012221   Teotia P S;Mukherjee S K;Mishra N S (NO, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, Email: neeti@icgeb.res.in) : Fine tuning of auxin signaling by miRNAs. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2008, 14(1-2), 81-90.

microRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a major class of endogenous non-coding regulatory small RNAs. They are present in a variety of organisms from algae to plants and play an important role in gene regulation. The miRNAs are involved in various biological processes, including differentiation, organ development, phase change, signaling, disease resistance and response to environmental stresses. This review provides a general background on the discovery, history, biogenesis and function of miRNAs. However, the focus is on the role for miRNA in controlling auxin signaling to regulate plant growth and development.

^iia3 illus, 109 ref

012220   Tatiya A U;Surana S S;Sonara G B;Surana S J (Medicinal Plant Research Lab, Pharmacognosy Dep, R.C. Patel College of Pharmacy, Shirpur-425 405, Email: anil120171@yahoo.com) : Antihistaminic and hypotensive activity of stem bark of Machilus macrantha. Biomed 2008, 3(2), 175-81.

Objective of this study was screening of various extracts of Machilus macrantha bark for their possible antihistaminic and parasympatholytic activity. The preliminary phytochemical study of bark of Machilus macrantha revealed that the presence of alkaloid, tannins, steroid and mucilage. Results of pharmacological screening indicate that all extracts of Machilus macrantha bark showed dose dependent inhibitory activity against contraction induced by Ach and Histamine on isolated goat tracheal chain compared with the standard drugs like chlorpheniramine maleate and atropine. Chloroform and total alkaloid fraction at dose (10-40 mg/ml) of bark showed significant anti histaminic and parasympatholytic activity and prominent hypotensive activity at 1-4 μg/ml compared to the standard minoxidil (vasodilator). Results obtained from pharmacological screening thus indicate that the bark may find its utility in treating asthma and hypertension.

3 tables, 17 ref

012219   Tamil Selvi M;Sharma R (School of Life Sciences, Hyderabad Univ, Hyderabad-500 046, Email: rameshwar.sharma@gmail.com) : Cell maturity gradient determines light regulated accumulation of proteins in pearl millet leaves. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2008, 14(1-2), 1-8.

Developing pearl millet leaves possess cells of increasing maturity from the leaf base to the tip with oldest cells at the leaf tip. This natural developmental gradient was used to analyze the photoregulation of enzymes located in cytosolic, peroxisomal, and plastidic compartments of the leaf in relation to the cell age. In dark-grown leaves, the level of plastidic protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase A (PORA) (EC 1.3.1.33) protein increased from the leaf base to tip. Exposure to light reduced the level of PORA protein and stimulated accumulation of PORB protein with increasing level from the base to the leaf tip. Light induced formation of cytosolic PEP carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.31) in the leaf with induction being maximal in the leaf tip. The levels of peroxisomal protein catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) showed gradual increase from the base to leaf tip in dark and light-grown leaves. By contrast, the distribution profile of cytosolic enzyme peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) followed reverse pattern in the dark-and light-grown leaves. In dark-grown leaves, peroxidase level showed increase towards the leaf tip, whereas light exposure lowered peroxidase level near the leaf tip and stimulated near the leaf base. These results indicate that the cell maturity gradient in cooperation with plastids modulates in a dual fashion the magnitude and pattern of photoregulation of protein levels in pearl millet leaves. It promotes the level of proteins functionally related to plastids towards the leaf tip and at the same time suppresses the level of cytosolic proteins, restricting them to the leaf base.

5 illus, 29 ref

012218   Swapna Sree D;Ravi Sankar N;Sreeramulu A (Botany Dep, St. Joseph's Degree and P.G. College, Sunkesula Road, Kurnool-518 004, Email: swapnadsree@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of antifungal activity of eight medicinal plants on plant pathogenic fungi. Biomed 2008, 3(2), 115-17.

Antifungal activity of the leaves of eight selected medicinal plants Azadirachta indica, Bixa orellana, Datura metel, Eucalyptus regnans, Melia azadirach, Sterculia urens, Strychnos nux-vomica and Tylophora indica has been studied hot water extracts against three plant pathogenic fungi by poisoned food technique. The leaf extract of Azadirachta indica was found to be highly effective at 1 ml/20ml of the medium and showed significant activity.

1 table, 8 ref

012217   Swapna Sree D;Ravi Sankar N;Sreeramulu (Botany Dep, St. Joseph's Degree and P.G. College, Sunkesula Road, Kurnool-518 004, Email: swapnadsree@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of thirteen medicinal plant extracts against teak (Tectona grandis) leaf skeletonizer Eutectona machoeralis Walk. Biomed 2008, 3(1), 33-5.

Leaf extracts of thirteen medicinal plants namely Azadirachta indica, Bixa orellana, Catharanthus roseus, Dathura metel, Eucalyptus regnans, Mirabilis jalapa, Murraya konigii, Nerium oleander, Sterculia urens, Quisqualis indica, Strychnos nux-vomica, Vernonia cineria and Tylohora indica at 5% and 10% concentrations were tested against the teak leaf skeletonizer Eutectona machoeralis, to evaluate their insecticidal effects. The treatments of Azadirachta indica, Nerium oleander, Strychnos nux-vomica and Tylophora indica were the most effective and gave significant inhibition. The extract of Mirabilis jalapa was least effective.irabilis jalapa was least effective.

1 table, 7 ref

012216   Sudha S S;Uma P;Sinjini D J (Microbiology Dep, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-48, Email: sudhakrish_1972@yahoo.com) : Effect of fungicides and plant pesticides on the growth of biocontrol agent - Trichoderma harzianum. Res J biol Sci 2009, 1(3), 144-7.

Biological control offers solutions to many problems of modern agriculture and is an essential component in the development of sustainable agriculture. Trichoderma spp. acts as biocontrol agent to control plant pathogens. It is present in nearly all agricultural soils and in other environments such as decaying wood. In this present study, the effect of plant pesticides and chemical fungicides on growth of Trichoderma harzianum has been assessed using food poisoning technique and from the mean growth rate calculated. Plant pesticides have minimum effect as biocontrol agents compared with the fungicides. Hence they can be used along with biocontrol agents for effective control of plant pathogens.

1 table, 12 ref

012215   Srivastava S;Girjesh Kumar (Plant Genetics Laboratory, Botany Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: sapnacapri4@yahoo.com) : Effect of Calotropis extract on actively dividing phases of cell cycle in Helianthus annuus L.. Res Crop 2007, 8(1), 166-9.

Use of synthetic chemicals for plant protection and their cytogenetic effects have been well documented by several scientists. In view of that the investigation deals with the cytogenetical impact of Calotropis extract on Helianthus annuus. Different concentrations were used for different time durations in order to find out its impact on root meristem of sunflower. Extract was also applied at the seedling stage and before flowering stage for meiotic studies. The results indicated that the lower doses (1 and 5%) displayed an increase in mitotic index at 6 h duration, while higher concentrations gave rise to substantial reduction in AMI. Various types of abnormalities were recorded both in mitotic and rneiotic phases of cell cycle. Percentage of these abnormalities was also found to be dose and time dependent. Among them, stickiness was found to be more frequent compared with other types.

2 tables, 15 ref

012214   Solanke A U;Sharma A K (Plant Molecular Biology Dep, Delhi Univ, South Campus, New Delhi-110 021, Email: arun@genomeindia.org) : Signal transduction during cold stress in plants. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2008, 14(1-2), 69-79.

Cold stress signal transduction is a complex process. Many physiological changes like tissue break down and senescence occur due to cold stress. Low temperature is initially perceived by plasma membrane either due to change in membrane fluidity or with the help of sensors like Ca²⁺ permeable channels, histidine kinases, receptor kinases and phospholipases. Subsequently, cytoskeleton reorganization and cytosolic Ca²⁺ influx takes place. Increase in cytosolic Ca²⁺ is sensed by CDPKs, phoshatase and MAPKs, which transduce the signals to switch on transcriptional cascades. Photosynthetic apparatus have also been thought to be responsible for low temperature perception and signal transduction. Many cold induced pathways are activated to protect plants from deleterious effects of cold stress, but till date, most studied pathway is ICE-CBF-COR signaling pathway. However, the importance of CBF independent pathways in cold acclimation is supported by few Arabidopsis mutants' studies. Cold stress signaling has certain pathways common with other abiotic and biotic stress signaling which suggest cross-talks among these. Most of the economically important crops are sensitive to low temperature, but very few studies are available on cold susceptible crop plants. Therefore, it is necessary to understand signal transducing components from model plants and utilize that knowledge to improve survival of cold sensitive crop plants at low temperature.

^iia115 ref

012213   Sharma B;Chettri M K (Botany Dep, Tribhuvan Univ, Amrit Campus, P.O. Box 102, Kathmandu, Nepal, Email: abpksharma@ntc.net.np) : Impact of heavy metals on accumulation of essential micronutrients and chlorophylls in some vegetables. Pollut Res 2008, 27(2), 355-63.

Pot experiments was conducted to observe the impact of CdCl₂, CuCl₂, Pb(NO₃)₂ and ZnCl₂ on chlorophylls of Brassica juncea, Brassica rapa, Lactuca sativa, Lepidium sativum and Daucus carota. Significant loss of Chl-a, Chl-b and total chlorophyll were observed in B. juncea and L. sativum with depletion of Cu, Zn and/or Mn after Cd uptake. Significant loss in total-chl after Cu uptake was observed in B. juncea and D. carota with depletion of essential Zn, Fe (in B. juncea) and or Mn (in D. carota). Total chlorophyll increased significantly in B. juncea up to 500 mg Pb(NO₃)₂ kg^-1 soil treatment but it decreased insignificantly in D. carota only at 1000 mg kg^-1 soil treatment. There was moderate increased in Fe accumulation in all Pb-treated vegetables except L. sativum; but Zn, Cu and Mn depleted in Pb treated D. carota. Insignificant change in chlorophyll was observed in Zn-treated vegetables. Present studies suggest that depletion of essential micronutrients like Zn and Fe; or Zn and Cu; or Fe and Mn in the plant body after heavy metal accumulation may be one of the causes for chlorophyll loss.

2 illus, 2 tables, 48 ref

012212   Senthamarai M;Poornima K;Subramanian S (Nematology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: senthanem@rediffmail.com) : Management of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita using bio-control agents on medicinal coleus, Coleus forskohlii Briq.. Indian J Nematol 2008, 38(1), 5-8.

Pot culture experiment was carried out under glasshouse conditions for the evaluation of biocontrol agents against Meloidogyne incognita in Coleus forskohlii. Soil application of Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 2.5 kg/ha showed increased plant growth and reduced root-knot nematode population both in soil and root. Soil application of Trichoderma viride @ 2.5 kg/ ha, increased plant growth and reduced nematode population compared to control followed by P. fluorescens.

2 tables, 15 ref

012211   Saxena D K;Srivastava K;Shivom Singh (Botany Dep, Bareilly College, Bareilly-243 005, Email: dinesh.botany@gmail.com) : Retrospective metal data of the last 100 years deduced by moss, Barbula sp. from Mussoorie city, Garhwal Hills, India. Curr Sci 2008, 94(7), 901-4.

Attempts at contributing to monitoring and systematic gathering of information on the heavy metal profile of the environment, i.e. retrospective study of the environmental metal data (Pb, Fe, Zn, Cd and Ni) of the past 100 years, i.e. 1895-1999 from Mussoorie city, Garhwal Hills, India by analyzing herbarium voucher specimens of moss, Barbula species as a tool. The laboratory has been using this tool successfully to delineate the past metal profile by analyzing moss samples. A significant increase in metal content was observed by non-invasive analysis of herbarium specimens of Barbula sp. belonging to Mussoorie city, which seems to be a reflection of atmospheric metal load. The lowest concentrations were found in the voucher specimens of the early period, i.e. 1895 and the level increased over a period of time. However, difference in trend was also observed. The maximum significant increase observed for metals Zn, Ni and Pb was 5743.369, 3195.238 and 1362.207% respectively, with respect to first metal data of the year 1895 in Barbula sp. The same could be due to an increase in metal load resulting from progressive industrialization in the early period. The ratios between the content of the various metals in bryophyte tissue increased nearly identically for all metals examined. The novel aspect of this study is that it provides information on retrospective metal data of the past 100 year from Mussorie hills (India) as well as Asia by analysis of bryophytes, where no information was earlier available.

1 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

012210   Ravi Sankar N;Sreeramulu A (Applied Plant Pathology Reserch Lab, Botany Dep, Sri Venkateswra University, Tirupati-517 502, Email: ravinandi@yahoo.com) : In vitro efficacy of nineteen medicinal plant leaf extracts on Uncinula tectonae, the powdery mildew pathogen of teak (Tectona grandis). Biomed 2008, 3(2), 137-41.

Effect of hot water extracts of 19 medicinal plants namely Azadirachta indica, Bixa orellana L. A. Juss, Catharanthus roseus L, Clerodendron inerme Gaertn, Datura metel L., Boerhavia diffusa L., Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd, Cassia alata L., Eucalyptus regnans L., Melia azadirach, L., Mirabilis jalapa L., Murraya koenigii Spreng., Nerium oleander L., Parthenium hystropilorus L., Quisqualis indica L., Strychnos nux-vomica L., Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less., Tylophora indica (Burm. f.) Merr., Sterculia urens Roxb. were screened against the powdery mildew fungus, Uncinula tectonae infecting Tectona grandis. Of which, the leaf extract of Azadirachta indica was found to be highly effective at 100% concentrations completely inhibiting the conidial germination of the pathogen and that of Mirabilis jalapa was found to be the least effective.

1 table, 16 ref

012209   Rathor O S;Chavan V B;Zare M K (PG Dep of Botany, Science College, Nanded-431 605) : Occurrence of Aeschynomene americana linn. in Marathwada region of Maharashtra state. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(1), 50.

4 ref

012208   Purty R S;Gautam Kumar;Singla-Pareek S L; Pareek A (Stress Physiology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sci, Jawaharlal Nehru Univ, New Delhi-110 067, Email: ashwanip@mail.jnu.ac.in) : Towards salinity tolerance in Brassica. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2008, 14(1-2), 39-49.

Among the various abiotic stresses limiting the crop productivity, salinity stress is a major problem, which needs to be addressed and answered urgently. Since members of Brassicaceae are important contributor to total oilseed production, there is an immediate need being felt to raise Brassica plants which would be more suitable for saline and dry lands in years to come. One of the suggested way to develop salinity tolerant Brassica plants is to make use of the broad gene pool available within the family. Efforts of breeders have been successful in such endeavors to a large extent and several salinity tolerant Brassica genotypes have been developed within India and elsewhere. On the other hand, transgenic technology will undoubtedly continue to aid the search for the cellular mechanisms that confer tolerance, but the complexity of the trait is likely to mean that the road to engineer such tolerance into sensitive species will not be easy. However, with increasing number of reports available for suitable genetic transformation for various Brassica genotypes, there is a hope that salinity tolerance can be improved in this important crop plant. In this direction, the complete genome sequence of related wild plants such as Arabidopsis or crop plants such as rice can also serve as a platform for identification of "candidate genes". Recently, complete genome sequencing of the Brassica genomes has also been initiated with the view that availability of such useful information can pave way towards raising Brassica with improved tolerance towards these stresses. Discusses the success obtained so far; in raising brassica genotypes with improved salinity tolerance employing both plant breeding and/or genetic engineering tools.

^iia4 illus, 2 tables, 69 ref

012207   Pindi P K;Venkataiah P (Microbiology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in establishment of micropropagated plantlets of Sesbania grandiflora (L.) pers.. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(1), 31-6.

Shoot buds differentiated from hypocotyl and cotyledon explants of Sesbania grandiflora were cultured on B₅ medium supplemented with BAP in combination with IBA or NAA. Rooting of regenerated shoots was achieved on medium containing 4.92 μg ml^-1 IBA. Only 23% of the plantlets survived in soil, while 95% of plantlets established very well and showed good growth in AM inoculated soil. Roots of the later plantlets showed presence of both external and internal hyphae with well formed arbuscules and vesicles confirming establishment of mycorrhizal association. The mycorrhizal association, thus helped in successful establishment of in vitro regenerated plantlets of S. grandiflora in field conditions.

3 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

012206   Paul L K;Khurana J P (Plant Molecular Biology Dep, Delhi South Campus Univ, New Delhi-110 021, Email: khuranaj@genomeindia.org) : Phytochrome-mediated light signaling in plants: emerging trends. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2008, 14(1-2), 9-22.

Phytochromes maximally absorb in the red and far-red region of the solar spectrum and play a key role in regulating plant growth and development. Our understanding of the phytochrome-mediated light perception and signal transduction has improved dramatically during the past decade. However, some recent findings challenge a few of the well-accepted earlier models regarding phytochrome structure and function. Identification of a serine/threonine specific protein phosphatase 2A (FyPP) and a type 5 protein phosphatases (PAPP5), and the phytochrome-mediated phosphorylation of phytochrome interacting factor 3 (PIF3), auxin inducible genes (Aux/IAA) and cryptochromes have opened new vistas in phytochrome biology. Importantly, the significance of proteolysis and chromatin-remodeling pathways in phytochrome signaling is becoming more apparent. The emerging concept of phytochrome as a master regulator in orchestrating downstream signaling components has become more convincing with the advent of global expression profiling of genes. Upcoming data also provide fresh insights into the nuclear localization, speckle formation, nucleo-cytoplasmic partitioning and organ-specificity aspects of phytochromes. This article highlights recent advances in phytochrome biology with emphasis on the elucidation of novel components of light signal transduction.

^iia4 illus, 138 ref

012205   Patil S J;Mutanal S M;Shahapurmath G (Agroforestry Dep, Agriculture Sciences Univ, Dharwad, Karnataka) : Investigations on plant density in bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus). Indian For 2008, 134(3), 448-9.

2 tables, 4 ref

012204   Patil K B;Kamble S S (Mycology and Plant Pathology Research Laboratory, Botany Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur-416 004) : Variation in sporangial dimensions of Phytophthora palmivora var. Piperina causing quick wilt of black pepper. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(1), 77-8.

Variation in dimensions (length and breadth) of Phytophthora palmivora var. piperina mycelium and sporangia among five isolates was observed. The sporangia belonging to isolate PP-3 were large (131.74 x 98.70 μm) in comparison to an isolate PP-1 (65.25 x 44.62 μm.)

6 ref

012203   Pandey G K (Plant Molecular Biology Dep, Delhi South Campus Univ, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi-110 021, Email: giridhar98@gmail.com) : Emergence of a novel calcium signaling pathway in plants: CBL-CIPK signaling network. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2008, 14(1-2), 52-68.

In the environment, plants are exposed to plethora of adverse stimuli such as abiotic and biotic stresses. Abiotic stresses including dehydration, salinity and low temperature poses a major threat for crop productivity. Plant responds to these stresses by activating a number of signaling pathways which enable them to defend or adjust against these stresses. To understand the mechanisms by which plants perceive environmental signals and transmit these signals to cellular machinery to activate adaptive responses is of fundamental importance to biology. Calcium plays a pivotal role in plant responses to a number of stimuli including pathogens, abiotic stresses, and hormones. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying calcium functions are poorly understood. It is hypothesized that calcium serves as second messenger and, in many cases, requires intracellular protein sensors to transduce the signal further downstream in the pathways. Recently a novel calcium signaling pathway which consist of calcineurin B-like protein (CBL) calcium sensor and CBL-interacting protein kinase (CIPK) network as a newly emerging signaling system mediating a complex array of environmental stimuli. This review focuses on the overview of functional aspects of CBL and CIPK in plants. In addition, an attempt has also been made to categorize the functions of this CBL-CIPK pair in major signaling pathways in plants.

^iia135 ref

012202   Pande B N;Godbole G G (NO, MGM's Institute of Bio-informatics and Biotechnology, N-6, CIDCO, Aurangabad) : Indoor aeromycoflora on university library. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(1), 60.

8 ref

012201   Nilesh Kumar;Khanam S;Mueen Ahmed K K;Dang R (Pharmacognosy Dep, Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy, Lalbagh Road, Bangalore-560 027, Email: makky@rediffmail.com) : Evaluation of some Indian medicinal plants for antibacterial activity. Biomed 2007, 2(2), 206-11.

Antimicrobial drugs are the unique niche in the history of medicine. In order to evaluate the efficiency of these plants the through systematic screening for antimicrobial property is essential. Study reveals antibacterial screening of some extracts by determining their zone of inhibition. Among the four plant extracts the alcoholic extracts of Terminalia bellarica and Emblica officinalis were found to be most active against B. subtilus whereas the activity against S. typhi and Ps. aeruginosa was least active. The extracts were found to be active at 250 mg/ml whereas oil al 500 μg/m1. The alcoholic (40%) extract of Cassia fistula and oil of Piper longum were found to have good activity against S. typhi. The oil of Piper longum was found 10 be most active with MBC imaging from 1 to 4 mg/ml. The activity of alcoholic (40%) extracts of Cassia fistula, Terminalia bellarica and Emblica officinalis showed marked activity against S. aureus, B. subtilus, E. coli, Ps. aeruginosa and S. typhi. Cassia fistula extract also shown degerming activity equivalent to e sterilium.

3 tables, 6 ref

012200   Narkhede S D;Bhowal M (Botany Dep, Institute of Science, Nagpur) : Pelliaites deccanii gen. ET. SP.NOV., a bryophytic sporogonium from the intertrappean beds of Mohgaonkalan, M. P., India. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(1), 9-13.

The investigation deals with the anatomical study of petrified Bryophytic sporogonium from Mohgaokalan in M.P. The sporogonium is erect with a broad, squarish foot moderately long seta and a spherical capsule. The capsule shows a prominent parenchymatous calyptra and sporogenous mass with spores and elaters, involucre 3-4 layers thick surrounds it. The present specimen does not show any resemblance with reported fossil specimens but its affinities with the living genus Pellia are very prominent. The fossil specimen is thus named as Pelliaites deccanii, the generic name is after the genus Pellia while the specific name is after the horizon of the locality from where the specimen was collected.

8 illus, 10 ref

012199   Murthy S M;Mamatha B;Shivananda T N (NO, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, Email: tns@iihr.ernet.in) : Saraca asoca - an endangered plant. Biomed 2008, 3(3-4), 224-8.

2 illus, 7 ref

012198   Murganathan G;Joshi N C;Thabah P;Prakash Deep (NO, PES College of Pharmacy, 50 Feet Road, Bangalore-560 050, Email: murugan13@gmail.com) : Phytochemical studies and antibacterial activity of Tephrosia purpurea (Linn) root. Biomed 2007, 2(3), 305-8.

Roots of Tephrosia purpurea were subjected for successive solvent extraction with Petroleum ether 60-80°, alcohol and aqueous methanol. Each extract was concentrated under vacuum to give Petroleum ether 60-80° (1.28%w/w) alcoholic extract (6.82%w/w) and aqueous methanol extract (1.14%w/w). The antibacterial activity was evaluated by cup plate diffusion method against two Gram-positive bacteria and two Gram-negative bacteria. In the study alcoholic extract of the roots have been found to possess mild antibacterial activity. The extracts were subjected for preliminary phytochemical evaluation. TLC studies showed Petroleum ether 60-80° extracts 2 spots with Rf value 0.74 and 0.8, alcoholic extract 2 spots with Rf value 0.51 and 0.75, and aqueous methanol extract 2 spots with R_f value 0.41 and 0.82. Phytoconstituents like Phytosterols showed positive tests in Petroleum ether 60-80° extract. Tannins and glycoside were showed positive tests in alcoholic extract. Tannins showed positive tests in aqueous methanol extract. Moisture content, Ash value, Acid insoluble ash was found to be 7.85%w/w, 11.52%w/w and 3.62%w/w respectively.

1 table, 9 ref

012197   More S B;Kamble S S (Mycology and Plant Pathology Research Labortory, Botany Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur-416 004) : Effect of temperature on spore germination in Phakopsora pachyrhizi SYD.. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(1), 86.

1 table, 3 ref

012196   Mohrir M N (Botany Dep, Pratishthan Mahavidyalaya, Paithan-431 107) : Assesment of genetic variation in sunflower. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(1), 52-3.

1 table, 8 ref

012195   Mishra M;Upadhyay A;Dwivedi S K (Crop and Herbal Physiology Dep, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur-482 002, Email: mukfamishra@rediffmail.com) : Effect of storage conditions on saponin content in safed musli (Chlorophytum borivillianum). Biomed 2008, 3(2), 142-4.

Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivillianum) is a high value medicinal crop, cultivated commercially for its saponins. The roots are considered to posses higher saponin content, hence roots have high economic value. The post harvest management of roots is lacking which is very vital for farmers and industry for further processing to value added products. In the study various storage conditions (Polythene bags, plastic containers and glass containers) for different periods (0,2,4,6 and 8 months) was studied. The results indicate that there was significant reduction in saponin content ranging from 1.01 to 10.75% and the highest reduction being at 8 months after storage. Among various containers, glass containers were found to be the best with least reduction in saponin content.

1 table, 5 ref

012194   Minda R;Joshi V P;Bhattacharjee S K (Biological Sciences Dep, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai-400 005) : Evolutionary significance of `obligate' photoautography of cyanobacteria. Curr Sci 2008, 94(7), 850-2.

^ssc1 illus, 27 ref

012193   Mastiholi A B;Hegde L (NO, K.R.C. College of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Arabhavi-591 310, Email: hegdelax@gmail.com) : Revisiting Coleus forskohlii - an antihypertensive herb. Biomed 2008, 3(1), 1-21.

^iia29 ref

012192   Mane M J;Kamble S S (Mycology and Plant Pathology Research Laboratory, Botany Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur) : Diseases of taro in western Maharashtra. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(1), 76.

76 tables, 3 ref

012191   Mamatha B;Siddaramappa R;Shivananda T N (NO, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessarghatta Lake Post, Email: tns@iihr.ernet.in) : Hisotchemical studies of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) nodules for assessing genotypes variations. Biomed 2008, 3(2), 147-54.

Mucuna pruriens is a leguminous, twining annual having wide distribution in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The genus Mucuna is a member of family leguminosae; the roots bear the root nodules for nitrogen fixation. Histochemical studies in root nodules were proposed to understand the reasons behind the high nitrogen fixing or low nitrogen fixing genotypes. Histochemical studies indicated that the genotype, which fixes more nitrogen, possessed higher distribution of starch, protein concentration in cells and metabolic activity in the root nodules. Also histological studies indicated that higher nitrogen fixing genotypes have greater thickness of cortex, number of cells per unit area. Genotypes fixing more nitrogen has more number of nitrogen fixing cells per unit area.

1 table, 4 ref

012190   Mamatha B;Siddaramappa R;Shivananda T N (NO, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessarghatta Lake Post, Bangalore-89, Email: tns@iihr.ernet.in) : Evaluation of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) genotypes for nitrogen fixation using acetylene reduction assay technique. Biomed 2008, 3(1), 56-61.

Mucuna pruriens is a high value medicinal crop grown for its seed to extract L-Dopa used against Parkinson's disease. Besides its medicinal uses, the plant being legume is also important in soil amelioration, conservation and fertility improvement. Pot culture experiments were conducted using 13 genotypes to evaluate nitrogen-fixing ability during 2003-2004 at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore. Nitrogen fixing ability was assessed using Acetylene Reduction Assay (ARA). Results suggested that HHR MP 02 fixed the highest (208.9 ARA) amounts of nitrogen and the least in HHR MP 17 (67.8 ARA). The results also suggested that ARA activity was maximum at pre-flowering stage and showed lesser activity at flowering stage. This is because at pre-flowering stage, the photosynthates are mostly contributed to the root nodules region. Thereby the activity of nitrogenase enzymes is more; also the number of active nitrogen fixation is more at pre-flowering stage. Histochemical studies in root nodules were proposed to understand the reasons behind the high nitrogen fixing or low nitrogen fixing genotypes. Histochemical studies indicated that the genotype, which fixes more nitrogen, has higher distribution of starch, protein concentration in cells and metabolic activity in the root nodules. Also histological studies indicated that higher nitrogen fixing genotypes have greater thickness of cortex, number of cells per unit area. This is due to genotypes which fixes more nitrogen has more number of nitrogen fixing cells per unit area.

2 tables, 5 ref

012189   Malode U G;Manik S R (Botany Dep, Jagdamba Mahavidyalaya, Achalpur) : Anatomical features of tribulus terrestris L.. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(1), 1-3.

The internal structure of root, stem, petiole and leaf of Tribulus terrestris L. have been studied. Root and stem shows the presence of calcium oxalate crystals in the cortical as well as pith region and sclerenchymatous patch on outer side of each vascular bundle. In stem the ring of vascular bundles is present. Petiole shows the presence of five vascular bundles with a sclerenchymatous patch and calcium oxalate crystals. Leaf shows the presence of large curved vascular bundle in the midrib and small vascular bundles in the lamina. The genus is characterized by unicellular, unbranched, conical, pointed trichomes with a swollen base surrounded by 5-6 adjoining epidermal cells in rosette.

3 illus, 1 ref

012188   Malik A (Microbiology Dep, C.C.S. Univ, Meerut-250 004) : Pachytene chromosome studies in fourteen accessions of Carthamus L.. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2008, 78(Pt-1), 56-60.

Pachytene karyotypes in fourteen accessions, belonging to four species of the genus Carthamus were analyzed in detail for establishing the chromosome and karyotype polymorphism. The karyotype and heterochromatin distribution patterns reported in this study provide a foundation toward cytological characterization of the Carthamus genome. The chromosome size ranges between 502.74 μm to 979.97 μm. Variability within the individual chromosomes with respect to the size, shape and position of the centromere was found to be well marked. At pachytene, the pollen mother cells have 12 bivalents and prominent nueleolus. The accessions exhibited significant variability in their pachytene chromosome characteristics.

15 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

012187   Kuberappa G C;Shilpa P;Vishwas A B;Vasundhara M (NO, University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bangalore-560 065, Email: vishwasgowda27@gmail.com) : Insect pollinators abundance and their activity in vishnu tulasi (Ocimum sanctum L.). Biomed 2007, 2(3), 260-4.

Ten species of insect pollinator were recorded on Vishnu tulasi which belongs to order Hymenoptera and Diptera. The mean abundance of A. florea (8.82 /plant/5 min) was found to be highest compared to A. dorsata (8.52 /plant/5 min), A. cerana (6.85 /plant/5 min), Trigona iridipennis (3.89 /plant/5 min) and other insect pollinators (2.53 /plant/5 min).The pollen foraging activity of honeybees was observed between 1100 to 1600 h, whereas nectar foraging was between 1300 to 1600 h of the day.

3 tables, 3 ref

012186   Kuberappa G C;Shilpa P;Vishwas A B;Vasundhara M (Apiculture Dep, Universtiy of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bangalore-560 065, Email: vishwasgowda27@gmail.com) : Floral biology and phenology of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.). Biomed 2007, 2(3), 257-9.

1 table, 4 ref

012185   Kuberappa G C;Shilpa P;Vishwas A B;Vasundhara M (Apiculture Dep, University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bangalore-560 065, Email: vishwasgowda27@gmail.com) : Floral biology and phenology of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.). Biomed 2007, 2(3), 257-9.

Chamomile plants produce inflorescence called head or capitulum, which are terminal, solitary, heterozygous surrounded by an involucre bracts. The flowers open at 0630 to 0700 h and remain open for 4 days. Each flower consists of ray florets and disc florets. Androecium is epipetalous and syngenesious. Anthers are longer than filaments but minute, basifixed, dithecus and introrse. Stigma bifid. Gynoecium is bicarpellary and syncarpous. Ovary is inferior, unilocular and single ovuled. Anther dehiscence is initiated at 0700h. The nectaries are absent, but honey bees collect nectar from the base of the corolla tube. Three species of honeybees viz., Apis cerana, A. florae and Trigona iridipennis abundantly foraging for pollen on flowers of chamomile.

1 table, 4 ref

012184   Khullar S P;Sharma S;Prasher I B (Botany Dep, Botany Punjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014) : Diversity in the pteridophytes of Kangra district (Himachal Pradesh). Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2008, 78(Pt-1), 1-36.

A comprehensive survey of the Pteridophytes of the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh (India) has been carried out for the first time. Based on personal collections, reports in literature and study of herbarium specimens 130 species are being recorded. In Kangra district 45 species of Pteridophytes are rare; 22 are uncommon; 17 are occasional; 20 are very common: 14 are common and 12 are fairly common. Three natural fern hybrids have been collected from this district. Three fern species are being reported for the first time from Himachal Pradesh.

12 illus, 15 ref

012183   Khilare V C;Ahmed R;Chavan S S;Kohire O D (Botany Dep, Vasantrao Naik Mahavidyalaya, Aurangabad-431 003) : Management of Fusarium oxysporum F. SP. Ciceri by different fungicides. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(1), 41-3.

Altogether six different fungicides were tested against different isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.ciceri for their sensitivity. Among them, carbendazim showed high efficacy @ 1.61mg/ml against highly virulent isolate, followed by difenoconazole (197.64 mg/ml), vrtavax (397.77mg/ml), thiophanate methyl (1254.67 mg/ml), captan (7034.86 mg/ml) and thiram (7087.01 mg/ml). Carbendazim and difenoconazole are thus suitable seed dressers for the management of F.oxysporum f.sp.ciceri.

3 tables, 15 ref

012182   Khade S K;Chavan P D (Botany Dep, D.K.A.S.C. College, Ichalkaranji Dist- Kolhapur, Maharashtra-415 116) : Changes in mineral constitutents during leaf senescence in a cericultural crop-Morus alba L.. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(1), 25-7.

An attempt has been made to study the changes in the levels of various mineral constituents during leaf senescence in the three improved cultivars of mulberry (Moras alba L.) viz. M5 (K₂), V₁ and S₃₆. The leaf senescence was found to be accompanied by decline in the levels of potassium, iron, zinc, copper and aluminium. At the same time increase in the contents of divalent cations, calcium magnesium and micronutrient manganese was evident in the senescent leves. The general trend of alteration in ionic balance in the leaf tissue was similar in case of all the three cultivars although the magnitude of alterations in the three cultivars varied.

1 table, 14 ref

012181   Kaware A J;Toshniwal N R;Rothe S P (P.G. Dep of Home Science, Shri. Shivaji College, Akola) : DYE yielding plants and printing of natural fabrics. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(1), 49.

1 ref

012180   Kate V V;Karadge B A (Botany Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur-416 004) : Vegetative propagation of tribulus terrestris L. and Pedalium murex L.. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(1), 87-8.

Deals with the influence of different concentrations of growth regulator (IBA) on sprouting of Tribulus terrestris and Pedalium murex. From the observations it is concluded that, in both the plants stem cuttings treated with IBA (15 ppm) exhibited high rate of sprouting and survival percentage.

6 ref

012179   Kanehere A M;Bhoge R S;Bhagat A A (Botany Dep, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri) : Effect of water stress on growth and yield of chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.). Bioinfolet 2009, 6(1), 61-4.

A field experiment was conducted to study effect of water stress on growth and yield of chickpea. The results revealed that water stress had strong influence on growth and yield attributes. Kabuli genotypes were more sensitive to water stress than desi genotypes.

2 tables, 8 ref

012178   Kambhoja S;Keshav Murthy K R (NO, Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy, Koramangala, Bangalore-560 034, Email: kambhoja_murthy@rediffmail.com) : Wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity of Pueraria tuberosa (Roxb Ex wild) DC. Biomed 2007, 2(2), 229-32.

Pueraria tuberose  (Roxb Ex wild) DC is a large deciduous climber with a very large tuberous roots belonging to the family leguminosae. In Ayurvedha it is known as vidari and widely used in the treatment of old age problems, fever, menorrhagia, skin diseases, wounds, bronchial asthma and jaundice. The tubers are collected, washed with water to remove earthy matter, chapped into pieces, dried for 4 days under sun and powdered. It was extracted with methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate by soxhlet hot extraction process. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was carried out for different extracts. It was found that flavone glycosides, reducing sugars and amino acids were present in the extracts. TLC studies were carried out using methanol: chloroform 95:5 and chloroform: ethylacetate 60:40. Rf values are calculated for the different extract. The extracts were screened for wound-healing activity by excision and incision wound model, Anti-inflammatory activity was carried out by rat paw oedema method. The methanolic and ethyl acetate showed significant wound healing activity and anti- inflammatory activity compared to that of control and standard drugs Nitrofurazone ointment and ibuprofene respectively.

2 tables, 9 ref

012177   Kadam M;Khandekar V P (Botany Dep, Yashavantrao Chavan Institute of Science, Satara-415 001) : Weed population associated with dicot crops around Satara. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(1), 74-6.

Weed survey was undertaken around Satara in the year 2006-07. Weed population studies were carried out by studying Frequency, Density and Abundance. Two hundred and fifty dicot crop fields were visited. Altogether 101 weed species belonging to 28 families were collected. The weed flora was dominated by dicot plants. On the basis of ecological characters of the weed species in vegetation, twenty dominant weeds were identified. Ageratum conyzoides (Asteraceae) was found to be the most widely distributed weed.

1 table, 9 ref

012176   Kadam M B;Patil R S;Nimbalkar C A (Horticulture Dep, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722) : Application of molecualr markers techniques in horticultural crops. Green Fmg 2008, 2(2), 131-4.

Molecular markers are the heritable differences in the nucleotide sequences of DNA from two different individuals. It has provided tools suitable for rapid and detailed genetic analysis of plant species, early screening of plant traits, validation of genetic relationship, variety identification, gene tagging and clonal fidelity testing. With the development of saturated linkage maps and identification of PCR based flanking markers, marker assisted selection is going to be routinely practiced in crop improvement schemes. Thus, molecular markers giving new dimensions to concerted efforts of breeding and marker assisted selection that can reduce the time span of developing new and better varieties. Though the cost of performing such technique is high in present situation, it will decline in real terms as technology develops.

2 tables, 22 ref

012175   Kackar A;Parihar M;Shekhawat N S (NO, JIET College of Girls, JIET Universe, NH-65, Pali Road, Mogra, Jodhpur-342 802) : Cloning of Stevia rebaudiana Bert: a low caloric natural sweetener. Green Fmg 2008, 2(2), 121-3.

Stevia rebaudiana Bert belongs to the family Compositae, is one of the most valuable tropical medicinal plant. The plant has gained wide access to Indian sub continent in recent decades and it is being cultivated commercially. S. rebaudiana has gained attention with the rise in demand for low sugar food alternatives. Stevioside, sweet crystalline diterpene glycosides are extracted from the leaves of Stevia. The pure extract can be added to tea and coffee, cooked or baked, processed foods and beverages. Plants of S. rebaudiana were maintained in green house. Explants were harvested for establishment of cultures on MS medium supplemented with BAP mgl^-1 and NAA 0.1 mgl^-1 90-95% bud break was achieved in nodal shoot segments. The shoots proliferated from axillary bud regions were harvested and then original explants were repeatedly transferred with various concentrations of IBA for different time durations for induction of ex vitro rooting. Treated shoots were then transferred in glass bottles containing autoclaved mixture, moistened with one fourth strengths of MS macro salts. These bottles along with shoots were kept in the green house for hardening. Hardened plantlets were successfully transferred to field.

12 ref

012174   Johri M M (NO, , 32 New Cosmos, Juhu Versova Link Road, Andheri (W), Mumbai-400 053, Email: mmjohri@mailhost.tifr.res.in) : Hormonal regulation in green plant lineage families. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2008, 14(1-2), 23-38.

The patterns of phytohormones distribution, their native function and possible origin of hormonal regulation across the green plant lineages (chlorophytes, charophytes, bryophytes and tracheophytes) are discussed. The five classical phytohormones -auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins (GA), abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene occur ubiquitously in green plants. They are produced as secondary metabolites by microorganisms. Some of the bacterial species use phytohormones to interact with the plant as a part of their colonization strategy. Phytohormone biosynthetic pathways in plants seem to be of microbial origin and furthermore, the origin of high affinity perception mechanism could have preceded the recruitment of a metabolite as a hormone. The bryophytes represent the earliest land plants which respond to the phytohormones with the exception of gibberellins. The regulation by auxin and ABA may have evolved before the separation of green algal lineage. Auxin enhances rhizoid and caulonemal differentiation while cytokinins enhance shoot bud formation in mosses. Ethylene retards cell division but seems to promote cell elongation. The presence of responses specific to cytokinins and ethylene strongly suggest the origin of their regulation in bryophytes. The hormonal role of GAs could have evolved in some of the ferns where antheridiogens (compounds related to GAs) and GAs themselves regulate the formation of antheridia. During migration of life forms to land, the tolerance to desiccation may have evolved and is now observed in some of the microorganisms, animals and plants. Besides plants, sequences coding for late embryogenesis abundant-like proteins occur in the genomes of other anhydrobiotic species of microorganisms and nematodes. ABA acts as a stress signal and increases rapidly upon desiccation or in response to some of the abiotic stresses in green plants. As the salt stress also increases ABA release in the culture medium of cyanobacterium Trichormus variabilis, the recruitment of ABA in the regulation of stress responses could have been derived from prokaryotes and present at the level of common ancestor of green plants. The overall hormonal action mechanisms in mosses are remarkably similar to that of the higher plants. As plants are thought to be monophyletic in origin, the existence of remarkably similar hormonal mechanisms in the mosses and higher plants, suggests that some of the basic elements of regulation cascade could have also evolved at the level of common ancestor of plants. The networking of various steps in a cascade or the crosstalk between different cascades is variable and reflects the dynamic interaction between a species and its specific environment.

^iia1 illus, 151 ref

012173   Jitendra Kumar (Science Dep, Sampurnanand Sankrit Univ, Varanasi-221 002) : Biomass productivity of Acacia auriculiformis as an important renewable energy resource. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2008, 78(Pt-1), 77-84.

Acacia auriculiformis A.Cunn. ex. Benth., a fast growing N₂-fixing tree, a native of Papua New Guinea, Australia, has come to India recently after its highly successful tree farming in Indonesia. At and around Varanasi, two age group plantations of Acacia auriculiformis stand as Site I & II. They have been studied for biomass production of bole, branch, phyllode and below ground parts. The net primary production (NPP) of 22 - 27 t ha^-1 yr^-1, obtained under natural environmental conditions with very little external inputs is regarded high. About 60 of the total NPP is contributed by bole component and 26 - 28 by branches followed by phyllode (5-10 ) and root (4-6) at the two sites. This high rate of annual biomass production can supplement fuel wood (energy), timber, biofertilizer and cattle fodder.

4 tables, 40 ref

012172   Ingawale M;Karande C T (Botany Dep, Kisan Veer Mahavidyalaya, Wai, Dist. Satara.) : Cytomorphological observations in Nitella gracilis F. minuta (T.F.A.) R.D.W. from western Maharashtra, India. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(1), 65-8.

Deals with morphology and cytology of Nitella gracilis f. minuta occurring along the foothills of Sahyadri ranges within Satara district. Chromosome number n = 9, is being reported for the first time.

2 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref