000418   Panigrahi J;Behera M;Maharana S;Mishra R R (Plant Tissu Culture Laboratory, Biotechnology Div, Majhighariani Institute of Technology and Science, Sriram Vihar, Rayagada-765 001, Email: jogesh_ck@yahoo.co.in) : Biomolecular changes during in vitro organogenesis of Asteracantha longifolia (L.) nees-A medicinal herb. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(10), 911-19.

High frequency plant regeneration in A. longifolia (L.) was achieved from leaf explant implanted on MS basal medium supplemented with NAA (0.5 mg/l) + BA (2.0 mg/1) through intervening callus phase. Well-developed shoots (>3cm) were successfully rooted on MS medium supplemented with NAA (0.1 mg/l). Protein and total soluble sugar contents were maximum during organogenesis and multiple shoot induction phase compared with non-organogenic callus and root induction phase. Esterase and catalase activities were maximum during organogenic differentiation, while activities were minimum at non-differentiated callus stages. Peroxidase activities were higher during rhizogenesis. Contradiction to peroxidase activity, acid phosphatase activities were high during organogenesis and declined during rhizogenesis. SDS-PAGE analysis of total soluble proteins revealed expression of non-organogenic callus (97.9 kDa), organogenic callus (77.2, 74.1, 21.9 kDa), multiple shoot induction phase (106.6, 26.9, 11.6 kDa) and root induction phase (15.9 kDa) specific polypeptides. Esterase zymogram revealed one band (Rm 0.204) appeared in both organogenic callus and multiple shoot induction phase. Peroxidase zymogram detected two stage specific bands, one band (Rm 0.42) was specific to root induction phase, while another (Rm 0.761) was specific to multiple shoot induction. Catalase and acid phosphatase zymogram resolved one band (Rm 0.752 and 0.435, respectively) in differentiated stages including both multiple shoot induction phase and root induction phase, but absent in undifferentiated phases.

3 illus, 3 tables, 49 ref

000417   Paliwal S;Chauhan R;Siddiqui A A;Paliwal S; Sharma J (Pharmaceutical Chemistry Dep, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali-304 022, Email: paliwalsarvesh@yahoo.com) : Evalution of antifungal activity of Salvadora persica Linn. leaves. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(5), 372-4.

Invasive fungal infections are significant causes of morbidity and mortality, particularly in immune-compromised patients. In vitro antifnngal activity of dried leaf extract of Salvadora persica Linn, was assessed zgainsiAspergillus niger, A.flavus,A. xylinium and Candida albicans by zone of inhibition method using Clotrimazole as'a positive control. The leaf extract was found active against all three species of Aspergillus but the extract did not show significant activity against C. albicans.

1 tables, 14 ref

000416   Nidagundi R;Hegde L (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Dep, R.R.C. College of Horticulture (University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad), Arabavi-591 310, Email: hegdeelax@rediffmail.com) : Cultivation prospects of german chamomile in South India. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(2), 135-7.

German chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla Linn, is used both in traditional and modern systems of medicines. It is an ingredient of several traditional Unani and Homoeopathic medicinal preparations. Blue oil extracted from dry capitula is highly valued in international trade. It is an introduced crop in India and mainly cultivated in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesli and Assam. It is a crop of 4-6 months mainly propagated by seeds either by transplanting or by direct sowing. It is also being grown in South India on experimental basis. In northern dry zone of Karnataka under Ghataprabha river command area, it recorded fresh flower yield of 6.3 5 tonnes/ha and dry flower yield of 1.88 tonnes/ha with the spacing of 30 X 20cm. The crop seems to be very hardy as there are no pests and diseases recorded in this crop during the crop growth. However, aphids are seen but not serious to reduce the crop yield significantly. The trials are underway to study the effect of different dates of planting on growth, yield and quality of chamomile under this situation. Cultivation prospects of this medicinal and aromatic crop has been discussed for encouraging commercial cultivation in South Indian region.

9 ref

000415   Mukhopadhyay R;Reddy P S;Pallela R;Chakra Reddy N;Venkateswara Rao J;Hash C T;Kavi Kishor P B (Genetics Dep, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: pbkavi@yahoo.com) : Differential responses of proline, ion accumulation and antioxidative enzyme activities in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] lines differing in salt sensitivity. J Pl Biol 2007, 34(3), 185-92.

Ten-day-old seedlings of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] mapping populations differing in their salinity tolerance levels were exposed to 0 and 150 mM NaCl concentrations for short durations of time (0 to 144 h) to assess the pattern of accumulation of proline, glutathione, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Cl^- contents and their antioxidative enzyme activities. Salt-tolerant lines accumulated more proline and K⁺ than the susceptible ones pointing their accumulation as a possible mechanism of salt tolerance. Specific activities of CAT, SOD and GR were higher in tolerant compared to the sensitive lines under salt stress conditions. High GST activity was noticed in the moderately tolerant line while the increase was transient (till 48 h) in the tolerant line. Lipid peroxidation as measured by MDA levels remained more or less same in the salt-sensitive line ICMB 90111, while it increased considerably in the tolerant line under salt stress till 96 h. The above comparative studies suggest that salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive lines of pearl millet possess differential oxidative components of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic machinery for scavenging ROS generated during salt stress.

2 illus, 2 tables, 33 ref

000414   Mukhopadhyay A;De D;Sarkar M;Bambawale O M (Entomology Research Unit, Zoology Dep, North Bengal Univ, Darjeeling-734 013, Email: dr_amukherjee_nbu@rediffmail.com) : New record of baculovirus in Buzura suppressria Guen. in India. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(5), 375-76.

The looper caterpillar, Buzura suppressaria Guen. is one of the major defoliating pests of tea plantations of North-East India, causing heavy crop losses. The pest is of endemic nature, with four to five broods, each of 50-60 days duration ina year. Maximum'damage takes place during pre-monsoon period (March to June) followed by a reduction in monsoon months and again a slow pickup during the winter months. A large-scale mortality of B. suppressaria is Known during rainy season since many years in the tea plantations of the Darjeeling foothills. Natural mortality of the pest, reported earlier, wassuspected to be due to bacterial infection only but confirmed that it can also be due to Baculovirus, which is being reported from Darjeeling Terai of India for the first time.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

000413   Mathur M;Sundaramoorthy S (Botany Dep, J.N.V. Univ, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Email: jnvusundar@rediffmail.com) : Distribution pattern and growth assessment of Corchorus depressus in semi arid Indian desert. Trop Ecol 2008, 49(1), 69-71.

1 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

000412   Mandal K;Sanjay Kumar;Agarwal B K;Sharma A (Soil Science & Agril Chemistey Dep, BAU, Ranchi-834 006) : Nodulation and survival of acid tolerant soybean Rhizobia in acid soils. J Res-Birsa Agric Univ 2006, 18(2), 209-14.

Two acid tolerant soybean rhizobia (BDKS₃ and BOS₁) incorporated with streptomycin resistance marker (str^r) were evaluated under green house conditions for their survival (in rhizosphere), adhesion (on rhizosphere), effective nodulation and dry matter production by homologous host in acid soils of pH 4.6 and 5.5. A better survival of the isolates was noticed at pH 5.5. Isolate BDS₁ was superior in respect of better survival in the rhizosphere, increase adhesion on roots and inducing effective nodulation and dry matter yield by the homologous hosts.

3 tables, 9 ref

000411   Maiti P P;Bhakat R K;Bhattacharjee A (Botany Dep, Burdwan Univ, Burdwan-713 104, Email: parthapratimmaity78@yahoo.co.in) : Allelopathic effects of Lantana camara on physio-biochemical parameters of Mimosa pudica seeds. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(1), 59-68.

The influence of leaf extracts and leaf leachates of Lantana camara weed on the germination and metabolism of another weed Mimosa pudica. The extracts and leachates reduced the germination, speed of germination, seed viability and seedling emergence capacity of Mimosa seeds. The insoluble carbohydrate, protein, DNA and RNA and activities of dehydrogenase, catalase, peroxidase enzymes contents were significantly reduced. While, Arnino acid, soluble carbohydrate levels (in seed leachates and seed kernels) and activity of amylase enzyme was increased in seeds pretreated with leaf extracts and leaf leachates.

3 illus, 22 ref, 4 tables

000410   Mahida Y;Mohan* J S S (Biosciences Dep, Sardar Patel Univ, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388 120, Email: jssmohan@hotmail.com ) : Screening of plants for their potential antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus and Salmonella spp.. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(4), 301-5.

Methanol extracts of 23 plants were screened for their antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant bacteria, viz. Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Salmonella typhi and S. paratyphi A to find out an alternative source of active principles/compounds. The extracts of Cryptolepis buchanani (Linn.) Roem. & Schult, Mangifera indica Linn., Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard and Nyctanthes arbor-tristis linn, exhibited significant antibacterial activity with MIC value of-1-8 mg/ml.

4 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

000409   Li G;Zeng R S;Li H;Yang Z;Xin G;Yuan J;Yi Luo (College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural Univ, Guangzhou 510642, China, Email: adsyzy@mail.sysu.edu.cn) : Allelopathic effects of decaying Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) residues on rice. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(1), 15-24.

Italian ryegrass - rice rotation system that cultivates Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflroum Lam.) in paddy field during the winter season as the preceding crop of early rice has been widely accepted in Southern China. However, in the early stages, the growth of rice was decreased after Italian ryegrass cultivation. Allelopathic effects of the decaying Italian ryegrass residues on rice and its allelopchemicals were investigated in this study. A greenhouse experiment showed that incorporation of Italian ryegrass residues in the soil significantly inhibited the tillering of rice. The highest inhibitions of rice tillers were 44.3% and 36.7% for incorporation in-situ and ex-situ treatments, respectively. In a bioassay, both the aqueous leachates and organic solvent extracts of decaying Italian ryegrass residues inhibited the root growth of rice seedlings. Allelochemicals were isolated and identified from the aqueous leachates of decaying Italian ryegrass residues. One of the allelochemicals was identified as benzenepropanoic acid based on MS, 'H NMR and ¹³C NMR data. Benzenepropanoic acid significantly inhibited the elongation of rice seedling roots at the concentrations ≥0.1 mM, whereas restrained the shoots only when its concentration reached 1 mM.

4 illus, 34 ref

000408   Koul V K;Koul S (NO, Indian Institute of integrative Medicine, CSIR, Canal Road, jammu-180 001, Email: vkoulchem@yahoo.com) : Process optimization for the extraction of hyperforin and hypericin from St. John's wort. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(4), 293-6.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforation Linn.), native to Europe and South America, grows wild in temperate and central parts of India. It has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times for ulceration of kidneys, jaundice, gout and rheumatism. The antidepressant activity of St. John's Wort extract has sparked great interest in the chemistry and biochemistry of its constituents, hyperforin and hypericin. The process described in this paper outlines the extraction of hyperforin by solvent hexane and thereafter extraction of hypericin from marc by commercial ethanol. The process parameters optimized for both the extractions are: solvent/plant material ratio, temperature, number of extractions and time for each extraction. Optimization was carried out by performing different sets of experiments (on 15kg scale) and varying one parameter at a time for each set of experiment. Depending on quality of plant material, under optimum conditions (i) Hexane extraction yielded 4 to 5% residue containing up to 38% hyperforin, and (ii) Ethanol extraction yielded 20 to 22% residue containing up to 2.5% hypericin.

2 tables, 7 ref

000407   Kotoky R;Pathak M G;Kanjilal P B (Medicinal Div, Aromatic and Economic Plants, North-East institute of Science and Technology (formerly) Regional Res, Email: kanjilalpb2001@yahoo.co.in) : Physico-chemical characteristics of seed oils of some Litsea species found in North-East India. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(4), 297-300.

Seeds of six species of genus Litsea Lam. (Family- Lauraceae), viz. L. angustifolia Hook, f., L. cubeba (Lour.) Pers. syn. L. citrata Blume, L. confertiflora (Meissn.) Kost, L. glutinosa (Lour.) C.B. Robins., L. laeta Benth. & Hook. f. and L. lanuginosa Nees were collected from 7-10 years old trees and investigated for their oil content and physico-chemical properties. Fatty oil content of these species ranged between 19.1 to 58.6% (w/w). Gas chromatographic analysis of the oil indicated that lauric acid is dominant fatty acid; highest in L. laeta (92.0%) and lowest in L. confertifolia (53.0%). Besides lauric acid, seed oil also contain trace amount of myristic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid. Oleic acid (22.7%) was obtained in L. confertifolia. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid which is considered responsible for many of its health benefits. Hence, the content of lauric acid in these species explores possibility to use these oils as an important source material for nutritional and health aspects.

3 tables, 16 ref

000406   Ketnam K R;De Britto A J (NO, , Palayamkottai-627 002, Email: retnamkr@rediffmail.com) : Pharmacognostical study of Hybanthus enneaspermus (Linn.) F. muell.. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(5), 386-90.

Deal with pharmacognostical study of leaf, stem and root of Hybanthus enneaspermus (Linn.) F. Muell., for its identification and to distinguish it from the co-existing weeds and adulterants. Includes macroscopic, microscopic and preliminary physico-chemical investigation.

10 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

000405   Jabeen K;Javaid A (NO, Institute of Mycology and Plant Pathology, Punjab Univ, Lahore, Pakistan, Email: arshadjpk@yahoo.com) : Antifungal activity of aqueous and organic solvent extracts of allelopathic trees against Ascochyta rabiei. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(1), 231-7.

Antifungal properties of aqueous, n-hexane and ethanol extracts of leaf, fruit, root bark and stem bark of Eucalyptus citriodora Hook and Alstonia scliolaris (L.) R. Br. were investigated against Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Lab., [casual organism of blight disease in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)]. Effects of 1, 2, ...5% (w/v) extracts of different parts of the two test tree species were studied against in vitro radial growth of test fungal species on 2% malt extract agar medium amended with chickpea power @ 1.0 g 100 ml^-1 of the medium. Aqueous leaf and root bark extracts of E. citriodora fruit at 1-5% concentrations, reduced the colony diameter of A. rabiei by 25-38% and 22-41%, respectively. Similarly ethanol extracts of fruit and root bark of E. citriodora also reduced colony diameter of test fungal species by 13- 25% and 16-42%, respectively. None of the aqueous or organic solvent extracts of A. scholaris exhibited antifungal activity against the target fungal pathogen.

2 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

000404   Hemaiswarya S;Raja R (Biotechnology Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai-600 036, Email: iswarya_iswarya_hema@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of bark leachate of Thespesia populnea on Amaranthus tricolor. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(1), 253-8.

Allelopathic effects of aqueous leachate of Thespesia populnea bark were investigated on Amaranthus. The leachate even at the lowest concentration (0.2%) inhibited the germination, plant height, number of leaves, dry matter, root length, chlorophyll and total protein content in amaranth plants. The inhibitory effects were concentration dependent i.e. increased with increasing concentrations, suggesting that Thespesia populnea has allelopathic effects.

3 illus, 14 ref

000403   Goyal B R;Agarwal B;Goyal R K;Mehta A A (NO, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University of Science and Technology, Ahmedabad-382 481, Email: dranitalmcp@rediffmail.com) : Phyto pharmacology of Moringa oleifera lam.- an overview. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(4), 347-53.

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a small or medium-sized tree, about 10 m high, cultivated throughout India. It is a multipurpose tree, used as vegetable, spice, a source of cooking and cosmetic oil and as a medicinal plant. It is reported to contain alkaloids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and cinnamates. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihyperlipidaemic, antifertility, anticancer, antihepatotoxic and antiulcer activities. Further, activity guided phytochemical and phytoanalytical studies may lead to development of novel agents to be used in various disorders. An overview of chemical constituents present in the plant and their pharmacological actions.

62 ref

000402   Golisz A;Lata B;Fujii Y;Gawronski S W (Laboratory for Basic Science in Horticulture, Faculty of Horticulture, Warsaw Univ of Life Science, ul. Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland, Email: stanislaw_gawronski@sggw.pl) : Allelopathic potential of phytochemicals in various cultivars of buckwheat. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(1), 35-45.

The phenolics (rutin, quercetin, (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin and acids: chlorogenic, caffeic, ferulic and gallic) contents of 4 buckwheat Polish cultivars ('Hruszowska', 'Kora', 'Luba' and 'Panda') were determined in plant organs (leaves, inflorescences and stems). The main phenolic compound in leaves, inflorescences and stems was rutin followed by chlorogenic acid, except that (-)-epicatechin content was higher in leaves. There were minor differences in the concentration of particular phenolic compounds in test cultivars. The highest yield (mg m^<-2) of rutin and all phenolic acids was recorded in 'Kora' and 'Panda' cultivars, respectively. The bioactivity of identified phytochemicals in buckwheat was tested on mustard seedlings growth. Based on the concentration and phytotoxicity, rutin proved major allelochemical in Polish buckwheat.

2 illus, 46 ref, 4 tables

000401   Fisnoi S P;Basu A;Mahasin Alam S K;Samanta S; Jha T (NO, L.M. College of Science and Technology, Shastrinagar, Sector-A, Jodhpur-342 003, Email: tjjupharm@yahoo.com) : Evalution of the antipyretic potential of methanol extract of the leaves of Abies spectabilis (D. Don) Spach.. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(5), 369-71.

Methanol extract of leaves of Abies spectabilis (D. Don) Spach. (MEAS) was evaluated for the antipyretic potential on normal body temperature and yeast induced pyrexia in rats MEAS showed significant activity at intraperitonial (i.p.) doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight the extract, when administered at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight caused significant lowering of body temperature up to 3h. With 400 mg/kg body weight dose it caused significant lowering of body temperature up to 6h after administration. In the model of yeast induced elevation of body temperature MEAS showed dose-dependant lowering of the body temperature up to 4h at both the doses. The results obtained, were comparable to that of paracetamol, a standard antipyretic agent.

2 tables, 9 ref

000400   Deshpande J R;Mishra M R;Meghre V S;Wadodkar S G;Dorle A K (42, Utkarsha Vishakha, Bajaj Nagar, Nagpur-440 010, Email: jitendra_deshpande@rediffmail.com) : Free radical scavenging activity of Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl. fruit. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(2), 127-30.

Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl. commonly known as Bottle gourd has been widely used as vegetable in India especially by cardiac patients. Since this property may be correlated with the presence of radical scavenging activity, extracts of the fruit were evaluated for this purpose.The fruit was collected and epicarp, mesocarp and pulp containing seeds were separated. Each of them was extracted with different solvents in increasing order of polarity. Extracts were prepared using the Soxhlet apparatus by serial extraction technique and their respective extractive values were determined. All the extracts were assessed by 1, l-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The maximum antioxidant activity was observed in the acetone extract of fruit epicarp. Chemical investigation revealed that radical scavenging activity may be due to the presence of ellagitannins present in the acetone extract of epicarp.

4 tables, 21 ref

000399   Choudhury B I;Khan M L;Arunachalam A; Arunachalam A (Forestry Dep, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuil-791 109, Email: khanml@yahoo.com) : Gymnocladus assamicus kanjilal ex P.C. kanjilal fruit-a soap substitute. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(5), 427-9.

Gymnocladus assamicus Kanjilal ex P.C. Kanjilal, a leguminous tree endemic to North-East India, bears fleshy pods with tempting smell. Monpa tribal community living in Dirang circle of West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh utilizes its pods as a substitute for soap/detergent required for removing sticky adhesives and consume roasted seeds as substitute for groundnut and coffee. Peoples also make us of the pods for. removing/expelling leeches of their domestic animals. Highlights different ethnobotanical uses of this plant and suggests further conservation strategies to revive its natural population.

19 ref

000398   Chopra J;Narinder Kaur;Gupta A K (Biochemistry Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 001, Email: anilkgupta@satyam.net.in) : Comparative pattern of enzymes of anaerobic metabolism in germinating legume seeds of contrasting desiccation tolerance. J Pl Biol 2007, 34(3), 171-7.

The study determined the changes in activities of enzymes related to 'natural anaerobiosis' (anoxia during germination), viz. alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, malic enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase to obtain an integrated interaction of these enzymes in relation to desiccation tolerance in mungbean and soybean genotypes as representatives of starchy and oily seeds, respectively. Both the genotypes of the two crop seeds had different levels of sensitivities to dehydration, i.e. desiccation tolerance. Desiccation tolerance appeared to be related with seed vigour in all the genotypes. The genotype showing higher seedling vigour survived the dehydration caused by desiccation more effectively. Starchy seeds are more desiccation tolerant as compared to oil seeds. In general, activities of all the enzymes were higher during initial hours of germination and were maximum, after 3 h both in starchy and oily seeds confirming the time of 'natural anaerobiosis'. The second peak of high enzyme activities at 18-24 h of imbibition appeared to coincide with the time of loss of desiccation tolerance before the rupture of the seed coat. Varieties of the same species showing more desiccation tolerance had lower levels of enzyme activities indicating that all these enzymes are linked inversely with desiccation tolerance. Increased desiccation sensitivity is associated with the inability to depress the activities of these enzymes caused by desiccation during drying.

7 tables, 27 ref

000397   Chen L;Peng S (Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen Univ, Guangzhou, 510275, Email: lsspsl@mail.sysu.edu.cn) : Allelopathic potential of mangrove plants (Aricennia marina, Aegiceras corniculata and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza). Allelopathy J 2008, 22(1), 213-20.

Investigated the allelopathic potential of volatiles and soils of 3 mangrove species (Aricennia marina, Aegiceras carniculata and Bruguiera gymnorrhiz) on the germination and early growth of (Raplianus sativus L. and lettuce (Lactuca saliva L.). The volatiles of these mangroves spp at various concentrations, (i) reduced the germination and seedling growth of the test crops (radish, lettuce) and (ii) the soil leachates drastically decreased (60% of control) root and seedling elongation, when activated carbon (with high affinity to adsorb the organic compounds) was added. The roots of test species were most sensitive to allelochemicals. The results showed that these mangrove spp. were allelopathic.

^ssc2 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

000396   Chauhan D S;Dhanai C S;Singh B;Chauhan S; Todaria N P;Khalid M A (Forestry Dep, Post Box No. 59, HNB Garhwal Univ, Srinagar (Garhwal)-246 174, Email: dsc_oci@rediffmail.com) : Regeneration and tree diversity in natural and planted forests in a Terai-Bhabhar forest in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, India. Trop Ecol 2008, 49(1), 53-67.

Regeneration, tree diversity and floristic diversity of natural and planted tropical deciduous forests (dominated by Shorea robusta and Tectona grandis; Acacia catechu and Syzygium cumini, respectively) in western Uttar Pradesh, India were compared. Species diversity were (70 species in natural and 59 species in planted forests) as well as species evenness was higher in natural forests than in planted forests. Natural forest sites also had higher mature tree, pole, sapling and seedling densities compared with planted forests. In spite of differences in diversity, natural and planted forests did not differ strongly in species composition, fifty-six species occurred in both sites. This may reflect similar soil types but differences in soil moisture, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and soil pH in natural and planted forests. Dominant families in both forest types are Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Verbenaceae, Rubiaceae and Caesalpiniaceae (5 species each), followed by Moraceae, Mimosaceae and Combretaceae. Of the 126 species found in both sites, 32.5% showed good regeneration, 19.8% fair, 24.6% poor and 11.1% lacked regeneration. The remaining 11.9% of species were present as seedlings but not as adult individuals. Good quality timber species are not regenerating, with the exception of Shorea robusta, although mortality at seedling stage of this species is high. In all, our results suggest that species richness and diversity differed between natural forest and planted forest and regeneration of some important tree species also varied in natural and planted forests because of variation in their microclimate and edaphic characteristics. Moreover, these conditions indicate succession pattern and a potential for forestry plantations in dry forests. This study will help in the formulation of effective forest management and conservation strategies.

4 tables, 36 ref

000395   Campos J M S;Davide L C;Soares G L G;Viccini L F (Botany Dep, Federal Univ of Rio Grande do Sul, Campus do Vale-Avenida Bento Goncalves, 9500, Bloco IV, Predio 43433,, Email: jmscampos@yahoo.com.br) : Mutagenic effects due to allelopathic action of fern (Gleicheniaceae) extracts. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(1), 143-52.

Cytotoxic effects of aqueous extracts obtained during the dry and rainy seasons from fern species (Dicranopteris flexuosa (Schrad) Underw and Gleicheniella peclinata (Wild) Ching) were evaluated on the meristematic cells of Lactuca sativa and Zea mays. Both D. flexuosa and G. pectinata extracts inhibited the root growth and/or germination possibly due to cell cycle and chromosome alterations. The extract of both species hindered the cell division process and increased the number of interphase cells. In addition, both extracts increased the number of dead cells. Clastogenic effects were also observed, such as sticky chromosomes, bridges, fragments and later segregation. Information on the mechanism of action of these species (G. pectinata and D. flexuosa) helped us to understand their ecological relationships and the possible use of their allelopathic effects for bioprospection of substances with biological activity.

1 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

000394   Badere R S;Koche D K;Pawar S E;Choudhary A D (Botany Dep, RTM Nagpur Univ Campus, Amravati Road, Nagpur-440 033, Email: rsbadere@rediffmail.com) : Genestein amounts in cotyledons and leaves of Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek cultivars and mutants are correlated with resistance to leaf spot caused by Cercospora canesence. J Pl Biol 2007, 34(3), 139-45.

Vigna spp. produces a phytoalexin genestein that inhibits germination of fungal spores. Hypothesized that genestein content in leaves of mungbean plants could be exploited to select a resistant genotype in breeding programme. Tested the correlation between amount of genestein and resistance in vitro by challenging excised cotyledons of resistant (ML-396 and Pant M-3) and susceptible (TARM-2 and Kopergaon) cultivars with Cercospora canesence cell wall elicitor. The genestcin content accumulated rapidly and in higher quantities in resistant cultivars as compared to the susceptible cultivars. Similarly, authors were also able to correlate the resistance and genestein content in Vigna radiata in naturally infected field-grown plants. Mutagenised seeds of three cultivars, viz. TARM-1, TARM-2 and TARM-18 of mungbean with either ethyl methanesulphonate or Gamma rays. These cultivars are susceptible to leaf spot caused by Cercospora canesence. Isolated two mutants each from the mutated population of TARM-1 and TARM-2 in M₂ generation. The genestein amount in the mutants was considerably higher than their parent cultivar. The mutants segregated in the subsequent generations, however, the resistant progenies, had higher amount of genestein than the parent cultivars. The study suggests the utility of genestein in selection of disease-resistant genotype in the breeding programme.

1 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

000393   Aziz A;Tanveer A;Ali A;Yasin M;Babar B H; Nadeem M A (NO, Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences Univ of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, Email: drasiftanveeruaf@hotmail.com ) : Allelopathic effect of cleavers (Galium aparine) on germination and early growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Allelopathy J 2008, 22(1), 25-34.

Aqueous extracts were prepared from the roots, stem, leaves and fruit of mature cleavers (Galium aparine) plants and soil taken from its field, to determine the allelopathic effects on germination and seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the laboratory. At 20°C, time taken for 50% germination and reduction in germination index was maximum, whereas, at 15°C, germination time was maximum. The aqueous extracts reduced the root and shoot length and biomass of wheat seedlings by 34.0 to 67.9%, 10.4 to 61.6% and 16.5 to 38.0%, respectively. The fruit extract of G. aparine proved most harmful to root and shoot length and seedling biomass of wheat. However, root extract increased the shoot dry weight (32.4%) and seedling biomass (11.4%) over control. Soil beneath the G. aparine plants also significantly reduced the shoot length, dry weight and seedling biomass but increased the root dry weight of wheat seedlings. Thus soil incorporated plant residues of this weed may have broad implications for the growth of succeeding crop.

2 illus, 4 tables

000392   Abenavoli M R;Nicolo A;Lupini A;Oliva S; Sorgona A (Dipartimento di Biotecnologie per il Monitoraggio Agro-Alimentare ed A, Universita Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Facolta di Agraria-Loc. Feo di Vito, I89124 Reggio Calabria RC, Italy, Email: mrabenavoli@unirc.it) : Effect of different allelochemicals on root morphology of Arabidopsis thaliana. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(1), 245-50.

Non-linear regression analysis was applied to assess the phytotoxicity of trans-cinnamic acid, umbelliferone and coumarin on the whole root system of Arabidopsis thaliana and on the component root types (primary root and lateral roots). The different root types exhibited different sensitivities to these allelochemicals. At low concentrations, coumarin induced a hormetic effect on root elongation both in the whole root system and also on the lateral roots but not on primary root. This confirm coumarin's selective effect on particular root types. Conversely, both umbelliferone and trans-cinnamic acid caused only inhibitory effects (no hormetic effects) on the whole root system and also on its components. Allelochemicals phytotoxicity on the whole root system and on both root types showed the hierarchy:trans-cinnamic acid ≥ umbelliferone > coumarin.

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref