017593   Kulkarni R Y;Dev D V (Botany Dep, Yogeshwari Mahavidyalaya, Ambajogai-431 517) : Growth of some fodder and fuel trees under association with different shrubs and grasses. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(2), 351-8.

While considering the vital role of forest as grazing resource, the importance of fodder cum fuel trees need to be assessed to establish and procure more fuel during greater part of the year. Be sides other parameters, the search on fodder tree evaluation as fodder resource is necessary with other crops. The vital role of wasteland areas and to convert them into productive ecosystems by making use of different shrubs was considered pre-eminent. In this direction, a continuous program for three years was conducted on fundamental cum applied role of shrubland plants in raising biomass productivity.

4 tables, 6 ref

017592   Guo J C;Guo Z;Cheng X L;Wang N R;Ming N N (Research Center of Tobacco and Health, Science and Technology of China Univ, Huizhou Road 1129, Hefei, Anhui 230051, P.R. China, Email: jcguo@ustc.edu.cn) : Reversed phase HPLC studies on the change of the content of organic acids in tobacco during aging. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(1), 605-11.

Tobacco leaf samples from different leaf positions, different aging time were extracted for the determination of organic acids. Organic acids in tobacco have been determined by RP-HPLC method combined with UV detection. The gradient mobile phase employed was 20 mM phosphate buffer (pH 2.6) and acetonitrile at a flow-rate of 1.0 mL/min. Recoveries for organic acids were in the range of 84.2 to 106.3 %. The relative standard deviation of the repeating of the migration time and peak area of five replicate analyses of 11 organic acids ranged from 0.42 to 1.78 % and from 0.47 to 2.5 %, respectively. The results show that organic acids concentrations varied with aging time and different leaf position.

2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

017591   Das M K (P.G. Dep of Botany, G.M. College (Autonomous), Sambalpur-768 004) : Differential response of cyanobacteria to an organo-phosphate pesticide, rogor (Dimethoate 30 EC). Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(1), 139-43.

The differential response of cyanobacteria, collected from the rice field soils of Sambalpur district of Orissa to an organophosphate pesticide, Rogor (dimethoate 30 EC) was examined. Four different cyanobacterial strains viz. Anabaena variabilis, Nostoc muscorum, Calothrix parietina and Westiellopsis prolifica were selected for the study. They showed their relative tolerance to the test pesticide. Rogor in laboratory culture, so far their growth, chlorophyll-a content, carotenoid, protein and extra-cellular amino acids are concerned. Of the test organisms, Calothrix parietina was comparatively more tolerant, while Anabaena variabilis was more sensitive to Rogor. However, Nostoc musrorum that does not possess thick slime layer tolerated relatively higher pesticide doses. A pesticide concentration dependent reduction in chlorophyll-a content, carotenoid, protein and extra-cellular amino acids of the organisms was observed.

5 tables, 26 ref

017590   Chaudhry P K;Devendra Kumar;Arya K P S (Botany Dep, C.C.R. (P.G.) College, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh) : Fluoride toxicity on the growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Asian J Bio Sci 2009, 3(2), 240-2.

Effect of fluoride toxicity has been studied on growth and yield characters viz. plant height, tillers number, leaves, leaf area, number of ears/ plant, dry wt. /m², Test wt. of 1000 seeds and yield /m² of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) of two varieties, WL75 and UP2003. The experiments were conducted at C.C.R. (P.G.) College Muzaffarnagar in the year 2002 and 2003. Simple Randomized Blocks Design was followed with five conc, of Sodium fluoride such as 10,25, 50, 100 and 200 ppm along with control for four replications. The results were found significant. 100-200 ppm doses of sodium fluoride were found toxic for both the varieties of wheat.

1 table, 25 ref

017589   Alpana;Biswas S (Systematic Botany Discipline, Botany Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehraqdun, Uttarakhand) : Taxonomical identification on the present status of poplar clones in India. Asian J Bio Sci 2009, 3(2), 317-19.

Poplars have been successfully incorporated in agroforestry plantation. Wood of poplar plays an important role in the national economy of the country. As clonal material is bound to mix up while exchanging the stock during plantation and distribution by the planters and non-technical hands, there is loss of identity and subsequently resulting in to poor yield of wood for any specific purpose. Due to poor yield of wood, the national economy is also affected. To solve this problem studies were carried out based on morphological characters of leaf phyllotaxy, leafstalk, petiole, leaf base, kinds of leaf, leaf texture and number, shape and colour of glands on the taxonomical features of useful clones of P. deltoides viz. WSL-56 [C-5], WSL-16 [C-8], ST-71 [C-18], ST-153 [C-36], WSL-12[C-38], 112107 [C-92], WSL-9[C-135],G-48[C-194],D121 [C-195],andS7C15[C-197]. Artificial key for identification of taxa has been developed for removal of confusion, duplication or materials with superfluous identity. Difficult botanical terms have been avoided in the key. The leaf characters in the key are intended to apply to mature foliage on the lower third of long shoots of medium vigour taken in the second half of the summer.

5 ref

017588   Akramian M;Ebrahimi S N;Joharchi M R (Horticulture Dep, Faculty of Horticulture and Plant Protection, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran, Email: s_ebrahimi@sbu.ac.ir) : Essential oil composition of Hymenocrater platystegius Rech. f. from Iran. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2008, 11(2), 199-202.

Essential oil composition of the aerial parts of Hymenocrater platystegius Rech. f., a plant endemic to Iran, was studied by GC and GC-MS. The oil was obtained by hydrodistillation of air-dried samples. The yield of the oil was 0.1 % (w/w) and it had a pale yellow color with a distinct sharp odor. Forty-two compounds were identified representing about 99.8 % of the total oil. Monoterpene hydrocarbons (45.3 %) constituted the principal fraction, followed by oxygen-containing monoterpenes (26.7 %). The main components were found to be α-pinene (20.6 %), 1,8-cineole (18.6 %), β-pinene (9.9 %), δ-cadinene (4.2 %), myrcene (3.5 %) and linalool (3.3%).

1 table, 7 ref

017587   Ahmad T;Ali H;Shafiq Ansari M (Plant Protection Dep, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences Muslim Univ, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh) : Biology of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linn.) on Brassica juncea cv. pusa bold. Asian J Bio Sci 2009, 3(2), 260-2.

Biology of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella was studied under protected natural and laboratory condition on mustard crop. Oviposition period 4.5±0.38 days of Plutella xylostella in field condition while, 6.5±0.41 days in laboratory condition. It passed through four instar, the larval periods are 9.5±0.36,16.5±0.41, 7.5±0.79 and 7.5±0.72 days, respectively. The pupal period ranged from 10.0± 1.5 8 days. Adult longevity of males and females 12.5± 1.11 and 20.0± 1.00 days in field condition. In laboratory condition the larval periods ranged from 5.0±0.55,3.5 ±0.60,4.0±0.45 and 3.5±0.85 days and the pupal period ranged from 4.50±1.11 days. The adult longevity of males and females 8.0±0.70 and 11.0±0.82 days. The life period of males and females 64.5±5.02 and 72.0±5.09 days in field condition while, in laboratory condition 32.5±4.03 and 35.5±4.32 days.

2 tables, 19 ref

016503   Yadav B L;Meena K L (Botany Dep, MLV Government College, Bhilwara-311 001) : Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. (Solanaceae): a new record for Rajasthan, India.. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 749-53.

Solarium sisymbriifolium Lam. (Solanaceae) collected from Bhilwara is reported for the first time in Rajasthan. Morphological features, time of flowering & fruiting, ecological notes and distribution of this species have been provided.

1 illus, 10 ref

016502   Wakte K V;Nadaf A B (Botany Dep, Pune Univ, Pune-411 007) : Perception of light and shade by some weeds. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(4), 771-6.

Study the distribution pattern of weeds with respect to their sunlight requirement is studied. For the study, five sites on the campus of University of Pune, Pune were selected and the vegetation growing beneath and outside the tree canopy was studied. The light intensity was recorded using Lux meter and with the help of random quadrats, frequency, abundance and density of these species was recorded. In addition, soil moisture and soil depth was also taken into consideration.The observations revealed that the species like Synedrella nodiflora L. grows under shade only and its density gradually reduces with increase 'in light intensity. The Achyranthus aspera Linn. and Lagasca mollis Cav. was recorded at the peripheral region of tree canopy under shade. Interestingly, Cassia uniflora Mill. grows only under open sunlight intensity and never found grown under shade. On some sites under open sunlight where the moisture regimes are less along with less soil depth, instead of Cassia uniflora Mill. Poaceae members were found growing. Thus with respect to above species it is concluded that the species have different levels of light perception that determines their distribution pattern and density under natural growth.

1 illus, 5 tables, 10 ref

016501   Vikraman R R;Pandurangan A G;Thulasidas G (Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562) : Garden escaped exotics of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(4), 765-82.

One of the major ways of exotic plant entry in to the flora of a region is escape from the ornamental gardens. The garden escaped exotic species may establish along with the natural flora or even subdue the latter and lead to the degeneration of indigenous species. Mostly such escapes are from established cities and towns with many public and private gardens. Thiruvananthapuram being the capital city of the erstwhile kingdom of Travancore as well as the present Kerala State, chances of exotic plant introduction and escapes are relatively high. This paper documents such exotic ornamental plants that have spread beyond cultivation, affecting the indigenous flora in their different levels of distribution in Thiruvananthapuram district.

51 ref

016500   Verma S;Kaul V;Magotra R;Koul A K (Centre for Biodiversity Studies, School of Biosciences and Biotechnolo, BGSB Univ, Rajouri-185 131, Email: eremurus@rediffmail.com) : Pollinator-induced anther dehiscence in Incarvillea emodi. Curr Sci 2008, 94(11), 1372-4.

3 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

016499   Verma S;Chauhan N S (Institute of Integrated Himalayan Studies (UGC Centre of Excellence), H.P Univ, Summer Hill, Shimla-171 005) : Evaluation of Bunium persicum (Boiss.)Fedtsch (Kalazeera) gerplasm in Himachal Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(2), 342-9.

Wealth of Medicinal and Aromatic plants in Himachal Pradesh constitutes an inspiring fund of variation, because of wide range of climatic and geographical conditions. From this colossal base of variability, desired genotypes/ characters can be selected to improve efficiency and productivity of species and conserve the same for posterity as the total genetic diversity is being threatened by human notoriety. The objectives of investigations were to evaluate different collections of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) Fedtsch for their growth and yield parameters. Survey of different areas of Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh was done to collect Kalazeera germplasm and allied species. Twenty collections of Bunium persicum, which formed the base material for present investigations, were assessed for fourteen characters under this study. Maximum characters recorded statistically significant results which is an indication of existing high amount of variability between these collections. Same results have been revealed in the present paper.

3 tables, 7 ref

016498   Verma R K;Chaurasia L;Katiyar S (Building Pests and Mycology Laboratory, Environmental Science and Tech, Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), CSIR, Roorkee-247 667, Email: rkverma_cbri@yahoo.co.in) : Potential antifungal plants for controlling building fungi. Nat Prod Radiance 2008, 7(4), 374-87.

The synthetic fungicides such as Pentachlorophenol, Tributyltin oxide, Zinc carboxylate, etc. have been removed from markets due to their harmful effects on the environment, residue problem and carcinogenic nature. However, the fungicides derived from plant products are safer alternatives for fungi control because they are richest source of bioactive phytochemicals such as alkaloids, terpenoides, polyacetylenes, unsaturated isobutylamides and phenolics. Plant products, traditionally used as biocides in indigenous culture are being re-evaluated for safer means of fungi control as compared to the synthetic. Paper is an attempt to summarize antifungal potency of various plants along with their part (s) used, type of extracts and test fungi. In view of antifungal properties of some of these plants against some fungi found on buildings, it is hoped that detailed studies may yield many more effective natural fungicides for controlling various types of building fungi. Some fungi found commonly on buildings have also been discussed in the paper for ready reference and further studies on their possible control by plant extracts.

10 illus, 1 table, 52 ref

016497   Vasudeva Rao M K (NO, , A-12, Shivranjani Society, Pune-411 014) : Chiloschista parishii seidenf. (Orchidaceae) in the Andaman Islands. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 754-7.

Earlier record of Chiloschista lunifera (Reichb. f.) J.J. Sm. for India, including the Andaman islands, is erroneous and the species is Chilloschista parishii Seidenf.

1 illus

016496   Vasudeva Rao M K (NO, , A-12, Shiv Ranjani Society, Somnath Nagar, Pune-411 014) : Canthium andamanicum M. Gangop. & Chakrab. (Rubiaceae) of the Andaman islands, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 662.

Canthium andamanicum M. Gangop. & Chakrab. is ascertained to be an already known endemic species of the Andaman Islands, Canthium gracilipes Kurz.

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016495   Udayan P S;Tushar K V;George S;Balachandran I (Centre for Medicinal Plants Research, Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, Changuvetty, Malappuram Dist.-676 503) : Notes on some endemic, medicinal, rare and red listed plants from the Western ghats of Kakkayam forest, Kozhikode, (Calicut) district, Kerala, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 581-94.

Exploratory survey was conducted to assess the distribution and status of medicinal plants in Kakkayam forest, Kozhikode district, Kerala State and for the collection of medicinal plants for the ex-situ gene bank in Kottakkal. During this survey 29 rare, endemic, endangered red listed and medicinal plant species were collected, which have taxonomical and distribution merits. Among them 25 species are added to the Flora of Calicut district.

17 ref

016494   Swain P K;Rama Rao N (NO, , Wood Biodegradation Centre (Marine), Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Via Yoga Village, Beach Road, Andhra Univ, Email: pkswainiwst@gmail.com) : Brownlowia tersa (L.) Kosterm. (Tiliaceae)-an addition to the flora of Southern India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 516-18.

Brownlowia tersa (L.) Kosterm. - a mangrove associate has been recorded for the first time from Godavari delta, Andhra Pradesh and forms an addition to the flora of southern India.

21 ref

016493   Sukumaran S;Raj A D S (Botany and Research Centre Dep, Scoot Christian College (Autonomous), Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu-629 003) : Petiveria alliacea Linn. (Phytolaccaceae): a new record from sacred groves of Kanyakumari district in southern western ghats. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 595-8.

Rare and endangered medicinal plant Petiveria alliacea Linn.has been newly located from sacred groves of Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, Southern Western Ghats. The present enumeration is an attempt to update the Angiosperms Flora of the sacred groves, Tamil Nadu. Detailed description illustration and ecology has also been provided.

1 illus, 7 ref

016492   Sudhakar Reddy C;Raju V S;Varma Y N R (Forestry and Ecology Div, National Remote Sensing Agency, Balanagar, Hyderabad-500 037) : New variety of Polycarpaea corymbosa (L.) Lam. (Caryophyllaceae) from Andhra Pradesh, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 519-21.

Polycarpuea corymbosa (L.) Lam. var. yadagiriense, a new variety, is described here from Yadagirigutta in Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, India.

1 table, 6 ref

016491   Srivastava C;Srivastava A K (Botany Dep, Mahatma Gandhi Post Graduate College, Gorakhpur-273 001) : Antidiabetic plants of eastern Uttar Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 710-18.

Diabetes is the 4th dreadful disease in the developed countries of the World, Diabetes not only effects the immune system of the body but also effects sexual power, loss in weight, scanty urination in night, skin eruption, wounds which take long time to heal, eye sight, function of kidney and associated heart problems. About 4 million people of India are suffering with this disease. The treatment of diabetes has posed a challenge to the medical world. Even the highly advanced method and technology for diabetes treatment available in allopathic system of medicine has its own limitation as some cause several sides effects. So, alternative system of medicine is required which usually employs natural sources specially herbs (plants) for treatment. The World is gaining attention towards the herbal medicines, which have minimum or no side effects. There are so many herbs possessing bioactive principles which act at molecular level and may be used to cure this disease. In the present paper an attempt has been taken to enumerate the medicinal plants of eastern Uttar Pradesh which are found to be useful in the treatment of diabetes. A brief discussion about 48 plants, their common/vernacular names along with their, families, chemical constituents (wherever known) and uses are provided.

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016490   Sreelekha M;Jirovetz L;Shafi P M (Chemistry Dep, Calicut Univ, Calicut-673 635, Email: shafimuham@rediffmail.com) : Comparative study of the essential oils from Hemidesmus indicus and Decalepis hamiltonii. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(6), 4942-4.

The essential oils from the dry roots of Decalepis hamiltonii and Hemidesmus indicus were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Five and seven compounds respectively were identified. 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde was found to be the major component in D. hamiltonii (96.29%) as well as H. indicus (97.89%). In addition, a comparison of the essential oils from previously investigated fresh and these dry roots of H. indicus was done which showed that 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde was not lost during drying.

^ssc1 table, 9 ref

016489   Singh S;Singh A K (Botany Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi-221 002, Email: ajaiupcollege@yahoo.co.in) : Seedling morphology of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv. and N. rustica (Solanaceae). J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(4), 904-8.

The seedling morphology of two exotic taxa Nicotiana plunibaginifolia Viv. and N. rustica L. of the family Solanaceae have been observed upto 5th true leaf stage. Some seedling attributes viz. collet, colour of hypocotyl, shape, base, apex and venation of seed leaves and their persistence and shape; apex and venation of true leaves have been found useful in distinguishing the taxa studied. This has been supported by the construction of an artificial key and illustration. RS values are also recorded.

1 illus, 5 ref

016488   Singh S C (NO, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow) : Anticancerous plants of Lucknow district. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 681-90.

It was revealed that ca 143 plant species are either biologically active or used against one or other type of cancer. The species are enumerated alphabetically with their known anticancer/cytotoxic activity against each plant species.

15 ref

016487   Singh R K;Rao P S N (Botanical Survey of India, Western Circle, 7-Koregaon Road, Pune-411 001) : Genus ischaemum L (Poaceae) in India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(4), 797-838.

Genus Ischaemum is represented by 54 species, 3 varieties and 2 sub-varieties. According to the present study undertaken on the taxonomic review of species of the genus Ischaemum L., there are 27 species, 1 subspecies and 8 varieties recognized and presented here. Out of them, 2 species (I. magnum Rendle & I. burmanicum Bor) are new additions to the Indian Flora. Changes in status for some species and new combinations have been proposed by giving short descriptions, notes and keys.

55 ref

016486   Singh M;Ali S J (Botany Dep, Shibli National College (Purvanchal Univ), Azamgarh) : Aquatic angiosperms of district Mau (East U P). J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(4), 877-90.

During the course of study on aquatic angiosperms of district Mau, 143 spp. belonging to 101 genera and 46 families were recorded. Besides correct botanical name of the species, their habitat, flowering and fruiting periods, local name, if any, and the category of hydrophyte is given. Physiography of the area and the climate type is also mentioned.

1 table, 37 ref

016485   Singh A P;Nath V;Asthana A K (Botany Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007) : Genera Calypogeia raddi emend. Nees and Metacalypogeia (Hatt.) inoue from Meghalaya, eastern Himalayas- India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 562-76.

Genus Calypogeia Raddi emend. Nees and Metacalypogeia (Hatt.) Inoue of the family Calypogeiaceae have been studied from Khasi and Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Calypogeia Raddi is represented in above region by six species, i.e. Calypogeia marginella Mitt., C. khasiana sp. nov., C. azurea Stotler et Crotz., C. fissa (L.) Raddi, C. lunata Mitt. and C. arguta Nees et Mont. Amongst which, C. khasiana sp. nov. is a new species from Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. This taxon is characterized by long (60 mm) plants, larger leaves, narrowed apex, subacute to acute (very rarely emarginate); bisbifid underleaves, acute-acuminate, lobes not divergent. However, genus Metacalypogeia (Hatt.) Inoue is represented by single species: Metacalypogeia alternifolia (Nees) Grolle. An illustrated account with key to the species of the genus Calypogeia is provided.

29 ref

016484   Singh A P;Nath V;Asthana A K (Botany Dep, Lucknow University, Lucknow-226 007) : Genera Calypogeia Raddi Emend Nees and Metacalypogeia (HATT.) inoue from Meghalaya, Eastern Himalayas-India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(4), 984-98.

Genus Calypogeia Raddi emend. Nees and Metacalypogeia (Hatt.) Inoue of the family Calypogeiaceae have been studied from Khasi and Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Calypogeia Raddi is represented in above region by six species, i.e. Calypogeia marginella Mitt., C. khasiana sp. nov., C. azurea Stotler et Crotz., C. fissa (L.) Raddi, C. lunata Mitt, and C. arguta Nees et Mont. Amongst which C. khasiana sp. nov. is a new species from Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. This taxon is characterized by long (60 mm) plants, larger leaves, narrowed apex, subacute to acute (very rarely emarginate); bisbifid underleaves, acute-acuminate, lobes not divergent. However, genus Metacalypogeia (Hatt.) Inoue is represented by single species, Metacalypogeia alternifolia (Nees) Grolle. An illustrated account with key to the species of the genus Calypogeia is provided.

31 illus, 29 ref

016483   Singh A K;Yogini Devi;Srivastava M;Singh S (Botany Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi-221 002) : Genus Alternanthera Forssk. (Amaranthaceae) in south-eastern Uttar Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(2), 393-402.

Taxonomic account of the genus Alternanthera Forssk. in South-Eastern Uttar Pradesh (Chandauli, Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Mirzapur and Varanasi districts) is presented here. A key to the six species is provided along with detailed descriptions, flowering and fruiting period, distribution, ecology, critical notes and uses if any. Line drawings of different floral parts are also given. Two species, viz. A. bettzichiana (Regel) Nicolson and A. philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. are found as new record for the Upper Gangetic Plain.

3 illus, 31 ref

016482   Singh A K;Singh S;Srivastava M;Srivastava S (Botany Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi-221 002) : Seed and seedling morphology of a common medicinal weed- Solanum nigrum L.. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(2), 316-19.

Contribution deals with seed and seedling morphology of a very common weed Solarium nigrum L. from Varanasi. Seedling morphology is observed for 57 days up to 5th true leaf stage. Seedling morphology showed that seed germination is epigeal, the seedlings are macranga type and phanerocotylar. The seed leaves are opposite and persist up to 6th or 7th true leaf stages, ovate, entire, green, hairy with unicostate reticulate venation. The first true leaf is similar to subsequent leaves except lacerate margin and acute apex.

1 illus, 5 ref

016481   Singh A K;Singh S;Srivastava M;Ansari A A (Botany Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi-221 002) : Morpho-taxonomic studies on seeds and seedlings of four narcotic plants of Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(4), 891-6.

Morpho-taxonomic findings on seeds and seedlings of four well known narcotic plants, viz. Cannabis sativa L., Datura metel L., Nicotiana rustica L. and Papaver somniferum L. found in Varanasi district and adjoining areas are reported in the present paper. Some morpho-taxonomic attributes of seeds and seedlings have been found to be useful in distinguishing the taxa studied and are supported by artificial keys and illustrations.

1 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

016480   Singh A K;Singh S;Devi Y (Botany Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi-221 002) : Morpho-taxonomic observations on seedlings of two common weeds - Croton bonplandianus baill. and Xanthium indicum koeing from Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh). J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(2), 311-15.

Seedling morphology of two common weeds Croton bonplandianus Baill. and Xanthium indicum Koenig are observed for 31 and 45 days respectively up to 5th true leaf stages. The growth in height patterns are 9.6 cm in C. bonplandianus and 9.5 cm in X. indicum. S:R ratio are also recorded.

1 illus, 11 ref

016479   Singh A K;Pandey R K;Singh P;Singh S;Yogini Devi (Botany Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi-221 002) : Distribution of angiospermic macrophytes in water bodies of Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(2), 320-32.

Deals with the distribution of angiospermic macrophytes in 126 water bodies of Varanasi district. A total of 185 angiospermic macrophytes have been provided in tabulated form along with associated water bodies and their seasonality. Out of 185 species, 85 were dicotyledons and 100 monocotyledons. About 68% of monocots belong to the families Cyperaceae and Poaceae. The most dominant genus was Cyperus L. The area, pH and transparency of 29 water bodies were also recorded.

1 illus, 3 tables, 60 ref

016478   Singh A K (Botany Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi-221 002, Email: ajaiupcollege@yahoo.co.in) : Assessment of bio-diesel production from Jatropha curcas L.-a review. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 734-41.

Jatropha, the wonder plant, produces seeds with 31-37 per cent of oil content. This oil can be combusted as fuel without being refined. It bears clear smoke-free flame. Oil bearing plants such as Jatropha, palm and sunflower can be cultivated on wastelands to produce bio-diesel. This has several advantages: it can be integrated with the rural economy, almost CO₂ neutral and a large employment generation potential. The scarcity of crude oil comes at an inconvenient time for rapidly growing economies like India and China, whose elasticity of energy consumption to GDP is more than 1. The Indian Economy is showing robust growth of around 8%. By 2040, one in five Indians is expected to own a car as against one in 100 now. India is likely to account for 15% of the world's oil demand by 2040. India's domestic production of crude oil has almost stagnated at around 11 million tonnes per annum. Crude oil imports touched 90 million tonnes in 2003-04 and will only increase further. Unlike developed countries, India has a diesel-based economy. Diesel consumption is about five times than that of petrol. Crude oil prices recently crossed US $ 75/bbl, fuelling serious concerns whether India's rapidly expanding economy can sustain a high and growing level of crude oil imports. There are also serious concerns of global warming from burning of fossil fuels. Given India's ambitions growth targets, volatility of crude oil prices and concerns of climate change, this may be the time for India to explore substitute for diesel. An assessment of production of bio-diesel from Jatropha with special reference to India is discussed in this article.

^iia3 tables, 9 ref

016477   Sharma T P;Borthakur S K (Forest Dep, State Medicinal Plant Board, Deorali, Sikkim-737 102) : New species of Chimonobambusa makino (Poaceae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(4), 783-5.

Chimonobambusa jainii Sharma et Borthakur, a new species of bamboo is described from Arunachal Pradesh, India.

016476   Sharma S C;Aggarwal R K (Herbarium, Botany Dep, , Govt. Dungar (P.G.) College, Bikaner) : Phytodiversity of Nagaur district in Rajasthan. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(2), 359-74.

Deals with the phytodiversity of Nagaur district, based on floristic exploration during the year 2004-2006. In this work, a total number of 369 species belonging to 241 genera and 85 family of 4 different groups of phytodiversity viz.. algae (2), bryophytes (2), pteridophytes (4) and angiosperms (361) were recorded.

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016475   Shanmugavadivu R;Subramanian M S (Physiology Section, Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Phytochemical constitution of Albizzia lebbeck Benth. Asian J Bio Sci 2009, 4(1), 107-9.

The macroscopic character of the leaf, physical constant values, extractive values, behaviour of powder with different chemical reagents, fluorescent character under ultra violet light after the treatment with different reagents of the powdered leaf of Albizzia lebbeck Benth (Leguminosae) were studied to fix some pharmacognostical parameters. Preliminary phytochemical screening on the methanol extract of the plant were also performed with the view to identify the plant character in future research.

5 tables, 12 ref

016474   Shanmugam S;Ramar S;Ragavendhar K;Ramanathan R;Rajendran K (Centre for Research & P G Dept. of Botany, Thiagarajar College, Madurai-625 009, Email: kuppurajendran@rediffmail.com ) : Plants used as medicine by paliyar tribes of shenbagathope in Virudhunagar District of Tamil Nadu. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(4), 922-9.

Survey was carried out and obsei-vations were made in hills of Shenbagathope in Virudhunagar district of Tamilnadu, India and information regarding the existing medicinal plants and their local name, medicinal use, plant parts used and method of use was recorded. The study revealed that there are many plant species traditionally used by the tribals and villagers. The traditional medicinal uses of 58 angiospermic plant species belonging to 54 genera of 31 families for various diseases and ailments like wounds, cuts, stomach pain, diabetes, fever, cold, poisonous bites etc have been recorded.

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016473   Savitha A;Manju C;Nair K P;Rajesh;Ramani M P (Botany Dep, Zamorin's Guruvayurappan College, Kozhikode-14) : Cololejeunea latilobula (Herzog) Tixier and Schiffneriolejeunea pulopenangensis (Gott.) Gradst. (Lejeuneaceae: Marchantiopsida) two new bryophyte records for Kerala. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 577-80.

Cololejeunea lutilobula (Herzog) Tixier and Schiffneriolejeunea pulopenangensis (Gott.) Gradst. of Lejeuneaceae are reported here as new records for Kerala State.

1 illus, 4 ref

016472   Sahai K (Seed Biology Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001) : Note on the multipurpose economical status of Canavalia Adans. emend. DC. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(2), 298-301.

Canavalia Adans. emend. DC. - a non-conventional wild legume is discussed here for its multipurpose economical status reported so far. Unfortunately, Canavalia is a neglected crop in most of the countries due to unawareness of the people about its importance and utility. Some of its species are, therefore, gradually becoming rare. Domestication and maximum utilization of its multiple resources as human food, forage, cover crop, green manure, erosion control, phytochemical and pharmaceutical products are the primary steps towards the conservation of valuable species for being extinct in future.

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016471   Robi A J;Magesh G;Menon A R R (NO, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi-680 653, Email: arrmenon@kfri.org) : Pothos thomsonianus Schott (Araceae) : an addition to the angiosperm flora of parambikulam wildlife sanctuary, Kerala, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 628-31.

Pothos thomsonianus Schott is a climber, threatened and endemic to Southern Western Ghats of Peninsular India. The present report is the first distributional record of this endemic taxon from Orukomban range in Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Palakkad District. It is a rare plant, occurs in evergreen forests. Formerly this species has been reported only from Idukki and Thiruvananthapuram Districts of Kerala. The species assumes to have a wider distribution beyond its known distribution. Specimens deposited in the herbarium of Botany Department, KFRI, Peechi, Kerala.

3 illus, 5 ref

016470   Remadevi S;Binoj Kumar M S (Taxonomy Div, Post Graduate Studies and Research in Botany Dep, Sanatana Dharma College, Alleppey-688 003) : New species of Justicia L. (Acanthaceae) from Kerala, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 660-1.

New species of Acanthaceae, Justicia pathanamthittiensis Remadevi et Binoj, K., is described and illustrated from Kerala, India. It differs from its allied species Justicia simplex D.Don in having stem branched from the base, leaves linear elliptic and bracts obovate and obtuse at apex.

1 illus, 2 ref

016469   Remadevi S;Binoj Kumar M S (Taxonomy Div, Post Graduate Studies and Research in Botany Dep, Sanatana Dharma College, Alleppey-688 003) : New species of lepidagathis (Acanthaceae) from Kerala, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 554-6.

New species, Lepidagathis balakrishnanii Remadevi et Binoj, K., is described and illustrated from Kerala, India. It differs from its allied species Lepidagathis spinosa Wight in having glabrous and mucronate leaves, short peduncle and glandular bracts.

1 illus

016468   Ravi Prasad Rao B;Lakshmaiah A;Rajeswaramma P M;Sridhar Reddy M;Sadasivaiah B;Khadar Basha S (Conservation Ecology Div, Botany Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya Univ, Anantapur-515 003, Email: rao_rp@rediffmail.com) : Agrestal of southern Andhra Pradesh region. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 694-709.

estals are weeds of agricultural systems that compete with crops for nutrients, water, space and light. A total of 541 weed taxa comprising of 538 species (351 dicots, 189 monocots and one pteridophyte) belonging to 283 genera and 61 families wore enumerated in various crop fields of six districts in southern Andhra Pradesh region. Poaceae is the most diverse family at both generic and species level. Members of Poaceae, Fabaccae, Cyperaceae, constituting 41%, are the prominent weeds in this region. Echinochloa crus-galli is the dominant weed in rice crop, while Cyperus rotundus is the serious competitor in groundnut.

2 tables, 17 ref

016467   Rasingam L;Diwakar P G;Pandey R P (NO, , Botanical Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Circle, Port Blair-744 102) : New additions to the flora of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 678-80.

Four plant taxa, viz. Corchorus capsularis L., Ammannia baccifera L. ssp. aegyptiaca (Willd.) Koehne, Dentella serpyllifolia Wall, ex Airy Shaw and Euphorbia serpens Kunth are described here as new additions to the flora of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

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016466   Rasingam L;Diwakar P G;Pandey R P (NO, , Botanical Survey of India, Andaman & Nicobar Circle, Port Blair-744 102) : Some new combinations in the family Apocynaceae. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 550.

Four new combinations are proposed in the family Apocynaceac for India.

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016465   Raghubanshi A S (Botany Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: raghubansh@gmail.com) : Nitrogen cycling in Indian terrestrial natural ecosystems. Curr Sci 2008, 94(11), 1404-12.

Nitrogen (N) is essential to the survival of all life forms and often limits productivity, decomposition and the long-term accumulation of carbon in terrestrial ecosystems. Soil and vegetation are the respective primary and secondary sinks for N in terrestrial ecosystems. Litter production determines the amount and quality of N returned to the forest floor and mineral soil. Decomposition of litter is crucial for N recycling and is influenced by a number of factors, including litter concentrations of N and lignin, C : N and lignin : N ratios, moisture and temperature. In many ecosystems, soil microbial biomass acts as a source and sink of plant-available N. Retranslocation of N during leaf senescence could also be a significant source of plant nutrient supply and is likely to meet a significant proportion of N demand of the developing leaves of forest tree species. Ecosystem transboundary exchanges of N are little understood for Indian terrestrial biomes. Indian studies show that landuse change, slash and burn agriculture, pollution and species invasion are some of the important drivers altering natural N cycle in many ecosystems, but we know little about the impact of anthropogenic N input.

2 illus, 6 tables, 69 ref

016464   Prasad A;Panikkar M V N (Botany Dep, Government College, Chavara, Kollam) : Species of Oscillatoria vaucher from Kerala, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(4), 909-21.

Total number of 42 taxa of the genus Oscillatoria, including 38 species, three f'ormae and one variety are described with illustrations. Among these one species (O. anandii) is new to science and 10 species are supposed to be new to India. All these taxa are collected from different parts of Kerala.

58 illus, 15 ref

016463   Prasad A;Ampli P (Botany Dep, Government College, Chavara, Kollam, Kerala) : Selected species of the family Chroococcaceae from Kerala. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(4), 786-96.

Total number of 27 taxa from the family Chroococcaceae are described with illustrations. These taxa belong to four genera, viz. Gloeocapsa (8 spp.), Gloeothece (2 spp,), Aphanocapsa (9 spp.), Aphanothece (8 spp.). Among these, five species, viz. Gloeocapsa livida, G. minuta, Gloeothece dubla, Aphanocapsa parietina and Aphanothece heterospora are believed to be new to India.

35 illus, 13 ref

016462   Poorbabaei H;Shahraji T R (Forestry Dep, Faculty of Natural Resources, Guilan Univ, Somehsara, P.O. Box 1144, Guilan, Iran, Email: H_Pourbabaei@erijd.ir) : Floristic composition and plant species diversity in altitudinal classes of the managed forests, Asalem region, Talesh, north of Iran. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(4), 677-86.

In the study managed forests were divided into altitudinal classes regarding variation in plant species composition. In each altitudinal class, the tree, tree regeneration, shrub and herbaceous species were taken using selective sampling method in both northern and southern aspects.The results revealed that 116 plant species were found in the studied forests. The mean number of individuals and basal area of trees per plot and the mean number of shrubs and tree regeneration per subplot in southern were higher than northern aspect. Species diversity indices in tree, shrub and tree regeneration layers were higher in southern than northern aspect. In addition, diversity indices in herbaceous layer were higher in southern than northern aspect. The result of beta diversity showed that at all layers the southern were of higher values than the northern aspects.

6 tables, 47 ref

016461   Pattnaik A K;Panda P C;Patnaik S N (NO, , Nandankanan Biological Park, Mayur Bhawan, Sahid Nagar, Bhubaneswar-751 014) : Diversity, distribution and taxonomy of sea grasses of chilika lagoon, Orissa - the largest brackish water lagoon of India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(2), 381-92.

Diversity pattern of distribution and spread of five sea grass species in Chilika lagoon (Orissa, India), one of the largest brackish water lagoons of Asia and a Ramsar site, have been discussed in relation to nature of substratum, depth and salinity of water and other ecological parameters. Approximately, a 4-fold (389%) increase in the coverage of sea grass meadows was observed during the period 2000- 2004 as assessed by remote sensing techniques and this could be attributed to the hydrological intervention for restoration of the lagoon. Of the five species of sea grass, the taxonomy of which is also given in the paper, the occurrence of Halodule uninervis (Forssk.) Aschers. in Chilika lagoon is a new distributional record for the East Coast of India and is of considerable phytogeographical importance. Besides this, Halophila ovata Gaud., Halodule pinifolia (Miki.) den Hartog and Halodule uninervis (Forssk.) Aschers. are reported from the lagoon for the first time.

2 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref