007263   Patil M A;Mishra R L;Patil A K (Botany Dep, J.S.M. College, Alibag, Raigad-402 201) : Rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere flora of the medicinal plant - Ocimum sanctum Linn. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(3A), 212-14.

Attempt was made to study and identify the Rhizosphere flora of the medicinal plant Ocimum sanctum, Linn. The non- rhizosphere flora was also determined to compare the two regions with reference to soil fungi. The study was carried out in the Alibag, Raigad district of Maharashtra state during all three seasons i.e. winter, summer and rainy. Apart from the common soil fungi Aspergillus, Fusarium, Rhizosphere total 12 fungal species were reported in various seasons, The R/S ratio that is the population of rhizosphere mycoflora with reference to that of soil was determined. The rhizosphere mycoflora was rich than that of non - rhizosphere or soil mycoflora.

3 tables, 3 ref

007262   Patil J A;Karadge B A (Botany Dep, Shivaji University, Kolhapur-416 004) : Allelopathic effect of some weedy species of cassia on seed germination and seeding growth of Parthenum hysterophorus L. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(4), 341-7.

Allelopathic effect of Cassia obtusifolia, C. uniflora and C. tora on seed germination and seeding growth of Parthenium hysterophorus is reported. Leaf extracts of all above Cassia species significantly inhibited the seed germination as compared to that by root exudates. Roots of Parthenium were more sensitive to leaf extracts and root exudates of Cassia species. Leaf extracts of Cassia showed inhibitory effect on seedling growth. Cassia obtusifolia and C. uniflora root exudates also inhibited seedling growth.

4 tables, 17 ref

007261   Parle M;Chaudhary S (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Pharmacology Div, Guru Jambheshwar Univ of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana) : Eugenia jambolana : a divine purple medicine. Int J Pl Sci 2007, 2(2), 235-40.

Disease! The very obvious word/thought that follows it is "Medicine", which is frequently even more phobic, not only to children but also to elderly persons. This phobia is probably due to the heavy restrictions, the chronic diseases impose on our lifestyles particularly diet. Diabetes Mellitus is one such disease affecting 2-4% of the world population. Do we have a satisfactory remedy for this deadly disease? Unfortunately the answer is "No". Nevertheless, if we rely on mother Nature, we may find a satisfactory medicine. Eugenia jambolana, commonly known as Jamun has attracted the attention of scientists all over the globe for its antidiabetic property. The present review is an humble attempt to enlighten the potential of this beautiful purple gift of nature. It has a rich history of use as both, edible fruit as well as a traditional medicine in divergent ethno botanical practices throughout the tronical and suhtronical world.

^iia35 ref

007260   Pangrikar P P (Botany Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, Maharashtra) : Rhizosphere mycoflora of transgenic cotton varieties. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(3A), 210-11.

Rhizosphere mycoflora of transgenic Bt cotton varieties at flowering stage was studied. There was difference in rhizosphere mycoflora due to genetic modification in the crop along with intervarietal variation.

3 ref

007259   Pandey P O;Chaudhari G S;Khan T A (Botany Dep, M.J. College, Jalgaon, Maharashtra) : Nodal and internodal vessels of Alysicarpus desv. (Nom. Cons.). Bioinfolet 2008, 5(4), 328-33.

Nodal and internodal vessels of 6 species of genus Alysicarpus were studied. Five categories of vessels were reported on the basis of their length. The perforation plates were simple and 1-3 in number in both nodal and internodal vessels. The intervascular pitting was mostly simple, rarely scalariform, reticulate and bordered. The nodal and internodal vessels exhibited variation in size, shape and number of perforation plates.

2 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

007258   Padmini S;Swarpuna Rani S (Research Centre, Botany Dep, Sarojini Naidu Vanita Mahavidyalaya, Exhibition Grounds, Hyderabad-1) : Trichome frequency in Alternanthera forsk. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(3), 280-1.

Eight species of Alternanthera Forsk. were studied from different habitats with reference to their trichome frequency. The frequency of trichomes was less in aquatic situations when compared to those of the terrestrial members which constantly live under water stress.

14 ref

007257   Nagaraja T G;Sarang S V;More V R (Agrochemicals and Pest Management Dep, Shivaji University, Kolhapur-416 004) : Anti microbial activity of Barringtonia acutangula (L.) Gaertn. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(4), 402-3.

Deals with anti microbial potency of ethanlic and petroleum ether extract of Indian medicinal plant Barringtonia acutangula (L.) Gaertn. The prepared leaf and stem extract exhibit good anti bacterial and anti fungal activity.

3 tables, 3 ref

007256   Mustafa D;Francis J;Dhabe A (Botany Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad-431 004) : Suitability of Syzygium cumini (L.) skeels fruits for wine making. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(4), 411.

5 ref

007255   Mahajan D R;Mali M V (P.G. Botany Dep, K.T.H.M. College, Nashik-422 002) : Additions to the flora of Nashik district (Maharashtra). Bioinfolet 2008, 5(4), 323-7.

Represents 41 angiospermic plant species as an addition to the flora of Nashik district. This addition raised the species number to 1062. Twenty three exotic taxa not occurring wild but planted in urban areas have also been included in the text. The families Tropaeolaceae and Bixaceae have been added for the first time.

13 ref

007254   Mahadik V B;Sankapal S D (Botany Dep, S.G.M. College, Karad-415 110) : Effect of salinity (NACL) on the germination and seedling growth of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). Bioinfolet 2008, 5(3), 244-7.

Attempt has been made to determine effect of various salinity levels on germination and seedling growth of two varieties (Nira- spiny and Nari- 6-non spiny) and two hybrids (Nari-H-15- spiny and Nari-NH-1- non spiny) of safflower. Reports germination percentage, relative length of shoot and root, shoot and root ratio, fresh weight, dry weight, moisture percentage and vigour index of selected cultivars. Nari-NH-1 hybrid cultivar was more salt tolerant, while Nari-H-15 was susceptible to NaCI salinity with respect to seed germination.

2 tables, 12 ref

007253   Madhekar R D (Botany Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, Maharashtra) : Preparation of leaf protein concentrates (LPCs) from green leafy vegetables. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(3A), 177-80.

Extraction of proteins from green foliage and preparation of leaf protein concentrate (LPC) is beneficial to provide protein rich food product for human consumption. Deals with the preparation of LPC from eight vegetables viz. spinach, Carthamus, Trigonalla, Coriandrum, Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus tricolor, cauliflower and radish. The foliages from all species yielded sufficient LPC with high nutrient value. Out of the various methods adopted for preparing LPC, heat coagulation method was found to be most simple and suitable which produced LPC with high protein content.

1 table, 14 ref

007252   Khot S S;Joshi A J (Botany Dep, Yashwantrao Chavan Warana Mahavidyalaya, Warananagar, Kolhapur-416 113) : Accumulation of sugars, amino acids and minerals in Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(4), 356-61.

Study deals with ecophysiology of a mangrove Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. growing in marshy intertidal zone at Navlakhi Port (22° 59' N and 70°27' E), Gulf of Kutch (India). Salinity in the habitat fluctuated between 13.95 to 24.8 dS m^-1 and was mainly caused by Na⁺ (14.89 to 20.56 meg g ^-100) and CI (16.25 to 24.6 meg g^-100) ions. Quantities of total and reducing sugars in leaves were greater than those in stem. Vegetative parts accumulated large amounts of y-amino butyric acid, alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid and phenylalanine. The ash content was between 11.82 to 17.68 per cent. The Na⁺ /K⁺ ratio, ranging from 34.1 to 51.4 in soils was reduced to 2.46 to 7.52 in plant tissues. However, accumulation of the organic and inorganic solutes in vegetative parts did not showed any significant correlation with the salinity in supporting soil.

3 tables, 20 ref

007251   Khedkar D D (Botany Dep, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati-444 602) : Biological oxygen demand (BOD) related physical characteristic features of domestic wastewater. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(4), 382-3.

Utility of the wastewater for irrigation depends on its physicochemical properties. One of the important parameters is Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), which takes five days to estimate by routine method. To make the assessment of BOD faster, the dependence of BOD on Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Solids (TS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and pH was determined. On the basis of these parameter BOD was calculated by using a regression equation. This prediction can be used for determination of BOD at p=0.05 in case of domestic wastewater.

2 tables, 4 ref

007250   Khan A M;Khan Z S;Nasreen S (Botany Dep, Government Institute of Science, Aurangabad-431 004) : Fungitoxicity of some medicinal plants against Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. and Magn.) Briosi and cav. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(4), 388-9 .

Ten percent aqueous extracts of ten medicinal plants were evaluated in vitro for fungitoxic effect against Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. Neem leaf extract showed maximum inhibition of growth over control (82.0%) followed by Lantana camara and Ocimum sanctum (80.0%).

1 table, 7 ref

007249   Kavale T R;Patil M S (Botany Dep, Shivaji University, Kolhapur-416 004) : Acroconidiellina arecae - an anamorph of Zeuctomorpha arecae Sivan. from Maharashtra. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(4), 386-7.

Interesting anamorphic species belonging to the genus Acroconidiellina viz. A. arecae (Berk. and Br.) M.B. Ellis is illustrated and described, which is an anamorph of Zeucfomorpha arecae Sivan et al. The genus Acroconidiellina has been recorded for the first time in Maharashtra on the living leaves of Areca catechu L. (Family Arecaceae).

1 illus, 2 ref

007248   Kavale T R;Patil M S (Botany Dep, Shivaji University, Kolhapur-416 004) : Plasmopara Emiliae-sonehifoliea sp. nov. from India. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(3), 290-3.

Interesting Oomycetous species belonging to the genus Plasmopara Schroet is illustrated and described. A new species is possessing the features viz. host specificity, infection pattern which cover entire lower lamina of the infected leaf of the Emilia, shows spongy appearance and no record of Plasmopara on Emilia. The species has been recorded for the first time in India hitherto, unrecorded on Emilia sonchifolia (Linn.) DC. (Fam.: Asteraceae).

2 illus, 6 ref

007247   Karne A V;Kulkarni P D;Mane D S (Chemistry Dep, Shahajiraje Mahavidyalaya, Khatav-415 505) : Status of water quality in freshwater bodies of Khatav taluka, Satara district (Maharashtra). Bioinfolet 2008, 5(4), 378-81.

Physico-chemical characteristics of freshwater collected from eight localities during premonsoon and postmonsoon season for different parameters namely temperature, pH, EC, turbidity, TDS, TSS, DO, BOD, COD, total alkalinity, total acidity, chlorides, hardness, nitrates, sulphates and phosphates were studied. The water quality showed considerable difference during both the seasons.

1 table, 17 ref

007246   Kare M A;Survase S A;Bhuktar A S (Botany Dep, Dr. B.A.M. University, Aurangabad) : New records of flowering plants for Marathwada, Maharashtra, India. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(3), 274-6.

Deals with addition of three species to the flora of Marathwada. For each species updated nomenclature, family, locality and description is given.

3 illus, 1 ref

007245   Kadavul K;Pragasam A;Presena J;Diane Joseph R (Plant Science Dep, Kanchi Mamunivar Centre for Post Graduate Studies, Punducherry, Uttaranchal) : Exotic herbs and specific invader of Puducherry Coramandel coast South India. Int J Pl Sci 2007, 2(2), 108-12.

Diversity, density of exotic herbs and the extent of invasion of exotic invaders (Parthenium hysterophorus L., Sida acuta Burm.f., Sida rhombifolia L., Croton bonplandianus Ballion and Lantana camara L.) in disturbed and undisturbed areas of Puducherry coramandel coast, South India have been investigated. A total of 33 exotic herbs belonging to 33 species, 32 genera and 22 families were noted. Of these Sida acuta Burm.f., predominantly colonize (244 individuals/. 1 ha). The density of Parthenium hysterophorus L. is intense in disturbed areas than in undisturbed one. The extensive invasion of these weeds directly or indirectly interfere the ecosystem of the native species composition.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

007244   Kadam V B;Ahire P P (Botany Dep, K.T.H.M. College, Nashik-422 401) : Biochemical evaluation of three endangered medicinal taxa of South Gujarat forests. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(4), 334-5.

Seasonal variation of protein and amino acid content have been investigated in leaf, bark and wood of Semecarpus anacardium, Mallotus philippensis and Pterocarpus marsupium, which are medicinally important and rare in South Gujarat Forest. Comparative account of protein content of bark of three tree species revealed that Pterocarpus marsupium was rich in protein. Amino acids content in the leaves of three tree species revealed that Semecarpus anacardium and Mallotus philippensis showed higher level of (3.09-4.67 mg/g dry wt.) amino acids.

1 table, 2 ref

007243   Jain A K;Sikarwar M S;Dubey S K;Jain S K (Pharmacology Dep, B.R. Nahata College of Pharmacy & Res. Center, Mandsaur, Maharashtra) : Wound healing property of ethanolic extract of leaves of Juglans nigra. Int J Pl Sci 2007, 2(2), 205-7.

Ethanolic extract of leaves of Juglans nigra was evaluated for its wound healing activity in ether anaesthetized Wistar rats at dose 1400 mg/kg using incision, excision, and dead space wound model. Significant increase in skin breaking strength, granuloma breaking strength, wound contraction, hydroxyl proline content and dry granuloma weight and decreased in epithelization period was observed. Granuloma tissue was subjected to histopathological examination to determine the pattern of lay-down for collagen using Van Gieson and Masson Trichome strains.

2 tables, 10 ref

007242   Jain A K;Dubey S K;Sikarwar M S;Jain S K (Pharmacognasy Dep, B.R. Nahata College of Pharmacy and Research Center, Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh) : Hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of leaves of Callistemon lanceolatus. Int J Pl Sci 2007, 2(2), 185-6.

Study was undertaken to ascertain the hepatoprotective effect of dried leaves of Callistemon lanceolatus (Myrtaceae). Methanolic extract of dried leaves of Callistemon lanceolatus was subjected for hepatoprotective activity in Wistar strain of albino rats of either sex against CCl₄ induced hepatic damage. SCOT, SGPT, ALP and Total Bilirubin were used as biochemical marker for assessment of the activity. The methanolic extract showed good protective action by reducing in the increased serum level of enzymes in the treated animals.

1 table, 9 ref

007241   Gopal Reddy P (Botany Dep, Padmashri Vikhe Patil College, Pravaranagar Post, Loni-413 713) : Efficacy of leaf extracts on fungal flora of chickpea seeds. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(3A), 225-7.

Effect of different concentrations of leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica, Datura metel, Parthenium hysterophorous and Vitex riegundo on the development of external mycoflora of Cicer arietinum seeds collected from stored seed lot was studied. The seeds were soaked in different concentrations of leaf extracts for six hours and incubated following the standard blotter technique for seven days. Leaf extracts had both inhibitory as well as stimulatory effect on the development of fungi on seed surface. A total of eleven species belonging to eight genera were isolated from the untreated seeds. The common fungi isolated were Aspergillus niger A. fIavus, A. fumigatus, Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum sp. Curvularia sp, Drecshlera sp, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium sp and Phoma sp. Leaf extract of Vitex negundo was found to be more effective in inhibiting the development of fungi.

17 ref

007240   Ghugal S I;Thakre R P (Post Graduate Teaching Botany Dep, R.T.M. Nagpur University, R.T.M. Nagpur University Campus, Nagpur-440 023) : Seed mycoflora of rapeseed and changes in protein, oil, starch and sugars under storage. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(3A), 218-14.

Thirty three seed storage fungi were isolated from rapeseed (Brassica napus cv Westar) seed samples by agar plate method and blotter method throughout the year on monthly basis. Major predominant fungi were Alternaria alternata, A. brassicae, Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium moniliforme, F. oxysporum, Penicillium oxalicum and P. multicolor. It was observed that germination percentage reduced from 88.5% to 64.0 % at the end of storage. The crude protein, oil and starch content decreased with an increase in storage period. It was observed that the percentage change over control in protein, oil and starch was -35.83%, -10.40% and -68.44 % respectively at the end of year. Total sugar, reducing and nonreducing sugars decreased till 9th month of storage period and subsequently increased at the end of storage period.

4 tables, 23 ref

007239   Ghadage S J;Karande C T (Botany Dep, Yashawantrao Chavan Institute of Science, Satara-415 001) : Chrococcales from Satara district (M.S.), India. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(4), 336-40.

Deals with taxonomic enumeration of 19 taxa of Chroococcalean algae collected from various localities situated within Satara district. Notes on different forms showing variation in their morphology are also given. All these taxa are being reported for the first time from this area.

1 illus, 11 ref

007238   Eksambekar S P (NO, Phytolith Research Institute, Center for Advance Study in Plant Silica, Pune-411 033) : Phytoliths: an emerging science in botany. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(3A), 231-6.

40 ref

007237   Dhabe A S (Botany Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad-431 004) : Standardization of Terminalia cuneata Roth. bark on the basis of crystals. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(4), 320-2.

Terminalia cuneata Roth. syn. T. arjuna (Roxb.) Wt. & Arn. is commonly known as Arjun, Sadada and Arjun sadada. Its bark is known as Arjun Saal which is extensively used in various drug preparations. The bark is available in the market, usually in the form of fine powder, which is sometimes adulterated with other materials. In order to standardize the drug, detail morphological and anatomical studies were undertaken and it was observed that, Arjun bark can easily be standardized on the basis of crystals present in it, which are specific to the species.

1 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

007236   Chavan A M (Botany Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, Maharashtra) : Molecular characterization of seed borne Alternaria. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(3A), 153-7.

Ten isolates of Alternaria were isolated from oilseeds collected from Marathwada region of Maharashtra. They varied in their mycelial and sporulation characters. In order to study the genetic diversity among them AFLP technique was used which showed variation in their molecular characterization.

2 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

007235   Chauhan P;Padma Kumar (Botany Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur, Rajasthan) : Influence of an alkylating agent (EMS) on production of alkaloid contents in Phyllanthus niruri. Int J Pl Sci 2007, 2(2), 219-20.

Seeds of Phyllanthus niruri were treated with various concentrations (0,0150%,0.0301%,0.0601%, 0.1205%,0.241%,0.482%)of EMS to record its effect on production of alkaloid from different plant parts (leaf, stem, root).Maximum content of alkaloid was observed in stem of plant developed from seeds treated with 0.0602% EMS (0.7800 mg/gdw)followed by root (0.7420 mg/gdw)and leaf (0.6270 mg/gdw). Alkaloid content was quite high in plant parts of plants raised from mutagen treated seeds when compared with that of control. Hence the effective concentration of EMS to increase the alkaloid content was 0.0602%.

1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

007234   Bhale U N;Sawant V S;Sarwade P P;Rajkonda J N (NO, Yashwantarao Chavan Mahavidyalaya, Tuljapur, Osmanabad-431 602) : Thermophilic fungi from different substrates of Osmanabad district. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(3), 248-51.

Thermophilic fungi were isolated from various substrates such as agrowaste plant materials like bagasse, hay stacks, cow dung, poultry litter, composts, manure etc. Deals with the isolation of 20 species belonging to 7 genera on different substrates collected from different places of Osmanabad district. Aspergillus fumigatus was present nearly in all of the sources. Percentage population of Aspergillus sp. and Humicola sp. was found to be more in all of the sources studied.

2 tables, 15 ref

007233   Banerjee M;Gupta P;Haider Z A (NO, Biotechnology College, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi-834 006, Email: madhuparna_2007@yahoo.co.in) : In vitro studies of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal - an important medicinal plant. J Res-Birsa Agric Univ 2008, 20(1), 131-3.

^ssc2 illus, 4 ref

007232   Bag A;Bhattacharyya S K;Chanda S;Pal N K; Chattopadhyay R R (Agricultural and Ecological Research Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, 203, Barrackpore Trunk Road, Kolkata-700 108) : In vitro antimicrobial potential of hydro-alcoholic extract of Henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) leaves. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(4), 397-401.

Henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) leaf powder is used mainly as cosmetic since antiquity. But it has also a great healing effect. In the investigation, antimicrobial potential of hydroalcoholic extract of henna leaves against some common microbes was evaluated using standard growth inhibitory assay methods. Type cultures of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans were treated with hydroalcoholic extract of henna leaves for antimicrobial activity study. Besides, effects of temperature and pH on the antimicrobial potential of the extract were investigated. In addition, phytochemical analysis of the leaf powder was done. Henna leaves possessed strain specific inhibitory action against all the test strains except A.niger. The antimicrobial potential of the extract was not affected at high temperature (100°C) but its activity reduced at alkaline pH. Phytochemical analysis of henna leaf powder revealed the presence of tannins, terpenoids and alkaloids. These findings support the traditional use of henna leaves as an antimicrobial agent.

2 tables, 26 ref

007231   Aswale P;Ade A (Botany Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad-431 004) : Assessment of the biodegradation of polythene. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(3A), 239.

1 illus, 3 ref

007230   Andhale S B;Papdiwal P B (Botany Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad-431 004) : Pediastrum - a little star in the Nathsagar water body. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(3A), 181-7.

Jayakwadi project constructed on Godavari River at Paithan is about 50 km from Aurangabad. The water body called as "Nathsagar" is about 55 km in length and 27 km in width. It has good number of algae, higher plants, fishes and other aquatic animals. Millions of birds visit this water body every year and therefore the Govt. of Maharashtra declared it as "Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary." A preliminary survey of algae of the water body was undertaken at four locations, during the years 2005 to 2007. It was noted that several planktonic algae were present in the water body. Of this, an interesting genus Pediastrum have been recorded from different localities of Nathsagar. It was found to be a dominant genus at certain locations of the water body during winter.

2 illus, 15 ref

007229   Airsang R;Lakshman H C (Post Graduate Dep and Research in Botany (Microbiology Lab.), Karnatak University, Dharwad-580 003) : Development of AM fungi during the growth of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub. (Cluster bean). Bioinfolet 2008, 5(4), 375-7.

Development of Glomus macrocarpum in association with cluster bean has been studied. Mycorrhizal coloniaztion with internal hyphae was noted 30 days after inoculation and arbuscules and vesicles were recorded after 60 days. In the initial stage of mycorrhizal colonization, plants inoculated with the mycorrhizal fungi showed slow growth but, subsequently they grew faster, with significant increase in the yield. The number of mycorrhizal spores subsequently increased at the end of the reproductive phase of the cluster bean plants.

1 table, 12 ref

006316   Zhou Y;Yu L;Zhang J;Lu Y (State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China, Email: liuqyu53@yahoo.com.cn) : Molecular approaches in improving the rice allelopathy. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(2), 275-82.

Reviews the recent advances in molecular approaches to study crop QTLs to improve the rice allelopathy. Many QTLs have been cloned in plants using the map-based cloning method. The whole cloning process of Hd 1, a major QTL controlling heading date, is introduced, cloned by a map-based cloning strategy for the first time in rice. If allelopathic genes are cloned and transferred into high quality and high yielding rice varieties, weeds will be inhibited and use of herbicides will be decreased. Till now the study on QTL mapping of rice allelopathy is still in the primary stage. Further study on QTL mapping of rice allelopathy, is to identify the rice allelopathic phenotypes by developing new methods, develop and construct target QTL-NILs by using MAS and finally to achieve fine mapping and cloning target QTLs by map-based cloning strategy.

1 table, 41 ref

006315   Zhao Z H;Peng S L (College of Life Sciences, Zhaoqing Univ, Zhaoqing 526061, China, Email: lsspsl@mail.sysu.edu.cn) : Effects of twist densities on allelopathic potential of Ipomoea cairca. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(2), 463-72.

Investigates the potential role of allelopathy in successful invasion of alien specie I. cairica, the effects of aqueous extracts from coronal roots, stems and leaves of I. cairica with twist densities of 1, 3, 9 and 18 plants per trellis were assessed on seed germination and seedling growth of Brassica parachinensis (target species). The different levels of allelopathic potentials in germination ratio and radicle lengths were associated with the twist density of I. cairica. Generally, at the same extract concentration and twist density, the inhibition ratio of extracts from coronal roots, stems and leaves of I. cairica on radicle lengths were greater than that on germination ratio respectively. Inhibitory or stimulatory effects of coronal roots, stems and leaves of I. cairica were variable on radicle elongation and germination. At the same concentrations (except leaves at 0.02g/ml), the twist density of I. cairica exerted the allelopathic effects on radicle length more than on germination of receptor plant. The decreased alleopathic potentials at low twist density might show synergistic strategy of I. cairica, but increased potential at high twist density might increase the competitive strategy, to promote invasive capacity of I. cairica.

3 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

006314   Zhang F;Li T;Shan O I;Guo Y;Xu P;Hu F;Tao D (NO, Institute of Food Crops, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming 650205, China, Email: fdzh@vip.sina.com.cn) : Weed-suppression ability of Oryza longistaminata and Oryza sativa. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(2), 345-52.

The effects of 5 accessions of Oryza Longistaminata and Oryza sativa [P1 312777, RD 23, O. longistaminata, O. rufipogon and F₁ (O. longistaminatax RD23)] at different leaf stages was investigated on the growth of barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L) Beauv.]. The rice accessions suppressed the weed growth by allelopathic activity more than competition for growth resources. The PI312777, O. longistaminata and F₁ (O. longistaminata xRD23) at 2-leaf stage suppressed 63.6, 62.3 and 61.5% of banyardgrass growth, while their competitive effects were only 5.8, 9.3 and 7.2%, respectively. The competitive ability of rice to weeds increased with age of rice plant. Nevertheless, allelopathy of rice changed with the seedling growth stages. The allelopathic activity of wild rice (O. longixtaminata) and its F₁ was stronger at 2 leaf-stages and 6-leaf-stages than other growth phases, but the strongest allelopathic activity of P1312777 was at 2~4 leaf-stage.

3 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

006313   Wu Y;Kerr P G;Li Y;Yang L (School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt Univ, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678; Beijing 100039, China, Email: lzyang@issas.ac.cn) : Isolation and identification of compounds from biofilms in eutrophic water and their allelopathic effects on cyanobacterial growth. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(2), 417-28.

The allelochemicals from terrestrial plants and macrophytes inhibited the cyanobacterial growth has been confirmed. Little information is available about the allelochemicals from biofilms, hence, we studied the extraction, isolation and identification of compounds from photoautotrophic biofilms. Ethyl acetate and ethanol extracted 34 compounds as compared to 14 compounds dichloromethane and water, showing that solvents with polarity index (4.4 to 5.1) were suitable extractants for extracting more allelochemicals from biofilms. Total of 16 known and 5 unknown compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the biofilms, 8 known and 5 unknown compounds from methanol, 2 known and 3 unknown from dichloromethane. and 6 known and 3 unknown from water. The 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid extracted by methanol from biofilms was in highest quantity, besides it was also present in terrestrial plants and macrophytes, hence, was considered potential allelochemical on cyanobacterium. It significantly inhibited the growth of cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa at 0.1 mg/L to 0.3 mg/L concentrations and the allelopathic effect increased with time. Another allelopathic compound ethyl-2-methylacctoacetate was also identified. It was concluded that some compounds extracted from biofilms were same to those extracted from terrestrial plants or macrophytes. However, the bioactivity of unidentified compounds extracted from biofilm should be determined on cyanobacterial growth.

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006312   Wang M L;Gu Y;Kong C H (Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China, Email: kongch@iae.ac.cn) : Effects of rice phenolic acids on microorganisms and enzyme activities of non-flooded and flooded paddy soils. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(2), 311-20.

Benzoic acid and ferulic acid are ubiquitous allelochemicals responsible for the rice allelopathy in paddy ecosystem. We studied the effects of applied benzoic and ferulic acids on dynamic changes in the microbial biomass C, culturable microbial populations and activities of several enzymes in non-flooded and flooded incubated paddy soils. Finds that benzoic acid and ferulic acid stimulated the microbial biomass C and populations as well as enzyme activities in non-flooded paddy soil, but inhibited these parameters in flooded paddy soil during the late incubation period. However, the dehydrogenase and polyphenoloxidase activities were stimulated throughout the incubation time. Thus phenolic acids in paddy soil could exert different effects on microbial biomass C, culturable microbial populations and enzyme activities and their effect varied greatly with cultivated conditions (especially water content in paddy soils). These results suggested that phenolic acids play some roles in rice allelopathy, indirectly through soil microbial processes and directly through weed suppression.

4 tables, 39 ref

006311   Verma R K;Vinod Kumar;Agarwal R K (Botany Dep, Institute of Basic Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi-284 128) : Ethno-medicinal value of some plant species used by Sahariya tribe of Lalitpur district, Bundelkhand region. Ann For 2008, 16(1), 99-111.

Importance of medicinal plants in traditional health care practices, providing clues to new areas of research and in biodiversity conservation is now well recognized. However, information on the uses of plants for medicine is lacking from interior areas of Bundelkhand region. Keeping this in view the study was initiated in `Sahariya' dominated villages of district Lalitpur. The study aimed to look into the diversity of plant resources that are used by Sahariya tribe for curing various ailments. Questionnaire surveys, participatory observations and field visits we planned to elicit information on the uses of various plants. Information collected ha revealed 29 plant species that are used for treatment of various day-to-day diseases. Among them there were 16 trees, 7 shrubs, 5 herbs and 1 climber. All these plant species were dicot and belong to 23 angiospermic families. More or less, a single species was used to cure more than one disease but comparatively less number of plants species were used to cure only a single disease. Leaves and roots were reported to be the most frequently used parts of plants for treatment of various ailments. It is suggested that for the traditional ecological knowledge pertaining to the medicinal plant utilization needs further exploration and warrants recognition of an incentive based community conservation of medicinal plants.

2 tables, 22 ref

006310   Verma R K;Jistu V;Kapoor K S (NO, Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Conifer Campus, Panthaghati, Shimla-171 009) : Plant species diversity in Labrang valley of cold desert in district Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(2), 505-16.

Composition of forest vegetation along an altitudinal gradients (3,000-5,000 m) in Labrang valley of Pooh sub-division in district Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh), India was studied during 2004. The number of tree species at 3,000-3,500 m elevation was II with the dominance of Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D. Don) G. Don. The number of shrub species was 21, 16 and 8 in the elevation of 3,000-3,500, 3,500-4,000 m and 4,000-4,500 m, respectively. Caragana brevispina Royle was the dominant shrub at 3,000-3,500 m elevation whereas Juniperus indica Bertol was the dominant shrub at 3,500-4,000 and 4,000-4,500 m elevation range. The number of herb species was 83, 82, 38 and 25 at 3,000-3,500, 3,500-4,000, 4,000-4,500 and 4,500-5,000 m elevation ranges respectively. On the basis of imporªtance value index (IVI), Artemisia brevifolia Wall ex DC., Arenaria festucoides Bcnth., Arenaria serpyllifolia Linn. and Thylacospermum caspitosum (Camb.) Sch was the dominant herb at 3,000-3,500, 3,500-4,000, 4,000-4,500 and 4,500-5,000 m elevation ranges respectively. The distribution pattern of plant species was mostly contiguous in all the altitudes ranges. Index of diversity for herb species was 5.726, 5.565, 4.358 and 3.595 for 3,000-3,500, 3,500-4,000, 4,000-4,500 and 4,500-5,000 m elevation ranges respectively. The index of similarity for shrub and herb species between different altitudes was low. This indicate remarkable degree of dissimilarity in plant species between different altitudes. Out of 75 medicinal plant species recorded from the area, 16 species fall in the category of threatened plants.

8 tables, 15 ref

006309   Thakur C;Sahu R (University Botany Dep, Ranchi University, Ranchi, Jharkhand) : Observation on Nostochopsis lobatus Wood EM. Geitler from Ranchi, Jharkhand (India). Bionature 2008, 28(1), 13-17.

Nostochopsis lobatus Wood was collected from stagnant waters surrounded by rocks, as irregularly lobed gelatinous masses, either attached or free floating. It was difficult to detect in natural condition. Thallus is erect with variously bent filaments irregularly branched. Lateral branches especially of two kinds, the one elongated and the other composed of only 1 to 4 cells always terminate into a heterocyst. The key for identification has been provided in the text. This is the first report from Jharkhand.

2 illus, 10 ref

006308   Tandon P;Kumaria S;Nongrum L (Plant Biotechnology Lab, Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong-793 022, Email: profptandon@yahoo.com) : Conservation and management of plant genetic resources of Northeast India. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2009, 8(1), 29-34.

The Northeast India region is rich in biodiversity due to high rainfall and plenty of sunlight coupled with unique bio-geographical positioning. It is known as the 'Cradle of Flowering Plants' because of remarkably rich and diverse flora. The valuable plant genetic resources of the region are being lost at an alarming rate due to varied human activities including shifting cultivation which have in turn led to the depletion of forest cover. Therefore, there is an urgent need for conservation, sustainable utilization and management of plant genetic resources of the region so as to meet the growing requirements of food, fodder, fibre, health, water and other needs.

006307   Sudhir Kumar;Singh O P (Botany Dep, Janta Vedic College, Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh) : Influence of media for growth of Trichoderma species. Ann Pl Prot Sci 2008, 16(2), 513-14.

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006306   Singh Y P;Rama Kant;Dwivedi V K;Halder N C; Tiwari G L (Botany Dep, University of Allahabad, Allahabad-211 002, Email: rkojha_1@rediffmail.com) : Sodium chloride influences growth of diazotrophic blue-green algae in rice fields. Bionature 2008, 28(1), 9-12.

Deals with the study of effect of sodium chloride on growth (chlorophyll a) in 10 species of 5 genera of Nostocaceae, Nostocales; organisms include Nostoc (3), Anabaena (3), Wollea (1), Cylindrospermum (2) and Aulosira (1). All these species were grown in different concentrations sodium chloride (0.05M, 0.10M, 0.15M, 0.20M, 0.25M) and results were expressed in terms of chlorophyll-a. On the basis of observations it has been concluded that Aulosira was the most tolerant followed by Wollea, Nostoc and Anabaena while Cylindrospermum was most susceptible.

10 illus, 9 ref

006305   Singh N B;Amit Singh;Deepmala Singh (Plant Physiology Laboratory, Botany Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: nbs511@yahoo.co.in) : Autotoxic effects of Lycopersicon esculentum. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(2), 429-42.

Autotoxic effects of tomato on germination, were studied seedling growth, biophysical and biochemical parameters of plants grown in hydroponic culture. The root, stem and leaf leachates of tomato had varying effects on various parameters. The germination was stimulated by higher concentration of root and leaf leachates. The moderate concentration of root leachates inhibited the germination than lower and higher concentrations. The higher concentration of leachates stimulated the radicle growth, while, lower concentration inhibited it but the reverse was true in plumule growth. The chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents were decreased with increasing concentration of leachates. The inhibition of chlorophyll synthesis was concentration dependent with maximum inhibition in leaf leachate. The protein content was decreased to minimum level by root and stem leachates. Superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity was inhibited but catalase activity was stimulated. The leachates adversely affected the biophysical and biochemical parameters resulting in arrested growth and low yield of tomato. The influence of leachates on growth followed the order was root > stem > leaf.

4 illus, 3 tables, 55 ref

006304   Sharma S;Aggarwal A;Aditya Kumar (Botany Dep, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra-136 119, Email: sapna_botany@rediffmail.com) : Bio-control of wilt of Albizzia lebbek by using AM fungi and Trichoderma viride. Ann Pl Prot Sci 2008, 16(2), 422-4.

Interaction between two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi i.e. Glomus mosseae and Acaulospora laevis and a known bio-control agent, Trichoderma viride in relation to disease control and plant growth in Albizzia lebbek was studied. Maximum % seed germination (89.6±1.5) and minimum % disease infection (8.9±1.90) was recorded in seeds treated with Fusarium oxvsporum + T.viride + A.laevis + Rhizobium leguminosarum. All inoculated plants yielded greater biomass as compared to non-mycorrhizal and plants infected with F.oxysporum. Root biomass (4.28±0.15) and shoot biomass (19.51±0.77) were maximum in plants treated with F. oxysporum + T. viride + A. laevis.

1 table, 6 ref

006303   Sharma R;Manhas R K (Botany Dep, Government Degree College, Kathua-184 104) : Medico-religious plants used during Diwali festival in India. Ann For 2008, 16(1), 170-1.

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006302   Sharma P P;Patil R P (Post Graduate Dep of Botany Deogiri College, , Aurangabad-411 004) : Plants used for the treatment of wounds by tribals of Toranmal plateau of Maharashtra. Ann For 2008, 16(2), 301-5.

Deals with the traditional knowledge of tribals of Toranmal region of Maharashra regarding the use of plants for treating wounds. The tribals of this region use plants/plant parts or their suitable preparations for treating various ailments. Information collected from knowledgeable people like traditional healers, medicine men, etc. has revealed that 30 plants/plant parts are utilized as pastes, juices and powders for the treatment of wounds.

1 table, 14 ref