantly reduced the disease incidence and considerably increased the economic yield (leaf + berries). The treatments were equally effective as that of Mancozeb (0.2%). Application of EC formulation of plant oils were not phytotoxic to the plants.

8 tables, 4 ref

000358   Vanitha S (Plant Pathology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Testing the efficacy of EC formulated plant oils against leaf blight disease of Solanum nigrum caused by Alternaria chlamydospora. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(1), 5-10.

Three EC formulations of wintergreen oil, lemongrass oil and their combination at 0.025 per cent Concentration were effectively inhibited the mycelial growth of Alternaria chlamydospora by recording 100 per cent inhibition over control. Among the four different EC, 30 and 40 EC at 0.025 per cent showed almost complete inhibition of mycelial growth and spore germination of A. chlamydospora than the other concentrations. All the EC formulations were tested for its storability at different places were inhibitory to A. chlamydospora and proved its antifungal effect.

6 tables, 9 ref

000357   Vadodariya M D;Dobariya K L;Gaikwad A R (Agricultural Botany Dep, Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Junagadh, Gujarat) : Role of genotype, explant and culture medium on callus induction in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(1), 26-9.

In vitro callus induction was attempted for induction of embryogenic callus using five varieties of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolar (L.) Moench) viz., CSV 15, GJ 38, GJ 39, GJ 40 and GJ 41. Immature inflorescence and leaf sheath explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog's (1962) (MS) medium containing 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 ppm 2, 4-D. Significant differences were found among the varieties, explants and medium combination for days to callus initiation, fresh weight of callus and dry weight of callus. Cent per cent callus induction was achieved from both the explant of all the genotypes. A mixture of two types of callus i.e. morphogenic and non-morphogenic was induced in all the varieties. The morphogenic callus was white or pale yellow, nodular hard and slow growing. Non-morphogenic callus was pale yellow or whitish yellow, watery, loose and fast growing. Variety GJ 40 was earlier in callus initiation, while GJ 41 produced maximum fresh weight and dry weight of callus. Immature inflorescence explant was better than leaf sheath for all the three callus induction parameters. MS medium with 3.0 ppm 2,4-D was early in callus initiation, while MS + 2.0 ppm 2,4-D was found optimum for achieving higher fresh as well as dry weight of callus.

2 tables, 14 ref

000356   Tiwari D D;Singh R K (Botany Dep, M.L.K. (P.G.) College, Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh) : Ethnobotanical studies on some plants of Kuwano range at Balrampur, India. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(1), 258-62.

Balrampur is one of the important district of eastern Uttar Pradesh. There are large number of plants which are used in different diseases by local inhabitants. The present paper deals with 70 angiospermic plant species which are associated with medicinal values. Attempts have been made to collect information by approaching different agencies. The botanical names, familie, local names and uses in different diseases are given.

1 table, 10 ref

000355   Thomas B;Lekha Rani C (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, College of Agriculture, Vellayani-695 522) : Stigma and pollen parameters in selected monopodial orchid hybrids and species. J Orchid Soc India 2008, 22(1-2), 31-4.

Floral biology studies were conducted in 15 monopodial orchid genotypes belonging to the genera Aranda, Aranthera, Kagawara, Mokara, Renanthera and Vanda, with good cut flower qualities and popularity in the market. The genotypes showed significant variation for parameters such as flower opening time, anthesis, stigma receptivity period, pollen size, pollen fertility and pollen germination. A clear understanding of these traits under particular experimental locations is inevitable for the successful conduct of crop improvement programmes in orchids, as some of these traits vary depending on the climatic conditions. The days from flower opening on which these genotypes could be pollinated with maximum success have also been assessed.

5 illus, 11 ref

000354   Thakur A;Agrawal V K (Crop & Herbal Physiology Dep, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidayalaya, Jabalpur-482 004, Email: anita_11oct@yahoo.com) : Planting date on yield and essential oil content of rhizomes in sweet flag (Acorus calamus L.). Biomed 2009, 4(1), 33-5.

Investigations during Kharif 2007 on Acorus calamus with five treatments as date of planting replicated four times in randomized block design revealed that on 3rd date of planting (30lh July) recorded significantly the higher rhizome length (14.4 cm),girth of rhizome (1.30cm),fresh yield & dry yield (19.5q/h &1.92q/ha). Similarly, the oil percentage of Acorus calamus was found to be higher in 3nd date of planting. The lowest oil percentage (0.13% was recorded in 5th date of planting (30th August). Thus the optimum time of planting of Acorus calamus is 30th July.

1 table, 4 ref

000353   Taha N A;Raveesha K A (Microbiology Laboratory, Studies in Botany Dep, Mysore Univ, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570 006, Email: karaveesha@gmail.com) : Utility and importance of Avocado, Persea americana Mill. Bioscan 2009, 4(1), 1-8.

Discusses the various aspects of Avocado uses emphasizing the nutritional value, antidiabetic effect, anticancer, anticonvulsant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, insecticidal and hypertension activity besides, toxicology, ethnomedicine, clinical trials and future perspective.

^iia1 illus, 4 tables, 66 ref

000352   Suresh Kumar;Gupta M G (Crop Improvement Div, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi-284 003, Email: suresh_kumar33@rediffmail.com) : Plantlet regeneration via multiple shoot induction in indian cultivars of lucerne (Medicago sativa L). J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2008, 17(2), 181-4.

Efficient protocol has been developed for in vitro plant regeneration via multiple shoot induction in lucerne (Medicago sativa L). Shoot tips from in vitro grown 5-6 days old seedlings of 3 cultivars, LLC-3, Chetak and RL-88 were used as explants for multiple shoot induction on MS medium supplemented with cytokinins. Maximum of 14 shoots per apical meristem were observed in case of cv Chetak on MS medium supplemented with BAP (12.6 (iM) and KN (9.3 μM). Shoot elongation on MS medium supplemented with GA (5.8 μM), while root induction was achieved on MS medium supplemented with IAA (11.4 μM) and activated charcoal (2.0 g I^-1). Tissue raised plants showed 75% survival after transfer to soil under field conditions.

^ssc2 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

000351   Sukhbir Lal;Jain S (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Univ Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra, Haryana) : Comparative composition of essential oils from various parts of Vitex negundu Linn. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(1), 46-9.

Vitex negundo, is a shrub quite prolific in India and is sold as commercial drug. In traditional medicine, this plant has an important place in treatment of many physical ailments and diseases. A few Vitex species containing essential oils have been investigated and studied by several investigators. As part of our study on screening of essential oils from various parts of V. negundo. Authors investigated and reported four essential oils from dry and green fruits, fresh leaves and flowers. The most abundant constituents of leaves and flower oils were ethyl-9-hexadecenoate (28.5) and α-selinene (17.0) while dry and green fruit oils showed β-selinene (22.0) and β-caryophyllene (36) as most abundant constituents, respectively, β-caryophyllene is the only constituent common to all four oils.

1 table, 28 ref

000350   Singh B;Mall T P (Botany Dep, Kisan (P.G.) College, Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh) : Ethno-medicinal value of Gloriosa superba L.. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(1), 313-14.

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000349   Singh B;Mall T P (Botany Dep, Kisan P.G. College, Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh) : Ethno-medical use of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) pes. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(1), 301-2.

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000348   Shakya L R;Bajracharya D M;Manandhar R; Chettri M K;Shrestha M R (Botany Dep, Amrit Campus, Tribhuvan Univ, Kathmandu, Nepal) : Orchid survey and conservation in Shivapuri national park Kathmandu, Nepal. J Orchid Soc India 2008, 22(1-2), 15-19.

Shivapuri National Park (Nepal) supports good natural forests in 80% of its 144 km² area. The forests are dominated by Schima wallichii and Castonopsis indica at lower elevations and by Quercus glauca, Q. semecarpifolia, and Rhododendron arboreum at higher altitudes. The park is rich in orchids. Periodic surveys have revealed the occurrence of 77 species in 34 orchid genera. The habit, distribution range, and population status of different species is presented in this paper. Efforts have also been initiated for their ex situ conservation at Amrit Campus, Kathmandu.

1 table, 8 ref

000347   Sarker P K;Begum J A;Das B C (Zoology Dep, Rajashahi Univ, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh, Email: bcdzool@yahoo.com) : Functional response of Coccinella transversalis L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) feeding on mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenback). Entomon 2008, 33(4), 267-73.

Experiments were conducted to study the functional response of Coc-cinella transversalis L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) feeding on mustard aphid, Lipa-phis erysimi (Kaltenback) (Homoptera: Aphididiae) under laboratory conditions. Six densities of prey (L. erysimi) were evaluated. C. transversalis fits well with the Type-II functional response model for all life stages based on maximum value of coefficient of determination (r²). The consumption rate and percentages of prey consumption were positively and negatively correlated with prey density, respectively. Fourth instar larvae consumed highest number of aphids than other instars and the adult females consumed more aphids than adult males. The handling time of C. transversalis decreased with the increase of prey densities. The handling time of adult females was shorter than that of adult males. (c) 2008 Association for Advancement of Entomology

2 tables, 20 ref

000346   Roshchina V V;Yashina A V;Yashin V A;Prizova N K (Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia, Email: roshchinavic@mail.ru) : Models to study pollen allelopathy. Allelopathy J 2009, 23(1), 3-23.

To develop models for pollen-pollen interactions, the effects of allelochemicals secreted by foreign pollen i.e. donor pollens were studied in vitro or in vivo on the germination of acceptor-pollen and autofluorescence. Both acceptor and donor pollens were choosen from the indoor (greenhouse) and outdoor grown plants. Microspores from Hippeastrum hybridum, Philadelphus grandiflorus, Knautia arvensis, Plantago major and Oenothera biennis were used as pollen-acceptors, while other pollen grains from 42 spp. - as donor pollens. The significant negative effects of donor pollen were observed on 3 acceptor pollen: Hippeastrum hybridum, Philadelphus grandiflorus and Knautia arvensis. Their germination was inhibited by forein pollen grains from 18 spp. In mixtures of pollen from various species, 4 donors pollens (Alstroemeria aurantiaca, Anthriscus sylvestris, Solidago virgaurea and Tagetes patula) stimulated the microspores' germination, whereas, microspores from Aloe vera, Lilium mortagon, Filipendula ulmaria and Hypericum perforatum showed no significant responses to foreign pollen. The rate of the pollen tube formation was also changed in donor pollens themselves in the presence of acceptor pollen grains. Coloured excretions from donor pollen of Hypericum perforatum and Calendula officinalis stained the Colourless pollens of Plantago major and Oenothera biennis. Autofluorescence of acceptor and donor pollens in mixtures was changed to blue-green and red spectral regions that may serve as the indicator response on forein microspores. Generally increased blue-green and occasionally red emission indicated the decrease in rate of pollen germination. However, red fluorescence was not related to germination and depended more on species used.

6 illus, 3 tables, 74 ref

000345   Roshchina V V;Vikhlyantsev I M (NO, Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia, Email: roshchina@icb.psn.ru) : Mechanisms of chemosiganlling in allelopathy : role of ion channels and cytoskeleton in development of plant microspores. Allelopathy J 2009, 23(1), 25-35.

Chemosignaling in allelopathy uses plant microspores as unicellular models. Possible mechanisms were compared for pollen and vegetative microspores. Development of pollen (generative microspores) from knights' star (Hippeaxtrum hybridum) and vegetative microspores of Equisetum arvense were analyzed after treating with blockers of ion channels and anticontractile agents for 24 h (short-time experiments) and 25-28 days (long-time experiments). The blockers of Na⁺, K⁺. Ca²⁺ ion channels (relatively a-bungarotoxin; tetraethylammonium; verapamil) or anti-conractile agents (cytochalasin B or colchicine, except papaverine or clofelin), depressed the germination (30-60 % in short-lime exposures) of both types of microspores to different degrees depending on the concentration. Moreover in longtime experiments, the normal fruits were not formed from the pollens after pollination, while, in vegetative microspores the gamethophyte (thallus) and antheridia (male sexual organs) formation were inhibited. However, the actin from rabbit muscle, restored the vegetative microspore germination after the blockade of cholinoreceptor (related to Na⁺/K⁺ channels) by α-bungarotoxin or the intracellular binding with cytochalasin B, inhibitor of actin polymerization. The similar effects were observed in preliminary blockade of Ca ²⁺ channels with verapamil in pollen of knights' star. Thus, the pathways of chemosignal transduction from the cell are discussed in relation to possible mechanism of allelopathy.

4 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

000344   Roshchina V V (NO, Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia, Email: roshchinavic@mail.ru) : Effects of proteins, oxidants and antioxidants on germination of plant microspores. Allelopathy J 2009, 23(1), 37-50.

Compounds present in pollen excretions (which participates in allelopathy), have been analyzed in model systems of generative microspores (pollen) from Hippeastrum hybridum and vegetative microspores of horsetail (Equisetum arvense). These compounds were proteins and substances related to reactive oxygen species (oxidants and antioxidants) found in pollens and vegetative microspores. Both types of microspores contained high-molecular (< 2000 kDa and subunits with SDS near 90-94 kDa) and low-molecular (< 30 kDa) proteins having cholinesterase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity. The effects of pollen proteins (monoamine oxidase, peroxidase, hexokinase, α- amylase, pepsin, trypsin, cytochrome C, ferritin, haemoglobin, cholinesterase and lysozyme) were tested on microspores development. Among the proteins, cytochrome C, ferritin, haemoglobin, subtilisin and trypsin strongly inhibited the pollen germination, whereas, the inhibition in vegetative microspores was observed with pepsin and amylase. The other analyzed peptides either weakly stimulated or had no effect on spore's germination. Reactive oxygen species (peroxides or superoxide) formed anion radical from the catecholamines [(dopamine and noradrenaline), transamine and iprazide (inhibitors of monoamine oxidases)], stimulated the germination (20-100 % increase) of both spore types. While antioxidants (dithionite,mannitol, ascorbate, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, ecdysone, caffeic and chlorogenic acids, austricine, gaillardine and grosshemine) inhibited the germination. However, high concentration of ozone (0.2 μl/L) inhibited the reaction and damaged the cells. Therefore role of reactive oxygen species for growth enhancement and antioxidants retardation may be important in pollen-pollen and pollen-pistil interactions. Possible mechanisms of cell-cell interactions with identified compounds have been discussed.

1 illus, 1 table, 58 ref

000343   Rana M S;Manohar Lal;Sharma A;Samant S S (NO, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Himachal Unit, Mohal-Kullu-175 126) : Ecological evaluation of orchid diversity in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, India. J Orchid Soc India 2008, 22(1-2), 77-84.

Twenty four species including 9 that are native and 5 endemic to the Himalayan region, were recorded from Kullu district. Majority of these species grow within an altitudinal range or 1800-2800m. Dacty/orhiza hatagirea and Herminium monorchis are high attitude species. Eight different orchid habitats were identified and soil profiles of major orchid habitats analyzed. While Malaxis muscifera exhibited avidity to a variety of habitat types, Epipactis gigantea and Herminium lancenm were habitat specific. Eight different orchid habitat types were identified and soil profiles of major orchid habitats analyzed. Due to high commercial values of Dactylorhiza hatagirea and Malaxis muscifera as medicine, these species are facing high anthropogenic pressure, leading to rapid population depletion in the area. Further, due to habitat degradation, the orchids growing in the shady moist habitats are facing high degree of threats. Therefore, adequate planning for the conservation of habitats of these orchids is suggested.

2 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

000342   Radhika R;Krishnakumari S (NO, Kongu Nadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-641 029, Email: drskrishnakumari123@rediffmail.com) : Assessment of levels of enzymatic antioxidants in selected herbal preparations. Biomed 2009, 4(1), 36-43.

Deals with assessing the levels of various enzymic antioxidants in Selected Herbal samples of Terminalia chebula, Indigofera aspalathoides, Semecarpus anacardium, and Bryonea epigoea and Smilax chinensis. Herbal samples commonly used in traditional medicine were assessed for their enzymatic potential. These herbal samples along with other drugs are being tried in (HIV) patients to cope with HIV by AIDS cure International trust. This study has revealed that Terminalia chebula possessed predominant quantities of enzymic antioxidants in catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione s transferase and maximum quantity of polyphenol oxidase was exhibited by Indigofera aspalathoides. Based on all results it is inferred that Terminalia chebula acts as a potent antioxidant and it constitutes a very effective system in scavenging a wide variety of free radicals like reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species.

1 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

000341   Patil S S;Kadam R M;Shinde S L;Deshmukh S A (Botany Dep, Mahatma Gandhi Mahavidyalaya, Ahmedpur, Latur, Maharashtra) : Effect of different substrates on productivity and proximate composition of Pleurotus florida. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(1), 151-3.

Experiment was conducted to study the yield performance and proximate content of mushroom Pleurotus flprida when cultivated on different substrates like Soybean, Paddy, Wheat, Jowar, Bajra straw and pigeon pea stalk. Significantly maximum yield (with 83.03% B.E.), protein (25.00%), fat (2.85%) total carbohydrates (58.00%) content of mushroom was found when cultivated on Soybean straw. Maximum moisture (90,70%). ash (6.30%) content were found on paddy straw and crude fibre content (8.62%) on pigeon pea stalk.

2 tables, 18 ref

000340   Patil R V;Chinnusamy V;Chauhan S;Ruwali K N; Pandey H N;Khanna-Chopra R (Stress Physiology Laboratory, Water Technology Centre, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: renu_wtc@rediffmail.com) : Evaluation of heat stress tolerance in T. aestivum and T. durum wheat genotypes under continual and terminal heat stress environments. J Pl Biol 2008, 35(1), 1-16.

Wheat crop is exposed to continual heat stress throughout the crop growth period or terminal heat stress, i.e. during grain growth period. Characterization of genotypes in both continual and terminal heat stress environments is necessary to identify the sources of heat tolerance for these environments. Hence in this study, 20 genotypes of T. aestivum (hexaploid, B15AADD genome) and 16 genotypes of T. durum (tetraploid, BBAA genome) were evaluated for terminal and continual heat stress tolerance at Delhi and Madhya Pradesh (MP), India, respectively. Normal and late sowing were done at both the locations to assess the genotypes under normal and heat stress environments, respectively. The late sown crop of Delhi experienced higher temperatures during grain development, while in MP environments, the crop experienced moderately higher temperatures during normal sowing and extremely higher temperatures during late sown conditions throughout the crop growth period. Wide variation for continual or terminal heat tolerance for yield and yield components was found between T. aestivum and T. durum genotypes. Heat tolerance of genotypes varied in continual or terminal heat stress environment. T. aestivum genotypes such as LOK1, IIUW234, Raj3777, C306, NI5439, NP846 and Kalyansona, and T. durum genotype DIIT15 showed heat tolerance in both terminal and continual heat stress environments. Under both heat stress environments, high biomass production and grains m^-2 appear to be the two important traits for achieving heat tolerance in yield. The reduction in grain number at continual heat stress environments was due to persistently higher temperature during pre-heading and post-heading period, while in terminal heat stress environment the reduction in grain number was due to sudden increase in temperature during grain growth period. I'hotothernial quotient correlated positively and significantly with both grain yield and grains per unit area under both continual and terminal heat stress environments. Reduction in grain number under continual but moderate heat stress environment acts as a compensation mechanism to maintain grain weight in wheat genotypes. T. aestivum genotypes Kundan and Lokl and T. durum genotypes ITI8498 and DHT15 maintained grain weight of > 45 g 1000 grains^-1 under heat stress environments. This study shows that wheat cullivars differ in their heat tolerance depending upon the nature of heat stress, i.e. continual or terminal heat stress.

10 tables, 39 ref

000339   Patel S I (Botany Dep, Arts, Science and Commerce College, Ozar, Nashik-422 206) : Effect of rainfall on dissemination of air-borne Cladosporium link spores over the tomato fields at Nashik, India. Geobios 2008, 35(4), 233-6.

Aeromycological studies over tomato fields reveal that dissemination of air-borne Cladosporium spores are in correlation with amount of rainfall; but higher rainfall with storm drastically reduces the concentration. Instead of steady and continuous rain, alternate spells of rain with sunlight favour spore dissemination.

1 illus, 12 ref

000338   Pant B;Swar S;Karanjeet A (Central Dep of Botany, Tribhuvan Univ, Kathmandu, Nepal) : Micropropagation of Coelogyne cristata Lindl.. J Orchid Soc India 2008, 22(1-2), 45-8.

Asymbiotic seed germination of Coelogyne cristata Lindl. was accomplished in agar-gelled MS medium. Complete seedlings were obtained in 8 wks of primary culture. Multiple shoots (9.25 shoots/plant) were developed from the shoot tip explant obtained from in vitro grown seedlings in MS medium supplemented with BAP (1 mg^-1) and NAA (0.5 mgl^-1). Medium supplemented with IBA (1 mgl^-1) proved optimal for root formation. Thick hairy aerial roots were observed in the media supplemented with IAA (1 mg^-1).

1 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

000337   Pagar D S (Botany Dep, MGV's Arts Science and Commerce College, Nampur, Nashik, Maharashtra) : Phytosociological and correlation studies of the vegetation of Surgana ranges of Nashik, India. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(1), 308-10.

^ssc2 tables, 7 ref

000336   Murthy S M;Mamatha B;Shivananda T N (Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, , Hesaraghatta, Bangalore-560 089, Email: tns@iihr.ernet.in) : Management strategies to rehabilitate the endangered medicinal plant - Gloriosa superba L.. Biomed 2009, 4(1), 57-63.

Gloriosa superba L. is an endangered plant belonging to the family Liliaceae growing in Western Ghats. It is a stout climbing herb having many medicinal properties and it is one of the plant having active ingredient colchicines which is used as dye and also in pharmaceutical industry. Seeds are the main source. of colchicines. The plant contain about 0.60% of colchicines. The availability from both wild and cultivated sources makes the seed of Gloriosa superba potential source of colchicines in India. The cultivation Of this plant is important as the plant is becoming endangered due to over exploitation for the seeds. Cultivation practices have developed to retain this plant in the nature.

12 ref

000335   Murphy S D;Sherr I;Bullock C (Environment and Resource Studies Dep, , Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1, Email: sd2murph@uwaterloo.ca) : Allelopathic pollen in Canadian invasive species: Alliaria petiolata and Hesperis matronalis. Allelopathy J 2009, 23(1), 63-70.

Tested the in situ pollen transfers and allelopathic impacts of the putative pollen allelopathic spp. [Alliaria petiolata L. and Hesperis matronalis L. on the sympatric concurrently flowering spp. Alyssum alyssoides (L.), Cardamine diphylla (Michx.) Willd., Lepidium c.ampestre (L.) R. Br. and Sisymbrium altissimum L]. Pearson product moment and Mann Whitney U tests indicated that regardless of whether Coulter Counters or microscope counts were used to count pollen, there was sufficient pollen transfer from the Alliaria petiolata and Hesperis matronalis to all spp. except Cardamine diphylla, where its pollinator is more fidelous. When there was a relatively low maximum of 10 pollen grains of either Alliaria petiolata or Hesperis matronalis on stigmas of Alyssum alyssoides, Lepidium campestre and Sisymbrium altissimum, the pollen tube generation declined by 80% and the difference compared to stigmas with no heterospecific pollen was significant (Pearson product moment tests, P < 0.001). While this is typical for pollen allelopathic impacts, our conclusion is more cautious, because after 5-days in a sterilized environment, fungi that already existed on pollen and stigmas began to grow. This is unlike the situation in research group's previous studies, where there was no "contamination" from fungi or any other organism or chemical. As such, conclude that while there is evidence of pollen allelopathic impacts, it is still possible that the declines in pollen tube generation in species receiving pollen from Alliaria petiolata or Hesperis matronalis may be due to immediate exudation from fungal spores carried on pollen or stigmas rather than pollen.

3 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

000334   Muralikrishna K S;Latha K P;Shreedhara C S; Vaidya V P;Vagdevi H M;Krupanidhi A M (NO, Bapuji Pharmacy College, Davangere-577 004, Email: ksai_muralikrishna@rediffmail.com) : Screening of Bauhinia purpurea Linn. for anti-microbial and anthelmintic activites. Biomed 2009, 4(1), 88-93.

Petroleum ether (60-80°C), chloroform, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the stem of Bauhinia purpurea Linn. (BP) were evaluated separately for anti-microbial and antbelmintic activities. All these extracts were tested against certain Gram positive and Gram negative organisms by well diffusion method. In the methodology, azithromycin and DSMO were used as standard and control respectively. Significant antimicrobial activity was observed for both ethanolic and aqueous extracts at the concentration of 20 mg/ml against all the tested organisms. Anthelmintic activity on adult Indian earthworms Pheritima posthuma using piparazine citrate as reference standard was carried out and the results indicated that the chloroform and ethanolic extracts were more potent than the petroleum ether extract.

19 ref

000333   Mukherjee D;Chakraborty S (Regional Research Station, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalimpong, Darjelling-734 301, Email: dhiman_mukherjee@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of growth hormones on seed germination and growth pattern of Swertia chirayita L.. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4B), 2116-18.

The experiment was conducted during. April of 2006 and 2007. Hormonal treatments with GA₃ and IAA at different concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm were taken as essential parameters. Study revealed that GA₃ treatment improved the percentage of germination compared to IAA treatment. Maximum germination (51.3%) was observed with GA₃ treatment at 500 ppm, which was at par with GA₃ 400 ppm (44.6%) treated seed and was higher than the other treatments. However, for root length GA₃ 500 ppm was observed to be best amongst all treatments. Further, the mean plant height was maximum with GA₃ 500 ppm treated plot but was significantly at par with GA₃ 400 IAA 500 ppm treated seeds.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

000332   Mohrir M N (Botany Dep, Pratishthan Mahavidyalaya, Paithan-431 107) : Assessment of genetic variation in newly developed sunflower hybrids. Geobios 2008, 35(4), 318-20.

^ssc2 tables, 8 ref

000331   Misra S;Panda S P;Nayak P (NO, Regional Plant Resource Centre, Bhubaneswar-751 015) : Notes on Aerides crispa Lindl. from the western ghats of India. J Orchid Soc India 2008, 22(1-2), 35-8.

Natural population of Aerides crispa Lindl. in Western Ghats have suffered depletion due to unregulated collection pressures. A recent visit to one of its natural habitats, revealed that the species though represented with a limited population thrives well at Mahabaleswar (Western Ghats, India). This communication, based on critical observations on its floral morphology, attempts to resolve the taxonomic confusion prevalent in the species besides commenting on its relationships.

1 illus, 8 ref

000330   Lekha Rani C;Udaya V P (Plant Breeding & Genetics Dep, College of Agriculture, Vellayani-695 522) : Compatibility analysis in monopodial orchids. J Orchid Soc India 2008, 22(1-2), 5-9.

Analysis of compatibility relationships with respect to successful capsule set on hand-pollination under normal field conditions was conducted using 1 8 monopodial orchid genotypes comprising of monogeneric and bigeneric hybrids. The monogenerics included three members of the genus Arachnis and five members of Vanda and the bigenerics were composed of seven members of Aranda and three Aranthera types. Intercrossing in all the 324 (18x18) possible combinations was done (including selfs) for analyzing the compatibility between genotypes based on post pollination floral changes in successful as well as unsuccessful combinations, stages of capsule development /stages at which pollinated flowers abscised, percentage of capsule set, percentage of capsules with germinating seeds, and percentage of filled seeds over total seeds. Capsules at seed inoculation maturity (80-90% maturity) were successfully harvested from 67 out of the 324 possible combinations. These 67 combinations included 61 crosses and 6 selfs. The pollinated flowers/immature capsules from the 257 unsuccessful combinations fell off at different stages of development from immediately after pollination to just before capsule harvest depending on the relative intensity of incompatibility expressed.

4 tables, 6 ref

000329   Kumar D;Kumar S (Pharmacy Dep, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra, Haryana,) : Phytochemical investigation and antioxidant activity of Chenopodium album. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(1), 166-7.

Antioxidant activity of leaves water extract of Chenopodium album and standard was accessed on the basis of the radical scavenging effect of the stable DPPH free radical inhibition assay. The extract showed significant activity at concentration of 250 μg/ ml. Phytochemical screening shows the presence of of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, saponins and proteins in the plant.

8 ref