023823   Singh U;Satya Narain (Duthie Herbarium, Ethnobotany Cell, Botany Dep, Allahabad-221 002, Email: Singh_usha22@yahoo.co.in) : Traditional remedy through plant wreath. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 152-3.

Indian scholars have not only developed conventional healing methods but also acquired many non-conventional healing excellences. A new aspect of ethnobotany, 'remedy through plant wreath', prevalent in the tribals of the Vindhyan region of UP, has been explored. The communication provides an enumeration of 10 plants with their uses.

2 ref

023822   Singh A;Singh P K (Plant Physiology Laboratory, Botany Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi-221 002, Email: baispk@sify.com) : Salicylic acid induced biochemical changes in cucumber cotyledons. Indian J agric Biochem 2008, 21(1-2), 35-8.

Salicylic acid is a natural endogenous signal molecule involved to develop tolerance in plants against various biotic and abiotic stresses. The present study was conducted to determine the role of salicylic acid on growth and enzyme activities in cucumber cotyledons in absence and presence of nitrate nutrition. Salicylic acid (SA) treatments at lower concentrations (50 μM) showed significant increase in chlorophyll content and total non-structural carbohydrate (TNC). However, higher concentrations have inhibitory effects. Further, salicylic acid increases nitrate assimilation through the induction of nitrate reductase activity and accumulation of total nitrogen in isolated cucumber cotyledons. Present observations significantly show the role of salicylic acid in regulation of nitrogen nutrition in isolated cucumber cotyledons.

2 tables, 22 ref

023821   Shirsath M;Pandti R S;Bagde U S (Life Sciences Dep, University of Mumbai, Vidyanagari, Santacruz (E), Mumbai) : Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Ageratum conyzoides plant extract. Natn J Life Sci 2008, 5(1), 7-13.

The methanolic and ethanolic extracts of leaf, stem, root and flower of Ageratum conyzoides were individually assayed for their antibacterial activity. Based on the ethno pharmacological information, antibacterial activities of methanol and ethanol extracts of different parts of Ageratum conyzoides were determined by in vitro bioassay using agar cup diffusion method against clinical isolates of Serratia aureus, Serratia marcesans, Morganella morgani, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella paratyphi, Pseudomonas spp., Acinetobacter spp. and Kleb ESBL. Cold methanol extracts of leaves, stem, flower were effective against the S.aureus, S.marcesans, Morganella morganii, P. vulgaris and Klebsiella spp. with activity ranging from 10 mmª12 mm zone of inhibition in different parts of the plant, where as with hot methanol extract the activity was found in range of 10-12mm. There was no effect of cold and hot methanol and ethanol extract on Vancomycin sensitive Enterococci, Proteus mirabilis, K.pneumoniae, S.paratyphi, Pseudomonas spp., Acinetobacter spp. and Kleb ESBL.

5 tables, 18 ref

023820   Shinde A B;Hallale B V;Vaidya A P (Botany Dep, Sharda College, Parbhani, Maharashtra) : Antifungal activity of leaf extracts against alternaria blight of safflower. Natn J Life Sci 2008, 5(2), 203-6.

In the present era of sustainable agriculture emphasis is given to develop indigenous and eco-friendly approaches for ensuring better crop health. During recent years use of plant products for control of plant disease has become important. Oil seed crop especially safflower (Carthamus tinetorius L.) plays a vital role in agricultural economy of the world. The yield potential of this crop is affected by number of diseases, among them. Alternaria blight caused by Alternaria earthami is common; therefore it is one of major challenges for minimizing the losses caused by Alternaria. Aifungal activity of two plants extract of Nerium (Nerium indieum L.) and Datura (Datura innoxia L.) in different solvent (Acetone, Methanol and Water) is evaluated by using food poisoning technique.

i illus, 1 table, 9 ref

023819   Sharma V;Sharma C (NO, , 12 / Vallabh Bari, Kota-324 007) : Tissue culture studies in medicinally important herb Solanum nigrum L. (Makoy). Mendel int J 2008, 25(1-4), 37-8.

The main focus of study was to obtain morphogeneic callus with ultimate aim of micropropagation. 2, 4-D showed conducive effect for callusing from leaf explant. Other auxins induced feeble callusing. Callus turned greenish having organised structure when transferred on BAP supplemented media. These organised structure were the shoot meristemoids which gave rise to shoots.

2 tables, 7 ref

023818   Sharma V;Joshi B D (Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Gurukula Kangri Univ, Haridwar, Uttarakhand) : Bio-diversity of medicinal plants in some selected areas of Almora district. J Envir Biosci 2008, 22(1), 39-42.

A survey was carried out in three selected areas in Almora district to document the biodiversity of medicinal plants. Deals with 30 species of medicinal plants belonging to 23 families. These plants are being used by the local people for curing various human ailments as herbal medicine are safe and environmental friendly.

1 table, 14 ref

023817   Sharma M;Vats S (NO, , 25, Shri Ram Nagar, Near A.V.M. School, Kalwar Road, Thotwara, Jaipur-302 012) : Synergistic and antagonistic effect of oils on spore germination of keratinophilic fungi. Mendel int J 2008, 25(1-4), 11-12.

Five plant old including Castor, Coconut, Groundnut, Sesame and mustard were used to evaluated their effect on spore germination of two keratinophilic fungi. Mustard oil showed excellent inhibition against spore germination of both the test fungi whereas coconut and groundnut oil showed stimulatory effect on Microsporum fulvum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes respectively.

1 table, 12 ref

023816   Shah N C (Herbal Research & Development Institute (Uttarakhand) & Ex- Head, Botany & Pharmacognosy Div, CIMAP, MS-78, Sector-D, Aliganj, Lucknow-226 024, Email: drnshah@sancharnet.in) : Prospects of ethnobotany in India. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 16-24.

Discusses the studies needed to be done in ethnobotany for investigating different aspects of cultural and social utilization of plants in India, e.g., as food, medicine, seasoning material, spices, condiments, incense, beverages and drinks, dyes and colours, edible and non-edible oils, agricultural tools and implements, household goods, wood and cordage, fibers, use in religious ceremonies, offerings, sorcery and entheogens, including worship as deities, and plants in songs, proverbs, stories, folktales, poetry, etc.

49 ref

023815   Satya V;Solanki C M (Botany Dep, Govt. P.G. College, Barwani, D.A.V.V., Indore-451 551) : Clans of bhils and their role in conservation. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 80-4.

Study is a socio-anthropological study undertaken to establish interrelationship between ecology and social culture in tribal belt of Western Madhya Pradesh. Dominating tribe in this area is Bhil. They constitute the third largest tribe of India and second largest in M.P. More than 100 clans are known among the Bhils. These are named after a plant, animal, place or mythological person. They are called their totems. Bhils have great respect towards their totems. Their taboos and beliefs help in the conservation of plants. About 40 clans are either named after or associated with plants, which are found in neighbouring forests. Present paper deals with 40 plants, which are the totems of Bhil clans.

5 ref

023814   Salgare S A (NO, Salgare Research Foundation Pvt. Ltd. Prathamesh Society, Shibaji Chowk, Kajrat-401 201, Email: drsalgare@rediffmail.com) : Effect of herbicide (Dalapon) on pollen germination and tube length of stored pollen of apocynaceae. J Envir Biosci 2008, 22(1), 121-5.

Even the lowest concentration (10^-17mg/ml) of dalapon tried suppressed the germination of pollen of F-24 series of white-flowered and F-48 and F-72 series of pink-flowered cultivars of Catharanthus roseus. Dalapon stimulated the germination of pollen of all the 7 series of the Apocynaceae. However, the tube length was stimulated of 4 out of 7 series of the Apocynaceae. Maximum pollen germination was noted in all the 10 series except for F-72 series of pink-flowered cultivar of Catharanthus roseus with the stored pollen in vitro culture of sucrose. Pollen of F-72 series of pink-flowered cultivar of C. roseus showed an equal percentage of germination of pollen with that stored pollen. The herbicide stimulated the germination of stored pollen of 3 series, while it caused germination with an equal to that of stored pollen. In vitro culture of sucrose the longest pollen tubes were noted in 7 out of 10 series in the sets which were set soon after the dehiscence of the anthers. In vitro culture of sucrose supplemented with the herbicide the maximum germination of pollen was noted in 4 out of 7 series which were sets soon after the dehiscence of the anthers. However, the longest pollen tubes were noted in 5 out of 7 series in the sets soon after the dehiscence of anther.

^iia1 table, 20 ref

023813   Saini D C (Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53-University Road, Lucknow-226 007, Email: dcsaini1955@yahoo.com) : Traditional uses of pteridophytes among baiga tribes of Amarkantak, Anuppur district, M.P.. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 65-9.

Brings out the ethnomedicinal importance of pteridophytes occurring in various tribal localities of Amarkantak forest range in Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh. The communication embodies an enumeration of 17 Pteridophytic species belonging to 15 genera and 12 families used by Baiga tribes for treatment of different ailments and diseases, such as anthelmintic, antidote, aphrodisiac, caries, cold, cough, diarrhoea, diuretic, dysentery, eye diseases, genital diseases, headache, impotency, jaundice, kidney diseases, leprosy, litholyte, malaria, menorrhagea, piles, scrofula, skin diseases, sore throat, stomach disorders and tuberculosis. The different parts of the plant used, methodologies involved in drug preparation, doses and modes of drug administration in different diseases are described.

11 ref

023812   Roy A M;Banerjee N;Mandal S (Botany Dep, , Visva Bharati, Santiniketan-731 235) : Effect mutation on catharanthus roseus (L) G. Don. plants and their inheritance. J Bot Soc Bengal 2008, 62(1), 49-53.

Induced mutagenesis with gamma rays and EMS in Cathar anthus roseus (L.) G. Don. produced six distinct mutants that differ in their growth habit and plant morphology. These mutants were dwarf mutants with obovate leaf (dwob), medium tall mutants with small leaf area (mtsl), nontrichomeous mutants (nt), upright oriented elliptical leaf mutants (upel), spoon shape leaf mutants (sp) and variegated leaf mutant (vg). Among them, dwob and mtsl mutants exhibited digenic recessive inheritance. The vg and upel leaf mutants were monogenic recessive and sp leaf mutant supports complementary gene action.

6 illus, 17 ref

023811   Ramarao Naidu B V A;Seetharami Reddi T V V; Prasanthi S (Botany Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: reddytvs@rediffmail.com) : Folk herbal remedies for rheumatoid arthritis in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 76-9.

Thirty eight plant species belonging to 30 families employed ethno-medicinally in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh by tribal and rural communities for treating rheumatoid arthritis are reported along with local names of the plant species, method of preparation, mode of administration and dose-regime.

8 ref

023810   Rahaman C H;Choudhury S;Choudhury S;Mandal S (Botany Dep, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan-731 235, Email: habibur_cr@yahoo.co.in) : Foliar epidermal micromorphology and stem xylem elements of Dipteracanthus prostratus and hygrophila schulli-two medicinal plants of Acanthaceae. J Bot Soc Bengal 2008, 62(1), 33-42.

Deals with the studies on leaf epidermal micromorphology, wood element characters and preliminary qualititative identification of phytochemicals of the two medicinally important plants of the family Acanthaceae Dipteracanthus prostratus (Poir.) Nees and Hygrophila schulli (Buch.-Ham.) M.R.et S.M.Almeida. In each case, the epidermal cells are irregular in shape and the outline of the cells varies from straight to wavy. Stomata are amphistomatic and' strictly of diacytic type. Cystoliths are of single fusiform type, present in both upper and lower epidermis of the investigated taxa. Nonglandular, multicellular and glandular multicellular trichomes are found on both the surfaces of the leaf. Only on the upper surface of Dipteracanthus prostratus, nonglandular, unicellular trichomes are present. Stomatal index varies from 21.47 to 17.32. Palisade ratio ranges from 7.87 to 9.75. Vessel elements have simple and transverse or obliquely placed perforation plates. Tracheids have spiral side wall thickening. Fibres are typical libriform and sometimes pits are present in Dipteracanthus prostratus. Methanolic (90%) extracts of leaf and stem powder of both taxa have been screened for qualititative determination of different phytochemical groups by specific chemical colour reaction tests.

4 illus, 6 tables, 26 ref

023809   Qazi N A;Ahmad K;Beig M A;Munshi N A;Khan N A (Post Harvest Technology Div, S.K. Univ of Agricultural Science and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar-191 121, Email: qazishaheen@gmail.com) : Impact of inoculum distance on initiation and progress of apple scab [Venturia inaequalis (Cke.) Wint.] infection. Appl biol Res 2008, 10(1-2), 40-3.

Sanitated apple seedlings cv. 'Red Delicious' were planted at isolation distance of 0, 60, 90 and 120 m from the primary source of Venturia inaequalis inoculum, i.e. from ihe established scab-infected apple trees having overwintered leaves in tact, to study the impact of inoculum distance on the spread and progress of infection. A marked delay in disease appearance was observed with increase in isolation distance from source. All the isolation distances resulted in significant reduction in spread and progress of V. inaequalis infection compared to that noticed at or nearer to inoculum source throughout the growing season. Maximum reduction of 74.1, 66.9 and 50.8% in overall progress of disease was observed at 120 m isolation distance during petal fall, fruit-let and pre-harvest stages. The reduction at 90 m isolation distance was 55.3, 42.4 and 34.7% but least (16.7, 30.6 and 14.9%) at 60 m isolation distance. The study revealed that spray programme can be delayed by adopting proper sanitation measures and by maintaining isolation distance of at least 90 m away from any inoculum source.

1 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

023808   Pothiraj C;Eyini M (PG Dep of Microbiology, VHNSN College, Virudhunagar-626 001, Email: jeyini2005@yahoo.co.in) : Bio-degradation potential of mushroom fungi in urea or cassava bagasse supplemented coir pith. Mushroom Res 2008, 17(1), 9-12.

The biodegrading efficiency of Pleurotus citrinopileatus, Pleurotus eons and Calocybe indica in urea or cassava bagasse supplemented coir pith was assessed and compared with that of the model ligno-cellulolytic organism, Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Pleurotus citrinopileatus showed less efficiency under in vitro conditions than the other organisms in utilizing coir pith as the sole carbon source as indicated by the Z/C ratio in ligninase plate assay and the extent of Acid Precipitable Polyphenolic and Polymeric Lignin (APPL) production. The biodegrading efficiency of P. citrinopileatus in the mixed substrate containing coir pith and cassava bagasse was significantly higher than the other two mushrooms, P. eous and C. indica and equaled that of the reference organism, as it degraded 41.1% lignin, 74.1% cellulose and 78.5% hemicellulose in the substrate in 45 days. It showed a significantly higher rate of biomass production measured in terms of protein efficiency ratio (7.29) than P. chrysosporium and the other two selected mushrooms on cassava bagasse supplemented coir pith.

3 tables, 15 ref

023807   Pawar S M;Chavan A M;Mukadam D S (Botany Dep, Shivaji College, Kannad-431 103, Email: sanjaypawar1972@yahoo.com) : Reports of powdery mildews on Acacia pennata (L.) wild and ixora pavetta andrews from Marathwada region. Bionano Front 2009, 2(2), 82-3.

Studies extensive survey on powdery mildew diseases on wild plants-from Maharashtra, the powdery mildew fungi Erysiphe acaciaetin Acacia pennata and Erysiphe cichoracearum on Ixora pavetta were observed to be new to India.

7 ref

023806   Patil D A (P.G. Dep of Botany, S.S.V.P.S's L.K. Dr. P.R. Ghogrey Science College, Dhule-424 005) : Scientific plant names in an ethnobotanical perspective. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 115-21.

Botanical names of plants help in avoiding descriptive phrases while referring to plant species and make communication easier. Merits of latinizing plant names cannot be ignored. The author has analyzed etymology of 75 generic plant names in angiosperms, divulging their ethnobotanical basis. They belong to 22 categories with their names based on shape, size, colour, dye, taste, smell, medicinal properties, miscellaneous uses, names of Greek deities and gods, plant products, shapes of animal and human organs, etc. The names are also coined on the basis of beliefs, habit, habitat, animal features, celestial bodies, similarity with other plants, effects on human body, responses, beauty, sound, etc. Similar bases of some scientific, Sanskrit and local plant names are also discussed comparatively.

17 ref

023805   Pathare G M;Mali V P;Pande B N (Botany Dep, Anandrao Dhonde Ailas Babaji College Kada Tal. Ashti Dist. Beed, Maharashtra) : Aerobiological survey of fungal spores in two different seasons over sunflower fields. Life Sci Bull 2008, 5(1), 43-6.

A volumetric continuous Tilak Air sampler was employed for exploring fungal airspora over sunflower fields at Kada for two different seasons i.e. Kharif and Rabi seasons of the years 2003 and 2004. In Kharif season 59 and in Rabi season 67 airborne components were trapped and identified. All the trapped airborne mycoflora types have been categorized under Oomycotina, Ascomycotina, Basidiomycotina and Deuteromycotina. Hyphal fragments, insects parts, plant parts, pollen grains and protozoan cysts were included under artificially formed groups Other types. Incidence of trapped spores was correlated with meteorological parameters. In Kharif season, Cladosporium dominated the airspora composition and contributed 26.02% followed by hyphal fragments of Alternaria (13.75%), Rust spores (7.79%), Curvularia (6.20%), Basidiospores (4.98%), Helminthosporium (4.90%) and Nigrospora (4.30%) etc. In Rabi season also Cladosporium dominated with 24.62%, followed by Atternaria 7.00%, Periconia (6.85%), Smut (6.00%), hyphal fragments (5.54%), Nigrospora (4.83%), Basidiospores (4.35%), Curvularia (3.37%) and Rust spores (3.22%) etc. The disease incidence percentage and disease intensity index was also worked out.

2 tables, 11 ref

023804   Patel S I;Jadhav D M;Desai A E;Ahire P P (Botany Dep, Arts, Science and Commerce College, Ozar(Mig), Nashik-422 006) : Population dynamics of air borne fungal spores on food grain stored in the ware houses of Nashik district (M.S), India. Bionano Front 2009, 2(2), 73-6.

Incidence of air borne fungal spores in the food grains stored ware houses of Nashik district was conducted during July to October 2008 by using Tilak's air Sampler (Tilak & Kulkarni 1970) and petrr plate exposure method. Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Mucor, Basidiospores, Smut spores, Alternaria, Curvularia, and Pleospora shows great abundance during rainy and humid days of July to October 2008. Aspergillus,-Penicillium, Cladosporium & Alternaria shows maximum concentration ;and dominance land all time occurrence which causes infection to the food grains and also responsible for allergic disorder; to the workers of ware houses. In addition to pathogenic fungal population, insect parts, pollen grains, algal filaments, spores of lower non vascular plants, hairs and scales of rodents ware also recorded during the studies.

1 table, 11 ref

023803   Patel S I (Botany Dep, Arts, Science and Commerce College, Saikheda, Nadhik Maharashtra) : Influence of meteorological parameters on the dissemination of air borne phycomycetous fungal spores over leafy vegetable fields at Nashik (M.S.). Natn J Life Sci 2008, 5(1), 143-6.

Studies were carried out by using Tilak's continuous air-sampler. Out of 58 spore types recorded during studies, 5 belong to Phycomycotina-and contributed 0.975 % and 1.054 % to the total air-spora, Among the 5 Phycomycotinous spores, two were of order Perenosporales and three from order Mucorales. Most of the spores encountered during rainy season followed by high humid conditions and low temperature.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

023802   Parasad S;Srivastava R B (NO, K.G. Road Pitambra Devi Mandir Nawada-Arrah Bhojpur, Bihar) : Marsilea species on north Bihar, their ecology and statistical analysis of distribution and diversity.. Eco Res J Biosci 2008, 7-8(1-2), 63-6.

Ecological parameters have been taken into account to determine the frequency, density, basal area, value index of Marsilea minuta variety major growing in marshy places & perennial chaurs & Mauns of north Bihar, southern of Indo-Nepal border. The data have been analysed on statistical parameters & correlation coefficient value (r) between pH & other ecological parameters of Marsilea species have been worked out. The relative intensity and relative density of M Minute were found to be 16.6. and 83.3 % and also its importance value index (IVI) was observed 42.123. The correlation coefficient value (R) between pH and morphological parameters: Length - internode- 0.4759 cm, length of root - 0.3590, No. of roots - 0.3583, thickness of root - 0.0307 cm, free-stomata- total - 0.0542, young leaf-0.1736 cm. and leaf mature -0.1929 cm.

3 tables, 7 ref

023801   Parabia M;Pathak S (Shri Bapalal Vaidya Botanical Research Centre, Biosciences Dep, Veer Narmad South Gujarat Univ, Surat-395 007, Email: minoo_parabiain@yahoo.com) : Use of herbal resources in primary healthcare and the knowledge feedback mechanism as an interactive system for tribal empowerment. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 106-10.

Enlists 20 ethnic herbal recipes for selected ailments most prevalent among the tribals of Gujarat and Maharashtra. They are based on the information gathered during the ethno-medicinal surveys conducted by the authors over the years. The ethnic information is gathered from the reticent scattered sources. Training programmes have been designed and conducted for tribes as a knowledge feedback through community teaching on primary healthcare.

1 ref

023800   Papdiwal P B;Pawar B T (Botany Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univ, Aurangabad-431 004) : Diversity in strains of Xanthomonas campestris PV. Mangiferaeindicae (Patel Et. Al.,) robbs et. al., from Aurangabad district.. Mendel int J 2008, 25(1-4), 19-20.

In the investigation the disease samples were collected from different varieties of mango viz. Langra, Ratna, Santra, Totapari, Neelam, Kesar, Vanaraj, Pairi and other local varieties; grown in precincts of Aurangabad. From the disease samples, 11 strains of pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. mangiferaeindicae (Xcmi.) were isolated. The diversity in these strains was studied employing thin layer chromatography (TLC). The result reveal that on the basis of TLC there exists diversity in strains of Xcmi.

1 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

023799   Panja D;Lakshminarasimhan P;Mandal S (Central National Herbarium, Botanical Survey of India, , Howrah-711 103) : Contribution to the medicinal plants of the tribes acantheae, nelsonieae and thunbergieae (Acanthaceae) in India. J Bot Soc Bengal 2008, 62(1), 61-5.

Deals with the taxonomic information of eight medicinal plants viz., Acanthus ilicifolius L., Blepharis scindica Stocks ex T. Anderson of the tribe Acantheae, Elytraria acautis (L.f.) Lindau, Nelsonia canescens (Lam.) Spreng of the tribe Nelsonieae, Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims, Thunbergia fragrans Roxb., Thunbergia grandiflora Roxb. and Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl. of the tribe Thunbergieae belonging to the family Acanthaceae in India. Brief description, distribution, local names and medicinal uses are given for each species. The present study will help the chemists and the pharmaceuticals to generate the ingredients existing within these groups of plants for further study in the preparation of medicine' which will formulate the socio-economic values of the plants of our country.

1 illus, 13 ref

023798   Pangrikar P P;Gadgile D P;Hatti A D;Kakde R B;Chavan A M (Botany Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwda Univ, Aurangabad-431 004, Email: pp.pangrikar@yahoo.in) : Effect of BT and non BT cotton root exudates on seed physiology and seed mycoflora of cereals and oil seeds. Bionano Front 2009, 2(2), 87-90.

In the investigation impact of Bt and non Bt cbtton root exudates of 10 and 30 days old plants on seed physiology and seed mycoflora of cereals and oilseeds as like Jowar, Bajara, Wheat, Sesame and groundnut were studied, it was found that root exudates of Bt cotton shows maxinuirh inhibition as compared to root exudates of non Bt cotton. Thirty days old root exudates were more inhibitory to seed germination, shoot length, root length, secondary roots and fungal incidence as compared to ten days old root exudates.

5 tables, 5 ref

023797   Pandey R M;Nath P (Cytogenetics Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknkow-226 001) : Cytogenetic differentiation between Celosia whiteii Grant. and Celosia agrentea L. (Amaranthaceae) based on meiotic chromosome association. Mendel int J 2008, 25(1-4), 21-4.

Meiotic chromosome association in interspecific F hybrid and their respective parents was studied to understand the extent and nature of cytogenetic differentiation between Celosia whiteii and C. argentea. Meiotic chromosome association at metaphase in parental species were normal with 54 bivalents, predominantly rod types, whereas meiosis in interspecific hybrid was irregular with frequent occurrence of multivalents as well as bivalents formation at metaphase -l, indicating homoeology in the chromosome component between two species. Pollen grain fertility assessed by acetocarmine staining, was much lower than either parent and resulted sterility. The meiotic chromosome pairing and reduced pollen grain fertility in Interspecific F₁ hybrid indicated that C. Whiteii and C. argentea are genetically differentiated.

9 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

023796   Pandey A;Rama Kant;Dwivedi V K;Singh R;Tiwari G L (Botany Dep, C.M.P. Degree College, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Effect of urea on nitrogen fixation, extracellular and cellular nitrogen of certain diazotrophic blue green algae. Natn J Life Sci 2008, 5(2), 183-6.

Deals with the effect of urea on synthesis of Chlorophyll a, nitrogen fixing potential and synthesis of extracellular and cellular nitrogen of four strains of diazotrophic blue-green algae viz. Anabaena-24 (Nostocaceae), Scytonema-16 (Scytonemataceae), Calothrix-11 (Rivulariaceae) and Westiellopsis-29 (Stigonemataceae) isolated from rice fields of Uttar Pradesh. Nitrogenase activity was found highest in Anabaena and lowest in Calothrix under control and showed variation in different concentration of urea. Extra-cellular nitrogen was found maximum in Calothrix upto 25 ppm and minimum in Anabaena in 100 ppm concentration of urea. Biomass was produced maximum by Anabaena and minimum by Westiellopsis. Maximum stimulation in cellular nitrogen was recorded in Westiellopsis and minimum in Anabaena.

3 tables, 15 ref

023795   Padhy S;Dash S K (Botany Dep, Govt Science College (Lead), Chatrapur-761 020) : Plants used in Rama setu: an ethnobotanical analysis. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 138-41.

Introspective study of the original Ssreemad Vaalmikee Ramaayana has revealed that the Rama Setu was constructed using twenty one plant species along with massive rocks on a pre-existing mountainous basement. The age of the Setu, as 17.5 lakhs estimated by NASA, is in conformity with the Indian ethnic time unit calculation, i.e., Yuga. The spectrum of plants used in the setu construction indirectly reflects on the then climax arboreal tropical vegetation of peninsular India.

2 tables, 7 ref

023794   Padder B A;Sharma P N;Sharma I P;Kapoor V (Plant Pathology Div, SK Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar-191 121, Email: bapadder@rediffmail.com) : Ribosomal DNA analysis of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum virulences from Himachal Pradesh (India). Appl biol Res 2008, 10(1-2), 6-10.

Ribosomal DNA analysis of fifteen isolates representing 15 races of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum was restricted with 2 restriction enzymes (Msp I and Hea III) and banding pattern, obtained after digestion, analyzed for genetic diversity using 2 different molecular analytic tools (NTSYS and POPGENE). In restriction enzyme Msp I, two fragments of 340 and 100 bp were obtained, whereas two fragments of 390 and 100 bp were obtained with Hae III digestion. In some of the races additional restriction sites were noticed. Analysis with NTSYS generated a dendrogram clustering 15 races into 5 ribosomal groups (RG1 to RG5). Five haplotypes were observed in the dendrogram thereby revealing low diversity. Similar trend was observed when five polymorphic loci were analyzed with POPGENE. Total genetic diversity (Ht) varied from 1.00 to 0.39 and maximum diversity was found at locus 3 (Ht = 0.39).

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

023793   Neeraj;Kanchan Singh (Botany Dep, Feroze Gandhi College, Rae Bareli-229 001) : Growth and biochemical response of rajmash to VAM fungal and inorganic P application. J Fd Legume 2008, 21(4), 247-51.

Pot experiments were conducted on rajmash inoculated with three native vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi, namely Gigaspora albida, Glomus mosseae and Sclerocystis sinuosa. These were inoculated either alone or in combination with potassium phosphate (KH₂PO₄). Plants treated with VAM fungus+1/2 dose KH₂PO₄ enhanced growth and yield of rajmash. Any of the three VAM fungi alone or P-fertilizers helped plants to grow better than control but independently these were lesser than those given combined inoculum. The combined inoculum also altered the biochemical constituents such as total soluble sugars, ortho-dihydric phenols and flavanols in the leaves of plants when inoculated with G. mosseae+1/2dose phosphorus. Wax content was maximum on leaf surface in the plants inoculated with S.sinuosa+1/2dose phosphorus. The extent of root colonization affected the plant growth, P- content, metabolites and yield.

1 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

023792   Nanda Devi Y;Singh P K (Ethnobotany and Plant Physiology Laboratory, Life Sciences Dep, Manipur Univ, Canchipur, Imphal-795 003, Email: nandayumnam112000@yahoo.co.uk) : Ethnobotany of Verbenaceae in Manipur. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 111-14.

Ethnobotanical survey for the family Verbenaceae was conducted during the period 2001-2005. This family has several miracle plants of immense food and medicinal value. The family comprises a few important timber trees, ornamentals and also plants that may be a severe health risk, if consumed.

11 ref

023791   Nagaich D;Chandra A (Crop Improvement Div, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi-284 003) : SSR, STS and RAPD markers revealed closeness of parents to F₂ population of Stylosanthes species. Indian J agric Biochem 2008, 21(1-2), 50-3.

Sharing of amplified DNA fragments among two parents and a set of F₂ plants of Stylosanthes species was tested with RAPD, STS and SSR markers to estimate the closeness of population with parents. A high level of similarity among parents and population suggested the use of many primers in generating the polymorphic bands for construction of linkage map. The identified SSR markers can be used in generating the polymorphic bands.

^ssc3 tables, 18 ref

023790   Mundhra A;Paria N D (Botany Dep, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: ndparia@sify.com) : Phenetic analyses of five Indian species of Jatropha Linn. (Euphorbiaceae) in relation to seedling morphology and taxonomy. J Bot Soc Bengal 2008, 62(1), 23-7.

Seedling morphology.provide additional potential data source for characterization and identification of plants. Phenetic analyses of five Indian species of Jatropha were carried out using diagnostic seedling morphological characters. Cluster 'analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) have been used to determine species relationships. An unusual case of epigeal, cryptocotylar germination is described for Jatropha l11ultifida and their implication is discussed in determining its affinity within the genus.

2 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

023789   Mohanty R B;Dash B L;Dash N C (Botany Dep, N.C. College (Autonomous), Jaipur-755 001) : Indigenous rice germplasm and their cultivation techniques in folklores of Orissa: an ethnobotanical perspective-II. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 70-5.

Fifteen Oriya folklores related to characters of twelve varieties of indigenous rice germplasm like the duration, yield, resistance to pest and diseases, water logging and flooding, scent, colour and husk nature etc., are highlighted. The selection of a particular germplasm befitting the field conditions and the present relevance of such ancieat wisdom is analysed.

14 ref

023788   Mishra K N;Yadav K N (Botany Dep, T.D.P.G. College, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh) : Effect of gaseous emission on the micro - morphology of some plant species in Jaunpur city (U.P.). Life Sci Bull 2008, 5(1), 71-4.

The response of plants under the influence of gaseous pollutants may be considered as indicator in adverse conditions. Stomata are specialized epidermal instrumental structure, the gaseous (CO₂ and O₂) exchange and moisture (vapor) escape from the plants to their environment. Stomata development and functioning are regulated by both genetic and environmental expression. The abrupt increase in the fuel consumption in vehicles etc has accentuated the emission at high magnitude during recent years. The micro morphological characters of the plant species can be considered as an important parameters. The plant selected for the present study are Ocimum sanctum L., Rosa indica L. and Hibiscus rosasinensis L. the tested parameters are (i) Shrinkage in stomatal apparatus (i.e. reduction in shape) (ii) number of stomata per unit area (iii) number of epidermal cells per unit area and (iv) stomatal index. The present studies on these field plants revealed that vehicular emission caused appreciable deterioration in the number of epidermal cells and decrease in number and size of stomata per unit area. The test plant growing very close to the transport sector displayed an adverse effect on these numbers.

3 tables, 8 ref

023787   Mishra K N;Singh D B;Arvind Kumar (NO, , Wizidpur (Kanhaipur), Kachehry, Jaunpur-222 002) : Seasonal variations of fungal spores in the atmosphere of thermal power plant, obra Sonebhadra, (U.P.). Mendel int J 2008, 25(1-4), 13-14.

Hyphae and spores of fungi were trapped on the slide at five different sites of Obra Sonebhadra (U.P.) for a year January to December 2005 using sterilized Petri-dish culture method of fungal isolation. The variations in fungal flora at all the sites were seasonally well marked. A total of eleven types of fungal genera were identified. The spores of Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Fusarium, Cladosporium, Mucor, Curvularia, Rhizopus, Nigrospora, Helminthosporium and Trichoderma were recorded. Aspergillus, Penicillium Alternaria were the most prevalent detected genera. Fungal spores were present in large number throughout the summer with the highest levels being reached in autumn seasons and minimum numbers of spores were recorded during the winter and rainy seasons.

3 tables, 14 ref

023786   Mehraj-Ul-Din S;Verma K S (Plant Pathology Div, S.K. Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar-191 121, Email: mehraj547@rediffmail.com) : Effect of temperature regimes on pycnidiospore germination of Botryodiplodia theobromae isolates, causing die-back and bark canker of pear in Punjab. Appl biol Res 2008, 10(1-2), 59-62.

Thirteen isolates of Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat. were collected from different pear varieties, grown in Punjab, and temperature optima for pycnidiospore germination of these isolates was assessed under in vitro conditions. Single celled pycnidiospores initiated germination after 8 hr incubation at 15°C. Bi-celled pycniospores of all the isolates were unable to germinate upto 12 hr incubation at 15 C, except B-ML which started germination after 8 hr incubation. Both single and bi-celled showed maximum germination after 24 hr incubation at 30° C.

^ssc2 tables, 7 ref

023785   Malode S N;Khandare S S (P.G. Dep of Botany, Govt. Vidarbha Institute of Science and Humanities, Amravati-444 604) : Effect of root and leaf extracts of Achyranthes aspera (Linn.) in Allium cepa with special reference to genotoxicity and antimutagenicity. Bionano Front 2009, 2(2), 51-5.

Study utilized the Allium cepa root tip meristern model to evaluate the genotoxic and antimutagenic activities of leaf and root extracts of Achyranthes aspera in petroleum ether and distilled water as solvent. Distilled water served as control. The percentage of mitotic index has decreased at 10 mg/100 ml concentration for 3 hours treatment. Chromosomal abnormalities were increased in petroleum ether leaf and root extracts of A. aspera as compared with that of aqueous leaf and root extracts. Chromosomal abberation like chromatid bridge, clumped metaphases and arrested telophases were seen in dividing cells.

6 illus, 7 tables, 12 ref

023784   Lakshman H C;Kolkar K P (Research in Botany Dep (Microbiology Lab.), Karnatak University, Dharwad) : Effect of AM fungus inoculation with additional phosphorus on the growth of Hibiscus rosasinensis Linn saplings. Natn J Life Sci 2008, 5(2), 193-6.

Comparative study was made to analyse the effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal, Fungi (AMF) and addition of phosphorus (P) on the growth parameters of Hibiscus rosasinensis variety under semi-arid conditions. In general, due to AMF association, the survivability of the saplings was very high as compared to saplings grown with added P and under control conditions. The growth parameters such as height of sapling, no of leaves of sapling, fresh and dry weight of leaves and shoots of sapling was found increased due to the influence of AMF fungi. Moisture content and major essential nutrients (NPK) were also found more in the leaves of AMF associated saplings. The percentage of root colonization due to AMF inoculum was higher (56.36%) as compared to uninoculated saplings (24.58%). Based on the results, it can be concluded that the growth response of Hibiscus rosasinensis saplings to the treatment of AMF inoculation was significantly superior to that of treatment of P addition and control. Thus the AMF inoculated saplings can be used for raising mulberry plantation with a reduction in the recommended dose of phosphatic fertilizer in subsequent years.

1 table, 14 ref

023783   Kothale K V;Rothe S P (Govt. Vidarbha Institute of Science and Huminities, Amravati, P.G. Dep, Shri Shivaji College, Akola) : Ethnomedico botanical study from tribal regions of west Vidarbha (M.S.). Bionano Front 2009, 2(2), 63-8.

Vidarbha region is very rich in medicinal plants. In present investigation tribal area of West Vidarbha region was studied. It includes Akola, Amravati, Buldhana. Washim:& Yeotmal forests. Tribals are living near by to these forests and some. in reserved wild sanctuaries. Tribals have well knowledge regarding medicinal plants, medicinal preparations and their uses, Verbally they transfer knowledge of medicinal plants to their offsprings. In this way every generation get educated regaiding medicinal uses of forest plains.

13 ref

023782   Keller H A;Prance G T (NO, Instituto de Botanica del Nordeste, UNNE-CONICET, C.C.: 209, 3400 Corrientes, Argentina, Email: hkeller@facfor.unam.edu.ar) : Plants associated with fish by the guaranies of misiones, Argentina. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 1-8.

The use of plants species for different aspects of fishing by the Guaranies in the Selva Paranense (forests) of Misiones, Argentina is described. The most frequent method of fishing is through the use of various ichthyotoxic plants and these come from a variety of forest trees, climbers and herbs. The plants used for traps and other methods of fishing are also described.

2 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

023781   Kare M A;Dhabe A S;Bhuktar A S (NO, Dr. B.A.M. Univ, Aurangabad-431 004) : Crude bark of drug Crateva adansonii S. C. subsp. Odora (Buch. Ham.) jacobs.. Mendel int J 2008, 25(1-4), 31-2.

Crateva adansonii D. C. subsp. ooora (Buch. Ham.) Jacobs, belongs to family Capparidaceae. It is known as Varana, Varuna, Three leaved caper, Vayvarno, Varano, Baruna and Barna. Its bark is reported for use in dyspepsia, colic flatulence, strangury, calcali, cough, asthma, bronchitis, pruritus, skin diseases, pectroal diseases, intermittent fevers and inflammations. The quality of the bark which available in the form of pieces or fine powder in market is doubtful. Therefore attempts were made to standardize the bark by studying Morphology, Anatomy, and Maceration of bark sample.

3 tables, 11 ref

023780   Kadam V B;Momin R K (P.G. Botany and Research Centre Dep, Deogiri College, Aurangabad, Maharashtra) : Estimation of free proline in leaves and bark of three medicinal taxa of south Gujarat forest. Natn J Life Sci 2008, 5(2), 225-7.

The seasonal variation of free proline have been investigated in leaves and bark of Semecarpus anacardium, Mallotus philippensis and Pterocarpus marsupium, which are medicinally important and extremely rare in South Gujarat Forest. The leaves of Pterocarpus marsupium showed high level of proline in winter (7.366 mg/g. fresh wt.) than Semecarpus anacardium and Mallotus philippensis. The bark of Semecarpus anacardium showed highest level of proline content (7.300 mg/g fresh wt.) was noticed in winter than other two taxa.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

023779   Kadam P;Cholke P (Botany Dep, Prof. Ramkrishna More College, Akurdi, Pune-44) : Effect of NaCl salinity on proline content in 120-hours old seedlings of some Crotalaria species. Bionano Front 2009, 2(2), 56-7.

Accumulation of free proline is seen in C. sericea, C, retusa and C.juncea due to NaCI salinity. In C, verrucosa free proline content is slightly increased by lower doses of NaCI while in C. juncea var. K-12 yellow, such as increase is observed only under higher salinity level. On the other hand there is a decline in free proline content in salt stressed seedlings of C. saltianaand C. brownie.

1 table, 8 ref

023778   Jamwal J S;Shashi Kant (Botany Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir) : Forest fires and bio-diversity depletion at kalakote range, Rajouri (J&K). Life Sci Bull 2008, 5(1), 19-21.

The extraction of resin from chir forests is a major activity in Kalakote range. The resin tapping in chir pine is done by cup and lip method and has caused great damage to the Chir pine which does not with stand the wind. They are more prone to forest fires as the major cause for the depletion of existing biodiversity in the area. The pine forests are highly inflammable because of spread of dry needles and litter in the forests and exposed resin ducts of chir pine, which catch the fire and extend it to the larger area. In addition to natural fires, which are rare, forests are also put to fire by the locals believing that it increases the productivity of the grasses for their cattle. Due to recurring phenomenon of forest fires, forest resources have suffered heavy losses in the form of timber, firewood and most important of all, the damage to biodiversity.

1 table, 7 ref

023777   Jamir N S;Limasemba;Jamir N (Botany Dep, Nagaland Univ, Lumami, Mokokchung-798 601, Email: asemba2001@yahoo.co.in) : Ethnomedicinal plants used by Knoyak naga tribes of Mon district in Nagaland. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 48-53.

Deals with the preliminary investigations of 53 species of ethanomedicinal plants used by Konyak Naga tribes of Man district in Nagaland. Since time immemorial the tribes have depended mostly on natural resources from the forests for their livelihood such as food, clothes, shelter, fibers, fodder, honey, etc., including traditional knowledge of medicinal plants for treatment of various diseases and ailments.

16 ref

023776   Jambotkar R K;Lakshman H C (Studies in Botany (Microbiology Lab.) Dep, Karnatak Uniersity, Dharwad, Karnataka) : Screening of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on rhizospheric soils of Carthamus tinctorius L. (Safflower). Natn J Life Sci 2008, 5(1), 35-8.

Presents screening of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on Carthamus tinctorius L. Root colonization and spore number is calculated. Negative correlation is observed between per cent root colonization and spore number. Altogether 22 arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores are identified. Glomus species is most predominant among the recorded AM fungal spores. Very least number of species Sclerocystis has been recorded in all rhizospheric samples.

2 tables, 14 ref

023775   Jaiswal K;Rajesh Kumar;Kumar R (Applied Animal Sciences Dep, Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh) : Rearing performance of eri silkworm (Philosamia ricini) in monsoon season of Lucknow. Natn J Life Sci 2008, 5(2), 251-3.

An attempt has been made to study the rearing performance of multivoltine eri silkworm breed (Philosamia ricini) in monsoon season of Lucknow (U.P.). Their performance were analyzed statistically for different traits viz., hatching percentage, yield /10,000 larvae (by number), yield/l0,000 larvae (by weight), cocoon weight, shell weight, shell ratio and pupation rate. This will help in selecting the alternate of mulberry silkworm, which is more susceptible in monsoon seasons. Result obtained showed that the eri rearing can be most promising for monsoon season and it is very less susceptible to different silkworm diseases. As the result of the sane the farmer will face less difficulty during silkworm rearing and will have no fear of attack to diseases. It will lead to further adoption and spread of ericulture in other districts of Uttar Pradesh.

1 table, 20 ref

023774   Jain S (Botany Dep, Dr. H. S. Gour University, Sagar, Uttar Pradesh) : Some additions to the leaf spot fungi from forest flora of Sagar (M.P.). Natn J Life Sci 2008, 5(2), 197-202.

Thorough and frequent surveys for the collection of leaf infecting fungi from the dry deciduous forest of Madhya Pradesh have resulted enormous gathering 01 fungal specimens from Sagar and nearby areas. The detailed taxonomic treatment to some of them have led to the description and illustration of two new fungal species i. e. Diplodia sagarensis on Saraca indica L. and Pestelotiopsis nauradehiicola on Gymnosporia montana (Roth.) Benth.

2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref