023773   Jadhav D (NO, , "Kanchan', 30-Rajiv (Kasturba) Nagar, Ratlam-457 001) : Amulets and other plant wearings believed to be contact therapy among tribals of Ratlam district (MP) India. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 144-6.

Frequent ethnomedicinal surveys were conducted between August 2004 and March 2008 in different tribal inhabitated villages of Ratlam district (M.P). Results indicated that 14 plant species are interestingly used by the tribals through contact for various diseases.

11 ref

023772   Idu M;Timothy O;Oghinan O M (Botany Dep, Benin Univ, PMB-1154, Benin City, Nigeria, Email: macdonaldidu@hotmail.com ) : Plants used for Ethnomedicine in esan north east local government area of Edo States in Nigeria. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 85-90.

Common ethnomedicinal plants used by the indigenous people of Esan North east Local Government Area of Edo State for medicinal purposes were catalogued based on the information gathered from traditional healers and local respondents. A total of 44 plant species belonging to 40 genera and 27 families with details of their ethnomedicinal applications are discussed.

1 table, 11 ref

023771   Hadian J;Ghasemnezhad M;Ranjbar H;Frazane M; Ghorbanpour M (Medicinal Plants and Drug Research Institite, Shahid Beheshti Univ, Evin, Tehran, Iran, Email: ghasemnezhad@guilan.ac.ir) : Antifungal potency of some essential oils in control of postharvest decay of strawberry caused by Botrytis cinerea, Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillus niger. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2008, 11(5), 553-62.

Essential oils from Mentha piperita, Lavandula angustifolia, Foeniculum vulgare and Cuminum cyminum were characterized and tested against three common postharvest fungi rot in strawberry fruits. Menthol (36.2 %) and menthone (32.4 %) in M. piperita and linalool (49.2 %) and lavandulyl acetate (12.3 %) in L. angustifolia oils were characterized as major components. The high proportion of trans-anethole (75.8 %) was detected in F. vulgare oil and y-terpinene (29.2%) and p-pinene (20.1%) were the principal constituents in C. cyminum oil. The in vitro experiment of four essential oils exhibited antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea, Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillus niger. The incorporation of 750μl.l^-1 from C. cyminum oils to PDA medium was more active than others and completely inhibit growth of B. cinerea, R. stolonifer and A. niger. The minimum decay incidence was achieved, when fruits dipped or sprayed with M. piperita essential oil, which was more effective than chemical treatments with Tiabandazol. The present study suggests that the use of essential oil especially M. piperita may be a useful alternative to the use of synthetic fungicides.

5 tables, 27 ref

023770   Gupta S;Ghose S K (Genetics Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal) : Stigma receptivity and reproductive success in Plantago ovata. J Bot Soc Bengal 2008, 62(1), 29-31.

Investigation, stigma receptivity and reproductive success as manifested by healthy seed formation in Plantago ovata has been studied in the alluvial environment of West Bengal. The experiment has been designed to know the effect of artificial pollination at different days interval treatments viz. one day before anthesis, on the day of anthesis, one day after anthesis, two, three and four days after anthesis. The result was evaluated on seed formation, its nature and germination capability. It was observed that pollination on the day of anthesis is most effective followed by the next day. Subsequent treatments may not be effective.

1 table, 6 ref

023769   Dutta Choudhury M;Shil S;Chakraborty G (Ethnobotany & Medicinal Plant Research Laboratory, Life Science Dep, Assam Univ, Silchar-788 011, Email: monishi_dc@writeme.com) : Ethno-medicobotanical studies on Dimasa kachari of Cachar district, Assam. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 128-32.

Deals with survey on ethno-medicinal plants of Dimasa Kachari of Cachar district in Assam. 68 ethno-medicinal species belonging to 59 genera and 41 families are recorded during the investigations. Some of the interesting medicinal plants recorded are: Asclepias curassivica, Ficus hirta, Jatropha curcas and Chromolaena odorata etc.

1 table, 20 ref

023768   Dubey S;Satya H N;Solanki C M (Botany Dep, Holkar Science College, Indore, Madhya Pradesh) : Taxonomic studies on anamorph, Doliomyces, Doliomyces senegalensis, a new record for India. Natn J Life Sci 2008, 5(2), 187-91.

Doliomyces senegalensis (Speg.) Stey., a new record for India, is described from culture and also from host plant. This is the first description of the species from living material. The ontogeny of spores revealed two new findings: 1. Origin of basal appendage is not only exogenous but endogenous also. 2. The obpyriform conidiogenous cells show percurrent growth and 1-4 very thin annelations. The spore germination has been studied for the first time. All cells are capable of germination except apical cell, which is empty. Mesospore of the cell forms mucilaginous sheath around germ tubze.

22 illus, 6 ref

023767   Chatterjee A;Sinha S K;Ghosh S K (NO, Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barackpore, Kolkata-700 120) : Developement and utilization of diagnostics for detetion of geminiviral diseases in eastern India. J Bot Soc Bengal 2008, 62(1), 3-6.

Yellow vein mosaic disease of mesta (Hibiscus camabin us L. and H. sabdarifa L.) has been found in different parts of India in recent years. The sequence analysis of the genome revealed that the disease was associated with a new monopartite begomovirus which was named accordingly as Mesla yellow vein mosaic virus. A probe against the full length DNA-A of this begomovirus infecting mesta was developed and used for detection of mesta yellow vein mosaic qisease in different agro-ecological situations. The diagnostic was also validated to detect geminiviral diseases of several economically important crops and weed plants showing typical geminiviral symptoms and also in viruliferous whiteflies in eastern India.

2 illus, 12 ref

023766   Chatterjee A;Pal R;Pal S;Kundu R (Botany Dep, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: kundu_rita@yahoo.co.in) : Morphological and physiological responses of mung bean (Vigna radiata var. radiata (L.) Wikczek) seedlings under lead stress. J Bot Soc Bengal 2008, 62(1), 55-60.

Experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of two different concentrations (2 mM and 8 mM lead nitrate) of lead on mungbean seedlings under laboratory condition to study the changes in certain morphological and physiological responses under Pb stress and lead accumulation patterns in them. Root growth was much more affected than shoot growth. Although it showed medium tolerance to Pb, the mung bean seedlings could not be classified as hyperaccumularor because the Pb accumulation is higher in the roots. Under Pb stress there is a decrease in the chlorophyll, xanthophyll and total protein content. However there is an increase in carotene content and about two fold increase in the proline content in the 8 mM lead nitrate treated seedlings which suggests their role in the Pb tolerance.

2 illus, 5 tables, 18 ref

023765   Chandan Kumar;Gazala T;Choudhary S (Plant Pathology and Microbiology Lab., Botany Dep, Patna Univ, Patna-800 005) : Fungal diversity in the riparian soil of Ganga river from Bakhtiyarpur to Barh.. Mendel int J 2008, 25(1-4), 25-6.

Soil sample were collected in an aseptic small plastic container from five different spots in between Bakhtiyarpur to Barh during December 2006 to July 2007. The fungi were isolated using soil dilution plate technique on different medium supplemented with suitable antibiotics. The isolated fungi were identified with the colour, texture and growth pattern of the colony, and their microphotographs. Around seventeen fungi of different groups were identified. The seasonal variation in the frequency of the fungi were found to be regulated by many factors like temperature, humidify, soil chemistry, pollutants, dissolved oxygen etc.

9 ref

023764   Chakraborty A K;Basak S K (Forest Office Div, , Bankura (South), Bankura-722 101) : Multiplication of Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn.f.) plant through cutting. J Bot Soc Bengal 2008, 62(1), 71-4.

Shorea robusta Gaertn. f. local name Sal belongs to the family Dipterocarpaceae. It is common in the forests. This plant is a source of perennial supply of timber, post, fuel and other products. The Sal forests have been found to face problems in respect of their regeneration and their perpetuity has become a matter of worry to all concerned. Under these circumstances, an attempt has been made to regenerate Sal by way of adopting the technique of vegetative propagation by using different hormones, with the idea that if the root initiation in shoot cuttings occur, we could get better plants with faster growth and are likely to have better adaptability.

2 illus, 7 ref

023763   Celik S;Ozkan K;Yocel E (Technical Programs Dep, School of Vocational, Kirikkale University, Kirikkale, Turkey, Email: sezgincelik@kku.edu.tr) : Morphological variation and plant nutrients effects of two taxonomically distant Centaurea L. species. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(4), 3171-81.

Studies the influence of habitat on Centaurea mucronifera and pyrrohoplephara, whose morphological variants show obvious differences, spreading on calcareous soils of Mediterranean, Central and East Anatolia were examined. C. mucronifera and C. pyrrohoplephara are both perennials and have the height between 4 and 50 cm. The influence of nutrition elements in plant and physical and chemical properties of soils on morphological variations of C. mucronifera and C. pyrrohoplephara were determined with the models that have the highest explanation portion without multiple linkage problems on the base of model and variant and their relationships were investigated by using Stepwise Regression Analysis. It was found that there was a univariate independent model, showing the positive contribution of phosphorus content of root on plant nutrition element content and root length and for sodium content of stem on length of basal leaf and outer whorl of pappus in C. mucronifera. In C. pyrrohoplephara, between morphological characteristics and plant nutrition elements, on the base of model and variant, models having highest explanation portion without multiple relation problems were defined for variants of root length, plant length, width of basal leaf, capitula and involucrum, achene length, pappus inner whorl length. There was not any defined model determining the relationships between physical and chemical properties of soils and length and width of terminal leaf (p < 0.05). According to these results, it was found that, for C. mucronifera and C. pyrrohoplephera, physical and chemical properties of soils have an important role on the morphoªlogical structure of these species and there could be relationships between morphological structures of these taxa and the ratios of the variants of these plant nutrition element contents and also the influence .of plant nutrition elements on the morphological differentiations of these species is relatively low (p < 0.05).

1 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

023762   Biradar S D;Kanthale P R (Post-Graduate Dep of Botany, Dnyanopasak College, Parbhani-431 401, Email: biradarsd@yahoo.com) : Pharmacognostic study of Ruta graveolens L.. Bionano Front 2009, 2(2), 58-9.

The plant is used in the treatment of a number of ailments like; gastric troubles, diarrhoea, dysentery, convulsions etc. The current study vyas therefore carrieS out to provide requisite pharmacognostic details about the plant. The pharmacognostic study of the fresh, powdered and anatomical sections of the leaves and stem was carried out to determine its morphological and anatomical diagnostic features. The results of the study could be useful in setting some diagnostic indices for the identification and preparation of monograph of the plant.

3 illus, 13 ref

023761   Bhattarai S;Chaudhary R P;Taylor R S L (Central Dep of Botany, Tribhuvan Univ, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal) : Screening of selected ethno-medicinal plants of Manang district, central Nepal for antibacterial activity. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 9-15.

Series of 31 medicinal plants used by the Manangi community of Manang District, Nepal, were screened for antibacterial activity. These plants are used to treat ailments including sore throat, cough and diarrhoea, thought to be caused by bacterial infections. Out of 31 species, 19 showed antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi, 18 against Escherichia coli, 17 against Staphylococcus aureus, 17 against Streptococcus faecalis, and 12 showed antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results of the laboratory work are encouraging because most of the selected plants contain antibacterial substances which lend support to the claims of Manangi medicinal healers regarding the biological usefulness of the tested plants. It is hoped that this study will both encourage the scientific community in Nepal to search for alternative, affordable and easily available antibiotics of plant origin, and as well as conservation of important plant and cultural resources in Nepal.

1 table, 31 ref

023760   Bhattacharya S;Saha A K (Botany Dep, M.B.B. College, Agartala, Tripura) : Effect of PC mil and ratan on the root tip mitosis of Allium cepa L. J Bot Soc Bengal 2008, 62(1), 67-9.

Cytotoxic effects of two fungicides PC Mil (Metalaxyl + Mancozeb) and Ratan (Carbendazim+Mancozeb) were evaluated on root apical meristem of Allium cepa L. with respect to five different concentration levels of both the fungicides for 6 hrs of treatment period. Considerable decreases of mitotic index (MI) and increase in mitotic and chromosomal abnormalities were observed with the increasing concentration. Mitotic analyes revealed that PC Mil had more pronounced cytotoxic effect than Ratan. MI and chromosomal abnormalities had shown more or less dose dependent relation. Most common types of abnormalities recorded were fragmented parts in prophase and metaphase and clumping. Other abnormalities included ring formation (Ratan 1 and higher concentration of PC Mil), anaphasic bridge (higher concentration of Ratan), stickiness, fragmented parts and multipolar bodies in anaphase (PC Mil). Statistical test revealed highly significant variation induced by various concentration levels and variation of the tested chemicals may not have an appreciable effect on MI.

1 ref

023759   Bhattacharya A; (Medicinal Plant Laboratory, Botany Department, Bose Institute, 93/1, A.P.C. Road, Kolkata-9, Email: sabita@bosemain.boseinst.ac.in) : Root rot disease of coleus forskohlii Briq. occurring in gangetic West Bengal. J Bot Soc Bengal 2008, 62(1), 43-7.

Severe loss of a medicinal crop Coleus forskohlii by the attack of a dreadful root rot disease, found in the lower Gangetic West Bengal was investigated in three different locations. It was noticed that about 70-85% plants were lost in the fields under survey during the month of May, 2006. Visible disease symptoms were yellowing and drooping of leaves, browning and blackening of stem, rotting of roots and lower stem. Anatomical study showed the presence of fungal mycelia in the internal stem tissue of diseased plant. A fungal pathogen was isolated from diseased plant parts and isolated pathogen fulfilled Koch's postulates. Colony characters and spore morphology confirmed the identification of the pathogen to be Fusarium solani. This appears to be the first report of root rot of Coleus forskohlii caused by Fusarium solani from India.

1 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

023758   Beig M A;Dar G H;Ganai N A;Ahmad Khan N (Plant Pathology Div, S.K. Univ of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar-191 121, Email: ghasandar@gmail.com) : Mycorrhizal biodiversity in Kashmir forests and some new records of macrofungi from J&K state. Appl biol Res 2008, 10(1-2), 26-30.

Jmmu and Kashmir State harbours rich biodiversity in macrofungi including the mycorrhizal ones. Hardly 145 species have been reported from J&K so far. This communication reports about five hitherto unreported macrofungi from Jammu and Kashmir State viz., Clavariadelphus ligula (Fr.) Donk, Russula lutea (Huds. Fr.) Gray, Vascellum pretense (Pers. Pers.) Kreisel, Bovista nigrescens Pers. and Hellvela lacuonsa Afzelius ex Fries, collected during the survey of conifer-dominated forests in Kashmir valley.

27 ref

023757   Basu M;Pal P K (NO, Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barackpore, Kolkata-700 120) : Callogenesis of Abroma augusta (L.) L.F. (Stereculiaceae), a medicinally important plant of south-east Asian tropics. J Bot Soc Bengal 2008, 62(1), 19-22.

Study comprises the first report of callogenesis of Abroma augusta (L.) L. f. belonging to the family Sterculiaceae. Trials for callogenesis were made with explants from both mature individuals as well as young seedlings, using different concentrations (0.5-2.0 mg/l) of 2,4-0, alone or in combination with various concentrations (0.5-1.5 mg/l) of BA. The best results (more than 77% success) were obtained in case of epi-mesocotyl from young seedlings cultured in MS basal medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l 2, 4-D and 0.5 mg/I BA, at 25±2°C under 16 hour photoperiod of about 40mn^-2S^-2.

4 illus, 13 ref

023756   Awasthi A K;Gupta A;Goel A K (Botany Dep, Pt. J.N.P.G. College, Banda) : Alectra parasitica var. chitrakutensis: a rare traditional remedy for leucoderma and virility in Chitrakoot region of Uttar Pradesh. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 154-6.

Aimed to document the traditional medicinal uses of plants and to propose conservation strategies tor endemic and threatened species occurring in Chitrakoot region of Uttar Pradesh. An endemic and rare plant species viz.: Alectra parasitica A. Rich var. chitrakutensis Rau has been locally used to treat leucoderma and virility by the indigenous people since the time immemorial and needs immediate attention for conservation.

8 ref

023755   Anita B;Narayana Reddy C (Botany Dep, Gulbarga University, Gulbarga-585 106) : In vitro evaluation of potential plant extracts against Xanthomonas campestris pv. citri. J microbial Wld 2008, 10(2), 153-9.

Antibacterial activity of seventeen selected plant extracts was evaluated in vitro using cup plate diffusion method against Xanthomonas campestris pv. citri, the causal agent of citrus bacterial canker. The significant antibacterial active plant extracts were compared with the standard Streptomycin. The results reveal that, these plant extracts can be potential agricultural chemicals against X campestris pv. citri and alleviate some environmental problems associated with the use of synthetic chemicals.

1 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

023754   Anil Kumar N;Ratheesh Narayanan M K;Satheesh K (M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, III Cross Road, Taramani Institutional Area, Chennai-600 113, Email: anil@mssrf.res.in) : Traditional knowledge of three 'Mycophilic' communities on wild edible mushrooms of Wayanad district, Kerala. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 41-7.

Deals with traditional knowledge about wild edible mushrooms available among three tribal communities, namely, Paniya, Katlunaikka and Kuruma in Wayanad District - a 'biodiversity hot-speck" in the global biodiversity hotspot Western Ghats in India. Using the data collected over a period of one year from 180 individuals, ethnobotanical knowledge among the three ethnic communities, who live close to the forests, with regard to mushroom availability and utilization is evaluated. The knowledge and management approach of these communities about 40 wild edible mushroom species is described with a detailed account of each taxon. Results show women, in particular, have profound knowledge about the ecology, usage and classification of a wide range of mushrooms that are available in the wild. A sizable number of the species described are little known to the outside world though many of these have potential for research on their palatability and high nutritional as well as medicinal value.

2 tables, 6 ref

023753   Allali H;Benmehdi H;Dib M A;Tabti B;Ghalem S; Benabadit N (Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Natural Products ad Analysis (COSNA), University of Aboubekr Belkaid, BP 119, 13000 Tlemcen, Algeria, Email: h_allali72@yahoo.fr) : Phytotherapy of diabetes in West Algeria. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(4), 2701-10.

Medicinal plants have been used since remote times in folk medicine and they are now a part of the people inheritage. Through North African countries, todays folk medicine has been boosted as a consequence of hard economic conditions. Because of its geographical situation, climate and soil composition, Tlemcen's region offers a wide variety of plants and flowers. The frequent usage of medicinal plants in the Tlemcen's region by diabetics prompted us in development of these plants. This induced us to set up traditional hypoglycaemic plants sample survey with a view to setting forth the benefit they could bring about for patients affected by diabetes. The results gathered from 634 inquiry forms (435 women and 199 men) were separated into two groups: diabetics using medicinal plants (62 %) and using industrial hypoglycaemic medicines (38 %). Those results showed that phytotherapy was widely adopted by west Algerian society. The survey undertaken allowed us to observe that more than 58 plants were used in traditional care of diabetes of which the most used were Trigonella foenum graecum L. (Leguminosae), Citrullus colocynthis L. Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae), Saccocalyx satureioides Coss. and Our. (Labiatae), Berberis vulgaris L. (Berberidaceae) and Aloe vera Trabut (Liliaceae). Moreover, present findings showed that non-insulin dependent patients used more medicinal plants than insulin-dependent patients.

3 tables, 18 ref

023752   Ahmad F (Section of Horticulture, Regional Research Station and Faculty of Agri, S.K. Univ of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Wadura, Sapore-193 201, Email: jamie700@rediffmail.com) : Calcium therapy for prologation of storage life of pear v. 'Bartlett'. Appl biol Res 2008, 10(1-2), 17-21.

Dipping of unripe pear cv. 'Bartlett' fruits in 8 or 12% calcium chloride solution and subsequent storage at ambient temperature delayed fruit coloration and improved fruit firmness, organoleptic rating, TSS, sugar content and peel/flesh Ca content. However, physiological weight loss, acidity and fruit spoilage were reduced. The fruit dip in 8 or 12% CaCl₂ proved most appropriate post-harvest treatment for enhancing the keeping quality of pear.

2 tables, 18 ref

022718   Wankhade S G;Gholap S V;Khode P P (All India Networking Research Project on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Nagarjun Medicinal Plants Garden, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidya, Akola-444 104) : Effect of seed rates on the root yield and quality of ashwagandha (Withania comnifera Dunal). Agric Sci Dig 2009, 29(1), 39-41.

Investigation was conducted to study the effect of seed rate on the root yield and quality of ashwagandha. (Withania somnifera Dunal) successively for three years during 2004-05 to 2006-07. There were five seed rates viz., 6 kg (S1), 7 kg (S2), 8 kg (S3), 9 kg (S4) and 10 kg (S5) per hectare tried in randomized block design with four replications. Significantly highest root length was noticed with the seed rate of 10 kg ha^-1. (S₅). Significantly highest root yield, GMR and NMR was noticed with the seed rate of 10 kg ha^-1 (S₅), however, it was at par with 9 kg ha^-1 (S₄).The Incremental Cost Benefit Ratio (ICBR) ratio was also found higher with 9 kg seed per hectare.

3 tables, 3 ref

022717   Wabale A S;Petkar A S;Pingle S D;Apparao B J (Botany Dep, Sangamner College, Sangamner, Maharashtra) : Bio-efficacy of plant extracts against Fusarium solani in in vitro. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 543-5.

Fungi is an important group of microorganisms responsible for various diseases of plants and cause a considerable loss in yield. Plants are the richest source of organic chemicals, which can be used as defensive weapons. Number of plants has been found to possess antifungal properties, which are able to control certain fungal diseases of crops. Effect of Boswellia serrata Roxb ex. Coleb., Gnidiaglauca (Fresen.) Gilg., Ocimum americanum L., Mundulea sericea (Wild.) A. Chev., and Woodfordiafruticosa(L.) Kurz. extracts are tested in in vitro by poisoned food technique to know there inhibitory effect on the growth of Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc. Extracts of Boswellia serrata leaves were found significantly superior in inhibiting the mycelial growth 21.06 %, 26.47 % and 41.89% of F. solani at 5 percent, 10 per cent and 15 percent, respectively. Extract cfGnidiaglauca and Woodfordia fruticosa were found second best after Boswellia serrata, while extracts of Ocimum americanum and Mundulea sericea were least effective in growth inhibition as compared to other plant extracts at all the three concentrations tried.

1 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

022716   Vikram Kumar;Jhangir M;Rai A;Shashi Kant (Botany Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 006, Email: vikram_bot2001@yahoo.co.in ) : Forest types, associations and ethnobotany of suran sub-catchment in north-west Himalaya. Phytomorphology 2008, 58(3-4), 131-7.

Suran sub-catchment is endowed with rich floristic diversity. The Suran sub-catchment has an area of 372 sq.km. The whole area lies in the middle or Kashmir Himalaya in the North-West India. The upper mountain reaches remain covered with snow throughout the year. Pahari, Gujjar and Bakerwal tribes inhabit the area. The present study deals with various parameters like forest types, associations, phytosociology and ethnobotany in this biodiversity rich area. The categories of forest cover have been studied by IRS-ID-LISS III image data (Path092, Row047). The forest types distributed in the study area are described.

1 table, 18 ref

022715   Vij S P;Verma S;Pathak P (Orchid Laboratory, Botany Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigrah-160 014, Email: spvij1@rediffmail.com ) : Nervilia aragoana Gaud. and N. Gammieana (Hook. F.) Schltr. (Orchidaceae): two new records for Himachal Pradesh. Phytomorphology 2008, 58(3-4), 213-17.

Nervilia aragoana Gaud, and N. gammieana (Hook, f.) Schltr., two ground growing species of epidendroid orchids, are recorded for the first time from Himachal Pradesh. The records extend the distribution limit of the former species beyond Garhwal region in NW Himalaya besides indicating a continuous distribution of the latter species along the Himalayan range.

2 illus, 12 ref

022714   Verma P;Pandey S N (Botany Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007, Email: snpandey511@gmail.com) : Effect of integrated organic and inorganic fertilizers use on uptake of Zn and Cu and growth of lentil (Lens culinaris Medic) plants. Res Envir Life Sci 2008, 1(2), 53-4.

Field experiments were conducted to study the comparative effects of NPK fertilizers @ 50 kg ha^-1, and its combination with vermicompost @ 5 tons ha^-1 amendment in alluvial soil on uptake of Zn and Cu, and growth responses of lentil (Lens culinaris Medic) plants. The soil was deficient in Zn and Cu were amended with ZnSO₄ and CuSO₄ @ 10 kg ha^-1 and 2 kg ha^-1 respectively before sowing the seeds in each treatment, except control (soil without any treatment). The uptake of Zn was increased at each treatment of fertilizers amendment (0 (T₀), ZnSO₄+CuSO₄(T₁), NPK fertilizers(T₂), NPK fertilizers + vermicompost (T₃) than the control. Whereas, maximum Zn uptake (21 μg Zn g^-1 dry weight) was observed significantly at NPK fertilizers in combination with vermicompost amended soil (T₃) than the plants grown in soil amended with NPK fertilizers only (15 μg Zn g^-1 dry weight) or control soil without any amendment (8.8 μg Zn g^-1 dry weight). Vermicompost with NPK fertilizers amended soil was stimulated length, dry matter production, total chlorophyll, sugar content and uptake of Zn more as compared to only NPK fertilizers amended soil. Uptake of Cu in lentil was not significantly affected with NPK fertilizers or NPK fertilizers- vermicompost amended soil.

2 tables, 18 ref

022713   Sunojkumar P (Botany Dep, Calicut Univ, Calicut-673 635, Email: drsunoj@gmail.com) : Identity and taxonomic status of Leucas vestita var. oblongifolia hook. f. (Lamiaceae). Phytomorphology 2008, 58(3-4), 159-62.

J.D. Hooker established three varieties under Leucas vestita Wall, ex Benth. Of these, var. oblongifolia was merged with the species proper for want of distinguishable characters. On the basis of a small population located in Idukki district, Kerala, this variety is reinstated here under Leucas ciliata Wall, ex Benth. A full description, with illustrations, is presented.

1 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

022712   Srivastava R C (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh) : Certain new combinations and new synonyms in polygonaceae of India. Indian For 2008, 134(12), 1699.

022711   Singh R;Goyal S C (Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Botany and Plant Physiology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: goyal_sc@yahoo.co.in) : Inflorescence rachis segment: a novel explant for Rapid micropropagation of Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. et Fernand.. Phytomorphology 2008, 58(3-4), 187-93.

Inflorescence rachis segments obtained from field grown plants of Chlorophytum borivilianum were used to establish cultures in vitro, which gave a fast and reliable method for ex situ conservation of this species. Multiple shoots proliferation was obtained from inflorescence rachis segments on MS medium supplemented with 17.76 μM BA. However, in subsequent subcultures less concentration of the BA was better for further shoot multiplication. The addition of adenine sulphate to the BA containing medium promoted multiple shoot formation. All shoots rooted when transferred to half-strength MS medium supplemented with 2.46 μM IBA. The in vitro raised plants were hardened for survival after transplantation to dunesand and vermicompost mixture by initially keeping them to humidity conditions, from high to low, with nearly 83 per cent success.

1 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

022710   Sikdar B;Chowdhury A R (Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Dep, Rajshahi Univ, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh, Email: bsikdar2004@yahoo.com) : Gene effects of vegetative seedling characters and seedling anatomy in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.). Indian Biol 2007, 39(2), 27-32.

A full diallel set was made for seedling characters of M. charantia involving five genetically divergent parents for and analyzed under JinKs and Hayman⁸, Jinks^9&10 and Hayman^3,4&5 developed method. Hayman's analysis of variance of diallel table showed that for all traits additive and dominant gene effects were non-significant. The components of dominance H₁ and H₂ were significant for most of the characters except L₁PL and L₂PL because F₁ progenies (including reciprocals) showed obtaining dominant characters, but the dominant effects of each that were not inherited significantly in next generations observed by estimating the component F. Every characters showed over-dominance and dominant genes were more frequent than recessive genes and the proportion of '+' and '-' gene effects was close to 0.25, except LBjL, indicated that for these cases '+' and '-' genes were equally distributed in the parents. For most of the traits, t² was non significant indicated that absence of epistasis. The presence of variability and non-additive nature was noted for most of the traits. The regression of Wr on Vr were unity in most of the traits and therefore, they supported the additive-dominance model. In GCA test, no good general combiner was found and it was same in case of SCA test. For the anatomical study, which was conducted with the five divergent parents only, the genotypic variance was always greater than environmental variance and the value of heritability in board sense was lowest for VBL-HP and it was 73.33% and the highest was for OPT-HP and the value was 95.238%. The genetic advance as percentage of mean was differed from 9.99% to 86.73%.

8 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

022709   Shekhawat M S;Dixit A K (Botany Dep, Arignar Anna Govt. Arts College, Karaikal, Pudducherry) : Micropropagation of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. clones selected for tsunami affected areas. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 531-5.

Soil conditions are totally changed due to the tsunami waves in coastal areas of South India. It turned saline and accumulates salts. Traditional plants badly affected by theses changed conditions but it was observed that Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. plants are surviving after tsunami and growing better than other plant species. It can be utilized for the reclamation of saline soils. An in vitro multiplication method was developed to fasten the propagation of salt tolerant E. camaldulensis plants, on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium. Multiple shoots induced on agar gelled MS medium with 6- benz>i I amino purine (2.0 mgl^-1) and additives. 4-6 shoots generated on this combination. M S medium supplemented with kinetin (0.5 mgl^-1), BAP (0.25 mgl^-1), indole-3 acetic acid (0.1 mgl^-1) and additives was found best for multiplication of shoots. Addition of calcium pantathenate (0.1 mgl^-1) found promotary and produce more (about 67) shoots per culture bottle. Efficient rooting was achieved on half strength M S medium with indole- 3 butyric acid (2.0 mgl^-1) and activated charcoal (200 mgl^-1). In vitro rooted plantlets were hardened in the green house and two months old plantlets transplanted to the field for better survival in saline soil.

4 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

022708   Shanmugavadivu R;Subramanian M S;Gururaja Rao P N (Botany Dep, Kongunadu Arta and Science College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Antimicrobial activity of leaf extract of members of leguminasae. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 392-4.

Albizzia lebbeck Benth.,Cassia auriculata L., Delonix elata Gamb and Clitoria tematea L.,belongs to the family Mimosaceae. The plants were commonly used in the treatment of rheumatism. In the present study an attempt was made to test the anti-bacterial screening against Klebsiella pneumoniae and antifungal screening against Aspergillus niger. The response of plant extract widely varies across the type of micro organisms. The leaf extract was having higher inhibitory effect than the control for both bacteria and fungi. The extract of the plant effectively controlled the growth of bacteria two to four old times in comparison to fungi. Antimicrobial activity increased with increased in concentration.

2 tables, 7 ref

022707   Senthamzih Selvi B;Ponnuswami V (Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Radiation induced mutations in amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn). Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 334-8.

Experiment was conducted at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultual University, Coimbatore during 2003-2005 to workout mutations in gamma rays induced populations in amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn). Scions of five amla varieties viz., BSR-1, Kanchan, Krishna, NA-7 and Chakaiya were irradiated with different doses (1.0 to 5.0 kR) and grafted on rootstocks. After studying the success on survival per cent BSR-1 alone was selected for further study with the treatments fixed as 0.5, 0.75,1.0, 1.5, 1.75,2.0,2.5 and 5.0 kR. Observations were recorded for chlorophyll mutations and other viable mutations in amla grafts. Gamma ray treatments produced three types of chlorophyll mutants viz., xantha, chlorine and viridis. With chlorine mutants being predominant, chlorophyll mutations recorded in the V₁M₁ generation showed progressive decrease in the frequency of chlorophyll mutation with increasing doses. Seven types of viable mutations were realized in this experiment viz., shoot bifurcation, compact growth habit, leaf types, multiple shoot at a single node and blind and stout shoots with only the first formed leaves. Economically important mutant for compact growth was obtained but the frequency of mutants were of very low magnitude.

5 tables, 25 ref

022706   Scareli-Santos C;Teixeira S D P;Varanda E M (Setor de Botanica, Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciencias e Letras de, 14040-901 Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brasil, Email: scareliclaudia@hotmail.com) : Anatomy of foliar galls of Pauteria torta (Sapotaceae) induced by Youngomyia sp. Nov. (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae). Phytomorphology 2008, 58(3-4), 139-44.

Based on scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy this paper describes the structural as well as histochemical features of foliar galls in Pouteria torta induced by the gallmaker insect Youngomyia sp. nov. and emphasizes changes on vegetal tissues in comparison with non-infested foliar tissues so that possible relations between gall-makers and host-plants might be better understood. Conical gall type pockets, covered with epicuticular wax (film type) were found both on abaxial and adaxial surface of the leaves, whereas stomata and simple trichomes were found only on the adaxial surface. The gall exhibited epicuticular wax (film type) and simple trichomes during their development were more abundant and brownish-red at the structure apex and consisted of epidermis, sclerenchyma, vascular, parenchyma, and nutritive arranged centripetally. Gall tissues were richer in proteins and phenolic compounds than healthy tissues. Histochemical analyses revealed high concentration of nitrogenous and phenolic compounds in the nutritive tissue. Tissue arrangement was similar to that of other foliar galls induced by other insects of the Cecidomyiidae family.

3 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

022705   Salgare S A;Ram Indar (NO, , Salgare Research Foundation Pvt. Ltd., Prathamesh Society, Shivaji Chowk, Karjat, Maharashtra) : Alteration of resting period of pollen of five species of the solanaceae by herbicide (acrolein). Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 675-81.

Acrolein altered the resting period of pollen of 6 series and failed in 8 series of the Solanaceae. The herbicide extended the resting period in 4 series, while reduced in 2 series. Maximum extension in the resting period of pollen is noted in F series of Physalis minima. Pollen of the said series showed their first sign of their germination after one hour of sowing in vitro culture of sucrose, while they were found germinated after 9 hours of sowing in vitro culture of sucrose supplemented with acrolein. Maximum reduction in the resting period of pollen is noted in F-24 series of Solarium xanthocarpum. Pollen of the said series were found germinated after 6 hours of sowing in vitro, culture of sucrose, while failed to germinate even 10 hours of sowing in vitro culture of sucrose supplemented with acrolein.

1 table, 68 ref

022704   Remashree A B;Jayanthy A;Balachandran I (NO, Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR), Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal-676 503, Email: avscmpr@sify.com) : Comparative anatomy of six species of Sida. Phytomorphology 2008, 58(3-4), 163-72.

Many species of Sida are widely used as the ayurvedic raw drug 'bala' in different regions for treating rheumatism. Deals with the comparative anatomy of the roots of most commonly used six species of Sida. The study includes micromorphological, anatomical and maceration studies. Roots of all the six species show differences in their anatomical characters and in the quantity and position of inclusions such as rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, starch grains and pattern of arrangement of the phloem fibres.

3 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

022703   Rather M A;Ahmed F;Siddiqui M A (Section of Plant Pathology and Plant Nematology, Botany Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh) : Nematicidal effect of chopped leaves of some selected plants against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on tomato. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 339-41.

Chopped leaves of six plant species viz., neem/margosa, bakain/Persian lilac, marigold, castor, eucalyptus, blumea, bottle-brush and thuja at two potential doses (100 and 50g/pot) were employed under glass house conditions to access their nematicidal effect against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. The chopped neem leaves at a higher dose (100g/pot) showed the highest degree of reduction in root-knot development (0.45) as compared to untreated control (4.00). The gall indices of plants treated with 100g of bakain, marigold, castor, eucalyptus, bottlebrush, blumea and thuja leaves were 0.53,0.64, 1.60,1.50,2.00,2.00 and 2.55, respectively. The root galling was also reduced to some extent when the dose was reduced to half (50g/pot). There was a significant improvement in the plant growth due to the application of these organic additives.

1 table, 7 ref

022702   Rajesh Kumar;Tiku A K;Singh D B;Mir M M (Biochemistry & Plant Physiology Dep, FOA, SK Univ of Agricultural Sciences & Technology-J Chattha, Jammu, Email: rajeshraina80@yahoo.com) : Effect of GA₃, NAA and CCC on growth, yield and quality of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cultivar sweet charlie. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4A), 1703-4.

A field experiment was carried out during rabi season of 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 to study the effect of DA₃, NAA and CCC on growth, yield and quality of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Ouch.) cultivar Sweet Charlie. Results indicated that strawberry is responsive to the application of plant growth regulators. Among all the treatments of plant growth regulators, treatment GA₃ at 90 ppm gave the best result in terms of vegetative growth, runner production, ascorbic acid and acidity of strawberry, whereas treatment CCC at 500 ppm showed higher number of flowers, fruits per plant, yield, specific gravity, total soluble solid, and total sugar of strawberry.

2 tables, 12 ref

022701   Punam Kumari;Tomar Y S (Botany Dep, S.G.P.G. College, Saroorpur, Meerut-205 000) : Effect of simulated acid rain on chlorophyll and ascorbic acid contents of Mentha piperita L. (Peppermint). Agric Sci Dig 2009, 29(1), 1-6.

Field and laboratory based experiment conducted to assess the effects of different pH ranges of simulated acid rain (2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5) was studied on chlorophyll and ascorbic acid contents in two cultivars (cv. Himalaya and cv.Kaushik) of a medicinal herb Mentha piperita. Chlorophyll and ascorbic acid contents of leaves were adversely affected at pH 2.5 and 3.5. The effects of simulated acid rain became more pronounced with the increase in acidity of rain and the duration of the treatments. Chlorophyll-a showed more reduction than chlorophyll-b. In both the cultivars cv. Himalaya was more sensitive than cv. Kaushik on chlorophyll and ascorbic acid rain contents. The study showed that acid rain has a significant negative effect on Mentha Piperita plant performance.

4 tables, 8 ref

022700   Preetha T S;Hemanthkumar A S;William Decruse S;Krishnan P N;Seeni S (Plant Biotechnology Div, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562, Email: peringattulli@yahoo.co.uk) : Effect of synthetic auxins on somatic embryogenesis from leaf-derived callus of Kaempferia galanga L. - an endangered medicinal plant. Phytomorphology 2008, 58(3-4), 117-24.

Plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis was achieved from in vitro-derived leaf base segments of Kaempferia galanga. Responses of leaf segments cultured in MS medium supplemented with Dicamba, 2,4,5-1, NAA and IAA confirmed the efficiency of synthetic auxins viz., Dicamba and 2,4,5-1 to induce embryogenic callus cultures. Callus subcultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.54 or 1.07 uM NAA along with 2.22 - 6.66 μM BA produced embryoids of different stages of development on the entire surface of the callus, which on transfer to hormone-free medium developed into plantlets in 4-6 wk. Histological analysis confirmed the formation of embryoids free of vascular connection with the callus. The rooted plants were hardened and established in the field at 92% efficiency. The continued growth of the embryogenic callus through successive subculturing and the ready differentiation of the embryoids into plantlets offer reliable method for plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis in K. galanga, which may provide an efficient and reliable system for conservation of the species.

2 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

022699   Prasad M (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeonotany, 53, University Road, Lucknow-226 007, Email: Mahesh_bsip@yahoo.com) : Fossil wood of the genus Cynometra L. from the Siwalik sediments of Darjeeling district, West Bengal and its phytogeographical significance. Phytomorphology 2008, 58(3-4), 181-6.

Fabaceous fossil wood showing affinity with modern taxon, Cynometra ramiflora L. has been recorded from the Middle Siwalik sediments of Ramthi River Section in Darjeeling District, West Bengal. This taxon is a typical evergreen tree occurring in the sea coast tidal forests of India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Phytogeographically, it is very significant as it indicates that the sea shore was not very far from its existence during the Miocene - Pliocene times.

3 illus, 37 ref

022698   Paul Raj K;Irudayaraj V;Patric Raja D; Manickap V S (Botany Dep, Nesamony Memorial Christian College, Martandam, Email: fernraj@yahoo.co.in) : Morphological studies on epidermal glands of some thelypteroid ferns. Phytomorphology 2008, 58(3-4), 205-12.

Morphology of epidermal glands of six species viz. Amphineuron terminans, Christella parasitica, Cyclosorus interruptus, Sphaerostephanos arbuscula, S. subtruncatus, S. unitus of the family Thelypteridaceae has been studied using light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Morphological characters such as distribution, frequency, colour, size and shape were studied. The glands are distributed on costae, costules, veins and intervenal areas of the lower surface of leaves in all the species except Christella parasitica, in which the glands are not present on intervenal areas, and Sphaerostephanos arbuscula in which the glands are present on both sides of the leaves. Normally the frequency of glands is higher in crozier than in young and mature leaves. Highest frequency (470/cm² ) was observed on lower surface of crozier of Sphaerostephanos subtruncatus and the lowest frequency (25/cm² ) was observed in lower surface of young leaves of Cyclosorus interruptus. The glands are greenish yellow in C. interruptus and S. arbuscula. They are golden yellow in S. subtruncatus and A.terminans and golden brown in C. parasitica and S. unitus. The glands are sessile, subsessile or shortly stalked and spherical in all the species except in C. parasitica in which they are distinctly stalked and elongated. The glands are largest in size (59.2 μm) in Cyclosorus interruptus and smallest in Amphineuron terminans. In all the species the glands are with smooth surface without any ornamentation. The apex of glands in C. parasitica and C. interruptus is apiculate, while in others the apex is smooth. No character is uniform in all the six species studied. They differ from each other at least in one character. So the morphology of epidermal glands can be used as taxonomic criterion to distinguish species in the same genus or different genera.

2 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

022697   Patil D A;Patil A G;Phatak A V;Naresh Chandra (Botany Dep, Birla College, Kalyan-421 304) : Salinity mediated changes in nitrate and nitrite reductases in Dolichos lablab (L.) var. Konkan Val-2 seedlings. J Cell Tissue Res 2008, 8(2), 1351-4.

Effect of different salinity levels (0.0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0% NaCl) on nitrate and nitrite reductases in seedlings of Dolichos lablab L. Var. Konkan Val -2 were studied. Nitrate reductase (NR) activity increased in radicle, plumule, cotyledon and hypocotyl of 5-day-old seedling of Dolichos lablab L. Var. Konkan Val -2 with increase in salinity. However, the salt induced inhibition of NR was observed in leaves of 15 and 30 days old plants. The nitrite reductase activity in plumule of 5-day-old seedling remained low under salt stress condition (0.5% and 1.0% NaCl). In leaf of 15 days and 30 days old plants nitrite reductase activity showed a slight increase up to 0.5% NaCl salinity.

4 tables, 23 ref

022696   Pandey G;Madhuri S (NO, Shri Ram Institute of Technology Pharmacy, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Agriculture plants used against livestock diseases. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 671-4.

Ethnomedicinal survey exhibits a number of valuable data on indigenous medicinal plants, which are cultivated for agriculture purpose. Many agriculture plants and their products have been used traditionally for the treatment of various livestock diseases. These plants are used not only for food but also employed to cure different ailments of livestock. The medicinal uses of these plants may help veterinarians, medicos and agriculture/bio scientists or researchers in discovering new drugs against various diseases of human and animals. Some of the agriculture plants possessing useful properties against various diseases of livestock are: Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Annona squamosa, Brassica campestris andB. nigra, B. oleracea var. botrytis, Cajanus cajan, Capsicum annum, Carica papaya, Cicer arietinum, Citrus limon, Curcuma longa, Daucus saliva, Elephantopus scaber, Lens culinaris, Lycopersicon esculentum, Momordica charantia, Oryza sativa, Picrorhiza kurroa, Psidium guajava, Raphanus sativus, Sesamum orientals, Solanum melongena, Solanum tuberosum, Spinacia oleracea, Trachyspermum ammi, Trigonella foenumgraecum, Triticum aestivum, Zea mays and Zingiber officinale.

^iia8 ref

022695   Pande V V;Shastri K V;Khadse C D;Tekade A R; Tankar A N;Jain B B (Pharmaceutical Analysis Dep, JSPM's, Jayawantrao Sawant College of Pharmacy and Research, Hadaspsar, Pune-28, Email: vishalpande_1376@rediffmail.com) : Assessment of indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants from Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Int J Green Pharm 2008, 2(2), 69-71.

Ethnobotany is the study of how people of a particular region use different indigenous plants for treatment of various diseases. The ; indigenous knowledge system of medicine, which exists as a superstructure, effectively serves as a remedy for the people of a particular region for curing different ailments; further, the indigenous practices are easy to administer and are economical. The benefits of indigenous knowledge can be offered to the vast majority of population by establishing its appropriate medicinal usage for specific diseases, thus confirming the validity of such knowledge and integrating it with various development programmes. For ethnobotanical survey, two districts of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra were selected and survey was conducted in the month of March-April 2006. The data reported was compiled through a fusion of interview and non-participant observation method. Various plants were found to have medicinal value and the tribal people largely depend on them for treating various types of diseases. Our country is a rich source of flora and traditional heritage of herbal wealth. India's share in herbal world market is just less than 1.5%. In the survey, a defined attempt has been made to document the indigenous knowledge of some medicinal plants of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.

^iia4 ref

022694   Oza V P;Trivedi S D;Parmar P P;Subramanian R B (NO, B.R.D. School of Biosciences, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidhya Nagar-388 120) : Simple, rapid and efficient method for isolation of genomic DNA from plant tissue. J Cell Tissue Res 2008, 8(2), 1383-6.

Economical and easy method for isolation of intact, good quality genomic DNA is reported. In this new DNA isolation method polysaccharides and polyphenols, the two most common contaminants of plant genomic DNA, are removed prior to the precipitation of the DNA. The genomic DNA was then precipitated using isopropanol. This protocol yielded a high molecular weight DNA, free from contamination and colour from fresh leaves of five different plant species. The isolated genomic DNA can be used for PCR amplification and other downstream applications. The main objective of the present protocol is to provide a simple method of genomic DNA isolation from plant tissue without any contamination.

4 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

022693   Om Prakash;Singh G N;Singh R M;Mathur S C; Bajpai M;Yadav S (Central Indian Pharmacopoeia Laboratory, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Sector-23, Rajnagar, Ghaziabad-201 002, Email: raman19662002@yahoo.co.in) : Determination of bacoside A by HPTLC in Bacopa monnieri extract. Int J Green Pharm 2008, 2(3), 173-5.

A simple sensitive HPTLC method developed for the determination of bacoside A in the plant Bacopa monnieri extracts. The stationary phase was precoated silica gel GF254. The mobile phase used was dichloromethane: methanol: water (4.5: 1.0: 0.1 v/v/v). The plate-was scanned and quantified at 225 nm for bacoside A. The method was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy and specificity. The proposed HPTLC method provides a faster and cost effective qualitative control for routine analysis of bacoside A in extracts containing Bacopa monnieri saponins.

2 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

022692   Nile S H;Shirfule A L;Deshmukh Y D;Khobragade C N (NO, School of Life Sciences, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded-431 606, Email: cnkhobragade@rediffmail.com ) : Physiological and biochemical alternations in Pisum sativum L. following cadmium toxicity and its amelioration by salicylic acid. J Cell Tissue Res 2008, 8(2), 1393-8.

Seeds of Pisum sativum L. varieties Ludhiyana P-3, Arkel and Green pearl were allowed to germinate on different concentrations of cadmium ions. Lower concentration of cadmium (0.01 mM) delays the germination percentage (47, 44 and 28%), while higher concentration (0.025 mM) caused reduction in germination percentage (25.5, 21.3and 23.7 %) respectively. Addition of salicylic acid (0.5 mM) with and without cadmium caused increase in percent germination. Ludhiyana P-3 revealed more tolerance to decrease in root length and shoot length as compared to Arkel and Green pearl and unstressed control. Decrease in mitotic index, percentage of protein, total chlorophyll, ch1-a, ch1-b and α-amylase activity while increase in abnormal cell count, proline, total sugar, phenol and peroxidase activity was observed in stressed varieties with cadmium but the combined action of cadmium and salicylic acid showed increase in all the parameters except total sugar, phenol, proline and peroxides activity, indicating ameliorative effect of added salicylic acid. Ludhiyana P-3 was observed to be a more tolerant variety to cadmium stress as compared to Arkel and Green pearl varieties.

3 tables, 41 ref

022691   Nejakar D;Bharatu K R;Rajesh K Y;Krishnappa M;Yalavanthimath G P (Applied Botany Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta, Karnataka) : Documentation of ethnobotanical data in curing various ailments in chikodi taluk, Karnataka. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 549-53.

Ayurvedic medicine plays an important role in the rural areas in curing some of the common diseases. The current investigation carried out to collect the information from the medicinal practitioners and other people of Chikodi taluk, Belgaum district, Karnataka. WE-JO questionnaires were supplied to the selected area people and information was collected from them. Among the selected areas of Chikodi taluk gathered information was recorded and documented systematically. The people are in use of 125 plants belonging to 106 genera of 56 families. The plant parts are used in curing the various diseases. The use of medicines and preparation of the drugs are also different. All the practitioners administered medicinal plants intemally or externally in the form of powders, pastes, churnas, thailurn, juices and decoctions which are discussed.

1 table, 7 ref