046559   SINGH R, SINGH M P, KUDESIA R, SINGH H, VAISHYA J K (Bundelkhand Univ, Jhansi- 284 128, Email: chauhanmp1986@gmail.com) : Studies on genetic diversity in some selected medicinal plants of family - Solanaceae using reproductive characters and protein profiling. Med Plants 2020, 12(2), 258-64.

Reproductive characters and protein profiles of five medicinal plants (Solanum nigrum, Solanum xanthocarphum, Withania somnifera, Capsicum annum and Datura stramonium) of family Solanaceae were estimated through gel electrophoresis. The present investigation revealed that the highest percentage pollen viability was recorded in Datura stramonium (84 %) which revealed that this genus has highest reproductive power as well as power of division and lowest percentage pollen viability was obtained in Withania somnifera (67 %), which means this genus become scarce. Total seed storage protein profile was examined using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). A total of 51 bands were scored, out of them 50 were polymorphic with a total of 98.03 % polymorphism and only 1 band was monomorphic with 1.96 % monomorphism. The electrophoresis of the total seed proteins revealed protein bands in the range of 125 KD to less than 13 KD molecular weight. The similarity index calculated on the basis of presence and absence of bands ranged from 0.029 to 0.333. A dendrogram constructed based on UPGMA (unweighted pair group method using arithmetic averages) showed distinct separation of the collected species into three clusters. This study revealed high genetic variability among the selected members and suggests possibilities for improvement through hybridization programs.

3 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

046555   SMITHA G R, GAJBHIYE N A, TRIPATHY V (ICAR- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru– 560 089, Email: g.smitha@icar.gov.in) : Influence of drying methods and packaging materials on physico-chemical properties and phytochemical composition of Kalmegh [Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees] for shelf life enhancement. Med Plants 2020, 12(2), 227-35.

Kalmegh [Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees] is known for its innumerable medicinal properties and is usually consumed in semi-processed form. Inadequate post harvest operations leads to the deterioration of quality rendering the product unsafe for consumption. Hence, in the present study the impact of washing of the herb, drying methods and packaging materials on the physico-chemical properties and phytochemical composition of Kalmegh-fresh during storage was analyzed. Fresh areal biomass of Kalmegh was subjected to five different methods of drying viz., shade, sun, solar and oven drying and five methods of packaging viz., gunny bags, polypropylene, LDPE, HDPE containers and corrugated box (CFB). The samples were subjected for physico-chemical and phytochemical analysis before drying, after drying and during storage [3, 6, 9 and 12 months after storage (MAS)]. Among different drying methods, shade drying took maximum drying time of around 22 days to reach the desired moisture content (<10 %) while, drying was fast in oven drying (45 º ± 1 ºC) method (2 days). No significant differences were observed for moisture, chlorophyll and andrographolide content in the stored samples with and without washing even at 12 MAS. During storage, absorption of moisture was more in shade dried samples and packed in LDPE container (11.26 %) and gunny bags (11.04 %), whereas, it was less in oven dried samples (8.67 %) and packed in HDPE container (9.52 %). Retention of chlorophyll a and b contents after drying and even at 12 months after storage was observed in shade dried samples (1.48 and 1.22 mg/g, respectively) and stored in HDPE container (1.41 and 1.2 mg/g, respectively). During storage, andrographolide content tends to decrease as the storage period increases from 3-12 months. Reduction in the andrographolide content after drying to 12 MAS varied from 10.42-54.12 % in different drying methods followed. However, shade dried samples packed in HDPE container retained the maximum andrographolide content (1.53 %) even after 12 MAS. Hence, from the present study it can be inferred that among the different methods employed, shade drying and packaging in HDPE container were best methods of drying and packaging of Kalmegh to retain the quality if the dried herb up to 12 MAS.

4 illus, 4 tables, 34 ref

046551   SEN A, TOMER N, ALI M I, MOIN S (Suresh Gyan Vihar Univ, Jaipur- 302 017, Email: moinsarmad@gmail.com) : A review on ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological importance of the Chenopodium genus. Med Plants 2020, 12(2), 192-204.

The genus Chenopodium from the Chenopodiaceae family comprises at least 150 plant species. These are distributed over a large geographical area from wild to domesticated forms with high diversity. Some species such as C. album and C. quinoa are notable for their nutritional value and are commonly consumed with diet. They are also well adapted to adverse climatic conditions and are important in the conservation of the environment. The pharmacological evaluation of Chenopodium plant species also ranged from the treatment of external ailment (wound healing activity) to the cellular level (anticancer and immunomodulatory activities). It is concluded that the genus has lots of potential for further scientific studies, search of the new bioactive molecules, and the development of the new herbal drug.

7 illus, 3 tables, 104 ref

046547   KUMAWAT N K, TYAGI K, SASTRY J L N (IRCS Building, New Delhi- 110 001, Email: drnareshbps3584@gmail.com) : Operational cost and return pattern in cultivation of Aswagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal]. Med Plants 2020, 12(2), 161-8.

The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH has providing assistance to farmers / growers for cultivation of identified species of medicinal plants in the form of subsidy in graded pattern depending upon the cost of cultivation under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM). Presently, 140 species of medicinal plants are included in the priority list. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the identified medicinal plants for which subsidy are admissible. As per existing operational guidelines, admissible subsidy @ 30 % of cost of cultivation for Ashwagandha is Rs. 43757.55 per hectare. Ashwagandha is a seasonal crop and gets ready for harvesting in only 4-5 months. Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of Ashwagandha in terms of rupees has been calculated 1: 1.98. Thus, the farmers are earning a significant net profit of double income per hectare.

7 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

046546   PANDEY V, VAISHYA J K, BALAKRISHNAN P, NESARI T M (Indian Red Cross Society, New Delhi- 110 001, Email: info-nmpb@nic.in) : Nutritional aspects of Tinospora cordifolia (Giloe). Med Plants 2020, 12(1), 158-60.

Medicinal plants are considered as green gold owing to their indispensable contribution to the plant based medicines, health care, pharmaceuticals, food supplements, cosmetics etc. Tinospora cordifolia commonly known as giloe is used in the traditional ayurvedic medicine and Indian System of Medicine (ISM) since times immemorial. In this manuscript, the nutritional composition of T. cordifolia along with its antioxidant activities has been highlighted. The starch obtained from the stem of the plant known as “Guduchi-satva” is highly nutritive and digestive and used in many diseases. Tinospora can be a valuable dietary and health supplement that can help in nutrition, holistic health, and prevention of numerous diseases.

27 ref

046544   SURYAVANSHI A, KUMAR S, KAIN D, ARYA A (Botany Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi- 110 007, Email: suresh.kumar@ramjas.du.ac.in) : Evaluation of phytochemical and antibacterial potential of Ajuga parviflora Benth.. Med Plants 2020, 12(1), 144-9.

Ajuga parviflora Benth. (Lamiaceae) is an annual and short-lived perennial herb grows in Himalayas’ foothills of India, Afganistan and Pakistan. In the present study hydroethanolic and hexane leaf extracts of A. parviflora were investigated for the antibacterial activities against gram negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and gram positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. The qualitative phytochemical screening and identification of active chemical components of hydroethanolic and hexane extracts of A. parviflora using FTIR spectrum. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, fatty acids, phenols, steroid and terpenoids as major components in both extracts. However, the FTIR spectrums confirmed the presence of alcohols, alkanes, alkene and alkyl halides in these extracts. Antibacterial potential of extracts were evaluated by well diffusion method, showed significant sensitivity against both the tested bacteria’s and the range of inhibitory zone were 8 ± 0.23 to 20.33 ± 0.52 mm at 25 to 200 µg/ml and the maximum zone of inhibition (ZOI) was observed in E. coli at 200 µg/ml.

3 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

041389   VERENKAR N, KRISHNAN S (Botany Dep, Goa Univ, Goa - 403 206, Email: skrish@unigoa.ac.in) : Extraction of natural dye from Mammea suriga and its application on silk and cotton fabrics. Indian J Fibre Text Res 2020, 45(4), 402-10.

In this study, raw silk and cotton fabrics have been dyed using the aqueous extract from Mammea suriga bark in the presence of chemical mordants. The variations in the colour are seen in the silk and cotton fabrics by using different mordants. The preliminary phytochemical tests reveal the presence of tannins in the bark extract of the plant, which is responsible for imparting brown colour shades to the silk and cotton fabrics. The results are found promising with good fastness property in all the three mordanting methods, i.e. pre-mordanting, simultaneous mordanting and post-mordanting. The SEM study shows no physical damage to the fibre dyed with M. suriga dye extract. Thus, this bark can be used as a cheaper source of raw material for the extraction of natural dye by dyers in dyeing industries.

5 illus, 6 tables, 46 ref

046533   ABIFARIN T O, OTUNOLA G A, AFOLAYAN A J (Botany Dep, Fort Hare Univ, Alice- 5700, South Africa, Email: gotunola@ufh.ac.za) : Cytotoxicity evaluation and anti-inflammatory potentials of Cucumis africanus L.f. leaves. Med Plants 2020, 12(1), 48-52.

Cucumis africanus L.f. is a wild vegetable belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. The leaves are eaten as vegetable and widely used in traditional medicine for wound healing, weight loss and other ailments. The present study was carried out to evaluate the cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory potentials of the aqueous and methanol extracts of C. africanus leaves using 3T3L-1 and Raw 264.7 macrophages cell lines, respectively. The study revealed that aqueous extract exhibited no significant cytotoxic effect against the 3T3L-1 cell line. However, the methanol extract exhibited moderate cytotoxicity. The result also showed that both extracts had weak anti-inflammatory activities. Further experimental studies on animal models are pertinent to accurately predict the potential therapeutic significance.

6 illus, 9 ref

046532   SHARMA M, PURI S (Shoolini Univ, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, Email: diamondmamta@gmail.com) : Physiological performance, secondary metabolite profiling and photo oxidative tolerance in Withania somnifera. Med Plants 2020, 12(1), 41-7.

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is a high value medicinal plant. It synthesizes a large array of biologically active withanolides. The impact of photoperiod on morphological, physiological, biochemical parameters and neuroactive constituent with anolides has been studied. In light treatments (blue light) one month old plants were exposed to different light regimes (8 h, 12 h, 16 h, 20 h and 24 h) with constant at 22 h with light intensity of 55 µmol. The light treatments significantly decreased stem length, root length, fresh weight and dry weight in all the treatments except 8 h and 12 h photoperiods, where there was marginal increase in stem length due to etiolation effect. Changes in leaf area, membrane stability and relative water content was also observed and decreased with stress. Total carbohydrates, protein, carotenoids, tocopherol, ascorbic acid and alkaloids were decreased. The antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione– S-transferase, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis-3ethyl benzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) enhanced due to stress treatments. Withanolides were found to be higher in long photoperiod treated plants. W. somnifera was found to have protective defence mechanism against oxidative damage by maintaining higher enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants.

3 tables, 26 ref

046531   SHARMA S, SHARMA S, SHARMA V, SINGH M J (Botany Dep, DAV Coll, Jalandha, Punjab, Email: sapnasharma13@gmail.com) : Conservation of Picrorrhiza kurroa with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: An endangered and highly economic medicinal herb of Himalaya. Med Plants 2020, 12(1), 33-40.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are prevalent from arctic to tropics in most agricultural and natural ecosystems, play an important role in the conservation of some valuable medicinal plants. Picrorrhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth is distinguished endangered medicinal herb, naturally distributed in alpine and sub-alpine region of Himalayas. In present investigation, spores density of AM fungi along root colonization were studied from the rhizospheric soils of P. kurroa collected from different locations of Himachal Pradesh. Highest spore number (60) was found in the soil samples collected from forest nursery Rajkunda while AM root space colonization was highest in the samples of forest nursery Devidhar. The biodiversity of AM fungi was studied; the number of AM species was also highest in these two forest nursery samples. Funneliformis mosseae and Acaulospora laevis were dominant species associated with P. kurroa. After mass multiplication of F. mosseae and A. laevis, bioinoculation experiment was performed on Picrorrhiza kurroa seedlings for the biomass production and nutrient uptake analysis. Seedlings were inoculated with single and in combined mycorrhizal treatments with different combinations of farmyard manure and vermicompost. All inoculated seedlings showed significant biomass production than control seedlings. Root length (8.7cm), fresh and dry biomass was observed to be maximum in the plants inoculated with F. mosseae and vermicompost @ 10t ha^-1 while percent AM root colonization was highest (60.33) in the roots of plants inoculated with F. mosseae plus A. laevis with vermicompost @10t ha^-1. The phosphorus content was more in seedlings inoculated with consortium of two native AM fungi followed by F. mosseae and A. laevis, separately. In overall, consortium of native AM fungi i.e. F. mosseae and A. laevis was found to be best for the conservation of the P. kurroa in the presence of vermicompost and FYM, respectively.

1 illus, 4 tables, 35 ref

046530   PUANGPRADAB R, SUKSATHAN R, KANTADOUNG K, RACHKEEREE A (Research and Conservation Dep, The Botanical Garden Organization, Chiang Mai- 50180, Thailand, Email: ratchadawanp@hotmail.com) : Antioxidant and antityrosinase activities of rhizome extracts from six Zingiber species in Thailand. Med Plants 2020, 12(1), 27-32.

Zingiber comprises of 120–140 species are distributed in tropical and subtropical Asia and is one of the most widespread genera of the Zingiberaceae. Thailand harbors about 57 species of the genus. Some species, such as Zingiber officinale and Z. montanum, are widely used throughout the world in food, medicine and cosmetics. However, there are few scientific references on the ethnobotany and pharmacology of Zingiber species in Thailand. In this study, the antioxidant properties of rhizome extracts, total phenolic content and antityrosinase activities from six Zingiber species (Z. bradleyanum, Z. densissimum, Z. larsenii, Z. monglaense, Z. sirindhorniae and Z. smilesianum) were investigated. The results showed that ethyl acetate extracts of all samples and ethanol extract of Z. sirindhorniae exhibited strong antioxidant activities (assessed by DPPH radical scavenging assay) with the IC50 values in the ranged of 0.11–0.77 mg/mL. These extracts also showed quantitative antioxidant activities according to the ABTS.+ radical scavenging assay (68.66–251.37 mg TEAC/g extract) and the total phenolic content (5.89–81.53 mgGAE/g extract). The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of hexane extracts of Z. densissimum, Z. sirindhorniae and Z. smilesianum were 0.45, 1.18 and 4.31 mg/mL, respectively. The results indicated that these six Zingiber species have potential to be a good source of native antioxidants and antityrosinase agents that could be further applied in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

3 tables, 19 ref

046530   PUANGPRADAB R, SUKSATHAN R, KANTADOUNG K, RACHKEEREE A (Research and Conservation Dep, The Botanical Garden Organization, Chiang Mai- 50180, Thailand, Email: ratchadawanp@hotmail.com) : Antioxidant and antityrosinase activities of rhizome extracts from six Zingiber species in Thailand. Med Plants 2020, 12(1), 27-32.

Zingiber comprises of 120–140 species are distributed in tropical and subtropical Asia and is one of the most widespread genera of the Zingiberaceae. Thailand harbors about 57 species of the genus. Some species, such as Zingiber officinale and Z. montanum, are widely used throughout the world in food, medicine and cosmetics. However, there are few scientific references on the ethnobotany and pharmacology of Zingiber species in Thailand. In this study, the antioxidant properties of rhizome extracts, total phenolic content and antityrosinase activities from six Zingiber species (Z. bradleyanum, Z. densissimum, Z. larsenii, Z. monglaense, Z. sirindhorniae and Z. smilesianum) were investigated. The results showed that ethyl acetate extracts of all samples and ethanol extract of Z. sirindhorniae exhibited strong antioxidant activities (assessed by DPPH radical scavenging assay) with the IC50 values in the ranged of 0.11–0.77 mg/mL. These extracts also showed quantitative antioxidant activities according to the ABTS.+ radical scavenging assay (68.66–251.37 mg TEAC/g extract) and the total phenolic content (5.89–81.53 mgGAE/g extract). The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of hexane extracts of Z. densissimum, Z. sirindhorniae and Z. smilesianum were 0.45, 1.18 and 4.31 mg/mL, respectively. The results indicated that these six Zingiber species have potential to be a good source of native antioxidants and antityrosinase agents that could be further applied in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

3 tables, 19 ref

046529   YEN K H, OTEMBROU A A J, NYOKAT N (Univ Teknologi MARA, Sarawak, Malaysia, Email: khonghy@uitm.edu.my) : Nutrition profile, chemical analysis and biological activities of Areca catechu L. seeds (Areca nut) from Borneo. Med Plants 2020, 12 (1), 15-26.

This study objective was to investigate nutrient profile, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, major chemical components, as well as biological activities of Areca catechu seeds. The nutrients analysis revealed that both unripe fruit and ripe fruit seeds contained high carbohydrates and high crude fiber. The pure compound was isolated using various chromatographic techniques, and the structure was elucidated based on the spectral data which included Gas Chromatography Mas Spectroscopy (GC-MS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The total phenolic content of both extracts ranged from 568.19 mg GAE/g to 813.56 mg GAE/g. Meanwhile, the total flavonoid content (TFC) of these extracts was ranged from 125.03 mg QUE/g to 190.44 mg QUE/g. In addition, the antioxidant activity which was determined by using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay showed that the inhibition concentration, IC₅₀ values were ranged from 7.29 µg/mL to 9.56 µg/mL. It was observed that the methanol extract of ripe fruit exhibited higher antioxidant activity. These results suggest that areca nut has the potential to prevent oxidative damage in normal cells due to their antioxidant characteristics. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (SA), S. pyogenes (SP), Escherichia coli (EC), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) were also performed by using (MIC) and (MBC) assays. Both the methanol and extracts of unripe fruit and ripe fruit revealed strong antimicrobial activities with MIC and MBC values of 450 µg/mL for SA, EC, PA while the MIC and MBC values of 225 µg/mL for SP. This indicates that A. catechu has health benefits when consumed in a small amount. Hence, it has excellent potential as an alternative antibacterial agent and may be marketed as other pharmaceutical products.

8 illus, 7 tables, 21 ref

046505   SINGH S, JAKHAR S, RAO S (Botany Dep, PG Coll, Karnal- 132 001, Email: sombiryadav91@gmail.com) : Improvement in salt tolerance of Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper by exogenously applied 24-epibrassinolide. Legum Res 2020, 43(5), 647-52.

This study was designed to explore the ameliorative effect of exogenously applied 24-epibrassinolide (24-EBL) against salt stress in Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper. The plants were treated with four different levels of salinity (0, 8, 12 and 16 dSm^-1) followed by the foliar spray of 24-EBL (0, 10^-5, 10^-7 and 10^-9 M). The results showed that 24-EBL could alleviate the adverse effects of salinity by improving the growth parameters of 35 days old plants. The same also stimulated the leaf enzymatic antioxidant activity in salt-treated plants. The findings of the present study revealed that application of 24-EBL ameliorated the salt stress in black gram plant.

6 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

046503   KUMAR R, SHAHI S, SRIVASTAVA M (Botany Dep, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur Univ, Gorakhpur- 273 009, Email: swatishahi06@gmail.com) : Biochemical performance and protein profile of sensitive and tolerant varieties of chickpea under salinity. Legum Res 2020, 43(5), 634-40.

Chickpea varieties (BG-256 and CSG-8962) were subjected to salt stress (50 mM, 100 mM and 150 mM of NaCl) in a pot experiment. Untreated plants served as control. Plants were analyzed from 20 DAS up to 60 DAS at ten-day interval. Salt stress significantly reduced growth parameters like biomass, net assimilation rate, relative water content and biochemical parameters viz., total nitrogen and protein content of both the varieties. However, decrement was more pronounced in sensitive (BG-256) than in tolerant (CSG8962) variety. Proline content increased with increase in salt exposure in both the varieties. SDS-PAGE of the protein reveal large amount of protein degradation in plants treated with high concentration of salt.

5 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

046502   MALIK A, SEHRAWAT K, AHLAWAT A, SEHRAWAT A R (Botany Dep, Maharshi Dayanand Univ, Rohtak- 124 001, Email: anitarsehrawat@gmail.com) : A comparative biochemical evaluation of in vivo and in vitro propagated Alhagi maurorum: an important medicinal plant. Legum Res 2020, 43(5), 627-33.

Medicinal plants are of great interest in the field of biotechnology as most of the drug industries depend in part on plants for production of pharmaceutical compounds. Biological activities of the phyoconstituents in plants could be enhanced by manipulation of the culture conditions. In the present investigation leaves and nodal segments of Alhagi maurorum were cultured on MS medium with BAP, Kinetin, NAA and other adjuvants. MS medium with BAP (1.0 and 2.0 mg/l) alone and in combination with NAA (0.1 mg/l was good for initiation of calli and bud formation. BAP (2.0 and 5.0 mg/l) with NAA(0.1mg/l) plus kinetin 0.25 mg/l with ascorbic acid 50 mg/l and adenine sulphate, citric acid and arginine 25 mg/l each was found to be the best for bud proliferation and shoot multiplication. Best rooting was found on MS medium supplemented with IAA and IBA (0.5 mg/ leach). Cultured materials at different growth phase were evaluated for their biochemical estimation of primary metabolites quantitatively. Maximum content of carbohydrates, total proteins and amino acids were noticed in leaves of field grown plants and shoots of regenerated plantlets. It is further concluded that Alhagi maurorum serve as a rich source of primary metabolites which can be used as raw materials in industry.

4 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

046485   AZARNIA M, BIABANI A, ALAMDARI E G, EISVAND H R (Plant Production Dep, Gonbad Kavous Univ, Golestan Province, Iran, Email: abs346@yahoo.com) : Effects of seed priming with gibberellic, salicylic acids and mycorrhizal inoculation on lentil (Lens culinaris L.) yield and its components. Legum Res 2020, 43(4), 518-23.

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of mycorrhizal inoculation and seed priming with plant growth regulators on yield and yield components of lentil as factorial base on the randomized complete block design in four replications at the research farm of Gonbad Kavous University of Iran during 2013-2014. First factor included application of the mycorrhiza at three levels (control, inoculated soil using Glomus intraradices and Glomus mosseae) and seed priming at five levels (hydro-priming with distilled water, seed priming with GA3 100 ppm, priming with SA 100 ppm, priming with GA3 100 ppm + SA 100 ppm and non-primed seed as control was the second factor. On the basis of results, days to 50 % flowering was significantly decreased with the application of mycorrhizal inoculation along whole treatments of priming except G. mosseae in combination with both hormones level. It was also observed that combined treatments of Glomus intraradical inoculation with hydro priming caused most early flowering, the number of pods in the plant, ratio of the filled pod, grain weight of lentil eventually higher yields and harvest index of lentil over other treatments. Thus mycorrhizal inoculation can help to minimize synthetic herbicides and develop biofertilizer in sustainable agriculture.

2 illus, 2 tables, 39 ref

046435   KHAN F (Botany and Microbiology Dep, King Saud Univ, Riyadh- 11495, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia., Email: drfaheemakhan@gmail.com) : Effect of arsenic on growth, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defence system in cowpea. Legum Res 2020, 43(2), 200-5.

Arsenic (As) is a toxic ubiquitous metalloid. Exposure of plants to As can result in various morphological, physiological and biochemical variations. Hydroponic experiment was conducted to study the growth response, lipid peroxidation, proline and antioxidant defence system under arsenic (As) stress in the cowpea. Ten day old seedlings of cowpea grown hydroponically, were treated with 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 µM (Na2HAsO4 ) sodium arsenate for 7 days and analysed for morphological and biochemical traits under As stress. Significant decline in plant root and shoot length along with biomass was recorded with increased arsenic doses, as compared to control. The As treatment resulted in increased proline and decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) content in seedlings of cowpea with increased concentration. Enzymatic antioxidants like catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) showed increased activity in dose dependant manner over control under As stress. Results indicated lower content of MDA and enhanced activities of the enzymatic antioxidant perform a significant role in As tolerance in cowpea.

6 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

046431   BHUTIA P H, SHARANGI A B, LOHAR A, LEPCHA R, YONZONE R (Plantation Spices Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya,, Mohanpur- 741 252, Email: dr_absharangi@yahoo.co.in) : Performance of some promising germplasm of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) towards growth and yield and their response to accumulated heat towards rate of flowering and pod development. Legum Res 2020, 43(2), 179-84.

Fenugreek is an important seed spice in India. Both leaves and seeds are used which are rich in protein, vitamin A and vitamin C. It has good potential in medicinal and pharmaceutical industries especially for the presence of trigonellin and diosgenin in the seed. However in spite of all these benefits, the crops have not gained much attention of the growers. This is primarily due to the lack of information on good planting materials and using the same varieties year after years. Fenugreek crop has a definite life cycle that matches seasonal necessity. Within the dynamic range of plant–temperature relations, where short-term responses are readily reversible, phenology and productivity have been successfully linked with various measures of accumulated heat (thermal time) and predictive models validated. Through the present experiment to evaluate some promising germplasms of fenugreek, Agf-1, Agf-2, Agf-3 and the local existing varieties were found to perform well and may be suggested for cultivation in this agro climatic zone. For selection purpose towards contributing seed yield, some attributes like plant height, number of branches, pod length, seed weight per pod may be taken into consideration.

3 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

046428   MOHAMMED M S, SHIMELIS H A, LAING M D (Plant Science Dep, Ahmadu Bello Univ, Zaria, Nigeria, Email: sagir007@gmail.com) : Preliminary morphological characterization and evaluation of selected Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.] genotypes for yield and yield related traits. Legum Res 2020, 43(2), 157-64.

Forty nine (49) Bambara groundnut genotypes derived from single plant selection of diverse origin were evaluated for yield and yield components using 26 yield and yield related traits. Highly significant (P<0.001) differences were detected among the genotypes for canopy spread, petiole length, weight of biomass, seed weight and seed height, while seedling emergence, pod weight, seed length and seed width were significantly different (P<0.05). Principal component analysis identified nine influential components whereby PC₁ and PC₂ highly contributed to the total variation at 19 % and 14 %, respectively. Leaf colour at emergence, petiole colour, leaf joint pigmentation and calyx colour were highly correlated with PC₁ , while seed length, seed width and seed height had strong association with PC₂ . Both the principal component and cluster analyses displayed common association among most of the genotypes for agronomic and seed yield traits. Genotypes that showed high seed yield performance and greater biomass production can be tested for large-scale production, breeding or germplasm conservation.

2 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

046427   KUMAR R, SHAHI S, SRIVASTAVA M (Botany Dep, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur Univ, Gorakhpur- 273 009, Email: swatishahi06@gmail.com) : Biochemical performance and protein profile of sensitive and tolerant varieties of chickpea under salinity. Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 634-40.

Chickpea varieties (BG-256 and CSG-8962) were subjected to salt stress (50mM, 100mM and 150mM of NaCl) in a pot experiment. Untreated plants served as control. Plants were analyzed from 20 DAS up to 60 DAS at ten-day interval. Salt stress significantly reduced growth parameters like biomass, net assimilation rate, relative water content and biochemical parameters viz., total nitrogen and protein content of both the varieties. However, decrement was more pronounced in sensitive (BG-256) than in tolerant (CSG8962) variety. Proline content increased with increase in salt exposure in both the varieties. SDS-PAGE of the protein reveal large amount of protein degradation in plants treated with high concentration of salt.

5 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

046426   MALIK A, SEHRAWAT K, AHLAWAT A, SEHRAWAT A R (Botany Dep, Maharshi Dayanand Univ, Rohtak- 124 001, Email: anitarsehrawat@gmail.com) : A comparative biochemical evaluation of in vivo and in vitro propagated Alhagi maurorum: An important medicinal plant. Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 627-33.

Medicinal plants are of great interest in the field of biotechnology as most of the drug industries depend in part on plants for production of pharmaceutical compounds. Biological activities of the phyoconstituents in plants could be enhanced by manipulation of the culture conditions. In the present investigation leaves and nodal segments of Alhagi maurorum were cultured on MS medium with BAP, Kinetin, NAA and other adjuvants. MS medium with BAP (1.0 and 2.0 mg/l) alone and in combination with NAA (0.1 mg/l was good for initiation of calli and bud formation. BAP (2.0 and 5.0 mg/l) with NAA(0.1mg/l) plus kinetin 0.25 mg/l with ascorbic acid 50mg/l and adenine sulphate, citric acid and arginine 25 mg/l each was found to be the best for bud proliferation and shoot multiplication. Best rooting was found on MS medium supplemented with IAA and IBA (0.5 mg/ leach). Cultured materials at different growth phase were evaluated for their biochemical estimation of primary metabolites quantitatively. Maximum content of carbohydrates, total proteins and amino acids were noticed in leaves of field grown plants and shoots of regenerated plantlets. It is further concluded that Alhagi maurorum serve as a rich source of primary metabolites which can be used as raw materials in industry.

4 illus, 3 table, 29 ref

046407   KUSVURAN A, CAN A G (Park and Garden Plants Dep, Cankiri Karatekin Univ, Cankiri- 18100, Email: akusvuran@gmail.com) : Effects of Microalga (Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck) on seconder metabolites and antioxidative defense system improve plant growth and salt tolerance in Guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) taub.]. Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 56-60.

Microalgae, such as Chlorella vulgaris, are beneficial microscopic organisms that may result in a plant having improved nutrient uptake, growth and abiotic stress tolerance. In this study, the application of microalga significantly increased the shoot length and fresh and dry weights; leaf number and area and photosynthetic pigments of guar plants when compared to those under salt stress alone. In addition, following the above-mentioned procedures, there were significant increases in the total phenolic (60.70 %), flavonoid (174.80 %), K+ (30.6 %) and Ca2+ (36.10 %) ion contents and ascorbate peroxidase (55.98 %), catalase (256.45 %), glutathione reductase (63.57 %) and superoxide dismutase (113.58 %) enzyme activities. However, the malondialdehyde (49.63 %), Na+ (41.09 %) and Cl– (37.10 %) ion contents were significantly decreased. Hence, the results supported the administration of a foliar application of microalga in order to increase the guar plant’s defense system, enabling it to tolerate the negative effects resulting from salinity.

1 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

042971   THAPA L B, DEUBA R, OLI N, SINGH U K, JHA S K (Botany Dep, Tribhuvan Univ, Kathmandu - 44600, Nepal, Email: sk.jha@cdbtu.edu.np) : Invasion status of alien weeds in the historical Chobhar area of Kathmandu valley, Nepal. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 405–7.

Invasive alien weeds in Nepal have become a great problem. Many of them have been naturalized and threatening native ecosystems and biodiversity. This assessment was carried out to measure the density, frequency and coverage of four major invasive weeds in a historical place, Chobhar of Kathmandu, Nepal. It was found that Ageratina adenophora had the highest density, frequency, and cover in the Pine forest. Similarly, Ageratum conyzoides, Bidens pilosa, and Parthenium hysterophorus were dense and frequent with high cover along the roadside. The frequency of B. pilosa and P. hysterophorus was comparatively high in the fallow land. It shows that the ecological parameters of the particular invasive alien weeds vary with land-use types and aspects. These weeds should be regularly monitored and appropriate methods of controlling them should be implemented in the study area.

2 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

042964   DAS A, KAMILYA P (Botany Dep, Balurghat Coll, Dakshindinajpur - 733 101, West Bengal, Email: pkamilya.in@gmail.com) : Describing morphological characters of seedlings of some dicotyledonous weeds for their identification and management. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 366–77.

Seedling traits of 60 weeds under 24 families of Magnoliopsida have been studied in some crop fields of Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal. Conservative seedling characters emphasize that the studied taxa may be enlisted in four artificial groups i.e, Type I to IV, each having some families and/ or genera. Artificial keys have been made for identification under field observations. The bearing of this study has also been addressed by camping seedling data with other botanical disciplines. Peculiar juvenile behaviors like heteroblastic developments have also been observed. Seedling study is very much significant for eradication of weeds at juvenile stage before display of variable weeds in crop fields.

1 table, 25 ref

042912   PANDIT S, YADAV L P (Botany Dep, J.P. Univ, Chapra, Bihar) : Isolation of fungal pathogens from seeds of selected vegetables and study of their impact on germination and seedling growth. Indian J Sci Res 2020, 11(1), 139-45.

In the present study seeds of 5 vegetables such as spinach (Beta vulgaris L.), Bhindi (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativa L.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) and egg plant (Solanum melongena L.), were obtained from the stored stocks of the trader. Altogether ten fungal pathogens viz., Alternaria spp., Curvularia spp., Fusarium spp, Penicillium spp., Colletotrichum spp., Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Macrophomina spp., Phomopsis and Cladosporium were isolated from the aforesaid seeds of vegetables. Four fungal pathogens were isolated form spinach, six from bhindi, four from cucumber, four from tomato, and five from the seeds of egg plant. Highest percentage of germination 88 was recorded in cucumber, followed by spinach 80. Similarly, lowest percentage of germination of seeds 50 was found in bhindi. Maximum percentage of failure in germination was found in bhindi and lowest 12 in cucumber. Higher percentage of normal seedlings 78.0 was observed in cucumber followed by egg plant that was 76.0. Minimum percentage of normal seedlings was recorded in bhindi that was 47 only. The percentage of abnormal seedlings was 4 in bhindi, cucumber and tomato respectively. It was 3 % in both spinach and egg plant. Highest diseased seedlings 4, was found in tomato and lowest 2 in spinach. Maximum number of dead seedlings was found in bhindi, which were 46 on 7^th days, 47 on 14^th and 54 on 21^st day of sowing. Lowest number of dead seedlings was found in case of egg plant, for all the stages of observations. Mean shoots and roots lengths were also measured. It was highest shoot length 16.30 cm and roots 7.5 on 30^th day of sowing. Highest vigor index 1956.0 was noted in cucumber, while the lowest shoot length 3.80, root length 2.50 and vigor index 469.35 were found in case of egg plant.

5 tables, 38 ref

042911   KUMARI M (Botany Dep, B.R. Ambedkar Bihar Univ, Muzaffarpur, Bihar) : In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity of roots extracts of Capparis spinosa l. and important medicinal plant. Indian J Sci Res 2020, 11(1), 131-7.

Present work was aimed to study the antimicrobial potential of water, methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of roots of an important medicinal plant Capparis spinosa against Escherichia coli, using disc diffusion method. It was noted that extracts taken from dried and powdered roots of Capparis spinosa in four different solvents revealed antimicrobial activities at all the six different concentrations. Maximum inhibitory zone 19.72 mm was obtained at 6.0 mg/ml concentration of the extract taken in Ethyl acetate, followed by 18.54 mm at the concentration 4.0 mg/ml. At the similar concentrations, extracts taken in Ethyl alcohol had 18.36 mm and 17.36 mm inhibitory zones respectively. This was followed by the extracts taken in Methyl alcohol which was 16.56 mm and 15.20 mm respectively. Here lowest inhibitory zones were observed at all the six concentrations, when the extract was taken in distilled water. Therefore, in the solvent Ethyl acetate was superior followed by ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol. Similarly, 6.0 mg/ml concentration of all the extracts gave better response than the rest of the concentrations used here. So the root extract of Capparis spinosa acts as natural antimicrobial agent. Therefore, they may be utilized in drug for the treatment of disease caused by the above test organism.

2 tables, 55 ref

042910   SAURABH N, SINGH N K (Botany Dep, J.P. Univ, Chapra, Bihar) : Study of impact of seed borne fungal pathogen on seed germination, seedling biomass and chlorophyll contents of four different pulse crops. Indian J Sci Res 2020, 11(1), 125-30.

Different saprophytic fungi causes damage to seeds in storage. Aspergillus flavus was isolated from the seeds of horse gram, cow pea, green gram, black gram and red gram kept in the stores of farmers. The pathogen was maintained in the laboratory. Seeds of aforesaid pulse crops were purchased from the standard seed merchant. In vitro inoculation was done and seeds were cultivated in pre-sterilized soil kept in earthen pots. It was observed that percentage of inhibition of germination was maximum in horse gram 37.12 and minimum in green gram 23.80. Reduction in biomass of seedlings was highest in black gram 54.51 % while it was minimum in horse gram 52.48 %. The chlorophyll- a, b and total chlorophyll contents were also influenced. Maximum reduction in chlo-a content 57.14 % was found in green gram, while minimum reduction in chlo-a 20.00 % was found in cow pea. Similarly, highest percentage of reduction in chlo-b was found in case of Red gram 9.09 % whiles the minimum 4.35 % in black gram. Total chlorophyll contents were also observed. It was maximum in green gram 8.88 % while minimum in black gram 4.25. It was further noted that, there was reduction in all the parameter considered for study in the present work. All these indicated that the pathogen had negative impact on the seed germination, seedling biomass and the chlorophyll contents, when it was inoculated in the healthy seeds of different pulse crops as mentioned above.

3 tables, 49 ref

042909   ANJALI K, KUMARI R (Botany Dep, B R Ambedkar Bihar Univ, Muzaffarpur, Bihar) : Development of protocol for efficient micropropagation of a multipurpose local cultivar of Dalbergia sissoo a threatened tree species. Indian J Sci Res 2020, 11(1), 117-24.

Present study was aimed to develop a protocol for efficient micropropagation of a multipurpose local cultivar of Dalbergia sissoo. In nature this species multiply by fragments of roots or seeds which is rare. Stem cuttings are also used but we do not get authentic plantlets for large scale plantation. In the present study nodal explants, taken from healthy and young branches from the plant growing in wild habitat were inoculated in Murashige and Skoog (1962) MS medium, supplemented with different concentrations of 6-Benzuyle amino purine (BAP) either alone or with three different concentrations of NAA (αNapththalene acetic acid). Similarly, different concentration of Kinetin alone or NAA was also supplemented in MS basal medium along with 3 % sucrose and solidified with 0.8 % Agar. Among the six different concentrations of BAP alone, MS + 1.5 mg/l BAP was found more suitable for nodal shoot bud initiation. Here the percentage response for shoot bud induction was 88.48, the mean number of shoot buds was 3.72, mean length was 1.75 cm. Buds were initiated after 14.68 days of inoculation. When MS + 1.5 mg/l BAP + 1.0 mg/l NAA was used for inoculation the percentage of response for shoot buds initiation was 92.75, number of shoot buds 4.76, and mean length of 2.18 cm respectively. Time taken for shoot bud initiation was 12 days only. It was further noted that Kinetin alone at the similar concentration induced shoot buds on nodal explants but the percentage of response for shoot bud initiation was 78.62, the number of shoot buds 3.06, the mean length 1.54 cm. Here time taken for shoot bud initiation was 16.56 days. Likewise, MS + 1.5 mg/l KN + 1.0 mg/l NAA when used for inoculation, the percentage of response was 88.72, number of shoot buds 3.54, mean length 1.88 cm respectively. The shoot buds were initiated after 13.58 days. These shoot buds were separated from the explants after 34 days of incubation and were inoculated in the multiplication medium. Here also, the highest percentage of response 96.24, number of shoots developed denovo, 5.84 mean shoot length 3.78 cm and growth of shoots was excellent in MS+ 1.5 mg/l BAP + 1.0 mg/l NAA, in comparison to similar concentration of KN+ NAA, where the percentage response for denovo shoot bud initiation was 89.72, the number of shoots per explant 4.25, the mean length 3.12 and growth was slow than the above. Well developed plantlets were inoculated in rooting medium. Best response was noted n MS+ 1.0 mg/l IBA, where percentage of response was 90.78, number of roots 4.88 and mean length 2.2cm. At similar concentration of NAA, the percentage response was 70.18, number of roots 2.46 and mean length 1.75 cm respectively.

3 tables, 55 ref

041096   ANOOP K, ABHIJNYA J (Botany Dep, Zamorin’s Guruvayurappan Coll, Kozhikode - 673 014, Email: anoopkuttiyil@gmail.com) : Leaf spot disease caused by Nimbya alternantherae in Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Grisb.: A new report from India. Indian J Applied & Pure Bio 2020, 35(2), 293-7.

Alternanthera philoxeroides, commonly known as ‘alligator weed’, is an aquatic perennial herb belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. It is a weed found in temperate and tropical climates of the world. The leaf spot disease in this plant was noted in Kozhikode district of Kerala, India. The infected material was subjected to analysis and the symptoms were noted. The disease was characterized by numerous circular purplereddish colored spots of varying sizes. The spots were found in greyishbrown necrotic centres with purple to red colored borders. Irregular shaped purple spots and streaks were present on internodal region of the stem. Chlorosis was prominent in advanced stages of the disease followed by premature leaf fall. The pathogenicity of the isolate was proved by detached leaf method. Based on the morphological characters, the pathogen was identified as Nimbya alternanthera. This is the first report of this pathogen as leaf spot pathogen of A. philoxeroides in India.

1 illus, 15 ref

042907   SRIVASTAVA P (P.G. Studies and Research in Botany Dep, Feroze Gandhi Coll, Rae Bareli, U.P.) : Sars cov-2 greatest challenge of century. Indian J Sci Res 2020, 11(1), 107-9.

In late 2019 when the final reports of an unknown respiratory infection emerged from Wuhan, China, nobody knew it will be greatest challenge to humans of this century. Corona virus is related to those viruses that had caused outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) from 2002-2004 and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012.

2 illus

041093   BI S (Botany Dep, GF Coll, Shahjahanpur - 242 001, Email: shazia.amu@gmail.com) : Plants used in Herbal medicine of District Pilibhit Uttar Pradesh, India. Indian J Applied & Pure Bio 2020, 35(2), 271-81.

The phytochemical may be synthesized, compounded or altered to make pharmaceuticals Modern medicine now tends to utilize the dynamic ingredients of plants to a certain extent than the whole plants. for example such derivatives consist of capsaicin as of red chili, digoxin as of Digitalis in addition to aspirin is chemically linked to the salicylic acid found in white willow. At this point at smallest amount 12,000 of these phytochemical compounds have been recorded as well as estimated to be fewer than 10 % of total vegetation. Study shows bags of herbal plants and present phytochemical compounds which used in manufacturing of herbal medicine and to protect the human being from many life threatening diseases through the herbal medicine.

1 table, 32 ref

041092   EDISON L K, PRADEEP N S (KSCSTE-Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute of Plant Sciences, Kozhikode - 673 014, Email: drnspradeep@gmail.com) : Functional screening of β-Glucanase producing actinomycetes strains from Western Ghats ecosystems of Kerala, India. Indian J Applied & Pure Bio 2020, 35(2), 255-70.

Screening of potential soil actinomycetes is static at infant phase because less than one part of soil biodiversity has been explored. An important factor considered before isolating microorganisms with potential application is understanding the biodiversity and environmental features associated with growth. Search of distinctive enzymes from unusual ecological habitats are highly fascinating and have great opportunities that may also pointed the developments in high throughput screening programs. In the present study Western Ghats hot spot regions of Kerala has been explored for the actinomycetes strains with beta glucanase activity. A total of 127 actinomycetes strains were isolated. After qualitative primary screening 106 strains (83 %) produced exo-β-1,4-glucanase enzyme and 79 strains (62 %) produced endo-β-1,3-glucanase enzyme. The quantitative secondary screening confirmed the strains TBG-MR17 and TBGAL13 recognised as respective dominant producers of exo-β-1,4- glucanase and endo-β-1,3-glucanase enzymes. The study reveals the richness of the Western Ghats soils with innumerable actinomycetes having potential β-glucanase activities.

4 tables, 34 ref

041091   SINGH M K, SINGH A K, AHMAD M S (Botany Dep, KR Coll, Gopalganj, Bihar, Email: manojkumarsingh12672@gmail.com) : Antimicrobial and Antioxidant potential of Achyranthes aspera Linn. and Its increased prevalence in Cosmetics. Indian J Applied & Pure Bio 2020, 35(2), 243-54.

Achyranthes aspera Linn. (family: Amaranthaceae) is an indigenous medicinal plant found in Asia, South America, and Africa. It is known to contain active components like tannins, phenol, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins etc. The study emphasize on the comparison of antioxidant and antibacterial activity among root, stem and leaf extract of A. aspera. The evaluation of scavenging activity was screened based on three methods of antioxidant activity, DPPH Assay, FRAP Assay and ABTS Method. A.aspera root extract showed higher percentage scavenging activity (66.32%) at 500 (µg/ml). IC50 for for root, leaf and stem extract was found to be 299.4 (µg/ml), 379.75 (µg/ml) and 467.31 (µg/ml). The scavenging activity estimated in the extracts of A.aspera using Ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP) assay showed best results in case of stem extract (184.15%) at 500 (µg/ml). FRAP assay showed comparable percentage inhibition in the root (86.81%), leaf (85.23%) and stem (85.71%) extracts. Out of the three extracts root (R.E), stem (S.E) and leaves (L.E), root extract was observed to possess potent activities with maximum antibacterial activity at highest concentration (187.5mg/ml). FTIR spectra was used to analyze functional groups.

4 illus, 7 tables, 40 ref

042903   BIMAL R, NEELMANI, SRIVASTAVA A K, DEVLA A (Botany Dep, B.R.A. Bihar Univ, Muzaffarpur, Bihar) : Impact of novel corona pandemic on human life and society: An observational study. Indian J Sci Res 2020, 11(1), 81-5.

A tiny RNA loaded, spiked, spherical microbe created history in infecting and causing death to human beings on the planet earth in such a large number that cannot be erased from the memory. The lethal virus called COVID-19 (Novel coronavirus “SARS-CoV-2) is a natural, accidental or engineered is the matter of investigation, but it has pushed the world into problems affecting almost everything in the society of all nations, be it a superpower or lesser power, developed or underdeveloped. Considering the tremendous global spread of the virus and virulence, the W.H.O. declared COVID-19 as Pandemic and issued guidelines to be followed by the government and people. WHO confirmed on 12^th January 2020; that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei, China, which was reported to the WHO on 31^st December 2019. The first case of Corona in India was reported on 30^th January 2020 from Kerala and the person had a travel history of Wuhan, China. The prevailing pandemic conditions were carefully observed, various reports appearing in research journals, newspapers, TV channels were studied and the effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on human society were analyzed with reference to Education, Environment, Dharma, Socio- Economic condition, Psychology, Behavioral changes, and Management.

13 ref

042900   SINGH Y P (Botany Dep, R.B.S. Coll Agra, Uttar Pradesh) : Review on genetic diversity and biochemical analysis of medicinal herb: Tinospora cordifolia. Indian J Sci Res 2020, 11(1), 57-9.

Tinospora cordifolia commonly named as “Guruche” is known for its immense application in the treatment of various diseases in the traditional ayurvedic literature. Recently the discovery of active components from the plant and their biological function in disease control has led to active interest in the plant across the globe. Our present study in this review encompasses the genetic diversity of the plant and active components isolated from the plant and their biological role in disease targeting. Tinospora cordifolia therapeutics such as use of crude extract of plant for the amelioration of various diseases, morphology, growth constraints, biochemical composition, biological activities, research work done, projects sanctioned to this plant species and the future prospects of this important neglected plant species for research in the field of plant tissue culture, natural products and nano-biotechnology.

2 illus, 8 ref

042898   GIRI S, ABDULLAH, SINGH R P, SINGH M P (Botany Dep, S. N. P.G. Coll, Azamgarh, U.P.) : Physico-chemical properties of carpet industry effluents of district Bhadohi, India. Indian J Sci Res 2020, 11(1), 41-4.

Entering of industrial effluents in to the water bodies is one of the major sources of environmental toxicity. It not only affects the quality of drinking water but also has deleterious impact on the plant and aquatic ecosystems. In the present study, we have analyzed the physico-chemical properties of the effluents from the carpet industry. The effluents were collected from Ghosia town of Bhadohi District, U.P., India. In this study, physico-chemical parameters such as pH, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solid (TDS) and total suspended solid (TSS) were determined using standard procedures. The results of the analysis were compared with the water quality standards of BIS (Bureau of Indian Standard). Some parameters were within the permissible limit prescribed by BIS and some above the limit.

3 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

041089   BI S (Botany, G.F. Coll, Shahjahanpur - 242 001, Email: shazia.amu@gmail.com) : Diversity of medicinal plants of District Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Indian J Applied & Pure Bio 2020, 35(2), 221-37.

A survey of the District Shahjahanpur was carried out from ethnomedicinal point of view. The survey also included the district's suburban areas. Villagers, medicene men, Hakeems, Vaids and elderly people were consulted for medicinal attributes given to a particular species encountered in the District. An effort was made to record the local name of the collected plant specimen. The present study resulted in the collection of 65 species of angiosperms, which belong to diverse families and are used in the treatment of a variety of ailments such as gastrointestinal disorders, kidney stones, leprosy and other skin afflictions, leprosy, diabetes, liver problems, for healing of wounds and even cancer. The statements from the aforesaid persons were recorded carefully in the field diary and the collected plant specimens were subjected to taxonomic identification with the help of various floras. Some of the medicinal plants encountered during the present investigation comprised of Datura stramonium, Achyranthes aspera. Blumea mollis, Solanum nigrum, Ricinus communis Centella asiatica, Clerodendron viscosum, Oxalis corniculata, Aegle marnelos, Clitoria ternatea and Cuscuta reflexa. The plants with medicinal attributes have been dealt with under various families arranged in an alphabetical order irrespective of their descent.

1 table, 11 ref

042895   SINGH N, SINGH C S, SRIVASTAVA D K (Botany Dep, R.R.P.G. Coll, Amethi, U.P.) : Comparative study of cr plating industry effluent on seed germination and growth of Cicer arietinum cv. g-130 and Cicer arietinum cv. h208 crop plants. Indian J Sci Res 2020, 11(1), 23-6.

Effect of different sites of Chromium plating industry effluents on germination and growth of Cicer arietinum cv. G130 and Cicer arietinum cv. H-208 leguminous crop plants was studied. The maximum inhibition in seed germination and growth was reported in treated seeds, where as it was minimum in II treated seeds. Among two cultivars of Cicer arietinum cv. H-208 is more susceptible to chromium plating effluent toxicity than cv. G-130 in this way differential responses are shown by above stated genotypes of Cicer arietinum to chromium plating effluent toxicity.

2 illus, 3 tables, 6 ref

041087   ANOOP K, THANZEEN K V (Botany Dep, Zamorin’s Guruvayurappan Coll, Kozhikode - 673 014, Email: anoopkuttiyil@gmail.com) : New report of Curvularia pallescens Boedijn. as leaf spot pathogen in Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen in India. Indian J Applied & Pure Bio 2020, 35(2), 205-10.

Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen, commonly called as 'Cheekoo, Chikku’, ‘Sapota’ or ‘Sapodilla’, belonging to the family Sapotaceae, is one of the fleshy fruits with high export value in India. The sapota tree is susceptible to many fungal diseases. Many fungi like Phaeophleospora indica, Pestalotia sapotae L., and Glomerella cingulata are reported to cause leaf spot disease in M. zapota. In the present study, the leaf spot disease of M. zapota found in Kumaranellur area of Palakkad district of Kerala was subjected to isolation and identification of the causative organism. The disease was characterized by small reddish-brown spots on the upper surface of the leaves. The circular spots gradually enlarge radially producing necrotic lesion at the centre. The margins of the spot showed yellowish or orange color initially. The entire leaf lamina becomes brown and shed off in advanced stages. The lesions were prominent over the upper surface of the leaves. The organism from the diseased sample was isolated and characterized. The pathogenicity of the isolate was proved and identified as Curvularia pallescens Boedijn. This is the first report of incidence of leaf spot disease on M. zapota by Curvularia pallescens Boedijn.

2 illus, 10 ref

041086   KUMARI P, AHMAD M S (Botany Dep, Gopeshwar Coll, Gopalganj - 841 436, Email: mdsarfarazahmad786@gmail.com) : Phytoconstituents characterization of extricates prepared from seeds of Hallucinogenic plants. Indian J Applied & Pure Bio 2020, 35(2), 195-204.

The present study deals with the phytochemical examination of Phytochemical profiling and therapeutic importance of Cannabis sativa L., Cannabis indica Land Salvia divinorum L. an important hallucinogenic plant. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of the extracts prepared from seeds showed the presence of alkaloids, Anthraquinones, catechins, coumarins, flavonoids, phenols, quinones, Saponins, steroids, sugar, glycosides, tannins, and xanthoproteins. The FT-IR spectrum confirmed the presence of alkyl methyl, and alcohol, ethers, and estergroup, Carboxylic acid, and anhydrides were also present. The bioactive components of the ethanol extract of Cannabis sativa L., and Salvia divinorum L seeds were investigated using Perkin-Elmer Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), while the mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract were matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) library.

6 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

042893   GIRI S, ABDULLAH, SINGH R P, SINGH M P (Botany Dep, S. N. P.G. Coll, Azamgarh, U.P.) : Effect of carpet industry effluent on growth of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Indian J Sci Res 2020, 11(1), 13-6.

Effluents of carpet industry discharged on land and into water bodies induced environmental pollution. However, these are used for crop production because those effluents contain several plant nutrients. The aim of the present study is to observe the effect of carpet industry effluent on growth of very important vegetable crop tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Effluent of carpet industry was procured from district Bhadohi and used in this study. A pot experiment was conducted adopting completely Randomized Design with five treatments and three replications in the natural open weather conditions for 60 days during the plant season. Five concentrations viz; 0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 % were used for present experiment. Zero percent concentration was treated as control. Observations related to growth (shoot length, root length, number of leaves and branches) were recorded at different growth stages. Results reveal that plant growth parameters gradually decreased with increase in effluent concentrations and the maximum growth was recorded at 0 % concentration level whereas minimum was with 100 % concentration.

3 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

042887   PRAKASH A, PRASAD P (Botany Dep, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bihar Univ, Muzaffarpur, Bihar) : Study on in vitro control of Colletotrichum musae isolated from ripe fruits of banana phytoextracts and selected fungicides. Indian J Sci Res 2020, 10(2), 127-32.

Colletotrichum musae the causal agent of anthracnose disease of banana fruit, was isolated from the diseased fruits and cultured in the laboratory. Six different culture media were tested for the selection of suitable culture medium. Both oat meal agar and Potato Dextrose Agar medium were found equally suitable for the above fungal pathogen. Six different medicinal plants were selected and leaf and clove extract at different concentrations were used. It was noted that 30 % leaf extract of Nyctanthes arbourtis and Acasia nilotica exhibited 100 % mycelial growth inhibition in vitro conditions. Actually all the phytoextracts had antifungal activities but their quantum of inhibition was less promising. In vitro experiments were also performed to determine the efficacy of seven commonly used fungicides at different concentrations. It was noted that at 2000 ppm four fungicides such as Difenconazole 25 % EC, Carbindazim 50 % WP, Benomyl 50 % WP and Mancozeb 75 % WP completely inhibited the mycelial growth of the pathogen in vitro. Other fungicides also inhibited the radial growth, but the quantum of inhibition was less than the aforesaid fungicides at the same concentrations. To reduce the side effects of the chemical fungicides, alternative agents to control the fungal growth are essential. Selected phytoextracts may be the suitable candidate for the alternative of the chemical fungicides.

35 ref

041082   SINGH C S, SINGH N (Botany Dep, R.R.P.G. Coll, Amethi - 227 405, Email: cs.singh25@gmail.com) : Study of Cr and Ni plating Varanasi (Basahi) industry effluent on seed germination of some leguminous crop plants. Indian J Applied & Pure Bio 2020, 35(2), 151-6.

Study of different sites of Chromium and Nickel Varanasi (Basahi) plating industry effluents on germination and growth of Cicer arietinum cv. G-130 and Cicer arietinum cv. H-208 leguminous crop plants was carried out. The maximum inhibition in seed germination and growth was reported in treated seeds, where as it was minimum in II treated seeds. Among two cultivars of Cicer arietinum cv. H-208 was found to be more susceptible to Chromium and Nickel plating effluent toxicity than cv. G-130. In this way differential responses were shown by above stated genotypes of Cicer arietinum to Chromium and Nickel plating effluent toxicity.

6 tables, 9 ref

042886   PANDIT S, YADAV L P (Botany Dep, J.P. Univ, Chapra, Bihar) : In vitro study of impact of selected fungicides and phytoextracts on mycelial growth of Alternaria solani the causal organism of leaf blight of potato and tomato. Indian J Sci Res 2020, 10(2), 121-6.

Leaf blight of potato and tomato caused by Alternaria solani is an important fungal disease that causes heavy loss to the growers. In case of suitable conditions the pathogen causes maximum damage to these vegetable crops and even the fruits of tomato are also attacked by the pathogen. In the present study the pathogen was isolated and pure culture was maintained on Potato Dextrose Agar medium. In vitro experiments were done to evaluate the fungitoxic effects of three different concentrations of 7 selected fungicides as well as leaf extracts of 7 different plants extracts separately. Among the fungicides, 100 inhibition was found when 2000 ppm of Difenconazole, Propinconazole and Benomyl was used. Diphenconazole and Propinconazole even at 1000 ppm, completely inhibited the mycelial growth of the pathogen in vitro. Lowest percentage of inhibition of mycelial growth was found in case of copper hydroxide. Even at 2000 ppm the percentage of inhibition was 68.72 only. Similarly, Thiophenate at 2000 ppm could inhibit the mycelial growth that was 78.85 only. Among the phytoextracts, leaf extract of Acasia nilotica at 30 % inhibited 84.74 of mycelial growth, which was followed by the extract taken from the cloves of Allium sativa. At 30 the percentage of inhibition was 81.65. This was followed by the percentage of inhibition by leaf extract of Azadirachta indica, which were 78.54 at 30 %. Minimum inhibition at 30 % of leaf extract of Phyllanthus niruri was 68.66. In the present work it was noted that mycelial growth was inhibited at all the concentrations of the seven fungicides and leaf extracts of all the plants with different percentages of inhibition.

47 ref

041081   NATH P, DAS M R, BHUYAN S I (Botany Dep, Pandit deendayal upadhaya adarsh mahavidyalaya Behali, Biswanath - 784 184, Email: safibhuyan@gmail.com) : Traditional knowledge on medicinal plants used by tiwa ethnic community, North East India. Indian J Applied & Pure Bio 2020, 35(2), 145-9.

Traditional techniques on medicinal plants are very useful for conservation of biodiversity and play a significant role in rural health care system. Present study was carried out among the Tiwa tribe of Kamrup District of Assam, during 2018-19. A total of 24 plant species representing 20 families and 24 genera used to treat various human ailments. Analysis of growth habit of medicinal plants in this study indicated that most of the tree followed by herb, shurb and climber. This study shows that the highest percentage of medicinal plants was obtained from wild while rest were from home garden. Due to social changes, the tradition has faced serious threat which may leads to loss of traditional practices in near future.

3 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

041080   QADIR M, KHAN F (Govt Coll of Science and Commerce Benazeer, Bhopal - 462 008) : Effect of various pre-treatments for breaking the dormancy of Jatropha gossypifolia Linn.. Indian J Applied & Pure Bio 2020, 35(2), 139-44.

In the present investigation, seeds of Jatropha gossypifolia were subjected to various treatments to achieve early germination by breaking dormancy. The highest germination percentage was recorded for the seeds subjected to hot water pretreatment followed by IAA treatment which respectively induced 84 and 78 percent germination on 17^th day after sowing. For the same time period, the germination percentage was 21, 38, 20, 58, 33, 32, 30, 24, 32, 60, 27, 49, 30 and 69 respectively in the seeds kept as control, those treated with scarification, stratification, alternating high and low temperature, KNO₃, thiourea, kinetin, GA₃, H₂SO₄, presoaking, electric current, mechanical injury, coumarin and brassinolide. Incidently, there was no improvement of germination percentage after 17^th day of sowing. Thus, the best option for the germination of J. gossypifolia seeds is pre-treatment with hot water.

1 table, 28 ref

041079   DHAR T P (Botany Dep, St. Stephen’s Coll, Pathanapuram, Kollam - 689 695, Email: dharpraveent@gmail.com) : In vitro indirect somatic embryogenesis in Naravelia zeylanica (L.) DC.. Indian J Applied & Pure Bio 2020, 35(2), 133-8.

Naravelia zeylanica is a medicinal plant belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. The plant has diverse medicinal values and commonly used to cure rheumatism. In the present investigation in vitro regeneration potentialities were tested using inter nodal explants. Callus derived from the inter nodal explants showed somatic embryogenesis in different hormonal concentrations. MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D, BAP, Kinetin, IAA and NAA alone and in combination showed callusing potential and somatic embryogenesis.

1 table, 19 ref

041078   QADIR M, KHAN F (Govt Coll of Science and Commerce Benazeer, Bhopal - 462 008) : Effect of various pre-treatments for breaking the dormancy of Mucuna pruriens Bak.. Indian J Applied & Pure Bio 2020, 35(2), 127-32.

In the present investigation, seeds of Mucuna pruriens were subjected to various treatments to achieve early germination by breaking dormancy. It was found that on 17^th day after sowing, the germination percentage was 4, 32, 40, 17, 23, 27, 18, 28, 31, 35, 40, 17, 28, 74 and 82 respectively under untreated seeds and those subjected to hot water, scarification, stratification, alternating high and low temperature, KNO₃, thiourea, kinetin, GA₃, H₂SO₄, pre-soaking, electric current, coumarin, brassinolide and IAA. In this way, mechanical injury of the seeds of M. pruriens is the best option for achieving higher germination percentage. IAA is also a useful method as it induced 82 % germination in the present study (table-1).

1 table, 33 ref

042881   ARA N, JAMIL S (Botany Dep, L.N.M Univ, Darbhanga, Bihar) : Analysis of selected physico-chemical parameters of two ponds of madhubani. Indian J Sci Res 2020, 10(2), 85-91.

Present study was aimed to observe the monthly variations in selected physico-chemical parameters of surface water of two perennial ponds of Madhubani district of Bihar state. Selected parameters were determined for one year that is from January to December in 2018. The maximum value of water pH, temperature, turbidity, alkalinity, transparency, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, free carbon dioxide, Biological Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Chloride contents Nitrates and Calcium and Total hardness of the pond situated near R.K. College, Madhubani were found as 8:5, 350 c, 48.0, 158.74, 150.0cm, 1270 mg/l, 852 mg/l, 7.38 mg/l, 42.28, 58.74, 29.62 mg/l, 8.34 mg/l, 48.64 mg/l, 151.60 mg/l respectively, while the maximum values of same parameters of an abandoned pond were, 8.3, 360 c, 46.0, 155.18, 142 cm, 1228 mg/l, 8.62 mg/l, 7.46 mg/l, 42.78, 59.58, 31.24 mg/l, 9.52 mg/l, 49.85 mg/l, and 146.62 mg/l. Present study indicates the existing health of these two perennial water bodies being used by the local people. Based on the above data suitable measures may be taken by the administrators to reduce the different loads of pollutant to maintain the purity of these perennial resource of water bodies.

2 tables, 40 ref