016460   Patil R V;Kolase S V;Kadam K G (NO, , Breeder Seed Production (Vegetable), Seed Cell, MPKV, Rahuri, Maharashtra) : Effect of micronutrients on seed production in brinjal (Solanum melongena). Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(4), 835-6.

Experiment was carried out at Breeder Seed Production (Vegetable) farm MPKV, Rahuri during Kharif 2004-05 to find out the effect of micronutrients on seed production in Brinjal. It was found that the seed yield of Brinjal can be increased significantly by three sprays of mixture of all nutrients (i.e. Boric acid, Zinc sulphate, Ammonium molyb-date, Copper sulphate, Ferrous sulphate, Manganese sulphate) at 100 ppm, first spray was given before flowering, second spray after third picking and third 15 days after second spray.The maximum seed germination, seed vigor and seed yield was recorded 84.00%, 12.09 and 4.52 q/ha respectively, followed by commercial formulation (Multiplex), while the minimum germination percentage 82.67%, seed vigor 9.51 and seed yield 4.31 q/ha respectively was recorded in the treatment Control (water spray).

^ssc1 table, 4 ref

016459   Patil G G;Mali P Y;Bhadane V V (Centre for Post-Graduate Studies and Research in Botany, Pratap College, Amalner-425 401, Email: bhadanew@rediffmail.com) : Folk remedies used against respiratory disorders in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra. Nat Prod Radiance 2008, 7(4), 354-8.

Information on 56 plant species used especially for the treatment of respiratory diseases by rural and tribal communities of Jalgaon district, Maharashtra is given in this paper. The paper reveals utilization of 55 species of flowering plants belonging to 34 genera comprising of 34 families and one fern species. Of these, 32 families are of dicotyledons, 2 of monocotyledons and 1 of pteridophytes. Brief information about the plant parts used, botanical and local names, families and the mode of preparation of drugs and method of applications have been given. As the traditional herbal remedies are based on ancestral knowledge and empiric experiences, this type of ethno-medicinal survey appeared to be useful for the research on medicinal plants for the betterment of mankind.

8 illus, 14 ref

016458   Parthasarathy U;Asish G R;Zachariah T J;Saji K V;George J K;Jayarajan K;Mathew P A;Parthasarathy V A (NO, Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR), P.B. No. 1701, Marikunnu Post, Calicut-673 012, Email: utpala@spices.res.in) : Spatial influence on the important volatile oils of Piper nigrum leaves. Curr Sci 2008, 94(12), 1632-5.

Piper nigrum L. is found in a vast altitudinal diversity, and shows great adaptability to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions, which leads to inter-species diversity. P. nigrum collected from the Western Ghats of Karnataka and Kerala were studied for the leaf volatile oil with the help of gas chromatography and the results are plotted in a map with the help of Arc-GIS software to understand the influence of location. Though 7-15 compounds were detected from volatile oils in different accessions, maximum variability was observed with respect to β-caryophyllene and neroli-dol in the leaf oil of P. nigrum and the influence of location on these components is significant.

1 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

016457   Pandey R P;Rasingam L (NO, , Botanical Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Circle, Port Blair-744 102) : Ficus sinuata Thunb. (Moraceae) - a new record from bay islands. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 542-3.

Deals with the detailed description with citation and related phenological data.

3 ref

016456   Pandey R P;Diwakar P G (NO, , Botanical Survey of India, Andaman & Nicobar Circle, Haddo, Port Blair-744 102) : Integrated check - list flora of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(2), 403-500.

Study envisages an upto date check-list of the plants of the area, comprising 2654 species under 237 families and 1083 genera (including Angiosperms, Gymnosperms, Pteridophytes and Bryophytes), which also includes 308 taxa as endemics. Besides this the present study also deals with distribution, present status as known today, floristic analysis of the flora, details of endemics taxa, (*) IUCU Red list of threatened plants of the area, list of species included in CITES and total types available in PBL.

3 tables, 12 ref

016455   Pandey R P;Asingam L R;Palanisamy M (NO, , Botanical Survey of India, Andaman & Nicobar Circle, Port Blair-744 102) : Details of the type specimens deposited in the BSI, Andaman and nicobar circle herbarium, port blair (PBL). J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 636-59.

Deals with the enumeration of 82 taxa, comprising 8 holotype, 69 isotype, 25 paratype and 2 syntype with details of the protologue deposited in the Botanical Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Circle, (PBL) Port Blair. The same has been arranged Family-wise with present taxonomic status of the taxa if necessary.

1 ref

016454   Panda P C;Acharya P K;Debata A K;Acharya L K (Taxonomy & Conservation Div, Regional Plant Resource Centre, Bhubaneswar-751 015) : Geophila repens (Linn.) I.M. Johnston (Rubiaceae) - a new and interesting plant record for eastern India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 632-5.

Genus Geophila D. Don belongs to the tribe Psychotrieae and sub-family Rubioideae of the family Rubiaceae and is comprised of 20 herbaceous species in the World with greater concentration of species in the tropics (Mabberley, 1997). In India, the genus is represented by a single species namely, Geophila repens (L.) I.M. Johnston (= G. reniformis D. Don) so far known to occur in Khasia hills, Western Ghats and the Andaman Islands (Santapau & Henry, 1973). Present record from Orissa extends its distribution to Eastern India.

1 illus, 11 ref

016453   Padmavathi;Katti G;Padmakumari A P;Pasalu I C (NO, Directorate of Rice Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: paddi68@rediffmail.com) : Mortality and fertility life tables of leaf folder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis guenee (Lpidoptera:Pyralidae) in rice. Entomon 2008, 33(1), 1-13.

Identifying key natural enemies and vulnerable life stages of leaf folder are essential for careful planning and developing practical management programs. The present study is an attempt to construct a life table of natural populations of rice leaf folder in India, to delineate and quantify the role of various mortality factors. Analysis of life table data of rice leaf folder based on natural field populations revealed various mortality factors responsible for the fatality of leaf folder at different stages. K-values indicated that the total generation mortality was 72.33% in Dry and 54.15% in Wet seasons, of which biotic factors contributed 34.06% and 29.72% mortality while other factors resulted in 38.27% and 24.43% mortality in the two seasons, respectively. Series of stage-specific mortalities showed maximum mortality in the pupal stage (k₇₊₈ = 0.2957 in Dry and 0.211 in Wet seasons) followed by late larval stage (k₄₊₅₊₆ = 0.1716 in Dry and 0.1202 in Wet seasons). Bio-mortality factors included seven parasitoids, one pathogen and five predators. Of these, pupal parasitoids viz., Brachymeria sp. and Xanthopimpla flavolineata Cameron were the key mortality factors causing 34.15% mortality in Dry and 32.35% in Wet seasons. Survival rates from greenhouse studies indicated higher mortality early in the life cycle i.e., egg and larval stage. Total generation mortality was 26.1% in Dry season and 25.9% in Wet season indicating that ≈ 75% of the population entered into the next generation under greenhouse conditions. Intrinsic rate of natural increase (r_m) was 0.183 females per female per day and the finite rate of increase (A) was 1.2008 females per female per day.

3 illus, 4 tables, 26 ref

016452   Nisha P;Nampy S (Botany Dep, St. Joseph's College, Devagiri, Kozhikode - 8, Kerala) : Selaginella nairii R.D. Dixit (Selaginellaceae : Pteridophyta) : a new record for South India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 559-61.

Selaginella nairii R.D. Dixit hitherto known only from Orissa is reported here for the first first time from South India. Detailed description, illustration and relevant notes are provided for easy identification.

1 illus, 5 ref

016451   Nazarudeen A;Shareef S M (NO, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562, Email: nazaruddintbgri@rediffmail.com) : Enumeration of exotic fruit species grown in Kerala, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(2), 333-41.

23 ref

016450   Nair M C;Rajesh K P;Madhusoodanan P V (Botany Dep, Calicut Univ, Kerala-673 635, Email: mossmoss@rediffmail.com ) : Pinnatella minuta (Mitt.) Broth. (Neckeraceae: Bryopsida) - a new record for Kerala, South India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 547-9.

Illustrated account of Pinnutella minuta (Mitt.) Brolh. of Neckeraceae, reported lor tin-first time from the Indian subcontinent, is given.

1 illus, 3 ref

016449   Murugan C;Natarajan K (Centre for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Botany Dep, St. Xavier's College, Palayamkottai-627 002) : Theriophonum manickamii (araceae) - a new plant species from the Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 618-23.

Theriophonum manickanuii C. Murugan & K. Natarajan sp. nov., a now plant species of Araceae, allied to Theriophonum siuaganganum (Ramam. & Seb.) Bogner, from Sivanthi-patti village, Tirunelveli District-Tamil Nadu, is described and illustrated.

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

016448   Murugan C;Chithra V;Murthy G V S (NO, , Botanical Survey of India, Southern Circle, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: bsisc@rediffmail.com) : Vernonia wightiana Arn. - an addition to Indian Asteraceae from Kerala. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 557-8.

Vernonia wightiana Arn. (Asteraceae), a Sri Lankan species, is new distributional record for India from the Silent Valley National Park, Kerala.

1 illus, 7 ref

016447   Mukherjee S K (Botany Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani-741 235, Email: sobhankr@yahoo.com) : Systematic position of the genus Arnica L. on the basis of cypselar features. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(2), 274-81.

In homeopathic medicine the well known drug 'Arnica' is extracted from the genus Arnica L., belonging to the family Asteraceae, which is Eurasian in origin having about 30 species. Systematic position of this genus is too much controversial. Traditionally the genus Arnica L. had been included under the tribe Senecioneae by many earlier authors like Small (1917), Bentham (1873), Hoffmann (1892) etc. While Nordenstam (1977) had transferred its position from Senecioneae and mentioned its affinity with the tribe Heliantheae. On the contrary, Turner & Powell (1977) recognized this genus as a subtribe Arnicinae with some helenoid genera under the tribe Senecioneae. On the basis of the works of Bremer (1994, 1996), the systematic position of this genus is one of the 8 subtribes - Chaenactidinae Rydb. under the tribe Helenieae. Present detailed morpho - anatomical studies of cypselas of Arnica chamissonis Less, obtained from Zurich Herbarium, Switzerland, clearly support the placement of the genus Arnica L. under the tribe Helenieae as proposed by Bremer (l.c.). This work also partially supports the work of Turner & Powell (I.c.) as well as Nordenstam (I.c.), but the present work directly contradict with the views of earlier workers. On the basis of chemical data obtained by Seigler et al. (1974), the genus is closely allied to both the tribes Helenieae and Heliantheae. Present work also supports this view regarding its systematic position.

2 illus, 33 ref

016446   Mukherjee S (NO, , Flat G-41/10, Omkar Garden, Manikbang, Opp. Bramha Pure Veg. Sinhagadh Road, Pune-411 057, Email: sormu2@rediffmail.com) : Spermoderm sculpture of some orchids from western ghats : their systematic importance. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 501-9.

Orchid seeds are often called "Dust seeds" and are having some peculiar characters. Albeit their minute nature they have been treated as one of the reliable supporting evidence for classification of orchids. The trials have started since long time and are still going on, however, scanty data are available to go up to the species level based only on spermoderm morphology. The shape and the size of the seeds along with the testa sculpture and colour have immense importanoe to identify and distinguishing orchids. This study aims to classify some orchid genera of Western Ghats based on testa structure only.

1 table, 12 ref

016445   Midya A K (Botany Dep, Bankura Sammilani College, Bankura-722 103) : Leaf architecture and pollen morphology of some taxa of polygonaceae in relation to taxonomy. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(4), 939-83.

Leaf architecture of some taxa of family Polygondceae has been studied to evaluate the leaf venation pattern for better understanding of the taxa of Polygonaceae towards phylogeny. Attempt have also been made to identify characters to correlate the leaf venation with pollen characters, useful at generic level and as a whole to classify and correlate the distinct pollen types as well as leaf venation types within the family.

14 illus, 3 tables, 81 ref

016444   Meshkatalsadat M H;Asadi M (Chemistry Dep, Lorestan Univ, P.O. Box 465, Khoramabad, Iran) : Chemical composition of essential oil of Salvia brachycalyx Boiss. at flowering stage from Iran. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(6), 4951-3.

The composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Salvia specie i.e., S. brachycalyxboiss. has been analyzed by GC and GC/MS. During the flowering period, the oil (S. brachycalyx) consisted mainly of monoterpenes. The major components of the oil of S. brachycalyx were 1,8-cineole (76.58%), geraniol (15.08%) and α-pinene (0.78%).

^ssc1 table, 18 ref

016443   Manickam V S;Murugan C (Centre for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Research Dep of Botany, St. Xavier's College, Palayamkottai-627 002) : Nothopegia sivagiriana V.S. manickam & C. murugan: a new plant species of anacardiaceae from Sivagiri hills, Tamil Nadu, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 522-4.

Nothopegia siuagiriana V.S. Manickam & C. Murugan sp. nov. (Anacardiaceae) is described with an illustration from the Sivagiri Hills of southern Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India.

1 illus, 2 ref

016442   Mahato A K (P.G. Dep of Botany, Tata College, Chaibasa, West Singhbhum Jharkhand-833 202) : Two new terrestrial species of Oedogonium (Chlorophyceae : Oedogoniales) from Bihar, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 605-9.

Describes two new terrestrial species of Oedogonium Link (Oedogonium mungencum sp. nov. and Oedogonium pushpae sp. nov.) collected from soil of Munger, Bihar, India. The former species is poriferous whereas the latter bears subpyriform or triangular oospores with rounded ends.

10 illus, 8 ref

016441   Lissy K P;Simon T K (Botany Dep, St. Peter's College, Kolenchery) : Viability, germination and reproductive capacity of different species of Sida linn. and its substitutes. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(4), 843-6.

Freshly harvested seeds of five species of Sida Linn., two species of Urena Linn, and Abutilon indicum G.Don, were subjected to germination studies.The parameters such as embryo viability, seed output and percentage of germination were tested. Under laboratory conditions hard seed coat was the reason for low germination percentage. Pretreatments such as cold treatment, leaching, seed coat puncturing and cone. H₂SO₄ treatments were given to enhance the percentage of germination. Pretreatment with cone. H₂SO₄ showed significant result to break the dormancy. High rate of seed output was available in all most all the taxa under study especially in Sida cordifolia Linn, indicating their high reproductive capacity.The lowest seed output was met with in Sida veronicaefolia Lamk.

2 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

016440   Lata K;Mishra S;Narain S (Duthie Herbarium, Botany Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: sanjaymishra_alld@yahoo.co.in) : Occurrence of Synedrella vialis (Less.) A. gray in Uttar Pradesh, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 610-12.

Synedrella vialis (Less.) A. Gray was collected from Gorakhpur and Kushinagar districts of | Eastern Uttar Pradesh. This species is so far reported only from Maharashtra, Uttaranchal (Dehradun) and Karnataka. Thus, it constitutes a new distributional record for Uttar Pradesh.

1 illus, 4 ref

016439   Kundu S R (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Howrah-711 103, Email: subirranjan25@rediffmail.com) : Synopsis of ranunculaceae in Indian subcontinent: its distribution and endemism. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(4), 839-76.

Preliminary checklist of Ranunculaceae in Indian subcontinent has been prepared on the basis of primary observations of different taxa belonging to this family in wild habitats and on secondary observations based on examining herbarium specimens and taxonomic literature. In the Indian subcontinent (comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India), the family Ranunculaceae is poorly represented (13.28%). The present paper deals with distribution, phytoendemism, possible fossil ancestry, potential, survival threats on existing taxa etc. of Ranunculaceae in Indian subcontinent. For better understanding of the species dynamics of Ranunculaceae in Indian subcontinent, the present status of phytoendemism has been compared to the data of previous investigations done in nineteenth century.

1 illus, 7 tables, 72 ref

016438   Kulkarni R Y;Dev D V (Botany Dep, Yogeshwari Mahavidyalaya, Ambajogai) : Utilization of grass teosinte (Euchleana maxicana) for increased biomass productivity in shrub species. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4), 1591-4.

Experiment was aimed to investigate the total effect of environment developed at the experimental site on the biomass, dry matter and crude protein yields in grass species when cultivated under five-sets of tree environment along with shrub land species. In teosinte the trial conducted revealed that it suited to local condition, harvest managements, sustainable regeneration and growth. It was initially slow to establish but did not pose any problem under tree environment and shrub setup.

1 illus, 4 tables, 3 ref

016437   Kate V V;Karadge B A (Botany Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur, Maharashtra) : Germination behavior of Tribulus terrestris L. in association with soil microflora. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 745-8.

Freshly harvested mature seeds of Tribulus terrestris L. failed to germinate in laboratory conditions with treatments like acid scarification with H2SO4 and use of plant growth regulators. However, the seeds associated with soil microflora showed successful germination and that at higher percentage.

2 tables, 6 ref

016436   Karthick B;Maheshwari R (Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: diatomist@gmail.com) : Lotus-inspired nanotechnology applications. Resonance 2008, 13(12), 1141-5.

Water-repellent surface of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) leaf and flower is due to nanosized wax papillae on the upper side of each epidermal cell. As a result, raindrops make a high contact angle with the papillae and roll off carrying dust and dirt particles, leaving the surface clean. This self-cleaning property of highly hydrophobic surfaces, termed as the lotus effect, has opened the possibilities of fabricating superhydrophobic surfaces for a variety of products.

6 illus, 5 ref

016435   Kanade R, et al. (M E S Abasaheb Garware College, Karve Road, Pune-411 037) : Vegetation survey of Chandoli National park from northern western ghats of India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(4), 930-8.

Western Ghats of India are one of the Biodiversity Hotspots of the World. Though it harbours immense floristic diversity and endemism, some parts of the Western Ghats have received relatively lesser attention by taxonomists and ecologists. Present study is the first attempt to survey the vegetation and conduct the woody plants diversity studies of the entire Chandoli National Park (CNP), Northern Western Ghats. The entire CNP was divided into 10 grids of 6.25 km x 6.25 km each and the vegetation sampling was done by laying belt transects of 5m x 1000 m in each grid. The woody plant species with GBH >15 cm were recorded along the transect. We came across four different predominant forest types, viz. evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous and scrub. Some forest patches were found to be supporting climatic climax forest harbouring fairly good tree endemism. A total of 102 woody plant species were recorded belonging to 85 genera and 44 families, of which 13 tree species are endemic to Western Ghats and 4 belonged to threatened category.

1 illus, 9 ref

016434   Ishnava K;Rama Rao V;Parabia M H;Kothari I L; Mohan J S S (National Research Centre on M&AP, , Boriavi-Anand, Gujarat-387 310) : Plant diversity and its present status in little rann of Kachchh, Gujarat, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(2), 302-10.

Little Rann of Kachchh (LRK) of Gujarat possesses unique components of both flora and fauna. It harbours a number of migratory birds besides being a heritage center for Wild Ass. The vegetation is mainly concentrated on the periphery of the area. Fringe area is mostly covered by luxuriant growth of Prosopis juliflora. However, islands (bets) are mostly covered with Suaeda fruticosa and Suaeda nudiflora. During the present investigation, the main emphasis was given to study the vegetation patterns on the periphery and various islands (bets) within the LRK.

3 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

016433   Husain T;Agnihotri P (Biodiversity & Angiosperm Taxonomy Dep, National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Email: hustar_2000@yahoo.co.uk) : Revision of Pedicularis series robustae prain (scrophulariaceae). J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 537-41.

Pedicularis series llobustac Prain is discussed. Comments are presented for retaining the four species namely Pedicularis robusta Hook, f, P. elwesil Hook, f., P. nepalensis Prain and P. dultoni Prain under this series. The taxonomic history of each species is summarized. P. elwesii was not included in this series by Prain (1890) and it was kept in the next series Macranthae of subsection Brevitubae.

3 ref

016432   Habib A A;Abdel Azim N S;Abdel Khalek W L; Shams A K;Hassan N M (Phytochemistry Dep, National Research Centre, 12311 Dokki, Cairo, Egypt, Email: nahlaabdelazim@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of Narcissus tazetta under different habitats. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(6), 4586-92.

The bulbs of Narcissus tazetta were cultivated in three different localities under different habitats representing the loamy soil, the new reclaimed sandy soil and the sandy soil. Evaluation of the cultivated plant samples from each locality, including essential oil content and the total alkaloids; was done. The loamy soil showed to be the most suitable habitat for the cultivation of the plant. Investigation of the essential oil revealed that the highest oil content was recorded in the plants grown in the loamy soil (0.13%), The plants cultivated at sandy soil gave the lowest yield of the oil (0.10%). GC/MS of the essential oil for all samples showed that the main constituents of the oil are the same, but only differ in their percentages. The maximum terpenoid percentage (65.1%) was determined in the plants cultivated in the loamy soil followed by sandy soil samples (52%) and then new reclaimed sandy soil samples (47.65%). The main constituents were α-pinene, limonine, linelool, methyl and ethyl cinnamate in all samples. The total alkaloids were extracted from the collected leaves of the cultivated samples. The highest alkaloid percent was found in the loamy soil leave samples (0.28%) while the lowest one was found at the sandy soil samples (0.12). TLC-densitometry analysis indicated that the main spot of alkaloids might be identified as narcessine.

4 tables, 9 ref

016431   Gupta R;Pandey A;Nayar E R;Bhandari D C (NO, National Bureau of Plant Resources, New Delhi-110 012) : Wild edible plants of semi-arid Delhi region. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 663-72.

Deals with the information on 57 wild edible plant species being used for their edible different parts, and some of them sold in markets of Delhi, together with details on nomenclature, local names, flowering and fruiting period, uses and conservation for their sustainable utilization.

5 ref

016430   Gopalan R;Chithra V (NO, , Botanical Survey of India, Southern Circle, Coimbatore-641 003) : Cissampelopsis vivekananthanii (Asteraceae)-a new plant species from southern western ghats, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 599-601.

Cissampelopsis vivekananthanii Gopalan & Chithra, a new species of Asteraceae, allied to C. ansteadii (Tadul. & K.C. Jacob) C. Jeffrey & Y.L. Chen from Agasthiyamalai, southern Western Ghats of India is described and illustrated.

1 illus, 3 ref

016429   Ghosh A (NO, , Swamiji Eco-Club, C/O Tushar Dutta, 1/E-5, Mitra Compound, P.O. & Dt. - Paschim Medinipur-721 101) : Ethnobotanical biocides of west Rardh in West Bengal. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 742-4.

Deals with the first-hand informations gathered during ethnobotanical surveys in South Bengal. Traditional uses by aborigines and rural folk for the treatment in plants, human and veterinary. The ethnobiocidal-lore of the tribes such as Bhumij, Chakma, Chero, Kharwar, Lodha, Mahali, Metch, Munda, Oraon, Rabha, Santal, Savar are presented in the table.

1 ref

016428   Gehlot P;Bohra N K (Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory, Botany Dep, J.N.V. Univ, Jodhpur-342 001, Email: drpg73@rediffmail.com) : Edaphic factors and rhizosphere mycoflora associated with some medicinal plants of western Rajasthan. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(2), 375-80.

Rhizosphere myeoflora of important medicinal plants of arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan and their edaphic factors have been investigated in the present study. Rhizosphere mycoflora are influenced by abiotic: factors like soil moisture, organic carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen. Diversity of rhizosphere myeoflora is positively correlated with these factors as well as less soil pH. Moreover, the positive correlation with rhizosphere fungal population and seasonal variations are also observed. Maximum rhizosphere fungi occurr in rainy season.

2 tables, 16 ref

016427   Ethirajulu S;Vasanth S;Balakrishna K; Veluchamy G (NO, Central Research Institute for Siddha (CCRAS), Arumbakkam, Chennai-106) : Pharmacognostic studies on Catunaregam spinosa - root. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 533-6.

Catunaregam spinosa (Thunb.) Tiruv. (Rubiaceae) is used in the Indian systems of medicine. The roots are used internally as expectorant, emetic and carminative, and externally it is of reputed drug in skin diseases and swellings. The macroscopic and microscopic features along with physicochemical parameters, TLC and HPTLC finger printing with an authentic sample of oleanolic acid as marker compound form the pharmacopoeal parameters for the identification of the drug.

1 illus, 15 ref

016426   Drazic S;Zivanovic T;Prodanovic S (NO, Institute of Medical Plants "Dr J. Pancic", Belgrade, Serbia, Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia) : Identification of donor lines containing favorable alleles for quantitative traits in burley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(2), 350-8.

Well-adapted local lines might be used as donors to improve existing commercial hybrids. The objective of this study was to identify the best hurley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) line among a group of four lines (SA 130, Bols 334, Barlej T and TN 90) from germplasm collection of Institute of Medical Plants, Belgrade, for improving an elite single hybrid Bols 335 x TN 86. Values of three quantitative traits (number of leaves, total leaf area and leaf yield) were measured in two-year field experiments. Evaluation of donor lines as sources of new favorable alleles not present in the elite hybrid parent lines was conducted. According to Dudley (1984, 1987) the most significant class for improving quantitative traits is locus class G. Donor line TN 90 had positive values of the parameter μG for number of leaves and for total leaf area. Studied donor lines could not be use directly as the source of new alleles for the improvement of leaf yield in elite hybrid. The improvement of leaf yield in tobacco hybrid Bols 335 x TN 86 would be conducted indirectly via back crossing (TN 86 x TN 90) x TN 86.

9 tables, 20 ref

016425   Dessai J R N;Janarthanam M K (Botany Dep, Goa Univ, Goa-403 206, Email: mkjana@yahoo.com) : Taxonomy and distribution of Impatiens talbotii - a rare endemic balsam from western ghats. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 624-7.

Deals with a rare and poorly known species of balsam, viz. Impatiens talbotii Hook. f. from the Western Ghats. The historical account, a detailed description, distribution and illustrations based on fresh specimens are provided.

1 illus, 6 ref

016424   Deka Boruah H P;Rabha B K;Pathak N;Gogoi J (Biotechnology Div, Regional Research Laboratory, CSIR, Jorhat-785 006, Email: hpdekaboruah@yahoo.com) : Non-uniform, patchy stomatal closure of a plant is a strong determinant of plant growth under stressful situation. Curr Sci 2008, 94(10), 1310-14.

The stomatal response of cassia (Cassia streata L.) and dhaincha (Sesbania rostrata L.) to a coalmine overburden (OB) substrate was studied with a view to rehabilitate such areas. Plants raised in unmined soil were used as controls. The mine OB induced significant increase in stomatal index (SI) with diminished stomatal size and a stomatal closure in the test plants. The leaf water status measured as water content was significantly enhanced, while the relative growth rate was markedly reduced. This is indicative of slow but sustainable growth of the species in mine OB adverse conditions.

5 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

016423   Datt B B;Husain T (NO, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001) : Type collections in the herbarium of National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow (LWG). J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 673-7.

Seventy seven type collections preserved in the Herbarium of National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow (LWG) have been brought to light to facilitate their access to the taxonomists. Of the 77 type collections, 56 specimens of 33 taxa belong to Angiosperms, 18 specimens of 14 taxa to Pteridophytes and 4 specimens of'4 taxa to Bryophytes.

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016422   Das D;Mukherjee S K (Botany Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani-741 235, Email: sobhankr@yahoo.com) : Diversity of cypselar features in seven species of the tribe Lactuceae (Asteraceae). J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(2), 282-97.

Mature cypselas in 7 species belonging to 5 genera (Hieracium L., Koelpima Pall., Hedypnois Mill., Agoseris Ref. and Leontodon L.) of the tribe Lactuceae (Asteraceae) have been studied morphologically and anatomically with the help of light microscope. Special emphasis has been given on the size, shape, surface ornamentation of cypsela, nature of ridges and furrows, structure of carpopodium, structure and distribution of pappus, epidermal cell patern, presence or absence of stylopodium. Carpopodium is often present in all taxa except in Koelpinia linearis Pall., usually ring like or seldom five lobed (Agoseris aurantiaca (Hook.) Greene), symmetric or asymmetric, cells generally thick-walled, 2-15 seriate. Pappus is generally present but absent in Koelpinia linearis Pall., scabrous to plumose type, persistent, 2-18 mm long. All species have pericarpic zone, which is clearly differentiated into epicarpic zone and mesocarpic zone. Epicarpic zone is generally uniseriate, parenchymatous, thickly-cuticularised. Mesocarpic zone is represented by a cylindrical tissue either formed by one or two types of cells (thick - walled parenchymatous and sclerenchymatous). The epicarpic zone and some thick-walled parenchyma cells in the mesocarpic zone contain brown substances among many of the studied genera. Vascular traces,are present within the mesocarpic zone and usually exist within the sclerenchyma tissue. Testa is secondarily separated from pericarp in some of the genera, but usually adpressed with the pericarp. Outer zone of testa is made up of a single layered parenchyma cells i.e. testal epidermis and inner zone of testa is represented by a narrow layer of collapsed thin-walled cells in most of the studied genera. Outer layer of the cotyledon is tangentially elongated while inner cells are irregularly oriented and all are with dense cytoplasm and granular substances. An artificial key to the studied species has been constructed on the basis of both 'morphological and anatomical features of the cypselas for easy identification of taxa.

3 illus, 5 tables, 19 ref

016421   Contractor M A;Mulani R M (Botany Research Laboratory, Seth L.U. Jahveri & Sir M.V. College of Arts, Commerce & Science, Andheri (East), Mumbai-400 069) : Authentication of flowers of Mesua ferrea Linn. and it's adulterant Mammea suriga Kosterm. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 691-3.

Flowers and the flower buds of Mam.mea suriga Kosterm. (Synonym: Ochrocarpus longifolia, Mammea amencana), commonly known as Surangi, are the substitute and adulterant of Mesua ferrea Linn., commonly known as Nagkeswar in the local regions of Maharashtra. In the present investigation, the flowers of Mesua ferrea have been compared with flowers of Mammea suriga on the basis of morphological, physicochemical and commercial uses. The flowers of both the plants show quite similarity in the above mentioned aspects.

1 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

016420   Chakrabarty T;Balakrishnan N P (NO, , Botanical Survey of India, Industrial Section, Indian Museum, 1 Sudder Street, Kolkata 700 016, Email: tchakrab@gmail.com) : On the status of Dalechampia kurzii Hook. f. and Leptopus sanjappae R.sumathi et al. (Euphorbiaceae). J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 602-4.

Dalechampia kurzii Hook.f. is reduced to a variety of D. scandens L. Leptopus sanjappae R. Sumathi et al. is reduced to a variety of L. calcareous (Ridl.) Pojark. Generic distinctions between Andrachne and Leptopus are discussed.

016419   Borah M P;Kalita B (Clothing and Textile Dep, College of Home Science, CAU, Tara, Meghalaya) : Physico-chemical properties of snake plant (Sensevieria trifasciata Hort Ex Prain) leaf fiber. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(4), 897-903.

Snake plant (Sanseuierta trifasciata Hort. ex Prain) leaf fiber is an unconventional fiber which is considered as waste. But it shows promising results for various textile applications.

11 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

016418   Bhellum B L;Magotra R (NO, , Govt. College for Women, Parade, Jammu-180 001) : Genus Calystegia R. BR. (Convolvulaceae) - a new record of a naturalized taxon for the flora of Jammu and Kashmir state. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 551-3.

Puts on record Calystegia hederacea Wall. which represents an addition to the flora of Jamrau and Kashmir State. The genus is represented by 1 species in India (Santapau & Henry, 1973).

1 illus, 17 ref

016417   Bhatia D;Gupta M K;Gupta A;Mamta Singh; Kaithwas G (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Allahabad Agricultural Institute (Deemed Univ), Naini, Allahabad-211 007, Email: bhatiadaksh@gmail.com) : Pharmacognostical studies on seeds of Centratherum anthelminticum kuntze. Nat Prod Radiance 2008, 7(4), 326-9.

The communication deals with the pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical studies on the seeds of Centratherum anthelminticum Kuntze. Less reports are available on microscopical and phytochemical studies, hence, the study was undertaken to investigate the same. All the parameters were studied regarding the WHO and pharmacopoeial guidelines. The study revealed the presence of patches of rounded to polygonal stone cells, trachieds showing pittings, thick walled cells, abundant covering and glandular trichomes, alleurone grains and brown tannin content. In fluorescence analysis no specific fluorescence was observed. HPTLC profile was also established for successive extracts of the seed using Camag HPTLC system.

6 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

016416   Bhalla S;Bhalla N P (Botany Dep, Sagar Univ, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh) : Taximetric and chemotaxomony of Tephrosia pers. species. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 758-64.

Six species of Tephrosia Pers. are considered for taximetric analysis to interprete thier taxonomic status. For the comparison of morphological characters KMRT analysis was performed. Per cent similarities between these taxa based on the morphological characters were calculated. Similarity matrix and phonogram was constructed to show the level of similarity and taxonomic distances between the considered species of Tephrosia Pers. Three widespread species of Tephrosia were critically examined chemically. Chemical parameters used in these studies are aminoacids and flavonoids. It is observed that leaf flavonoids can safelly be used as chemotaxonomic markers.

016415   Bedi S;Ghai N (Botany Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Biodiversity : concerns and conservation. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(4), 777-81.

Biodiversity is a term used for richness of a species (plants, animals, micro-organisms) occurring as an interacting bi-otic component of a ecosystem in a given habitat. Conservation is a planned management of these natural resources, retention of natural balance, diversity and evolutionary changes in the environment.The UN conference on Environment and Development, UNCED held at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1992) helped to highlight the loss of biodiversity at global level and generated a public awareness on the problem.

5 tables, 12 ref

016414   Baruah A;Nath S C (Botany Dep, Darrang College (GU), Tezpur-784 001) : New species of Cinnamomum schaeffer (lauraceae) from Asaam, northeastern India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 525-32.

Cinnamomum champokianum A. Baruah & S.C. Nath. sp. nov., is illustrated and described as new, with a note on its leaf, panicle and stem bark essential oils reported earlier as a variant of Cinnamomum bejolghota (Buch. - Ham.) Sweet.

2 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

016413   Baruah A (Botany Dep, Darrang College (GU), Tezpur-784 001, Email: drakhilbaruah@sancharnet.in) : Comparative anatomical study of leaf of "tejpat" (Cinnamomum tamala Nees) and 'best quality tejpat' (Cinnamomum impressinervium Meissn.). J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(2), 267-73.

Comparative study on the leaf (lamina + petiole) anatomy of Cinnamomum tamala Nees and C. impressinervium Meissn., used as Tejpat' and 'Best Quality Tejpat' respectively, has been done. The significant differences observed between the species are : in C. tamala Nees, the leaf epidermis is triseriate at the midvein region, while in C. impressinervium Meissn., is biseriate. However, in the petiole of C. tamala Nees, isolated patches of sclerenchyma are present around the vascular bundle, while in C. impressinervium Meissn. individual sclerenchyma cell are present at the abaxial side of vascular bundle. An analysis on the variations of studied leaf anatomical characters of the investigated species with that of reported C. pauciflorum Nees has been provided.

1 illus, 15 ref

016412   Antony R;Santhosh Kumar E S;Koshy C P (NO, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Email: rajuantonytbgri@rediffmail.com) : Asplenium grevillei Wall. ex Hook. & Grev. (Aspleniaceae) - an endangered spleen wort. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(3), 544-6.

Asplenium grevillei Wall. ex Hook. & Grev., an endangered 'Spleen Wort' is rediscovered after the lapse of three decades from Myristica swamp of Kulathupuzha forest of Kollam District of Kerala State. A brief description and illustrations are given here for easy identification.

1 illus, 6 ref

016411   Anbazhakan S;Balu S (Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology Dep, A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Mannampandal-609 305) : Status, distribution and ecology of Premna tomentosa Willd. - a rare medicinal plant. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(4), 769-70.

Premna tomentoso Willd. (Verbenaceae) is an important medicinal plant. It is scarce in its distribution and goes towards extinction or endemic due to felling of this tree in large amount. Deals with the distribution, phenological characters and the conservation measures of Premna tomentoso.

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