015328   Okechukwu O I;Tahir F (Biological Sciences Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi) : Phytochemical and antimicrobial screening of the leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum L. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 171-7.

Antimicrobial activity of various plant extracts have been recognized for many years. However, few investigations have compared large numbers of extracts using methods that are directly comparable. In the study, the extracts of the plant Ocimum gratissimum L. was investigated for activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans using the disc diffusion method. The methanolic extract possessed both antibacterial and antifungal activities. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was between the range of l00 mg/ml-750 mg/ml. The phytochemical screening of the extract indicated the presence and absence of some compounds. The extract was further separated by acid/base separation techniques which yielded three subfractions, which were further tested for antimicrobial activities. The results indicated the presence of activity especially with the organic basic and organic neutral portions. Significant differences were observed in the activity of the various extract concentrations, the interactions between the concentrations and the organisms and the varying degrees of response of the organism to the extract. The result support the notion that plant extracts may have a role as pharmaceuticals and preservatives.

5 tables, 13 ref

015327   Nandan K B;Singh C B (Botany Dep, Sundarvati Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Bhagalpur-812 001) : Utilization of macrophytes in north Bihar, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 296-304.

Over sixty macrophytes growing profusely in the wetlands of North Bihar (India) are utilized for food, fodder, fish food, poultry/duck feed, medicine; basketry material, eating plates, worship, handicraft etc. The exploitation of wild macrophytes frames economic backbone of the region and that the aquatic cash crops (Euryale ferox, Trapa natans var. bispinosa) further boost it up. Their sale for medicine (red flowers of Nymphaea nouchali); fish food (Ceratophyllum demersum, Hydrilla verticillata) and handicraft/basketry materials/products consolidate economy of poor native folk whose upliftment calls for encouragement of basketry, handicraft, integrated aquaculture etc.

1 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

015326   Murugesan M;Balasubramaniam V;Nagarajan N (P.G. and Research Dep of Botany, Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-29) : Traditional medicinal knowledge on plants from Velliangiri hills of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 270-6.

Plant-based traditional knowledge has become a recognized tool in the search for new sources of drugs and neutraceuticals. Deals with the uses of 66 plant species belonging to 58 genera and 36 families made by the Muthuva tribals inhabiting in Velliangiri hills of Coimbatore district, Tamilnadu. The data gathered include several new reports to ethnobotanical literature as well as additional information on different uses of plants already known in literature.

13 ref

015325   Mohanty L (Central National Herbarium, Botanical Survey of India, , Howrah-711 103) : Some medicinal plants of Gorumara National Park, Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 223-31.

During botanical survey of Gorumara National Park, situated in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, about 70 species belonging to 38 families were collected which have medicinal vlaue. The medicinal importance of these plants are described.

6 ref

015324   Mitaliya K D;Bhatt D C;Maitreya B B (Marine Sciences Dep, Bhavnagar University, Bhavnagar-364 002) : Aquatic macrophytes of Gujarat and their economic values. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 146-55.

About 104 species belonging to 80 genera of different groups likely algae, pteridophytes and angiosperms are recorded from aquatic and marshy habitats of Gujarat, along with their economic uses.

7 ref

015323   Menon P;Joshi S;Neeraj Kumar;Ramamurthy V V (Entomology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: vvr3@vsnl.com) : Description of a new species of mite Pronematus oryzae (Prostigmata: tydeidae) from India. Entomon 2007, 32(4), 279-83.

New species of predatory mite, Pronematus oryzae (Prostigmata: Tydeidae), collected from leaf sheaths of rice at Delhi, India is described. This mite was observed to be predatory on the phytophagous Oligonychus indicus (Hirst) (Tetranychidae). It is distinguished from other species of the genus in having tarsus I longer than tibia I; distal tarsal setae serrate till the tip; solenidion median, small in female, longer than tarsus I in male, slightly bent, broader at base and stout; sensory setae at least 2x the length of propodosomal setae P₁ and P₂; all dorsal setae serrate till tip and ventral setae almost 0.33x the distance between their bases.

10 illus, 17 ref

015322   Mash S K (NO, State Forest Research Institute, Polipathar, Jabalpur) : Ethno-medico-botanical studies in Pench tiger reserve, Madhya Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 104-15.

Pench Tiger Reserve is situated in the Satpura hills of Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh. About 93 species having ethno-medico-botanical uses in and around the Reserve have been identified during present study. The correct botanical names, local names, name of family and medicinal uses have been presented in a systematic manner in this communication, besides general information about the area, forest types, villages and villagers, their occupation etc. It is hoped that present study will be helpful in sustainable utilization of resources, better management of the Reserve and conservation of biodiversity and traditional folk knowledge.

2 ref

015321   Mahapatra H S;Medhi H (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Arunachal Field Station, ) : Unconventional wild edible fruits of Arunachal Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 282-6.

State of Arunachal Pradesh harbours a number of unconventional wild edible fruits plants. 56 such plants have been reported which have a great potentiality for common human consumption.

1 table, 8 ref

015320   Mahajan S K (NO, , 31, Jain Mandir Path, Khargone-451 001) : Ethnobotanical study of Sambharpat of West Nimar district of Madhya Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 13-16.

Deals with the ethnobotanical study of Sambharpat and its neighbourhood areas (27°45' N longitude, 75°30' E latitude and 250 m above m.s.l.). The study revealed in all 16 taxa belonging to 16 genera and 12 angiospermic families that are used by the tribal people to cure various human diseases.

18 ref

015319   Lopez Arze J B (Centro de Tecnologia Agroindustrial, Universidad Mayor de San Simon, Cochabamba, Bolivia, Email: gancollin@videotron.ca) : Essential oils from Bolivia. VIII. piperaceae: Piper heterophyllum ruiz et Pavon, P. aduncum L.. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2008, 11(1), 53-7.

Chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from two species of the Piperaceae, Piper heterophyllum and P. aduncum growing in the province of Cochabamba, in the high valley region of Bolivia, was determined by a combination of GC and GC-MS measurements. The composition of the oils from P. heterophyllum and two of the three samples of P. aduncum was dominated by the monoterpenes: 1,8-cineole (40 %), pinenes (α - + β -: 15 %), and β-ocimene (cis + trans : 9 %). Asaricine (9%) is also among the main constituents.

4 tables, 15 ref

015318   Lokender Singh;Sharma N;Joshi S P;Manhas R K; Joshi V (Ecology Research Lab, Botany Dep, D.A.V. (P.G.) College, Dehradun-248 001) : Ethnomedicinal uses of some weeds in some agro-ecosystems of Doon valley. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 97-103.

Describes association of 51 species of weeds belonging to 45 genera under 26 families with crops in Doon Valley. The ethnobotanical uses, especially ethnomedicinal, prevalent in the area have been documented along with vernacular names, family, phenological data, besides parts of plants used and ailments.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

015317   Lalruatsanga H;Venugopal N (Botany Dep, School of Life Sciences, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong-783 002) : Development of stamen in Polypleurum wallichii (R. Brown Ex Griff.) Warm. (Podostemaceae) growing in North East India. J Swamy Bot Club 2008, 25(1-4), 67-72.

In P. wallichii the flowers are cleistogamous, enclosed by a thin membranous spathe. Two stamen are borne on a forked filament placed adjacent to the stigmatic lobes. Ontogenetically the two stamen developed separately; as a result of intercalary growth, the filament becomes bifid. The archesporiuses comprises of uniseriate rows of cells, the stamen wall consists of a very thin epidermis, unilayered endothecium with fibrous thickenings and the tapetum with uni & binucleate cells. The stamen wall development is reduced type; middle layers are absent. The connective tissue cells also acquire fibrous thickenings. Cytokinesis of microspore mother cell is successive type within a distinct callose wall. Pollen grains are dispersed as dyads with minute and dense granular exine.

11 illus, 37 ref

015316   Lalruatsanga H;Venugopal N (NO, Punjab University College, Aizawal-796 001, Email: nvgopal_27@rediffmail.com) : Post-fertilization developments in ovules of Hydrobryum griffithii (Wall. Ex Griff.) Tul. (Podostemaceae). J Swamy Bot Club 2008, 25(1-4), 59-65.

Ultrastructural and bistochemical apicol-basal polarity in the zygote, details of embryogenesis and post-fertilization developments in ovules highlighting formation of suspensor haustoria, nucellar plasmodium and endothelium in Hydrobrium griffithii are reported. That the embryo development of this taxon follows onagrad type unlike the other members of podostemaceae is noteworthy.

67 ref

015315   Kumuthakalavalii R;Muthumanickam P;Surumbar Kuzhali S (Biology Dep, Gandhigram Rural University, Gandhigram-624 302) : Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of some medicinal plants. J Swamy Bot Club 2008, 25(1-4), 73-4.

Antimicrobial activity of the aqueous extracts of 15 commonly available plants was determined against the pathogenic bacterial strain namely Staphylococcus aureus using the disc diffusion method. Among the 15 plants, two plants namely Vitex negundo and Ocimum sanctum were found to have antimicrobial effect by exhibiting distinct inhibition zones.

10 ref

015314   Khatun S;Bandyopadhyay P K;Chatterjee N C (Mycology & Plant Pathology Laboratory, UGC Centre of Advanced Study,, University of Burdwan, Burdwan-713 104, Email: nc_chatterjee@redifmail.com) : Phenols with their oxidizing enzymes in defence against black spot of rose (Rose centifolia). Asian J expl Sci 2009, 23(1), 249-52.

Total phenols with their oxidizing enzymes, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase in diseased leaves of Rose (Rosa centifolia) caused by Alternaria tenuis were measured at different progression periods of infection. There was an increase in the activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase in host plants in response to infection, which was found to be coupled with an increased phenol content in disease leaf tissue as compared to the healthy tissues. This clearly reveals that the elicitation of the enzymes in response to infection is directly correlated with the resistance of the plant.

2 tables, 21 ref

015313   Kapoor V;Sharma Y P (Botany Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 006) : Host range of Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. in Jammu province of Jammu and Kashmir State, India. Indian J Weed Sci 2008, 40(1-2), 98-100.

^ssc1 table, 7 ref

015312   Joginder Singh;Rajasekaran A;Sharma K D (NO, Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla-171 009) : Tradiontal ethnobotanical knowledge of Kiran pargana, Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 253-63.

Ethnobotanical study of Kiran Pargana, a remote part of Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, revealed 97 plant species belonging to 50 families used for various purposes. The 97 plant species include three gymnosperms, one fungus and 93 angiosperms. Of the 97 species, herbs and trees contributed 33.0% each followed by shrubs (23.7%), climbing shrubs 5.2%, small trees 4.1% and herbaceous climbers 1.0%. Thirty-nine species are edible, 26 medicinal, 11 used as fuel wood, 7 as veterinary medicine, 4 used for making agricultural implements, 3 as timber and 15 are used for miscellaneous purposes.

14 ref

015311   Jain S P;Mishra N P;Janardan Singh;Binita Kumari (NO, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow-226 016) : Traditional phytotherapy for diarrhoea, dysentery and liver disorders in Chhatisgarh State. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 277-81.

Chhattisgarh State is predominantly inhabited by tribal populations. These tribals are heavily dependent on forest wealth for meeting their daily requirements including medicines. Diarrhoea, dysentery and liver disorders are most prevalent water born diseases amongst the tribal populations and, therefore, mortality rate of children and adolescent are very high in these areas. For treatment of such diseases, the tribals use a number of plant drugs. The ethno-medico-botanical uses of 45 plants in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and liver disorders have been collected from various published sources and authors own survey in the tribal areas of Chhattisgarh.

1 table, 11 ref

015310   Jain A;Katewa S S;Chaudhary B L;Galav P (Ethnobotany and Agrostology Lab, Botany Dep, College of Science, M.L. Sukhadia University, Udaipur-313 001) : Tradtional herbal veterinary medicines from tribal area of Rajasthan, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 264-9.

Ethnobotanical survey of tribal areas of Rajasthan was carried out during 2001-2002 for ethnoveterinary herbal medicines. The information collected on herbal medicines is based on the exhaustive interviews with local medicine-men, shepherds and other knowledgeable persons who prescribe their own herbal preparations for the treatment of domestic animals. During ethnobotanical survey, 46 ethnoveterinary herbal medicines belonging to 34 families have been recorded from Southern Rajasthan. A list of plant species along with their family name, local name, plant part/s used and the mode of administration for effective control in different ailments of domestic animals is given.

1 table, 13 ref

015309   Jadeja B A;Odedra N K;Zala D R (Botany Dep, M.D. Science College, Porbandar-360 575) : Observations on traditional herbal remedies for paralysis in Gujarat. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 156-63.

Gujarat is rich in ethnomedicinal plants. 63 species used in folk medicine for paralysis have been documented. Arrangement of species has been made according to the preparation of drugs along with the name of family and local name, besides parts used and preparation of drug.

1 table, 24 ref

015308   Jadeja B A;Odedra N K;Solanki K B (Botany Dep, M.D. Science College, Porbandar-360 575) : Plants used as mouth freshner in Saurashtra region of Gujarat. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 437-40.

Discusses the use of plants for oral hygiene (mouth freshner) among various tribal and rural communities of Saurashtra region. Various plant parts like seed, fruit, leaves, bark, rhizome, root etc are used as mouth freshner and are beneficial for curing various gum disorders. Total 54 plant species are included with their local name, family and plant part used.

1 table, 14 ref

015307   Jadeja B A;Odedra N K;Chavda J K;Bhatt D C (Botany Dep, M.D. Science College, Porbandar-360 575) : Plant used in traditional phytotherapy for indigestion in Gujarat, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 186-93.

Describes the indigenous knowledge of local communities on the traditional phytotherapy for indigestion in Gujarat. About 90 species which are used as herbal medicine in indigestion are recorded. The species are arranged alphabetically with the name of family, local name, parts used and mode of preparation of drug.

1 table, 14 ref

015306   Islam M;Hasin F (Life Sciences Dep, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh-786 004) : Dye yielding plants of Assam and its neighbouring areas. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 43-7.

Comprehensive study of dye yielding plants of Assam and its neighbouring areas revealed that 62 species belonging to 52 genera and 34 families are used for different colours by the natives. The dicotyledonous species are found to be dominant over all others in yielding dyes.

1 table, 11 ref

015305   Hotwani G;Mukherjee A (Botany Dep, Burdwan University, Burdwan-713 104, Email: ambarishmukherjee@rediffmail.com) : Medicinal plants of Burdwan - III. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 425-36.

Deals with the inventorization of 132 species of medicinal plants belonging to 58 families and 108 genera growing in different parts of the Burdwan district. This work is in conformity with the first and second phase wherein 230 such species alongwith their family and local name, plant part(s) and/or material used and medicinal property/uses have been brought into light. The work is still in progress.

1 table, 12 ref

015304   Halam R;Saha R;Datta B K (Plant Taxonomy and Palynology Lab, Life Sciences Dep, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar-799 130) : Ethnobotanical study of Halam tribe of Dhalai district, Tripura, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 8-12.

Deals with the traditional uses of medicinal plants by the Halam tribal community inhabiting the forest outskirts of Dhalai district of Tripura. The particulars of the plant parts used, local names, mode of preparation and administration are given. In all 31 palnt species belonging to 28 families used in primary health care are mentioned.

5 ref

015303   Guna G;Shah M Y;Naqshi A R (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, University of Kashmir, Srinagar-190 006) : Medicinal plants of family Lamiaceae of Kashmir - I. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 375-9.

Provides a glimpse of ethnobotanical studies in Kashmir Valley of family Lamiaceae. As many as 19 plant species mostly of wild nature are found in common use - medicinal treatments as well as for other purposes.

26 ref

015302   Ghosh U K;Prasad B (P.G. Dep of Botany, Jai Prakash Univ, Rahendra College, Chapra-841 301) : "Glory lily" : an endangered plant species from Saran plain. Indian Sci Cruiser 2008, 22(2), 31-4.

The occurrence and distribution of Glory lily (Gloriosa superba Linn), known for its beautiful flower and used as medicine by locals of Saran district in Bihar has been studied. A rapid declining trend on the occurrence of the plant, each year from 2002 through 2006 has rendered it to the states of endangered species in the region. The probable causes of the decline due to fluctuation of soil characteristics, human settlements and climatological changes have been dealt with.

4 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

015301   Ganesan S;Ramar Pandi N;Banumathy N (Centre for Research and P.G. Dep of Botany, Thiagarajar College (Autonomous), Madurai-625 009, Email: sganesan76@yahoo.com) : Ethnomedicinal survey of Alagar kovil hills (Reserved forest), Tamil Nadu, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 334-44.

Ethnomedicinal uses of 111 plant species belonging to 100 genera and 49 families used by the ethnic group, Valaiyans of Alagar Hills of Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, India and their traditional modes of treatment of diseases and various ailments like skin diseases, cold and cough, reducing body heat, ulcer, stomach related problems, fever, piles, jaundice, diabetes etc. are presented.

15 ref

015300   Dwivedi S N (Botany Dep, Janata PG College, A.P.S. University, Rewa-486 002, Email: drsndwivedi@yahoo.co.in) : Status survey of ethnobotanical resources of Satna district, Madhya Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 441-56.

Investigation indicates that Satna district of Madhya Pradesh is rich in biodiversity and inhabitants mostly depend on herbal resources for their basic requirements. Ethnobotanical survey and fieldwork in the study area throw the light on their ethnic culture and tradition. The floristic diversity has been utilized as food, vegetable, medicine, fuel and dyes, and also used in several social, cultural and religious ceremonies. The biodiversity as well as the traditional knowledge is getting eroded rapidly due to ecoloªgical imbalance, indiscriminate exploitation and dearth of the knowledge holders. Besides, erosion also occurs due to the infiltration of the modern developments into the indigenous knowledge system. Inhabitants conserve the biodiversity and threatened species by faith, tradition and religious aspects. Highlights basic problems of tribal and rural people and also provides adequate infrastructure for the establishment of forest based minor cottage industries.

5 tables, 37 ref

015299   Dutt H C;Shashi Kant (Botany Dep, University of Jammu, Jammu) : Ritual plants of Neeru valley, Bhadarwah, Jammu and Kashmir, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 210-13.

Deals with few plant species which are used in rituals by the natives of Neeru Valley. The plant species have been arranged alphabetically with their specific utility in rituals. The local names of the species are also given in parenthesis.

11 ref

015298   Dey N;Ghatak A;Banerjee B (Under-graduate and Post-graduate Botany Dep, Darjeeling Government College, Darjeeling-734 101, Email: narottamdey@yahoo.com) : Trentepohlia aurea (L) Martius - the most abundant epiphytic chaetophoralean alga from Darjeeling Himalayas. J Swamy Bot Club 2008, 25(1-4), 51-3.

Species of Trentepohlia belonging to the order Chaetophorales, class Chlorophyceae has been reported from hilly region of Darjeeling in the provinces of North East Himalayas. Morpho-taxonomic description of the specimen is provided.

1 illus, 13 ref

015297   Dash S S;Chauhan A S (NO, Botanic Garden of Indian Republic, Botanical Survey of India, Noida) : Useful plants of kabi sacred grove, Sikkim. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 287-95.

Provides the detail account regarding utilization of the plants embedded in Kabi sacred grove, Sikkim. The medicinal plants used in traditional treatment of different ailment by the local inhabitants of the area are analysed.

5 tables, 12 ref

015296   Das A K;Nath P C;Khumbongmayum A D (NO, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh) : Distribution and population structure of Amentotaxus assamica Ferguson, a critically endangered and endemic species in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Indian For 2008, 134(1), 97-104.

Amentotaxus assamica, belonging to family Taxaceae, is a critically endangered and endemic species in Arunachal Pradesh (North-East India). The species has a limited distribution within the altitudinal range of 1.600 - 2,000m amsl. The species was reported for the first time in 1928 by D.K. Ferguson from Dallai valley in Lohit District of Arunachal Pradesh. Recently, the same has been collected from the Papum Pare District of the state where it has a good population structure. The plant is found growing within the patches of Chimnobambusa sp. occurring abundantly in the locality. The study deals with the population structure of Amentotaxus assamica occurring in this pure undisturbed forest stand. The density of seedlings is higher than saplings and trees which reveals good regeneration in this natural stand. No anthropogenic threats were observed in the present natural habitat however, practice of `jhum' cultivation at the foothills show a possibility of destruction in due course of time. Degradation of this species from the earlier recorded areas due to various anthropogenic threats also justifies the needs for the conservation and protection of Amentotaxus assamica in their natural habitat. The in-situ conservation of the species is required due to its restricted distribution within a particular altitudinal range in that micro-environment. However, effective conservation of the species is possible only if the area is included in the existing protected area prevailing in the adjacent region.

2 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

015295   Das A K;Dutta B K;Sharma G D (NO, S.S. College, Hailakandi-788 151) : Non-conventional edible plants used by different communities of Barak valley, Assam (N.E. India). J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 327-33.

Survey in different areas of Barak Valley has been conducted in different seasons of the year to identify the non-conventional edible plants. Deals with 70 edible plants belonging to 45 families of the flowering and non-flowering plants Out of which some of the plants are used as edible green vegetable and edible fruits, and for other purposes. The use of these plants varies from place to place. Different parts of the plants are used for different purposes and by adopting different methods. The plant species are arranged alphabetically and for each species scientific name, vernacular name and their uses are given.

1 illus, 16 ref

015294   Chivalkar S A;Yadav S R (Botany Dep, Shivaji University, Kolhapur-416 004, Email: shitalchivalkar@rediffmail.com) : Re-investigation on anatomy of Hubbardia Bor: a monotypic genus from Western Ghats. J Swamy Bot Club 2008, 25(1-4), 55-7.

Study is a re-investigation of anatomy of Hubbardia heptaneuron Bor. The leaf shows some distinctive anatomical characters not reported for any other grass genus.

8 ref

015293   Chidambaram Pillai S;Mohan V R (Post Graduate Botany Dep, V.O. Chidambaram College, Tuticorin-628 008) : Nutritional potential and anti-nutritional contents in seed kernels of Cycas circinalis L. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 246-52.

Cycas circinalis L. grows in wild and also as cultivated plant in tribal hamlets. Their seed kernels are used as food source among the Kanikkar tribals of Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu. An attempt is made to analyse their proximate composition, mineral composition, vitamins, amino acid profiles and antinutritional factors in the kernel and their mode of use has been discussed.

4 tables, 40 ref

015292   Chauhan B S;Johnson D E (NO, International Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Philippines) : Dormancy, germination and emergence of Sida rhombifolia L.. Indian J Weed Sci 2008, 40(1-2), 6-10.

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of seed scarification, temperature, light, salt and osmotic stress, and pH on seed germination, and also the effects of seed burial depth on seedling emergence of Sida rhombifolia. Scarification with sulphuric acid released seeds from dormancy and stimulated germination; though germination of scarified seeds was not influenced by light. Seeds treated with sulphuric acid for 120 min resulted in 65% germination compared with 5% for non-scarified seeds. The response to scarification indicates that a hard seed coat is the primary mechanism restricting germination. In two separate experiments, a concentration of 111 mM sodium chloride and an osmotic potential of-0.49 MPa reduced maximum germination (64 to 65%) of S. rhombifolia by 50%. Germination was not influenced by the pH of buffered solutions ranging from 5 to 9, and it varied from 60 to 65% over this range. Seedling emergence was greater than 60% at burial depths of 0.5 to 2 cm, but decreased thereafter, and and no seedlings emerged from the seeds buried at 8 cm. Results of the study identify some of the factors enabling S. rhombifolia to be a widespread and problematic weed in the humid tropics and provide information that may contribute to its control.

3 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

015291   Chaudhuri E R;Molla H A;Basu S K (Industrial Sect, Indian Museum, Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta) : Dental care in herbal way: some ethnobotanical findings. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 30-42.

Deals with 119 medicinal plant species distributed under 106 genera and 57 families used by the tribal for different gum and tooth diseases. The species are arranged alphabetically.

50 ref

015290   Chandel P;Geetha K A;Maiti S (National Research Center for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, , Boriavi-387 310) : Reproductie biology of Convolvulus microphyllus (Convolvulaceae) - a memory stimulating drug plant of Ayurveda. Indian J Genet Pl Breed 2007, 67(3), 267-63.

Convolvulus microphyllus Sieb.ex Spreng is a reputed memory improving drug of 'Ayurveda'. The present paper reports some aspects of reproductive biology of the species. Atmospheric temperature and relative humidity played an important role in anthesis pattern in the species. Flower longevity was about 4-6 hours in all the months studied and insects belonging to Apis spp. played an important role in pollen transfer. Maximum pollen germination was found in pollen collected after about 1 hour of anther dehiscence initiation. Stigma was not receptive in C. microphyllus in a freshly opened flower and peak receptivity was at about two to four hours after anthesis. However, stigma retained receptivity till flower closure (4 hours). Pollination experiments clearly revealed the predominance of cross pollination in the species. The information gathered by the present study could be effectively utilized in planning the breeding programmes in the species.

6 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

015289   Chak I;Agarwal R K;Kak M (Botany Dep, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi) : Ethnomedicinal study of some important plants used in the treatment of hair and boils in district Pulwama of Kashmir. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 92-6.

Reports the ethno-medicinal uses of 10 plant species belonging to 7 families, being practised by the tribes and rural people of the district for the treatment of hair ailments and 13 plant species belonging to 11 families for the treatment of boils. The information on correct botanical identity, family, local name, part used and method of preparation of drugs are given for each plant species. The study includes hitherto unknown medicinal claims which are already known as medicinal.

1 table, 12 ref

015288   Buragohain J;Konwar B K (Botany Dep, Namrup College, Parbatpur-786 623, Email: jitu_buragohain@yahoo.co.uk) : Ethnomedicinal plants used in skin diseases by some Indo-Mongoloid communities of Assam. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 394-403.

Ethnobotanical study was carried out among five Indo-Mongoloid communities distributed in five districts of Upper Assam, India to document plants used in various skin diseases. A total of 68 plant species belonging to 40 families were described. All these plants and plant parts need to be evaluated through phyto and pharmaco-chemical investigations to discover their potentiality as drugs.

1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

015287   Borah A;Sarkar P P (Botany Dep, Birjhora Mahavidyalaya, Bongaigaon-783 380) : Preliminary study of wild vegetables of Bongaigaon district of Assam. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 457-64.

Bongaigaon district of Assam has been inhabited by different ethnic groups, viz. Koch-Rajbangshi, Bodo, Garo, Rabha etc., the traditional food of which is comprised of different wild plants and plant parts. Most of such plants are not documented and analyzed. Investigation has been carried out to know the species, parts and mode of use of wild vegetables in the Bongaigaon district and adjacent areas. Enumerates fifty six species of plants that have been collected from their wild habitat and are used as vegetable traditionally in different forms by different ethnic groups in the area. The botanical names along with vernacular ones, habit and habitat, use as vegetable, traditional medicinal utilization and seasonal variation of such plants are recorded. It has also been revealed that due to change in socio-economic condition, a lot of information regarding wild vegetables has been lost and some of such plants are on verge of rarity.

1 table, 19 ref

015286   Bhogaonkar P Y;Devarkar V D (Botany Dep, Vidarbha Institute of Science and Humaniteis, Amravati-444 604) : Some ethnomedicinally important new plant reports from Melghat. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 214-15.

During ethnomedicinal survey of Melghat six plant species, hitherto unreported from the region were studied and presented here.

4 ref

015285   Bhattacharya R P;Rai C (Botany Dep, Bidhannagar College, EB-2, Sector-1, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700 064) : Ethnobotanical studies of Srikhola Lepchajagat, Tonglu and Pankhabari areas of Darjeeling district, West Bengal. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 65-71.

Account on the ethnobotanical uses of 36 plant species belong to 26 families and 36 genera by the tribals (Lepcha, Bhutia, Nepali) of Darjeeling district have been discussed.

15 ref

015284   Bharat N K (NO, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Regional Hort, Sharbo, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh) : Occurrence of rust on Artemisia dracunculus L. in Himachal Pradesh. Indian For 2008, 134(1), 140.

^ssc4 ref

015283   Behera K K;Mishra N M;Dhal N K;Rout N C (NO, Regional Research Lab, Bhubaneswar-751 013) : Wild edible plants of Mayurbhanj district, Orissa, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 305-14.

Six thousand medicinally important plant species have been reported from India (Warrier et al., 1993). The source of poly herbal drugs from plant is very essential to meet the challenges of recent allopathic therapy. Not only the therapy but also the source of food from plant origin is the need of the hour to meet the supplementary food requirements of the over growing global population. Deals with 124 edible plant species under 49 families belonging to 88 genera consumed as food supplement by the tribals of Mayurbhanj district apart from their seasonal crops and vegetables.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

015282   Behera K K;Manjari Mishra N;Rout G R (Parija Post-Graduate Botany Dep, Ravenshaw College, Cuttack-753 003, Email: grout@hotmail.com) : Potential ethnomedicinal plants at Kaptipada forest range in Orissa, India and their uses. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 194-202.

Survey of potential ethnomedicinal plants occurring in Kaptipada forest range in Orissa, India was undertaken. In the study, 120 species belonging to 51 families were found to have the potential ethnomedicinal value and are being used to cure various ailments by the local tribal people and the pharmaceutical companies. The maximum number of ethnomedicinal plants were represented by family Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae and Verbenaceae. Under enumeration, botanical name; family, use of different parts by specific tribes (S-Santal, Ba-Bathudi, Ko-Kolha, K-Kondha, Bh-Bhumija, G-Gond, Lo-Lodha, Su-Saunti etc) and information about the diseases have been given.

2 tables, 16 ref

015281   Basnet D B (NO, Darjeeling Forest Div, Barakakjhora, Darjeeling-734 101) : Flowering and fruting in vegetatively propagated Taxus baccata L. plants: a highly valued medicinal plant of the Himalayas. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 236-40.

Taxus baccata L. is a highly valued medicinal plant, used in extracting anti-carcinogenic drug "Taxol" . It is an evergreen, dioecious and indigenous plant of the Himalayas. Observaªtions on flowering behaviour showed that vegetatively propagated plants started flowering exactly at the sixth year of planting. The male flowers (mean size 3.94 ±0.37 x 2.81 <145 0.45 mm) opened completely at 499.71 hrs (21 days). Similarly female flowers of size 3.25 ± 1.875 mm took 100.5 days to develop into mature arillate fruits. The (mean) size of seed was 5.72 ± 0.15 x 4.015 ± 0.01, weighing 20.68 ± 0.36 numbers of seeds to a gram. The Indian plant belongs to subsp. wallichiana (Zucc.) Pilger.

3 tables, 5 ref

015280   Basant Kumar Singh;Debnath H S (Industrial Sect, Botanical Survey of India, Indian Museum, 1-Sunder Street, Kolkata-700 016) : Wild plants used by the tribes of Nokrek biosphere reserve, Meghalaya and their conservation. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 364-7.

Systematic survey was conducted on some wild plants used by the tribal people living in Nokrek Biosphere Reserve of Meghalaya. Although 21 plants were recorded to have mediªcinal, edible and constructional values and widely used by the tribes of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve. At the same time, it also throws light on need of conservation of these plants.

8 ref

015279   Barua K N;Bora I P;Jasbir Singh (NO, Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam) : Traditional inventory of some potential economic plants related to Angami tribe in Nagaland. J Econ Taxon Bot 2008, 32(Supl), 417-24.

Indigenous knowledge is the total achievements traditionally attained by the local people in its place. The folk culture and knowledge is still vital in Nagaland and the Angami tribe expressed itself and the sign of culture through it. Deals with the utility of plant resources practiced by Angami tribe and a total of 75 species belonging to 59 genera and 41 families are enumerated. These include 31 species of edible food, 19 species of natural dyes, 11 species of fodder, 6 species of timber, 4 species as fish poison, 2 species as fiber and 2 species as gum and oil yielding that grow in the forests or found as weed in the cultivated or open fields.

3 tables, 7 ref