021629   Singh J (NO, , Street No. 12, Yog Nagar, Budhlada 151 502, Distt. Mansa, Punjab) : Foraging frequency and pattern of movement of different Apis species on parental lines of Brassica napus L.. Entomon 2008, 33(2), 91-9.

Study conducted on number of flowers visited/min and pattern of movement of different Apis species on parental lines of Bmssica napus to evaluate their pollination efficiency, revealed that various bee species according to their foraging rate were: A. cerana = A. mellifera > A. dorsata > A. florea. Foraging frequency of Apis species was found to be maximum at 1200 h, followed by 1000, 1400 and 1600 hours. Number of flowers visited/min by all the species of honeybees was significantly more on cytoplasmically male sterile line as compared to that on restorer line. The effective intersexual flower visits (visits from R to CMS lines) of bees were extremely low (3.300-3.800%) which could not be considered satisfactory for hybrid seed production. All the four bee species showed very high percentage of intrasexual flower visits, however these bee species did not differ significantly for all types of intersexual and intrasexual flower visits. Bees tend to remain on the same parental line on which they started foraging, thus indicating higher floral constancy in their foraging behaviour. Effective visits were slightly more in 2:4 row ratio plots followed by 1:4 and 1:8 row ratios.

3 tables, 25 ref

021628   Singh A K;Srivastava M;Yogini Devi;Pandey R K (Botany Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi-221 002) : Contribution to the composite in south eastern Uttar Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 177-93.

Floristic and systematic account of the family Compositae in South-Eastem Uttar Pradesh is presented here, covering the districts of Chandauli, Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Mirzapur and Varanasi. The plants were collected during 2003-2005. Up-to-date nomenclature has been provided. In all, 68 species belonging to 45 genera have been enumerated alphabetically with author's citation, basionym, synonym, brief description, ecological and phenological notes, distribution and uses, if any. The largest genus was Blumea DC. (9 species), followed by Spilanthes Jacq. (4 species), Erigeron L., Gnaphalium L., Pulicaria Gaertn. and Sonchus L. (3 species each). Ageratum L., Conyza Less., Launaea Cass. and Pentanema Cass. have 2 species each. Thirty five genera are represented by single species. Three taxa Spilanthes ciliata Humb., S. radicans Jacq. and S. uliginosa Sw. are found as new record for the Upper Gangetic Plain.

15 ref

021627   Singh A K;Priyanka Singh;Yogini Devi;Ansari A A (Botany Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi-221 002) : Grass weeds of cultivated fields in south eastern Uttar Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 81-101.

Deals with the grass weeds of cultivated fields of Maize, Pigeon Pea, Rice, Sugarcane, Vegetables and Wheat in South-Eastern Uttar Pradesh, based on the survey done during 2003 - 2006. A total number of 40 species of grasses belonging to 26 genera have been recorded. The species have been enumerated alphabetically with correct binomial followed by basionym, brief description, phenology and distribution. Key to genera and species are provided. Line drawings of spikelets for easy identification in field are also given. The study shows that 7 species occur in rice fields and 2 species each in wheat and vegetable fields exclusively. The genera with descending number of species are Digitaria (Heist.) Haller (6 species), followed by Eragrostis Wolf and Setaria P. Beauv. (4 species each), Brachiaria Griseb. (3 species) and Panicum L. (2 species). Twenty one genera are represented by single species cacho Two taxa, viz. Brachiaria milliformis (J. Presl ex C. Presl) A. Chase and Diplachne fusca (L.) Beauv. ex R. & S. are new record for Uttar Pradesh; the latter is also a new generic record for Uttar Pradesh.

2 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

021626   Shylaja M;Nishitha I K (Botany Dep, Providence Women's College, Calicut-673 009, Email: shyla.rnair@gmail.com ) : Chemical analysis of root extracts of Sida species used as bala. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 1-12.

Drug, called bala is equated with S. alnifolia in Kerala, while in north India S. cordifolia is used as the source plant. However in practice, the commercial samples were found often adulterated with roots of other species of Sida and even some related taxa. Attempts to bring out the phytochemical profiles based on root extracts of Sida species used as bala found in Kerala. Chemical analysis of root extract using TLC, HPTLC and HPLC techniques revealed chemical variability existing among the taxa. These techniques are also helpful in providing chemical fingerprints for each species. Significant variations observed in the vegetative characters among the species are reflected in their phytochemical profiles too. S. alnifolila and S. cordifolia, both used as bala, are chemically quite different. HPLC analysis using ephedrine as the marker compound revealed its presence in all the taxa. The highest amount was in S. alnifolia (0.92%) and the lowest in S. rhomboidea (0.17%). S alnifolia (South Indian bala) had significantly higher ephedrine content - (0.92%) than the North Indian bala, S. cordifolia - (0.33%). The study indicates that species such as S. acuta, S. cordata and S. fryxellii have comparable ephedrine content and, hence, can be used as substitute for S. alnifolia (bala). Simple TLC can be used as a diagnostic tool for differentiating the different species of Sida. Using TLC both the South and North Indian balas (S. alnifolila and S. cordifolia) can be easily distinguished from each other. Taxonomically S. rhomboidea Roxb. ex Fleming and S. fryxellii Sivar. &-Pradeep are considered synonymous to S. rhombifolia L.

4 illus, 6 tables, 12 ref

021625   Shenoy H S;Krishnakumar G (Botany Dep, SDM College, Ujire, Dakshina Kannada-574 240, Email: kkgmane@rediffmail.com) : Occurrence of Schizaea digitata (L.) Sw. in a lowland evergreen forest of Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 54-6.

Schizaea digitata (L.) Sw. is a very rare fern. It is reported to occur in small populations from wherever it is recorded. The study reports the fern as a small natural population in the under-storey of a low altitude evergreen forest in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka.

9 ref

021624   Sharma S C;Kantiya J (Botany Dep, Herbarium, Dungar College, Bikaner-334 001) : Fagonia bruguieri DC. var. laxa Boiss.- a new record for Rajasthan. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 73-4.

Deals with the occurrence of Fagonia bruguieri DC. var. lexa Boiss. as a new record for Rajasthan along with description.

1 illus, 1 ref

021623   Satheesh K;Udayan P S;Anilkumar N; Balachandran I (NO, Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR), Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, Malappuram-676 503) : Ten rare, endemic and threatened plants of Western Ghats of coservation concern. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 240-7.

Botanical surveys were conducted in different forest areas of Western Ghats of Kerala as part of conservation studies on 80 Rare, Endemic and Threatened (RET) plant species of Western Ghats. Deals with taxonomic, ecological and conservation aspects of 10 important endemic, rare, endangered and threatened species. These RET species are: Capparis rheedei DC., Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Am., Dysoxylum beddomei Hiern, Gymnema khandalense Sant., Humboldtia brunonis Wall., Hydnocarpus macrocarpa (Bedd.) Warb., Poeciloneuron indicum Bedd., Pterospermum reticulatum Wight & Arn., Salacia macrosperma Wight, and Utleria salicifolia Bedd. ex Hook.f. Live plants of all these species are maintained in healthy conditions in Arya Vaidya Sala's herb garden with an intention of large scale multiplication of each of them. The voucher specimens are deposited in the herbarium of Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR), Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal and the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Kalpetta, Wayanad district.

1 illus, 17 ref

021622   Sandhyarani Devi K H;Sanatombi Devi Y;Singh P K (Ethnobotany and Plant Physiology Lab, Life Sciences Dep, Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal-795 003, Email: kumars_potsangbam@yahoomail.com) : Census on edible flowers found in the valley districts of Manipur. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 232-9.

Survey programme on edible flowers found naturally in the valley Districts of Manipur was conducted during the period Jan. 2006-March 2007. Sixty three (63) species of edible flowers pertaining to 51 genera and 34 families were collected. Among them, 34 are available in the markets having economic value and 29 plants are non-marketable. Vernacular names along with their mode of uses are incorporated. Flowering calendar and their marketable values in Manipur are also described.

12 ref

021621   Samuel D K;Shetty D;Ravishankar H;Pillai G; Sakthive T K;Karunakaran G;Raghupathi H B;Sudhir Kumar (NO, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore-560 089, Email: dksamuel@gmail.com) : Molecular detection and analysis of Asian strain specific las fragment or huanglongbing bacterium (Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus) vectored by Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera:Psyllidae) associated with decline of coorg mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco). Pest Mgmt Hort Ecosyst 2007, 13(2), 91-101.

Coorg mandarins have been declining in a condition called as "greening". Phloem limited Huanglongbing bacterium vectored by Diaphorina citri Kuwayama has been implicated as a major cause. PCR detection specific for asian strains using leaf mid vein tissues of Bud lings adult psylla was done. The primer pair F-Las and R-Las amplified a 226 bp fragment specific for L. asiaticus (asian strain) both from infected plants and also from single infective Psylla. This fragment was analyzed and secondary structure of the proteins was predicted. The sequence is lacking dinuners or complex regions of similarity with 7 ORF's. The protein sequences FLAR_1F_4 had homology with RpoB putative 50S ribosomal subunit, Ribosomal protein L1 and UDP-3-0-3-hydroxymyristoyl glueosamine N-acyltransferase of Candidatus L. asiaticus and Candidatus L. african us. The secondary structure was of alpha helices, extended strands, and random coils. The method is sensitive for detection and is time saving.

9 illus, 27 ref

021620   Roy I;Gupta S K;Saha G K (Entomology and Wildlife Biology Research Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Calcutta 35 Univ, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: gkszoo@rediffmail.com ) : New reports of predatory mites (Acari: Prostigmata, Mesostigmata) from medicinal plants of Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India with description of a new species. Entomon 2008, 33(2), 119-28.

Eighteen species of mites under 6 families and 2 orders, recorded for the first time from 11 different species of medicinal plants of Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India, are reported in this paper, Erythmeus cinchoni sp. nov. is described and illustrated.

1 illus, 9 ref

021619   Rouhibakhsh A;Malathi V G (Horticulture Dep, Agriculture Faculty, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran) : Infectivity of blackgram isolate of Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus on cowpea. Indian J Virol 2008, 19(2), 191-5.

Yellow mosaic disease of grain legumes is caused by four virus species under the genus Begomovirus. Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) is more prevalent in northern India. The blackgram isolate (Bg) of MYMIV is known not to infect cowpea through whitefly inoculation. In the study, agroinoculation of Bg isolate was performed on three cultivars of cowpea and the results were compared with that of cowpea (Cp) isolate of MYMIV. The Bg isolate was infectious on cowpea, and produced leaf curl symptoms only in cv Pusa Komal. The isolate was replication incompetent as only trace levels of viral replicative forms were detected in all the three cultivars tested. The Cp isolate produced severe leaf curl symptom in cv. Pusa Komal besides the golden mosaic symptoms. Agrobacterium mediated delivery of viral components clearly established that, blackgram isolate is capable of infecting cowpea, and causes atypical leaf curl and not yellow mosaic symptoms.

2 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

021618   Rawat D S;Singh H;Rana C S (Biological Sciences Dep, CBSH, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttaranchal) : New distributional records of Dicranostigma lactucoides and Dipcadi serotinum from Uttaranchal. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 32-4.

Dicranostigma lectucoides Hk. f & Thoms. (Papaveraceae) and Dipcadi serotinum (L.) Meidk. (Liliaceae) two rare taxa are reported from Uttaranchal after a long period.

2 illus, 4 ref

021617   Ravi Prasad Rao B;Sadasivaiah B;Khadar Basha S (Conservation Ecology Div, Botany Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur-515 003, Email: rao_rp@rediffmail.com) : Discovery of new populations of strictly endemic and endangered taxon Pimpinella tirupatiensis Bal. & Subr. (Apiaceae). J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 35-6.

Extended distribution for Pimpinella tirupatiensis Bal. & Subr. - an endemic taxon of Tirumala hills is reported from Penchalakona hills, Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.

7 ref

021616   Prathapan K D (Entomology Dep, Kerala Agricultural Univ, Vellayani PO, Trivandrum-695 522, Email: prathapankd@gmail.com) : New host plant record for Oberea artocarpi Gardner (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Entomon 2008, 33(2), 157-8.

Ficus callosa Willd. (Moraceae) is reported as a new host plant of Oberea artocarni Gardner (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

4 ref

021615   Pramod Kumar N;Antony V T;Krishnaraj M V (Post-Graduate Dep of Botany, Regional Herbarium of Kerala, St. Berchman's College, Changanacherry, Kottayam-686 101) : Extended distribution of Hedyotis pterita Bl. (Rubiaceae: Hedyotideae) in Kerala. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 64-6.

Hedyotis pterita Bl.hitherto reported from Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh is newly recorded from Kerala State. The study forms an extended distributional record for the taxon, which is again an addition to the flora of Kerala State.

1 illus, 6 ref

021614   Prabhugaonkar A;Sardesai M M;Janarthanam M K (Botany Dep, Goa University, Goa-403 206, Email: mkjana@yahoo.com) : Further additions to the flora of Goa. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 37-43.

Existing Floras of Goa are inadequate in their coverage. Hence, occasional articles dealing with additions to the flora of Goa have been published by various authors. The study adds 35 species more to the list of flowering plants of the State of Goa.

11 ref

021613   Pangtey Y P S;Tewari L M;Upreti K (Botany Dep, Kumaun University, D.S.B. Campus, Nainital-263 002) : Taxonomic notes on some west Himalayan ferns. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 47-50.

Reports the correct identity of four species of ferns from the west Himalaya and suggests that these erroneously reported species be considered the excluded species in the western Himalayan fern literature.

15 ref

021612   Pangtey Y P S;Tewari L M;Upreti K (Botany Dep, Kumaun University, D.S.B. Campus, Nainital-263 002) : Osmunda claytoniana L. Subsp. vestita (Wall. ex Milde) A. Love & D. Love (Osmundaceae: Pteridophyta) - hitherto unknown name in the fern flora of the west Himalaya. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 44-6.

Records for the first time hitherto unknown name as Osmunda claytoniana L. subsp. vestita (Wall. ex Milde) A. Love & D. Love in the fern flora of the west Himalaya.

8 ref

021611   Pandey R;Gupta A;Kalra A (NO, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow-226 015) : Effect of essential oil on root knot disease of ashwagandha. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2008, 30(3), 325-7.

Essential oils of Ocimum sanctum, Pogosteinon cablin, Murraya koenigii, Cyrnbopogon flexuosus, Mentha viridis and Mentha cardiaca were tested for their nematicidal activity against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood. Responses varied with essential oils and concentrations. The essential oils of O. sanctum, C. flexuosus and M. koenigii were found to be relatively more toxic to M. incognita at different concentrations among the different oils tested. In green house experiment the essential oils of O. sanctum, C. flexuosus and M. koenigii were found to be effective in reducing the root-knot severity as well as nematode population on Withania somnifera and enhanced the plant growth and biomass. These essential oils or their constituents can be exploited for development of formulation useful as natural nematicides as an alternative to chemical nematicides.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

021610   Murugesan M;Balasubramaniam V;Arumugasamy K (PG and Research Dep of Botany, Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-641 029, Email: vbalu61@yahoo.co.in) : Occurrence and new distributional records of some little known rare and endemic grasses from Velliangiri hills, a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 216-31.

Highlights the notes on the occurrence and new distributional records of twenty six species of very little known rare and endemic grasses belonging to the family Poaceae from Velliangiri hills, a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the Western Ghats of Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India. Correct nomenclature, brief description together with phenological, distributional data, specimen examined and short notes are given for further collections and easy identification.

14 ref

021609   Kunhikannan C;Rama Rao N;Bisen S S (Biodiversity Div, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore-641 002, Email: kunhikannan@icfre.org) : Additions to the flora of Tadoba National Park, Chandrapur, Maharashtra, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 57-63.

Flora of the Tadoba National Park consists of 741 species with 734 species of angiosperms and 7 pteridophytes, belonging to 427 genera and 115 families. Seventy four species of vascular plants belonging to 29 families and 59 genera (10 trees, 6 climbers and 58 herbs) form addition to the flora of Tadoba (Taroba) National Park, Chandrapur.

1 ref

021608   John Britto S;Soosairaj S;Balaguru B; Natarajan D (Rapinant Herbarium, St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli-620 002) : Anisochilus dysophylloides Benth. (Lamiaceae): a little known species from the Shervarayans, Tamil Nadu. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 51-3.

Anisochilus dysophylloides Benth. - a rare and vulnerable species has been collected after 70 years from the Shervarayan hills. The species is described and illustrated.

1 illus, 4 ref

021607   Hareesh P S;Bhat A I (Crop Protection Div, Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu P.O., Calicut-673 012) : Detection and partial nucleotide sequence analysis of Piper yellow mottle virus infection black pepper in India. Indian J Virol 2008, 19(2), 160-7.

Portion of viral genome corresponding to open reading frame (ORF) I and III of the Badnavirus associated with stunted disease of black pepper (Piper nigram L.) in India was cloned and sequenced. The sequenced region of ORF I contained 694 to 710 bases while that of ORF III contained 597 to 600 bases in different isolates. Sequence analysis and phylogram confirmed that the identity of the virus as a strain of Piper yellow mottle virus (PYMoV). Further, high level of sequence conservation (=95%) was noticed in the sequenced region of both ORF I and ORF III in three isolates collected from different regions. A reliable protocol was also developed for the isolation of DNA from black pepper and PCR for detection of the virus to identify the virus-free plants of black pepper.

3 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

021606   Giusto B D;Grosbois V;Fargeas E;Marshall D J; Gaume L (NO, Botanique et bioinformatique de I'architecture des plantes, UMR CNRS 5, ) : Contribution of pitcher fragrance and fluid viscosity to high prey diversity in a Nepenthes carnivorous plant from Borneo. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(1), 121-36.

Mechanisms that improve prey richness in carnivorous plants may involve three crucial phases of trapping: attraction, capture and retention. Nepenthes rafflesiana var. typica is an insectivorous pitcher plant that is widespread in northern Borneo. It exhibits ontogenetic pitcher dimorphism with the upper pitchers trapping more flying prey than the lower pitchers. While this difference in prey composition has been ascribed to differences in attraction, the contribution of capture and retention has been overlooked. The study focused on distinguishing between the prey trapping mechanisms, and assessing their relative contribution to prey diversity. Arthropod richness and diversity of both visitors and prey in the two types of pitchers were analysed to quantify the relative contribution of attraction to prey trapping. Rate of insect visits to the different pitcher parts and the presence or absence of a sweet fragrance was recorded to clarify the origin and mechanism of attraction. The mechanism of retention was studied by insect bioassays and measurements of fluid viscosity. Nepenthes rafflesiana was found to trap a broader prey spectrum than that previously described for any Nepenthes species, with the upper pitchers attracting and trapping a greater quantity and diversity of prey items than the lower pitchers. Capture efficiency was low compared with attraction or retention efficiency. Fragrance of the peristome, or nectar rim, accounted mainly for the observed non-specific, better prey attraction by the upper pitchers, while the retentive properties of the viscous fluid in these upper pitchers arguably explains the species richness of their flying prey. The pitchers of N. rafflesiana are therefore more than simple pitfall traps and the digestive fluid plays an important yet unsuspected role in the ecological success of the species.

6 illus, 5 tables, 38 ref

021605   Gangwar R S;Joshi B D;Joshi R;Rambir Singh (Zoology and Environmental Science Dep, Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, Email: rsgangwar@gmail.com) : Medicinal and economic plants of Darma valley consumed by Bhotias: a case study from Kumaun Himalaya, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 67-72.

Darma valley has its own importance and specific characteristics with respect to plants diversity. The valley presents sub-tropical to alpine scenario with attendant vegetation and floristic composition and has a number of plants of economic and medicinal value. This valley is inhabited by Bhotia- Rung tribe, who has been livestock reared and traders. The investªigation was carried out to assess medicinal and economical values of plants consumed by Bhotias (tribal community) along river Dhauli Ganga in Darma valley, Kumaun Himalaya of Uttaraªkhand State of India. During the course of the study, a .total number of 80 species of plants belonging to 46 families and 70 genera were identified. Out of 80 plants species, 23 species for medicine, 20 species for vegetable and subsidiary food, 6 species for condiment and pickle, 6 species for essence and 25 species for miscellaneous purposes were found to be consumed by Bhotia community in Darma valley.

5 tables, 10 ref

021604   Ganga Visalakshy P N (Entomology and Nematology Div, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessarghatta Lake Post, Bangalore-560 089, Email: gangesv@iihr.ernet.in) : Effect of age of the host plant on the performance of Ceutorhynchus portulacae Marshal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a herbivore of Portulaca oleracea. Entomon 2008, 33(2), 139-42.

Performance of the specialist herbivore Ceutorhynchus portulacae was studied in relation to age of its host plant Portulaca oleracae. Significant reduction in longevity and fecundity of adults were recorded in relation to age of the host plant provided. Advance in the age of the host plant was found to affect the growth, development and fecundity of the insect. The physical characteristics and chemical composition of host plant also influenced the establishment of the insect. The implications of the results in relation to biological control of purslane weed P. oleracae are discussed.

2 tables, 8 ref

021603   Devkota A;Jha P K (Central Dep of Botany, Tribhuvan Univ, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal, Email: devkotaa@gmail.com) : Growth performance and nutrient status of Centella asiatica (L.) urban in different land uses of Kathmandu valley, Nepal. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2008, 34(3), 269-75.

Centella asiatica (L) Urban is an important medicinal plant of tropical and subtropical belts of Nepal. Ramet density, stolon length, petiole length, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf nitrogen content, number of flowers in inflorescence and soil nutrients (nitrogen (N) organic carbon (OC) and organic matter (OM) contents of populations of Centella asiatica growing under different land uses (grazing, non grazing and agricultural land) in Kathmandu valley were recorded. Ramet density was highest in non grazing land with soil with 0.134 % N, 1.52% OC and 2.58 % OM. Leaves had 401.45 cm² g^-1 SLA, 3.58 cm long petiole and 0.67 % N. The plants from the three sites differed significantly (p<0.001) in petiole length, SLA, leaf N, soil N, soil OC and soil OM contents. Thus land uses had significant effect on ramet density and leaf characters of Centella asiatica .Phenotypic plasticity in leaf petiole length and number of flowers per inflorescence appeared to be governed by light availability and height of associated species.

2 tables, 37 ref

021602   Deori C;Dam N;Hynniewta T M (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Circle, Shillong-793 003, Email: hunti23@yahoo.co.in) : Occurrence of Dendrobium tortile Lindl. (Orchidaceae) in Meghalaya, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 75-7.

Describes a note on the new distributional record of Dendrobium to tortile Lindl. (Orchidaceae) in Meghalaya, India. The species was considered by Balakrishnan (1976) `as occurring in Andamans in 1890, never after collected or seen, probably extinct'.

1 illus, 4 ref

021601   Dash P K;Nandi S;Pande A;Mondal B; Bandyopadhya S K (Virology Div, Defence R&D Establishment, Jhanasi Road, Gwalior-474 002) : Molecular characterization of L2 gene of an Indian isolate of bluetongue virus type-23. Indian J Virol 2008, 19(2), 183-90.

Bluetongue is an economically important arthropod borne viral disease of sheep, goat, cattle and wild ruminants. This disease is endemic in many parts of the world including India. Twenty one, out of possible 24 serotypes of Bluetongue virus (BTV) have been reported in India. L2 gene is of prime importance among all the 10 genes of the BTV, since it codes for the major serotype specific protein VP2, harboring the neutralizing epitopes. The genetic nature of L2 gene of Indian BTV isolates is poorly studied. In this study, the sequence information of one of the most important region of L2 gene of an Indian BTV-23 isolate was deciphered for the first time. On comparison with other available global isolates, the L2 gene revealed conservation of sequences within a serotype and variation among serotypes. The Indian BTV-23 isolate also revealed certain unique residues. The Indian isolate was found to be phylogenetically closely related to Australian BTV-23 isolate. A number of highly immunogenic epitopes were also identified for the Indian BTV-23 in the study. The sequence information, presented in the study will open up new vistas in progress towards development of a suitable prophylaxis and also serve as a base line data for future molecular epidemiological surveys around the world, in general and in Indian subcontinent, in particular.

5 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

021600   Choudhary M C;Upadhyay R (Botany Dep, Government Narmada P.G. College, Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh) : Contribution to aquatic angiosperm flora of Hoshangabad. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 155-61.

Provides an account of aquatic angiosperms of Hoshangabad. 99 species belonging to 38 families were recorded from different places of Hoshangabad. Place of collection, time of flowering and fruiting and field notes on some plants have been recorded.

7 ref

021599   Chhetri G;Hynniewta T M;Ansari A A (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Sikkim Himalayan Circle, Gangtok-737 103) : Critical notes on Juncus rohtangensis Goel & Aswal and its occurrence in Sikkim. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 78-80.

Critical notes on taxonomic status of Juncus rohtangensis Goel & Aswal is provided alongwith details of its occurrence in Sikkim.

1 illus, 6 ref

021598   Chandra Sekar K;Srivastava S K (NO, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi - Katarmal, Almora-263 643) : Additions to the flora of Lahaul-Spiti from Pin Valley National Park. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 22-5.

Twenty species belonging to twenty genera under nine families have been recorded from Pin Valley National Park as a new additions to the flora of Lahaul-Spiti, a cold desert of N.W. Himalaya.

4 ref

021597   Chalam V C;Khetarpal R K (NO, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012) : Critical appraisal of challenges in exclusion of plant viruses during transboundary movement of seeds. Indian J Virol 2008, 19(2), 139-49.

With the liberalization of trade under the WTO regime the possible introduction of plant viruses has increased and so are the challenges to contain them. There is a need to carryout pest risk analysis prior to import of planting material. Availability of virus detection techniques, sample size, sampling procedures, detecting an unknown/exotic virus, post-entry quarantine, urgency in clearance of the sample, antisera bank for exotic viruses and a database on sequences of virus-specific primers, easy to use PCR-based techniques including multiplex PCR are the challenging areas that need attention for exclusion of plant viruses. Development of strategies for detection of several viruses simultaneously on DNA arrays has to be explored. Adopting a workable strategy, a number of exotic viruses have so far been intercepted in imported germplasm, which includes the one not yet reported from India and also not known to occur on particular host(s).

1 table, 72 ref

021596   Chakrabarty T;Lakra G S;Chauhan A S (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Sikkim-Himalayan Circle, Gangtok-737 103) : Family combretaceae of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 194-202.

Revised treatment of the family Combretaceae of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India is presented with four genera and fourteen species. One cultivated species is also included. Three species are endemic to the islands.

2 ref

021595   Chakrabarty T (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Western Circle, 7 Koregaon Road, Pune-411 001, Email: tchakrab@gmail.com) : Checklist of the genus Impatiens L. (Balsaminaceae) for Sikkim State. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 205-15.

This treatment is the first attempt to present a comprehensive account of the genus Impatiens L. for the Sikkim State. 52 species occurring in Sikkim are enumeraated with nomenclature and notes on habit, habitat, flowering and fruiting periods and distribution. 15 species are endemic.

2 ref

021594   Bhatt N A;Borad P K;Darji V B (Directorate of Extension Education, Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388 110) : Effectiveness of botanicals and synthetic insecticides against the aphid Uroleucon compositae (Theobald) on the ornamental crop Gaillardia pulchella. Pest Mgmt Hort Ecosyst 2007, 13(2), 153-8.

Investigations on bioefficacy of botanicals and synthetic insecticides against Uroleucol compositae (Theobald) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) a pest of ornamental. crop, Gaillardia pulchella Foug was carried out at B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, W. India, during the year 2004. Among the botanicals evaluated, neem seed kernel extract (3 %), neem leaf extract (10 %) and arduso leaf extract (10 %) were found effective in reducing the pest which resulted in higher (25.39 to 24.21 kg/ha). The Incremental Cost Benefit Ratio (ICBR) value of effective botanicals was 1 :53,71, 1 :47,87 and 1 :41.74 respectively. Of the nine synthetic insecticides tested, dimethoate (0.03 %), methyl-o-demeton (0.025 %) and monocrotophos (0.04 %) provided maximum protection of gaillardia crop against U. compositae. Dimethoate (ICBR 1:77) yielded maximum gaillardia flowers followed by methyl-odemeton (ICBR 1:60.91) and monocrotophos (ICBR 1:63.90).

2 table, 8 ref

021593   Basu S;Jha T B (Botany Dep, Presidency College, Kolkata-700 073, Email: presibot@vsnl.net) : Chlorophytum nepalense (Lindl.) baker-an unexplored plant of potential economic value?. Curr Sci 2008, 95(4), 439.

^ssc1 illus, 5 ref

021592   Amad Uddin (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Circle, Shillong-793 003) : Addition to the Begoniaceae of Myanmar. J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(1), 203-4.

Begonia aborensis Dunn. (family Begoniaceae), hitherto known to be endemic to North-East India has been recorded from Myanmar for the first time. It belongs to the sect. Sphenanthera, an exclusively Asian section which harbours all fleshy fruited species of the genus from the region.

8 ref

020779   Wadoodkhan M A;Taur R D;Shaikh R I;Chandore A (Botany Dep, Milliya Arts, Sci. & Management Sci. College, Beed, Dist.Beed-431 122) : Novelties in cyperaceae - VII. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(2), 101-7.

Three new taxa of the genus Fimbristylis (L.) Vahl including (a - species and a variety under Section Fimbristylis (proper) and a variety under section Cymosae) are described and illustrated.

3 illus, 4 ref

020778   Wadoodkhan M A;Taur R D;Kahalkar V I;Chandore A (Botany Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur Dist, Kolhapur, Maharashtra) : Novelties in Fimbristylis vahl (cyperaceae)- VI with a note on F. dichotoma-complex. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(2), 89-100.

Reports 4 new infraspecific taxa (one variety, 3 formae) of Fimbristylis dichotoma. They have been described and illustrated. A note on F. dichotoma-complex is also added.

5 illus, 11 ref

020777   Wadikar M S;Shinde A A;Kadam V B;Tambe S S (Botany Dep, Vinayakrao Patil College, Vaijapur, Dist. Aurangabad, Maharashtra) : Seed borne mycoflora of Embelia ribes burm. F. and Aegle marmelos L. Corr. from Aurangabad district (M.S.), India. Pl Archs 2009, 9(1), 441-2.

Seed borne mycoflora ofEmbelia ribes and Aegle marmelos, which comprise number of fungal species respectively. Aspergillus Niger, Trichoderma sp; Penicillium sp; Fusarium sp; Alternaria alternata, Chaetomium sp. were reported.

1 table, 6 ref

020776   Urek R O;Kayali H A;Nakiboglu M;Tarhan L (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Education, Dokuz Eylul Univ, Buca 35150, Izmir, Turkey, Email: leman.tarhan@deu.edu.tr) : Comparison of antioxidant capacities of the leaves and flowers of Salvia fruticosa grown in Turkey. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(3), 2091-8.

Total phenolic contents, hydroxyl (OH) and 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals scavenging, reducing powers and total antioxidant capacities in the leaves and flowers extracts of Salvia fruticosa (Lamiaceae) from Turkey were investigated in vitro. Total phenolic contents of leaves and flowers extracts were determined to be 1.154 ± 0.060 and 0.384 ± 0.015 μg gallic acid/μg, respectively. The highest. OH scavenging capacity was 74% in presence of 0.174 mg/mL leaves extract. The leaves extracts of S. fruticosa showed higher DPPH" scavenging with 96.220% at 2.780 mg/mL as compared with flowers extracts. The reducing powers, OH and DPPH scavenging capacities of leaves and flowers extracts of S. fruticosa were concentration dependent and increased with increasing amount of extract sample. Vitamin C equivalences of reducing power values of leaves and flowers extracts in presence of 5.6 μg/mL extracts were determined as 5.937 ± 0.440 and 1.851 ± 0.060 μg/mL, respectively. The reducing effectiveness' on the formation of linoleic acid peroxides were higher in leaves extracts than flowers extracts.

3 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

020775   Tiwari R (Botany Dep, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD, Uttarakhand) : Using brahms to compile and produce collection guides for ex-situ conservation. Indian J For 2008, 31(4), 547-52.

Using herbarium as a resource for ex-situ conservation is an important tool. The author has shown how the data from herbarium sheets and GIS can used for targeting seed collections by using Brahms. The author has compiled and produced over 30 collection guids for the Millennium Seed Bank Enhancement Project whilst working at Kew. These guides serve a good indicative tool in collecting seeds from the field. The author shares the methods and process involved in compiling and producing the collection guides.

6 ref

020774   Thakur S;Tiwari A (School of Studies in Botany, Jiwaji Univ, Gwalior-474 011) : Effect of different sites and dates of sample collection on nitrogen content in Chlorophytum tuberosum leaves and tubers. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(3), 545-8.

World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that at least 80% of the world population rely on traditional systems of medicine for their primary health needs. These systems are largely plant based. The Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal under its conservation assessment and management plan (CAMP) studied status of some selected species of non-timber forest produce (NTFP) of Madhy Pradesh. Researches on amla (Emblica officinale), safed musli (Chlorophytum tuberosum) and chirongi (Bachanania lanzan) have led to a change in State Government policy. An effort was made to study the effect of different sites and dates of sample collection on nitrogen content in Chlorophytum tuberosum at Mandu. The percentage nitrogen content in the leaves at the time of final sampling was maximum at natural site S₁ (1.42 percent). The interaction between site and date in the percentage nitrogen content of tubers was statistically significant.

2 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

020773   Thakur R K (Entomology Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand) : Angulitermes bhagsunagensis, a new species from India (Oriental Region) (Isoptera : Termitidae : Termitinae). Indian J For 2008, 31(4), 581-4.

Account of a new species of the termite genus, Angulitermes Sjostedt from India. Necessary comparison with the closely related species is given.

2 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

020772   Swarupa Rani S;Mathur S;Rajani M (Botany Dep, S.N. Vanitha Mahavidyalaya Research Centre, Exhibition Ground, Nampally, Hyderabad-500 001) : Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal root colonization in rutaceae. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(2), 133-5.

In the study 6 plants of the family Rutaceae were examined for AM fungal root-colonization along with their relation with physico-chemical characteristics of the rhizosphere soil samples surveyed.

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

020771   Sukumaran S;Raj A D S (Botany and Research Centre Dep, Scott Christian College, Autonomus, Negercoil-629 003) : Rare and endemic plants in the sacred groves of Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu. Indian J For 2008, 31(4), 611-16.

During the study, a total number of 201 sacred groves were enumerated in Kanyakumari District and reported 329 plant species belongs to 251 genera under 110 families. Among the 329 species, 12 species of shrubs, herbs and climbers are listed as rare, endemic and threatened, belonging to 12 genera under eleven families. Species like, Alpinia galanga, Gloriosa superba, Hemidesmus indicus, Kaempfora galanga and Rauvolfia serpenfina are endangered and threatened, Justicia beddomi, Leea indica and Petiveria alliacea are rare, Indigofera uniflora, Naregamia alata, Ochlandra scriptoria and Osbeckia aspera var. wightiana are endemic to sacred groves of Kanyakumari District.

1 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

020770   Subramanian D;Mullainathan L (Botany Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002, Email: lmullai@yahoo.co.in) : Canna grandiflora SP. Nov : a new species of cannaceae from Tamilnadu, India. Pl Archs 2009, 9(1), 485-6.

A new species of Canna namely C.grandiflora Sp. Nov. from Tanjore district of Tamilnadu has been described in this paper.

6 illus, 1 ref

020769   Subramanian D;Mullainathan L (Botany Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002, Email: lmullai@yahoo.co.in) : Chemotaxonomical studies in south Indian musaceae. Pl Archs 2009, 9(1), 427-9.

Chemotaxonomical studies with reference to protein bound aminoacids of species of Musa, Ensete, Heliconia, Strelitzia and Ravenala have been made with the help of two dimensional paper chromatograms. The R_f values of 14 amino acids already noted in our laboratory were helpful to know the aminoacids of the species studied and to understand the evolutionary trends among them.

2 tables, 9 ref

020768   Subramanian D (NO, , 277, 1st South Cross Road, Mariappanagar, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Some interesting mosses of western ghats. Pl Archs 2009, 9(1), 437-40.

During the field trips to various Hill stations of Western Ghats, the author collected rare and more interesting species of Mosses that are new to science. They are 1. Homalothecium laevigatum S. Lac. var. indicum van nov., 2. Bryum pachamaliensis sp. nov., 3. Weisia bryoides sp. nov., 4. Bryum rhodobryoides sp. nov., 5. Bryum giganteum sp. nov., 6. Herpetineuren pinnata sp. nov., 7. Bartramea kodaikanalensis sp. nov. and 8. Dolichomitria constictifolia sp. nov.

4 illus, 2 ref