022690   Nath V;Awasthi V;Asthana A K (Bryology Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute, (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Lucknow-226 001, Email: drvirendranath2001@rediffmail.com) : In vitro studies on Marchantia paleacea bertol.. Phytomorphology 2008, 58(3-4), 173-9.

Plants of Marchantia paleacea have been raised and multiplied using gemmae as explants. Single gemma cultured on half strength Knop's macronutrients and Nitsch's trace elements along with 10 ppm ferric citrate supplemented with 1% sucrose as carbon source, produced two or more thalli with eight weeks of culture. Multiplication of thalli readily achieved upon transfer of the apical portion of thallus or innovations or gemmae produced on gemma cups of cultured plants, on same fresh basal medium. An enhanced growth has been observed in continuous illumination of 4000-5500 lux at a temperature of 21 ± 2°C. The variation in germination of gemmae and their further growth pattern was also observed in the plants of two different localities viz., Mussoorie (western Himalaya) and Pachmarhi (central India). Cultured thalli were acclimatized and transferred to soil.

2 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

022689   Narasimha Rao G M (Botany Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh) : Mangrove populations of Visakhaptnam and sarada and varaha estuarine complex, India. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 686-7.

2 tables, 3 ref

022688   Nagar D P;Singh S B (NO, Field Research Laboratory, DRDO, Leh (Ledakh), Jammu & Kashmir) : Sida acuta Burum. F.: interesting new record from Ladakh. Indian For 2008, 134(12), 1696-8.

1 illus, 15 ref

022687   Mukherjee A;Bandopodhay A;Dalal T;Tah J (Cytogenesis Laboratory, Botany Dep, The Univ of Burdwan, Golapbag Campus, Burdwan, West Bengal) : Effect of locational trial of tossa jute. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 593-601.

Jute is the major fiber yielding craps amongst all the craps next to Cotton. Tossa Jute (C. Olitorius) is highest yielding crop and quality fibre producing plant amongst all other Corchorus species. Quality Seeds are very much require to produce quality product of any crop plant. There has been develop a dozen of improved varieties of Tossa Jute but still it requires the vocational study on its adaptability. As Burdwan district is called rice granary of the state having adequate irrigation facility in different part of the district. The farmers do not bother about cultivation of crops other than rice. In deed, the district is quite different from its east part to western part due to soil texture, composition and agro-climatic features of the district. The aims and object of this study were to emphasized for explaining the location impact and different improved variety cf Tossa Jute. Different metrical characters were studied during experimentation period.

13 tables, 40 ref

022686   Mondal S;Tah J;Dalal T;Bandhypadhyay A (Botany Dep, The Univ of Burdwan, Burdwan, West Bengal) : Effect of methanol treatment on seed germination and yield component of mesta. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 512-17.

Field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2004 with a view to study the effect of methanol treatments for different hours of seed imbibitions having six varieties of mesta, a fibre yielding crops. Results reveal that the yield attribute was significantly positive correlated with plant height verses basal diameter of stem. It has been found that plant height is directly correlated with positive increment in each treatment. When the treatment was made and duration of imbibitions was more, correlation value was higher. The germination of seeds show a great problem in case of mesta. To overcome this germination problem in mesta seeds a series of methanol treatment (70%) was applied for Ihr, 3 hrs, 5hrs, respectively. Four treatments including control set out of six varieties i.e. total 24 treatments were allowed for the purpose. Various metrical characters like plant height, number of leaves, basal diameter, number of branch, fiber weight, days to 50% flowering were studied. Co-relation and coefficient of six cultivars was estimated in this experiment so that we could obtaine a satisfactory result on it.

7 tables, 5 ref

022685   Mohammadreza V R (Pharmacognosy Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Univ of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Email: myerdian@rzi.tums.ac.ir) : Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Pimpinella affinis Ledeb. essential oil growing in Iran. Int J Green Pharm 2008, 2(3), 142-4.

The chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the fruits of Pimpinella affinis Ledeb. (Apiaceae) was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. Twenty - four components were identified in the essential oil of P. affinis Ledeb., whose major constituents were geijerene (17.68%), limonene (12.86%), pregeijerene (9.92%), germacrene D (8.54%) and trans- β-ocimene (4.94%). The essential oil was evaluated for antibacterial and antifungal activities. The oil showed antimicrobial activity against all the tested microorganisms, excepted Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Maximum activity was observed against fungal microorganisms.

2 tables, 7 ref

022684   Mandal A;Mondal A K (Plant Taxonomy & Biosystematics Laboratory, Botany & Forestry Dep, Vidyasagar Univ, Midnapore-721 102, Email: asimbotvu@yahoo.com) : Pteridophytes of ethnomedicinal importance from Chilkigarh forest, paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal, India. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4C), 2323-5.

Deals with the use of medicinally important pteridophytes by the tribal and rural peoples of Paschim Medinipur district. Six medicinally important pteridophytes were collected from Chilkigarh forest. The specimens were further prepared for herbarium. The plants were identified, arranged along with their family names and their medicinal uses. Several plant parts like total plants, leaves, rhizomes are used by the people for different purposes.

1 illus, 5 ref

022683   Mallikarjunaswamy G E;Shivanna M B (Studies in Applied Botany Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta, Shimoga, Karnataka) : Effect of fungicide treatment on seedborne fungi and seed germination in certain medicinally important tree species. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 570-6.

Seed pathogens of trees have attracted considerable attention over the last few decades. There is a conspicuous need to understand the impact of these pathogens in tree seeds and means to manage them and reduce losses. Studies were conducted to collect seed samples from infected seed bearing trees (Holarrhena antidysenterica, Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Madhuca latifolia and Wrightia tinctorid) in forests of Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary and to test them for the occurrence of seedborne fungi and germination. Results of incubation test indicated that seed samples harboured 21 species of 15 genera of seedborne fungi. Some of the pathogenic fungi are species of Alternaria, Cercospora, Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Fusarium, Macrophomina, Myrothecium, Pestalotiopsis, Phoma and Phomopsis. Seed samples were treated by dusting with fungicides - captan, indofil Z-78 or zineb individually and a combination of captan and zineb. Zineb and its combination with captan were very effective in significantly reducing the incidences of seed mycoflora as well as improving the seed germinability of the selected tree species. Since the seed treatment with fungicides is easy, economical and effective, it helps to generate healthy and disease-free seedlings in nursery and avoid spread of seedborne disease to out plantings in plantations and forests.

4 tables, 21 ref

022682   Mali P Y;Bhadane V V (NO, , Mali Wada, Santaji Chauk, A/P-Taluka, Amalner-425 401, Email: prashantmali2007@rediffmail.com) : Some rare plants of ethnomedicinal properties from Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. Int J Green Pharm 2008, 2(2), 76-8.

An extensive ethnobotanical survey was conducted during 2000-2006 in Jalgaon district Maharashtra, India, based on information obtained from tribal and rural people. Two hundred and sixty-two species with medicinal properties were collected. Critical evaluation of abundance and frequency of distribution of collected and identified taxa yielded seven important medicinal plants, which are very rare, namely Eulophia nuda (Orchidaceae), Remusatia vivipara (Araceae), Sterculia, villosa (Sterculiaceae), Costus speciosus (Zingiberaceae), Ensete superba (Musaceae), Curcuma psudomontana (Zingiberaceae) and Gloriosa superba (Liliaceae). An urgent protection and conservation measures of habitat and diversity are suggested for posterity. Brief description, distribution along with ethnomedicinal information such as local name, part used, and modes of administration are given for each species.

^iia10 ref

022681   Mahto R;Sahu H B (Botany Dep, St. Paul's College, Ranchi, Jharkhand) : Horopathic treatment of menorrhagia among the indigenous women of Chandil block of Saraikela-Kharsawan district of Jharkhand, India. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 546-8.

Deals with the documentation of informations and collection of life forms of the plants and plant parts [total 11 plants] being used as medicines for the treatment of Menorrhagia [Excessive and long period of Menstruation cycle] by the local Horopaths (Tribe medicine practitioners) in Chandil block under Saraikela-Kharsawan district of Jharkhand. Informations has been documented through direct interview with the local Horopaths and life forms has been collected taking the help of Horopaths and local knowledgeable persons.

6 ref

022680   Mahato S C;Sahu H B (P.G. Dep of Botany, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi, Jharkhand) : Traditional therapeutical knowledge on common sags among the indigenous people of panch pargana in Jharkhand, India. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 617-21.

Deals with the collection, identification, preservation and documentation of therapeutical properties of forty (40) common leafy vegetables, locally called as sags, both wild as well as cultivated forms whose leaves are consumed as vegetable by the indigenous people, both tribes as well as non-tribes of Panch-Paragana (Jharkhand) as their traditional food. The leaves have cooling, bitter, astringent, diuretic, laxative, constipating, somatic, antipyretic, digestive, galactogogue, tonic and appetizing properties.

5 ref

022679   Mahanta A K;Chakraborty M;Pal D C (Botany Dep, Vidyasagar Univ, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, Email: mahantaamiya@yahoo.co.in) : Plant species growing on midnapore and Kharagpur municipal solid waste dumps and their ethnic uses in Paschim Medinipur, (WB), India. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4A), 1713-17.

Midnapore and Kharagpur are the two main municipalities of Paschim Medinipur district. A large number of plants naturally grow on the solid dumping wastes. Seventy three species belong to 56 genera and 28 families were collected so far and are presented in this paper. They grow on the solid waste in different seasons by quick absorbing waste decaying organic matters. Fixing the botanical identity and their uses for solid waste management and controlling environmental pollution may be taken into consideration. The most promising and dominated species are Solatium sisymbrifolium. Amaranthus spinosa, A. viridis, Colocas-ia esculenta. Argemone mexicana, Alternanthera sessilis, Parthenium hysterophorus, Ricinus communis, Mukia maderaspatana. Many of the species are exotics but naturalized. Practically there is no inventory data and phytodiversity register of the species grown on the solid waste. These plants may be useful for pollution control purpose and waste management.

1 table, 6 ref

022678   Khare P K;Shalabh Kumar (Botany Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: kharepk@yahoo.co.in) : On some chemical and morphological features of Lycopodium L. and Equisetum L.. Phytomorphology 2008, 58(3-4), 195-204.

Four species belonging to two fern allies commonly found in India viz., Lycopodium clavatum, L. cernuum, Equisetum arvense and E. ramosissimum have been investigated for their photosynthetic pigments and chemical constitution. Their foliar epidermal features and spore morphology have also been studied. Recent advances concerning medicinal, ethnobotanical and other applied aspects of these plants have been discussed.

ref

022677   Kavitha G R;Shivamurthy G R (Studies in Botany Dep, Manasagangorhti, Mysore Univ, Mysore-570 006, Email: grk_mysore@yahoo.com) : Structure and development of haustorium in Micrargeria wightii Benth. (Scrophulariaceae). Phytomorphology 2008, 58(3-4), 125-30.

Micrargeria wightii (Scrophulariaceae), an obligate root hemiparasite, parasitizes the roots of Eleusine, Sorghum and other taxa of Poaceae. The haustorium comprises of an axial region of differentiated xylem elements connecting the host and parasite vasculature. Outer to the xylem elements are present phloem elements. The phloem runs from the parent stele up to the entry of the endophyte into the host stele. Surrounding the xylem and phloem is a mass of densely protoplasmic parenchymatous cells. The region of outer cortical parenchymatous cells is protected by an epidermis. The endophyte is made up of a few tracheary elements, majority being vessel members and a small number of parenchymatous cells. The haustorium is exogenous in origin and functions as a root.

2 illus, 38 ref

022676   Karuppanapandian T;Sinha P B;Kamarul Haniya A;Manoharan K (Plant Sciences Dep, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai, Tamil Nadu) : Phytotoxic effect of aluminium and copper in senescence green gram [Vigna radiata L.) Wilczek leaves. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 504-11.

Aluminium (Al) and copper (Cu) treatment at higher concentrations decreased the pigment and protein content in senescing green gram (Vigna radiata L.) leaves with the increasing duration of the treatment. Accumulation of proline was observed with increasing concentration of Al and Cu. A significant increase in lipid peroxidation measures in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA content was observed in senescing green gram leaves concurrently in total peroxide content. Ascorbate and glutathione conten showed an increase under Al- and Cu-treatment. Activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) decreased was observed with a corresponding increase in peroxidase (POX) activity in the increase in concentration of Al and Cu and increase in the period of treatment. These results suggested that acceleration senescence in green gram leaves under Al and Cu phytotoxicity stress.

3 tables, 37 ref

022675   Kanade R;Tadwalkar M;Kushalappa C;Patwardhan A (Research and Action in Natural Wealth Administration, , 16, Swastishree Society, Ganesh Nagar, Pune-411 052, Email: ankur_patwardhan@vsnl.net) : Vegetation composition and woody species diversity at Chandoli National Park, Northern Western Ghats, India. Curr Sci 2008, 95(5), 637-46.

Woody plant species diversity at Chandoli National Park, an under-explored area from northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra, was assessed in detail by establishing ten transects of 1000 m x 5 m each. All individuals with GBH ≥15 cm were enumerated. A total of 4200 stems were sampled which represented 107 species belonging to 86 genera and 44 families. Shannon's index value ranged from 2.0 to 3.2. Identified a new subtype Memecylon-Syzygium-Olea of previously defined Memecylon-Syzygium-Actinodaphne flo-ristic series in the literature. Family importance value of pooled data showed that Melastomataceae was the most dominant family (50.32), followed by Myrtaceae (32.39) and Euphorbiaceae (23.16). The frequency distribution of all the species was highly skewed with Mememecylon umbellatum, Syzygium cutnini, Olea dioica, Catunaregam spinosa and Terminalia elliptica accounting for 50% of the population. Twenty-three species were represented by only one individual in the transects sampled, indicating the underlying log-normal distribution.

4 illus, 3 tables, 33 ref

022674   Kaliappan N D;Viswanathan P K (Pharmacognosy Dep, AK College of Pharmacy, Krishnan Kovil-626 190, Email: devinirmala1980@yahoo.co.in) : Pharmacognostical studies on the leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) spreng. Int J Green Pharm 2008, 2(3), 182-4.

Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng belonging to the family Lamiaceae commonly known as Karpuravalli, Omavalli in Tamil, Patta ajavayin, Patharcur in Hindi, Country borage in English is a large succulent aromatic perennial herb. It is highly aromatic pubescent herb with distinctive smelling leaves. The plant is distributed throughout in India, cultivated in the gardens. The leaves of this plant have been used in malarial fever, hepatopathy, renal and vesical calculi, cough, chronic asthma, hiccough, bronchitis, anthelmintic, colic and convulsions. The micro morphological studies carried out on the leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus one of the WHO accepted parameter for identification of medicinal plants.

3 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

022673   Kadam R M;Jadhav B S;Patil S S;Kadam B S; Kadam J A (Botany Dep, Mahatma Gandhi Mahavidyalaya, Ahmedpur, Latur, Maharashtra) : Evaluation of yield performance and nutritional value of Pleurotus sajor-caju cultivated on different lingo cellulosic wastes. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 443-5.

Study was conducted to determine yield potential, biological efficiency and nutritional contents of Pleurotus sajor-caju grown on different lingo cellulosic wastes like Soybean, Paddy, Wheat, Jowar, Green gram and Black gram straw. Significantly maximum yield (with 88.73% B.E.), protein (26.15%), fat (2.38%) total carbohydrates (55.00%) and moisture (90.80 %) content were found when Mushroom was cultivated on Soybean straw. Black gram straw showed maximum crude fibre (7.50%) and ash (6.65%) content in Mushroom.

2 tables, 14 ref

022672   Joshi D D;Uniyal R C (Phytomedicines Dep, Amity Univ Campus, B-Block, Sector-125, Noida-201 303, Email: ddjoshi@amity.edu) : Different chemo types of gokhru (Tribulus terrestris): a herb used for improving physique and physical performance. Int J Green Pharm 2008, 2(3), 138-41.

Tribulus terrestris in India is recommended as diuretic, demulcent and aphrodisiac while in traditional Chinese medicines it is used to calm the liver. Currently male impotency is being cured using saponins from T. terrestris of Bulgarian origin. The change in therapeutic practices with geoclimatic regions have been scientifically elaborated by using the molecular marker techniques, for proper chemo type selection and standardization of herb to fulfill the therapeutic requirement based on quality, quantity of content and efficacy, for targeted therapy and production of quality products with finger prints as claimed in the product.

^iia2 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

022671   Jalalpure S S;Agrawal N;Patil M B;Chimkode R; Tripathi A (Pharmacognosy Dep, K.L.E.S's College of Pharmacy, Belgaum, Karnataka-590 010, Email: jalalpuresunil@rediffmail.com) : Antimicrobial and wound healing activities of leaves of Alternanthera sessilis Linn. Int J Green Pharm 2008, 2(3), 145-8.

The leaves of Alternanthera sessilis (Linn.) R.Br.ex DC (Family Amaranthaceae) were exhaustively extracted by soxhlet apparatus with different solvents like, petroleum ether (40-60°C), chloroform, acetone, methanol and distilled water in ascending order of the polarity. All the five extracts were subjected to antimicrobial screening by using the cup plate and turbidimetric methods. The chloroform extract among all five extracts showed maximum zone of inhibition and significant MIC values in above two methods respectively. Hence chloroform extract was taken for the screening of wound healing activity and models adopted for wound healing activity were, incision, excision and granuloma studies. The chloroform extract of leaves of Alternanthera sessilis at a dose of 200 μg/mL (orally) in all models showed significant results. Contraction of wound area (P < 0.005) at 16th day, time for complete epithelization in 16 days (P < 0.0001), and scar area after complete epithelization was found to be 33.2 ± 0.0730 (P < 0.0008) in excision wound model, wound breaking strength 388 ± 5.85 grams (P < 0.0001) in incision wound model, granuloma dry weight 47.7 ± 2.29, granuloma breaking strength 247 ± 10.2 (P < 0.022) in granuloma studies. All the results were significant for different parameters in wound healing activity when compared with control group. Presence of sterols in chloroform extract was also confirmed by preliminary phytochemical investigation, TLC and HPTLC methods.

5 tables, 19 ref

022670   Gupta V (Germplasm Conservation Div, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa Campus, New Delhi) : Genetic diversity analysis in Abrus precatorius. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 372-5.

Genotypic variations in three Abrus precatorius accessions were analyzed using SDS-PAGE protein profile and isozyme pattern. A total of 32 polypeptide bands ranging from Rm value 0.06 to 0.71 in all the three Abrus genotypes were found. Maximum number of bands was observed in Abrus white (21 bands) and minimum bands in Abrus red (16 bands). Abrus pink was 60% similar to Abrus red and 30% to Abrus white on the basis of the protein bands.. A total of three isozymes viz, esterase, acid phosphatases and peroxidase were studied in 3 genotypes of Abrus precatorius.1\e isozyme profile for esterase showed monomeric bands while in peroxidase trimeric type of enzymal profile was seen. The isozyme profile for acid phosphatase showed trimeric form of enzyme in Abrus red while the other 2 genotypes showed dimeric form. Total amount of soluble protein in all 3 genotypes was estimated by Lowry's method and it was found that protein concentration in Abrus red was found to be 20μg/ml, in Abrus pink 18μg/ml and Abrus white showed 17.4μg/ml. of total soluble proteins. The similarity index analysis of the data suggests that the pink genotype is possibly the natural hybrids of the white and red genotypes.

5 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

022669   Gupta S;Ramdas (Botany Dep, Govt. P.G. College, Karanprayag, Chamoli, Uttarakhand) : Foliar epidermal pattern analysis in some accessions of Zanthoxylum armatum. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 536-9.

Four accessions of the medicinal plant Zanthoxylum armatum of family Rutaceae were procured from various altitudes of Garhwal and were subjected to detailed and critical analyses of the foliar epidermal characteristics. For this work parameters like number of stomata and epidermal cells per mm², length and breadth of stomata, pore area, guard cell index, pore area index and total pore area were analyzed. To the best of knowledge, the foliar epidermal work has been done for the first time. The plants in Garhwal were found to be dioecious at most places and monoecious were found rarely. The plant had imparipinnately compound leaf and the leaflets were hypostomatic. The distinct subsidiary cells were not found. The female plants were having more values of number of stomata and epidermal cells, mean pore area, pore area index and total pore area. In male plants the mean length and breadth of stomata were found to be more than female plants. Tne monoecious plants were found to have more mean number of stomata and epidermal cells per mm² than the dioecious plants, though they had nearly equal values of other parameters.

5 illus, 3 tables, 4 ref

022668   Gohil T G;Thakor A B (Biology Dep, B.K.M. Science College, Valsad, Gujarat) : Addition to the plants for the flora of Gujarat and the flora of Cooke and the list of changed nomenclature. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 659-62.

Presents 15 additional new plants to the Gujarat Flora, 43 Plants to the Cooke Flora and the list of changed nomenclature of 109 plants found in the area of Pardi and Umargaon Talukas of Valsad district during our research work in the year 2006 - 2007. The plants of Gujarat are known through the work of G.L. Shah (1978). The present authors have explored the area of Pardi and Umargaon talukas of Valsad district in South Gujarat and then come to the conclusion that some above mentioned plants are not found in the Gujarat Flora and some in the Cooke's Flora. The study area of non forest and forest agricultural lands of Pardi and Umargaon talukas is situated on 72' - 58' East longitude and 20' - 49' North latitude. The following species have been recorded for the first time from the area. This is the addition to the Flora of Gujarat and Cooke.

^iia9 ref

022667   Gohil T G;Thakor A B (Biology Dep, B.K.M. Science College, Valsad, Gujarat) : Ethnobotanical uses of plants by tribals of kaparada taluka in Valsad district of Gujarat, India. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 650-3.

8 ref

022666   Gaumat S;Mishra K;Rai U N;Bajpai U (Botany Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007, Email: rai_un@rediffmail.com) : Ultramorphological variation in Azolla pinnata R.Br. under single and mixed metal treatment with lead and iron. Phytomorphology 2008, 58(3-4), 111-16.

Accumulation of Fe was found more than Pb in Azolla pinnata under single (Pb/ Fe) metal treatment. However, under mixed metal (Pb+Fe) treatment accumulation of Fe further increased and that of Pb decreased resulting into amelioration of phytotoxicity induced by Pb. Pb treated plants showed varied levels of ultramorphological changes such as, compactness of fronds, closed stomata and deposition of epicuticular waxes. In contrast, Fe treated fronds did not show these changes. Pb induced morphological abnormalities were relieved by presence of Fe in the medium.

2 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

022665   Dwivedi C K;Raizada A (Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, Research Centre, Sunabeda, Koraput, Orissa) : Shrub-vegetation in community forests in Uttaranchal Himalayas. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 522-7.

Phyto-sociological investigation was carried out in a community-managed forest in a micro watershed located in the Western Himalayas during Oct-Nov. 2003 and Feb-March, 2004 to analyze the composition of shrubs on different topo sequences. Pongamia glabra (Kurenja) was found widely distributed and dominating at Hill top followed by Woodifordia fruiticosa (Dhaula) with IVI of 28.01 and 27.94, respectively. Lantana camara was found most distributed and dominating on hill slopes with IVI of 119, However in Hill slopes, Hamiltonia suaveolens (Padera) was the most distributed and dominating species with IVI value of 55.68. The highest relative density value was also recorded by Lantana camara on hill slopes (24,63) followed by Adhatoda vasica (Gulbansa) on Hill top (12.93) and Murraya koengii (Karipatta) in Valley sites (7.83). On the whole species diversity was higher on valley (2.94) as compared to slopes (2.42) and hill top (2.37).

3 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

022664   Deepika;Vatsa V K;Alka;Deepak Kumar (Botany Dep, Hindu PG College, Moradabad-244 001, Email: dr.deepak_kumar@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of gamma rays on germination in M₁ generation of urdbean. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4C), 2390-1.

Gamma rays from Co-60 source were used to irradiate the seeds of two varieties i.e. PU-I9 and PU-35 of urdbean at different dose (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 kR). The findings indicate that the germination and survival percentage decreased in all the radiation treatments. The reduction in germination percentage increased with an increase in the doses of radiations. There was a linear dose effect relationship.

2 tables, 4 ref

022663   Deepak Kumar;Kumar P;Alka;Deepika (Botany Dep, Hindu P.G. College, Moradabad-244 001, Email: dr. deepak_kumar@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of salinity on germination and early seedling growth of berseem. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4C), 2369-71.

The study was carried out during 2003 to assess the effect of salinity on berseem. In general a decreasing trend in germination percentage was observed with increasing levels of salinity in all varieties of berseem. Length of shoot was affected more adversely than root. Maximum inhibitions in shoot length were recorded at 24 dS/m compared to control. Dry weight of seedlings progressively and significantly decreased with increasing levels of salinity in most of the genotypes.

2 tables, 4 ref

022662   Das P K;Mondal A K (Plant Technology & Biosystematics Laboratory, Botany & Forestry Dep, Vidyasagar Univ, Midnapore-721 102, Email: pijush.dasbot@yahoo.co.in) : Some natural dye yielding plants of paschim Medinipur district West Bengal, India. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4C), 2304-7.

A preliminary ethnobotanical survey among the tribal people of Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal was done to record the natural dye yielding plants used by the tribal people. Acacia catechu, Bixa orellana, Curcuma longa, Indigofera tinctoria, Tectona grandis, Morinda citrifolia, Wedelia chinensis, Melastoma malabathricum, Ehretia laevis, Terminalia chebula and Carlhamus tinclorius were found to be some of the important species, the dye of which are used by the people for different purposes in local festival and domestic purposes.

7 ref

022661   Das A;Nath N;Borthakur S K (Geography Dep, Sonapur College, Sonapur-782 402) : Assessment of value addition to biodiversity with reference to pati industry of Goalpara district, Assam. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4C), 2418-19.

Goalpara district is rich by its plant resources. A detailed study on the floristic composition of the district was done from 2000-2003. In this paper an attempt was made to work out detailed about pati, Maranla dichotoma plant, its plantation, pati making processes, socio-economic background of people related with this industry, its present and future prospects. Various items such as bags, toys, decorative items are made from pati. The industry suffers a lot for problems in cultivation and production of pati.

3 tables

022660   Chatterjee A;Chatterjee B K (Vinaya Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan) : Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Terminalia chebula fruit extract. Indian Biol 2007, 39(2), 23-5.

Terminalia chebula fruit (Family: Combretacsae) commonly known as Harad in Hindi, indigenous in Pakistan and India among many Asian and African countries is a popular folk medicine and has been studied for its pharmacological activities and which is been used extensively in Ayurvedic formulations. Fruits of Terminalia chebula are credited with many pharmacological properties. In the present study assessment of antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the extract from the plant fruit is done by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) method and Agar-Cup diffusion method. In the DPPH test. Vitamin C was used as a standard and its IC₅₀ value determined to be 7.5 μg/ml indicating its potent antioxidant activity. Agar-Cup diffusion method was adapted to study the anti-bacterial activity of extract of the fruit of Terminalia chebula against the selected strains of bacteria namely Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram negative). The extract showed significant anti-microbial activity and was comparable to standard Streptomycin. Our findings confirm the traditional therapeutic claims for Terminalia chebula. Both the study confirms antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Terminalia chebula and activity may be due to high content of tannins in the extract.

4 ref

022659   Chandra S;Sharma H P;Ramesh Chandra;Jha S (Botany Dep, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi, Jharkhand) : In vitro propagation of various explants of Spilanthes paniculata (DC.) jansen. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 555-6.

Spilanthes paniculata (DC.) Jansen, a wonderful medicinal herb containing pharmaceutically active constituents or secondary metabolites has been raised in vitro. Various explants (leaves, internodes, roots, cotyledons, petioles of cotyledons, etc.) were cultured on MS media supplemented with different auxins (e.g.: 2,4-D, IAA, IBA, NAA) at concentration 2 mg l^-1. Different types of calli with varied amounts were obtained. The callusing responses from cotyledonary and leaf explants in MS medium supplemented 2,4-D (3-4 mg l^-1) were 75% and 80%, respectively. MS medium supplemented with BA (4 mg 1^-1) gave better multiple shoot regeneration than MS medium supplemented with Kn. Multiple shoots were regenerated on MS medium supplemented with BA (3-4 mg l^-1) and NAA (l mg l^-1) to the culture medium. High frequency of shoot proliferation (up to 90%) was recorded with maximum shoot length of 4.439 ±0.180 cm having 4.55 ±0.166 nodes per shoot in MS medium fortified with BA (4 mg l^-1) in combination with NAA (1 mg 1^-1). Shoots rooted best on half strength MS medium supplied with NAA (1 mg I^-1), 80% of the plantlets were successfully acclimatized and established in soil. Transplanted plantlets showed normal flowering without any morphological variation.

1 illus, 4 tables, 55 ref

022658   Chandra S;Sharma H P;Ramesh Chandra;Jha S (Botany Dep, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi, Jharkhand) : Agrobacterium rhizogenes mediated genetic transformation of Spilanthes paniculata (DC.) Jansen. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 471-6.

Efficient method for the production of hairy roots of Spilanthes paniculata (DC.) Jansen through Agrobacterium rhizogenes infection was developed. Surface-sterilized cotyledons and hypocotyl segments were inoculated and co-cultured with A. rhizogenes strains MTCC 2364 and MTCC 532. In case of A. rhizogenes MTCC 532, the best frequency explant infection perc ent for hypocotyl and cotyledon explants were 75±2.88% and 76.66±4.40% at 10⁸ cells/ml and 10⁷ cells/ml, respectively. The values for A. rhizogenes MTCC 2364 were 78.33±4.40% and 76.66±4.40% at 10⁸ cells/ml and 10⁷ cells/ml, respectively. Per cent frequency explants infection with A. rhizogenes MTCC 532 was studied with respect to age of explants, it was highest (85±2.88%) after 2 days. Rooting performance of A. rhizogenes transformed explants improved in presence of IAA.

4 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

022657   Bhagat V C;Patil R D;Chanekar P R;Shetty S C; Akarte A S (Pharmacy Dep, Rajgad Dnyanpeeth's College of Pharmacy, Bhor, Pune-412 206, Email: vishwasbhagat@rediffmail.com) : Herbal indicators as a substituent to synthetic indicators. Int J Green Pharm 2008, 2(3), 162-3.

In acid - base titrations, indicators are used to show sharp color change at intervals of pH. Natural pigments in plants are highly colored substances and may show color changes with variation of pH. An attempt has been made to investigate the indicator activity of methanolic extract of flower pigments and to replace synthetic indicators as they have certain disadvantages like chemical pollution, availability problems and high cost, Methanolic extract of Rosa indica (L) from family Rosaceae and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (L) from family Malvaceae gives sharp and" intense color change as compared to phenolphthalein and methyl orange. Herbal indicators are evaluated by using strong acid - strong base, strong acid - weak base, weak acid - strong base, and weak acid - weak base. In all these titrations the extract was found to be very useful and accurate for indicating the equivalence point (neutralization point). From photochemical investigation and qualitative chemical tests for Rosa, indica and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis shows presence of anthocyanins; which are the pigmented flavonoids; which may be the reason for its activity as an indicator. Apart from the above advantages the isolation of pure compounds possessing indicator's properties help to know the mechanism by which they shows indicator's properties and new theories of indicators could be established.

3 tables, 6 ref

022656   Awasthi V;Garg S K (Plant Science Dep, M.J.P. Rohilkhand Univ, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh) : Influence of 6-Benzylaminopurine on enzymes of ammonium assimilation on maize seedling. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 633-5.

Effect of different concentrations of benzyladenine (6-benzylaminopurine) on biochemical changes in root and shoot of six days old maize seedlings in terms of enzymes of ammonium assimilation was examined. The results revealed that giutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity was enhanced at lower concentration of benzyladenine but at higher concentration, the activity of this enzyme was declined. Glutamine synthetase (GS) activity decrease with increase in concentration of benzyladenine and it was highest at 1000 μm concentration. However, glutamate synthase (GOGAT) activity increased with increase in concentration of benzyladenine upto 100 μm and further increase in concentration resulted in decline of enzymatic activity. Protein and total nitrogen content increased upto 10 μm concentration of benzyladenine and it decreased further with increase in concentration both in root and shoot of maize seedling.

1 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

022655   Alpana;Biswas S (Systematic Botany Discipline, Botany Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttarakhand) : Taxonomical variation of useful germplasm of poplar with reference to important clones. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 646-9.

1 table, 6 ref

022654   Alpana;Biswas S (Systematic Botany Discipline, Botany Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttarakhand) : Systematic studies on successful clones of Popular deltoides marsh growing in India through winter buds. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 540-2.

Deals with the morphological descriptions on successful clones of P. deltoides Marsh in India with particular emphasis on vegetative winter bud. Cultivation and plantation of clones of poplar is attractive because it can produce wood on a short rotation. Some time the losses are heavy when the estimated yield is not obtained, just for want of authentic parameters of morphological features. At the time of the introduction, distribution and cultivation of the clonal material, the basic identity of the propagation and harvested germplasm, become dubious as a result of mixing up subconsciously. Therefore, the systematic studies were carried out and the artificial key has been developed on the taxonomical features of useful clones of WSL series of P. deltoides i.e WSL-22, WSL-16, WSL-30, WSL-57, WSL-67, WSL-59, WSL-27, WSL-76, WSL-31 and WSL-50.

4 ref

021642   Yesodharan K;Sujana K A (Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation Div, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur-680 653, Email: yesodharan@kfri.org) : Ethnobotanical plants used by the primitive tribe Kadar of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctury, southern western Ghats, Kerala. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 148-54.

Deals with the plants used by the Kadar tribe of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary of Palakkad district in Kerala. The authors gatehred the data during their field trips. The study includes wild plants used for food, medicine, construction of houses etc. For each species, scientific name, local names and uses are given. Altogether 67 species are enumerated. Among them, Asparagus racemosus, Canarium strictum, Coscinium fenestratum, Dendrocalamus strictus are used widely in the Sanctuary.

12 ref

021641   Yang X;Sun C;Hu Y;Lin Z (NO, College of Life Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Protein Engineeri, Bejing 100871, People's Republic of China, Email: linzp@pku.edu.cn) : Molecular cloning and characterization of a gene encoding RING zinc finger ankyrin protein from drought-tolerant Artemisia desertorum. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(1), 103-12.

RING zinc finger ankyrin protein gene, designated AdZFP1, was isolated from drought-tolerant Artemisia desertorum Spreng by mRNA differential display and RACE. Its cDNA was 1723 bp and encoded a putative protein of 445 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 47.9 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 7.49. A typical C3HC4-type RING finger domain was found at the C-terminal region of the AdZFP1 protein, and several groups of ankyrin repeats were found at the N-terminal region. Alignments of amino acid sequence showed that AdZFP1 was 66% identical to the Arabidopsis thaliana putative RING zinc finger ankyrin protein AAN31869. Transcriptional analysis showed that AdZFP1 was inducible under drought stress in root, stem and leaf of the plant. Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that the transcript of AdZFP1 was strongly induced by exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) and also by salinity, cold and heat to some extent. Over expression of the AdZFP1 gene in transgenic tobacco enhanced their tolerance to drought stress.

11 illus, 34 ref

021640   Velayudhan K C;Unnikrishnan M;Asha K I;Nair M C (NO, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources Regional Station, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala) : Finger bearing species of the genus Curcuma L. of western ghats and the report of a new taxon Curcuma amada Roxb. var. glabra from Kerala, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 162-71.

Deals with listing of various Curcuma spp. (Sect. Tuberosa) bearing sessile tubers occurring in Western Ghats of Inida as per the existing taxonomic information on the genus and the report of a new taxon namely Curcuma amada var.glabra. Its distribution and comparative performance with C. amada accessions in a separate field trial at Vellanikkara are also furnished.

2 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

021639   Velayudhan K C;Pandravada S R;George J K; Varaprasad K S (NO, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Regional Station, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala) : Occurrence of a new taxon Curcuma longa var. Vanaharidra from Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 172-6.

New wild entity, collected from Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh showing very novel characterestic of purple midrib on leaves and resembling Curcuma longa L. in floral and underground morphology is being described and illustrated as a new variety, viz. Curcuma longa L. var. vanaharidra.

2 illus, 1 ref

021638   Sukumaran S;Raj A D S (Botany Dep, Nesamony Memorial Christian College, Marthandam-629 165) : Enumeration of aquatic and semi-aquatic angiosperms in sacred groves of Kanyakumari district, southern western ghats. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 26-31.

Deals with the aquatic and semi-aquatic angiosperms in sacred groves of Kanyakumari district-Southern Western Ghats. 22 species belonging to 21 genera under 15 families have been enumerated. Their vernacular name, family, habit, phenology and uses are also provided.

12 ref

021637   Sujanapal P;Sasidharan N (NO, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi-680 653) : Diversity and ethnobotanical uses of pteridophytes in Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctury, Kerala, south India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 109-19.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Palakkad revenue district of Kerala, falls under the Anamalai phytogeographical region of the Western Ghats. Floristic studies in the Sanctuary resulted in the documentation of 81 taxa of pteridophytes including seven endangered taxa. Ethnobotanical information of 17 taxa of pteridophytes were also recorded, which include three edible ferns.

8 ref

021636   Sudhakar Reddy C;Thulsi Rao K (Forestry and Ecology Div, National Remote Sensing Agency, Hyderabad-500 037) : Grasses of Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 13-21.

Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary is a small protected area of Andhra Pradesh, India. It represents unique dry grassland system. The survey reveals that there are about 77 species of grasses belongs to 45 genera in Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, which indicates the diversity and richness of grasses. The dominant floristic components include Aristida setacea, Chrysopogon aciculatus, Dichanthium annulatum, Dichanthium pseudoischaemum, Heteropogon contortus, Sehima neruosum etc.

3 ref

021635   Srivastava R P;Sharma H;Dubey A (Bioactive Natural Plant Products Lab, Dep of Entomology, G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145) : Effect of medicinal plant extracts on the growth and developmental behaviour of Spodoptera litura (Fab.). Pest Mgmt Hort Ecosyst 2007, 13(2), 180-4.

^ssc2 table, 8 ref

021634   Srivastava M;Singh A K;Ansari A A (Botany Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi-221 002) : Cypselar morphological features of Blumea DC. (Asteraceae) and their taxonomic significance. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 102-8.

Cypselar morphological features of 10 species of Blumea DC. from Vranasi region of Uttar Pradesh have been discussed with special reference to their use in identification of taxa. A key to the species based on cypselar characters is presented. Diagnostic characters of cypsela of each taxa are given along with illustration.

2 illus, 10 ref

021633   Srivastava A;Raj S K (Molecular Virology Lab, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, Email: skraj2@rediffmail.com) : Coat protein-mediated resistance against an Indian isolate of the Cucumber mosaic virus subgroup IB in Nicotiana benthamiana. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(2), 249-57.

Coat protein (CP)-mediated resistance against an Indian isolate of the Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) subgroup IB was demonstrated in transgenic lines of Nicotiana benthamiana through Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Out of the fourteen independently transformed lines developed, two lines were tested for resistance against CMV by challenge inoculations. The transgenic lines exhibiting complete resistance remained symptomless throughout life and showed reduced or no virus accumulation in their systemic leaves after virus challenge. These lines also showed virus resistance against two closely related strains of CMV. This is the first report of CP-mediated transgenic resistance against a CMV subgroup IB member isolated from India.

11 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

021632   Sinha B K;Shukla B K (NO, Botanical Suvey of India, Eastern Circle, Shillong-793 003) : Synoptic flora of Khargaon district, Madhya Pradesh-III (Hydrocharitaceae to Poaceae). J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 120-47.

Deals with the systematic account of the Synoptic Flora of Khargaon district, Madhya Pradesh-III, Family Hydrocharitaceae to Poaceae with generic and specific keys. The Monocot families of the region belong to 131 species, 93 genera & 19 families. The current nomenclature with brief description, ecological notes and distribution of each species have been provided.

5 ref

021631   SIngh S;Dhyani D;Karthigeyan S;Rajkumar S (Floriculture Div, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur-176 061, Email: sanatsujatsingh@yahoo.com) : Karyomorphology of Incarvillea emodi and its phylogenetic position in the genus. Curr Sci 2008, 95(4), 454.

^ssc1 illus, 7 ref

021630   Singh J;Singh A K (NO, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow-226 015) : Safety and efficacy of essential oils and their products. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2008, 30(3), 328-35.

The aromatic herbs and their preparations have been in use for therapeutic purposes since times immemorial. In recent times, the use and applicability of such drugs have been increased many fold due to emergence of other modes of therapies. The critical review of the published data / information indicates that many aromatic herbs and their essential oils / products lack sufficient and established data for their safety and efficacy.

2 illus, 6 tables, 49 ref