004828   Bhatt A (Biotechnology Dep, G.B. Pant Engg. College, Pauri-Garhwal-246 194) : Genetic architecture for seed yield and its components in Indian mustard, Brassica juncea (L.) (Czern and Coss). J Mount Res 2008, 3(Dec), 155-65.

Six generations (P₁, P₂, F₁, F₂, BC₁, and BC₂ of two crosses namely PRQ-9701-46xKranti (C₁) PRQ-9701-46 x Pusa Bold (C₂) were evaluated in compact family block design with 3 replications under two set of environments viz., timely sown condition (TS) and late sown condition (LS). Observations were recorded on fourteen important quantitative traits namely, days to flower initiation, days to 50 percent flowering, days to maturity, plant height, length of main shoot, number so siliquae on main shoot, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, siliqua length, number of seeds per siliqua, seed per plant, 1000-seed weight, oil content and harvest-index. Additive effects were found to be more impotent in the inheritance of days to flower initiation. Additive xadditive effect was relatively more important for all characters except days to flower initiation, days to 50% flowering, number of primary branches and number of secondary branches, dominance for plant height, length of main shoot, number of siliquae on main shoot, seeds per siliqua, seed yield per plant, 100-seed weight, oil content and harvest index, dominance x dominance for days to flower initiation, number of primary branches, additive x dominance for number of secondary branches and plant height.

2 tables, 17 ref

004827   Bedekar A N;Pise A;Naik A;Bhosale P (Chemistry Dep, B. N. Bandodkar College of Science, Thane-400 601) : Standardisation of fenugreek extract using 4-hydroxyisoleucine as a marker compound. J Indian Chem Soc 2009, 86(2), 192-4.

4-Hydroxyisoleucine is reported as bioactive compound, which is responsible for antidiabetic activity of Fenugreek, The work includes standardization and preparation of different extracts, which are enriched with 4-hydroxyisoleucine. The paper includes some unexpected observation in extraction pattern of 4-hydroxyisoleucine with different solvents. The quantitative estimation of 4-hydroxyisoleucine is done by spectrophotometry on the basis of its reaction with ninhydrin.

2 illus, 3 tables, 4 ref

004826   Asokan S;Jayanthi C (Biotechnology Dep, Bharathidasan Univ, Trichy-620 024, Email: mbasokan@yahoo.com) : Alkaline protease production by Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus coagulans. J Cell Tissue Res 2010, 10(1), 2119-23.

In the study, 6 different species of bacteria were isolated from the soil sample. Among the isolates 2 species namely, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus coagulans efficiently produced alkaline protease in glucose extract - asparagine (GYA) medium. The protease production efficiency of theses organisms was measured with different carbon sources, incubation time, pH and temperature. Enzyme production was better in Bacillus licheniformis than in Bacillus coagulans. From the above investigations it is concluded that the protease production by these microbes at wide temperature and pH ranges could be explored for varied industrial applications.

7 tables, 35 ref

023604   Yingming C;Jidong L;Bo X;Pengmei L V;Jie C; Yan F;Xuewei W (Institute of Energy & Power, Huazhong Univ of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei-430 074, Email: Lvpm@ms.giec.ac.cn) : Lipase-catalyzed synthesis of biodiesel from acid oil in fixed bed reactor. Res J Biotechnol 2008, 3(2), 5-12.

Acid oil, which is a by-product in vegetable oil refining, mainly contains free fatty acids (FFAs) and acylglycerols and is a feedstock for production of biodiesel fuel now. The transesterification of acid oil and methanol to biodiesel was catalyzed by immobilized Candida lipase in fixed bed reactors. The reactant solution was a mixture of acid oil, water, methanol and solvent (hexane) and the main product was biodiesel composed of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) of which the main component was methyl oleate. The effects of lipase content, solvent content, water content temperature and flow velocity of the reactant on the reaction were analyzed. The experimental results indicate that a maximum FAME content of 90.18% can be obtained in the end product under optimum conditions. Most of the chemical and physical properties of the biodiesel were superior to the standards for 0 diesel (GB/T 19147) and biodiesel (DIN V51606 and ASTM D-6751).

8 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

023603   Yadava L P;Pati R;Gupta V K (NO, Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh) : Effect of paclobutrazol and ethephon on the biochemical constituents of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.). Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 124-6.

Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) plants were treated with paclobutrazol (12.5, 25, 50 and 100 ppm) and ethephon (100, 200, 400 and 800 ppm) in a field experiment during Rabi season. The biochemical constituents estimated were acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), total sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar and ascorbic acid (Vit.`C'). The result indicate that 50 ppm paclobutrazol and 400 ppm ethephon, significantly increased the TSS, total sugar, reducing sugar, ascorbic acid (Vit.`C') and decreased acidity and non-reducing sugar. A highly significant increase in yield by 131 per cent with ethephon 400 ppm and by 105 per cent with paclobutrazol was noticed over control.

15 ref

023602   Tiwari K L;Jadhav S K;Shukla P (School of Studies in Biotechnology, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla Univ, Raipur-492 010, Email: prashant19782000@gmail.com) : Effect of nitrogen sources on production capacity of microbial fuel cell. Res J Biotechnol 2008, 3(2), 55-56.

Some bacteria are found to be useful in producing electricity. The present paper shows that electricity can be produced using a Gram-positive bacterium. The study was undertaken to determine its electricity producing capacity under different nitrogen sources and with wastes like paper, dried and fresh leaves and other plant materials like fruit peels. Soybean casein broth was taken as standard medium and different nitrogen sources (urea, ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate) were added to it. The bacterium was inoculated in the medium and production of electricity was measured using digital multimeter. In case of wastes, it was mixed with distilled water and then inoculated with bacterium. Bacterium was found to be gram positive, coccus in chains, motile and fermentative. The bacterium produced an average of 0.5 V with 750 ml medium with all the nitrogen sources where as without nitrogen source the average electricity was 0.3 V which decreased with each passing day.

3 tables, 10 ref

023601   Thanga Hemavathy A;Balaji K (Central Plant Molecular Biology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Inflorescence and nut characters of dwarf cultivars in coconut (Cocosnucifera linn.). Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 222-3.

1 table, 6 ref

023600   Somashekar B R;Divakar S (Fermentation Technology and Bioenginering, Central Food Technological research Institute, Mysore-570 020, Email: divakar643@gmail.com) : Enzymatic synthesis of L-valyl, L-leucyl and L-isoleucyl esters of carbohydrates using Candida rugosa lipase. Indian J Chem-Sect B 2007, 46(12), 2026-44.

L-Valyl 1 L-leucyl 2 and L-isoleucyl 3 esters of carbohydrates 4-14 have been prepared through lipase catalysis using Candida rugosa lipase in organic media. This enzymatic esterification involving unprotected and unactivated L-amino acids 1-3 and carbohydrates, comprising, aldohexoses 4-6, ketohexose 7, pentoses 8-9, disaccharides 10-12 and carbohydrate alcohols 13-14, results in the formation of both monoesters (1-O-, 2-O-, 3-O-, 4-O, 5-O-, 6-O- and 6'-O-) and diesters (1.6-cli-0-, 2,5-di-O-, 2,6-di-O-, 3.6-di-O-, 4,6-di-O- and 6,6'-di-O-) with conversion yields in the range 21-68%. Among 70 esters synthesized on the whole, 65 esters are reported here for the first time.

1 sch, 1 table, 18 ref

023599   Sarode S B;Ghorpade P B;Wayazade P M;Deshmukh S B;gomashe S S (Dep of Agricultural Botany, College of Agriculture, Nagpur, Maharashtra) : Heterosis and combining analysis in safflower (Carthamus tinctorium linn.). Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 56-60.

Top cross analysis consisted of crosses between GMS line AKSMS 1 as a tester (female) and twently one male lines. Significant heterosis was observed for all the ten quantitative traits except number of capitula per plant and oil content. the magnitude of heterosis and useful heterosis was low and differed for different characters. The highest magnitude of useful heterosis was observed in respect of number of seeds per captulum (53.78%), seed yield per plant (27.23%), 100 seed weight (2.58%) and days to maturity (-2.87%). Only one cross, AKSMS 1 X JLSF 228, recorded significant useful heterosis over check variety, Bhima for seed yield per plant (27.23%). AKSMS 1 X JLSF 228 showed significant highest useful heterosis for number of seeds per capitulum (53.78%). The extimates of general combining ability indicated that JLSF 228 recorded highest significant general combining ability effect for seed yield per plant (26.27^**), plant height (10.41^**) and number of seeds per capitulum (9.87^**). A 1 showed significant general combining ability effect for seed yield per plant (15.91^**). Bhima was good general combiner for seed yield per plant (13.39^**), plant height (6.16^**), number of primary branches per plant (1.74,6.88) and 100 see weight (0.96^**).

3 tables, 8 ref

023598   Sapkal M R;Deshmukh A M (Microbiology Dep, B.D. College, Patan, Dist. Satara, (M.S.)-415 206) : Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles by Streptomyces species. Res J Biotechnol 2008, 3(2), 36-39.

Selected five different species of genus of Streptomyces genus were isolated from aquatic origin on Glycerol aspargine agar and identified by 168 r DNA ribotyping method. These organisms were studied for biosynthesis of gold nanopartides. For this study Streptomyces species were exposed to aqueous 1O^-4 M AuCl₄ at 28°C±0.5°C on rotary shaker for 72 hours. These species have been found to be synthesizing gold nanoparticles intracellularly and particle size is in the range of 11 to 25 nm. The characterization was carried out by using U.V visible spectrophotometer, XRD and SEM techniques. Present work gave emphasis on use of genus Streptomyces to biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles.

4 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

023597   Salim L M;Joseph S;Jisha M S (School of Biosciences, Mahatma Gandhi UNiversity, P.D.Hills, Kottayam, Kerala) : Response of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] to phosphate solubilizing bacteria isolated from rhizosphere. Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 95-8.

Pot culture experiment was carried out to assess the impact of novel phosphate solubilizing bacteria on yield parameters, nodulation and nutrient uptake of cowpea [vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]. The experiment consists of nine treatments. Among them plants receiving phosphate solubilizing bacteria identified as Pseudomonas sp. and Acetobacter sp. amended with or without rock phosphate was superior over other treatments in all respects and were comparable with the treatment receiving Pseudomonas striata.

3 tables, 7 ref

023596   Sabat J;Gupta N (Microbiology laboratory, div of Biotechnology, , Regional Plant Resource Centre, Bhubaneswar, Orissa) : Streptomyces from heavy metal contaminated soils of mines of Orissa, India. Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 133-6.

Sixty isolates of streptomyces were isolated from heavy metal contaminated soils of different mines of Orissa. These isolates were studied for their gram staining properties, extra cellular and fermentative activity. All cultures were branching and rods, gram positive. They showed varied performance during the biochemical and enzymatic tests and analysis. The importance of these isolates is discussed with respect to their distribution in such a extreme habitat of heavy metal contaminated soils of mines of Orissa.

3 illus, 13 ref

023595   Rakshit A;Rakshit S;Deokar A;Dasgupta T (NRC onPlant Biotechnology, IARI, New Delhi) : Effect of different exlant and hormones on in vitro callus induction and regeneration of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 180-3.

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important horticultural crop widely used as fresh vegetable. Developments in plant cell, tissue and organ culture as well as on plant genetic transformation lagged far behind from the other members of the same family such as tobacco, tomato and potato which are frequently used as model systems because of their facility to regenerate organs. Callus derived from cotyledons was white and friable and showed excellent growth. Different media were tried to initiate callus in two varieties Sujamukhi and Bally. With the increase in auxin (NAA) concentration in the media, callusing response increased particularly at 0.1 and 0.5mg/L concentration of Kn and BAP. MS medium containing MS+2.0mg/LNAAorNAA+0.5mg/L Kn+5.0mg/L 2,4-D was the best for callus initiation. For shoot induction 0.5mg/LIAA+1.0mg/L BAP showed good response.

3 illus, 3 tables, 7 ref

023594   Niranjan Reddy B P;Deshmukh R K;Gupta B; Deshmukh N K;Bhaganagare G;Shivraj S M;Singh T;Kotashane A S (National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, IARI, New Delhi) : Identification of candidate genes for bacterial leaf blight resistance in rice by integration of genetic QTL map with the physical map. Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 24-9.

To identify putative candidate genes involved in BLB disease resistance, performes in silico anchoring of the generated QTL genetic marker data to the rice physical map. In total, one QTL responsible for resistance specificity of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae iso 6 was identified using CT 9993-5-10-1-M/IR 62266-42-6-2 double haploid population. The QTLqBB 10.1, on chromosome 10 RG 4561-EM 14-10 was saturated with 108 markers, 1097 ESTs, and 201 genes. In total, 28 putative positional candidate genes were identified and were classified based on their function. It is suggested that, the generated data can further be used for the dissection and validation of the QTL to understand the molecular mechanisms of the plant pathogen interaction and to develop a resistant variety.

2 tables, 27 ref

023593   Mamun A N K (Institute of Microbiology & Genetics, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna Univ, Dr. Bohrgrass 9/A, A-1030, Vienna, Austria) : Reversible male sterility in transgenic tobacco carrying a dominant-negative mutated glutamine synthetase gene under the control of microspore-specific promoter. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(12), 1022-30.

Metabolic engineering was used to disrupt glutamine metabolism in microspores in order to block pollen development. Uses dominant-negative mutant (DNM) approach of cytosolic glutamine symhetase (GS1) gene under the microspore -specific promoter NTM19 to block glutamine synthesis in developing pollen grains. We observed partial male sterility in primary transgenic plants by using light microscopy. FDA. DAPI and in vitro pollen germination test. Microspores started to die in the early unicellular microspore stage, pollen viability in all primary transgenic lines ranged from 40-50%. All primary transgenics produced seeds like control plants, hence the inserted gene did not affect the sporophyte and was inherited through the female germline. Regenerates plants by in vitro microspore embryogenesis from 4 individual lines, pollen viability of progeny ranged from 12 to 20%, but some of them also showed 100% male sterility. After foliage spray with glutamine, 100% male-sterile plants were produced viable pollen and seed set was also observed. These results suggested that mutated GS1 activity on microspores had a significant effect on normal pollen development. Back-cross progenies (T2) of DH 100% male-sterile plants showed normal seed set like primary transgenics and control plants.

5 illus, 6 tables, 28 ref

023592   Jayapadma P N;Bhat S;Kuruvinashetti M S (Dep of Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka) : Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration in chilli (Capsicum annuum L). Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 61-5.

Plant regeneration protocol through somatic embryogenesis, was developed from whole cotyledon explants of two local cultivars of chilli, byadagi Dabbi and Sankeshwar Local. Explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium supplemented with different levels of thidiazuron (TDZ)(0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0mg/l) induced somatic embryos and the best response was at 3mg/l TDZ. On an average, 51.3 percent explants responded in both the genotypes with over nine embryos per explant. Complete plantlet formation occurred on MS with 3mg/ABA or 2mg/l IBA. Among the different levels of ABA, IBA and higher levels of agar tried for maturation of somatic embryos and germination, ABA 3mg/l was found to be better.

5 tables, 16 ref

023591   Hadke S P;Deshmukh A G;Dudhare M S;Vaidya E R (Dep of Botany, Agnihotri College of Science, Wardha, Maharashtra) : Callus induction in Simarouba glauca D.C.. Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 1-4.

Simarouba glauca is an oil yielding tree with a very high productivity and its rapid multiplication is essential for mitigating the edible/industiral oil demand. For developing in vitro regeneration protocol, optimization of surface sterilization of explant and study of effect of auxins and cytokinins is essential. The explant was exposed to mercuric chloride (0.1%) and Sodium hypochloride (1%) for a period of 2-12 minutes. Both the surface sterilizing agents gave near about same results with no contamination even at lowest contact time, however, as the contact time was increased intense browning was observed. The callus induction was observed at all the concentration of 2,4-D and BAP. More callusing was observed with higher concentration of both, 2,4 D and BAP.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

023590   Dudhare M S;Katiyar S K (Dep of Agricultural Botany, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural University, Akola, Maharashtra) : Molecular dissection of drought related QTLs in rice using microsatelite markers. Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 87-90.

Double haploid mapping population consisting of 75 lines of a cross between the irrigated indica variety IR64 and the upland japonica variety Azucena (Guiderdoni et al., 1992) was used in the present experiment. The complete set of double haploid lines along with parents was evaluated for molecular mapping. A set of 264 microsatellite markers was used for parental polymorphism screening of which 60 markers were found polymorphic. Thirty-one of these markers were associated with QTLs of different traits and are distributed on eight different rice chromosomes. These markers can be successfully used to transfer some of the QTLs into different genetic backgrounds.

2 illus, 8 ref

023589   Dudhare M S;Deshmukh A G (Dep of Biotechnology, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh agricultural university, Akola, Maharashtra) : Enhancing crop productivity by biotechnology. Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 204-8.

Food crises in the sixties led to the development of high yielding arieties of cereals particularly, rice and wheat which resulted into green revolution and food production was increased significantly. A rapidly expanding population is a serious concern for food security especially for developing countries including that of India. To keep pace with the present population growth and consumption pattern, India's food requirement has been estimated to 225 million tons by the year 2005. Green revolution technologies, though contributing to food production, they are inadequate to meet the challenges lie ahead. Recently developed biotechnological techniques undoubtedly have major role to play in solving the food security problem, just as the green revolution had its origins in science and technology, and particularly in science of genetics. So the application of novel biotechnological tools could lead to gene revolution. With the wide spread of advanced cellular and gene technology, the new technologies will certainly help in enhancing the crop productivity.

4 tables, 8 ref

023588   Deshmukh R K;Deshmukh N K;Patil G B;Kadam S B;Sohan H;Gacche R N (Dep of Biotechnology, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, NANDED (M.S>)) : Computational analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms in proximal promoter region of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 52-5.

Term promoter is used to designate a region in the genome sequence upstream of a gene transcription start site (TSS). Most promoter elements regulating TSS are localized in the proximal promoter, is a region of several hundreds nucleotides around the TSS. If the SNP occurs within coding sequence, which may or may not alter amino acid sequence. Where as, SNPs occur within the proximal promoter region has more impact on gene expression. The publication of whole genome sequences forthe japonica (Nipponbare) and indica (93-11) types of rice enables the determination of common SNPs occurring between them. In present study we used 31 non-redundant proximal promoter sequences in rice, from previous studies which are experimentally determined transcription start site for RNA polymerase II. When proximal promoters of japonica were compared with the corresponding proximal promoters of indica using BLAST alignment programme, a total of 69 SNPs were identified. Out of these 32 SNPs(46.3%) were transitions (A/G, T/C) and 37 SNPs(53.6%) were transversions (A/C, A/T, G/C, G/T). Maximum frequency of SNPs was found in the region -50 to -150(61.2%). Minimum frequency found in region -151 to -201(9.6%). It demonstrate that functional cis-regulatory polymorphisms segregate within sub species of rice and there is abundant SNP present in proximal promoter region. SNPs in proximal promoter may one of the causes of fictional variation. In addition, study indicates that SNPs are not evenly distributed. Selection pressure is always more for a region having more fictional impact and theoretically should have conserved, in contrast nonfunctional regions acting as reservoir of mutation.

1 table, 22 ref

023587   Deshmukh A G (Biotechnology Centre, Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra) : Estimation of percent conjugation of cypermethric acid hapten to BSA and tetanus toxoid using 2,4,6 trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid method. Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 115-19.

Use of immunoassays for analysis of small molecules has been extensive in endocrinology, clinica chemistry and other fields. However, small molecules such as pesticides are not able to induce immunogenic response by themselves but can generate immune response when conjugated to higher molecular weight compounds such as proteins. When the haptens are coupled to proteins the estimation of per cent conjugation is important as higher the concentration of hapten to protein more can be the specificity of developed antibodies. 2,4,6 trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid method was used to determine the per cent conjugation. Cypermethric acid, a metabolite of cypermethrin was used as hapten and was coupled to BSA and tetanus toxoid and the per cent conjugation was found to be 40% and 27%, respectively.

3 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

023586   Bakiyathu Saliha B;Manivannan M I (Dep of Fruit Crops And Post Harvest Technology, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu) : Influence of distillery spentwash on the physico - chemical properties of calcareous sodic soil (Calcic natrustalfs). Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 145-51.

Spentwash is an acidic liquid, rich in organic carbon, Ca, Mg, S and K with considerable amounts of N.P and micronutrients. The composition of spentwash indicated the scope of utilizing it as an amendment for the reclamation of sodic soil and as a cheaper source of plant nutrients. An incubation study was conducted to assess the changes brough in the properties of soil after the application of spentwash at 0, 55, 110 and 225 ml kg^-1 soil. The samples were analysed for various physico chemical properties such as pH, EC, CaCO₃, CEC, ESP, SAR and inorganic carbon contents. Application of spentwash @55, 110 and 225 ml kg^-1 soil were found equally effective in reducing the pH of air dried soil to =8.3 during the incubation period of 60 days. The EC increased progressively and significantly with increasing rates of spentwash application. The ESP decreased from 32.3 to <60>14 and SAR from 11.7 to <60>8.0 for all the levels of spentwash. The addition of organic matter through spentwash enhanced the organic carbon content of the soil from 0.24 per cent to 0.62 per cent thus increasing the availability of nutrients to the soil.

6 tables, 14 ref

023585   Anshuman Kena P (Bio-informatics Dep, Bhavnagar Univ, Bhavnagar-364 001, Email: kenaanshuman@yahoo.co.in) : Halophilic membrane lipids and pigments as chemotaxonomic marker in classification of Halobacteriaceae. Res J Biotechnol 2008, 3(2), 57-63.

Halophilic Archaea are salt loving microorganisms which require high salt concentration 4.5 M and more and are group of domain Archaea, having fifteen validated genera. Archaea differ from Bacteria and Eukarya by 16S rRNA classification and by taxonomic criteria such as polar and non polar lipids structural diversity and novel types of pigments. Comparative study of polar lipid composition of extremely halophilic archaea has proved to be useful as chemotaxonomic markers. Structural diversity of membrane core lipids within the family Halobacteriaceae has been known and confirmed by many researchers, since the discovery of sn - 2 - sesterterpanyl - 3 - phytanyl glycerol (C₂₀ - C₂₀) and sn - 2, 3 - disesterterpanyl-glycsrol (C₂₅- C₂₅) core lipids. The distinct structural lipids are 1. Polar lipids (a) phospholipids: phosphatidyl glycerol (PC), phosphatidyl glycerol phosphate (PGP), phosphatidylglycerol methylphosphate (PGP - Me), phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidyl glycerol sulfate (PCS) (b) glycolipids: diglycosyl diether (DGD), sulfated-diglycosyl diether (S-DGD), triglycosyl diether (TGD), sulfated-triglycosyl diether (S-TGD) and sulfated tetraglycosyl diether (S-TeGD) and 2. non polar (neutral) lipids and pigments as C₅₀ carotenoid pigments that impart red color to the cells. In addition, a wide variety of pigments as squalene, phytofluene, bacterioruberin, retinal and Vitamin MK - 8 have also been detected. In fact, lipids are perhaps the most invariant and unique aspect of the archaebacteria.

5 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

023584   Akhare A;Sakhare S B;Kulwal P L;Dhumale D B; Kharkar A (Biotechnology Centre, Dep of Agricultural Botany, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra) : Protein electrophoresis for identification of hybrids and their parents in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 176-9.

Applicability of protein markers was studied for identification of sorghum hybrid and its parents and to test the genetic purity of commercial samples. The experimental materials consisted of four sorghum hybrids viz. CHS-14, CSH-9, CSH-19R and CSH-15R and their respective parental lines. The separation of protein on the basis of their molecular mass was performed by denaturing proteins in presence of SDS and then subjected to sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide get leectrophoresis. The hybrid CSH-14 and its parents produced distinguishing protein banding pattern by SDS-PAGE analysis of soluble proteins which was found to be useful in identifying hybrid CSH-14 from its parents and also from the other genotypes under study. No polymorphism in protein profile of hybrid CSH-19R and male parent AKR 354 was observed in the present investigation indicating limitation of SDS-PAGE analysis in CSH-19R for identification and determination of genetic purity and further study to confirm the same. However some of protein makers obtained in hybrid CSH-9 and CSH-15R showed the possibility of application of this technique to some extent for genetic purity analysis in these hybrids.

Table 1, Plate 1, ref 10

022687   Vijaya C;Mallikarjuna Reddy R;Lakshminarasu M (Biotechnology Dep, S.V.Univ P.G. Centre, Kavali, Andhra Pradesh) : Improving the nutritive value of paddy straw through biotechnological approach using soil fungi. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(1), 111-16.

Three soil fungi viz., Aspergillus niger, Humicola fuscoatra and Penicillium notatum are used for biological treatment of paddy straw for a period of 10, 20 and 30 days. The pH of the urea treated straw has been changed by fungi from basic to acidic side ( 7.8 to 6.5) which is favourable for rumen microflora. Substantial increase in cellulolytic (C_x and C₁), lignolytic (lignin peroxidase - LiP and laccase - Lac), amylolytic, proteolytic enzymes, urease and phosphatase is noticed during the Solid State Fermentation. Combined treatment using chemical and biological methods enhanced the nutrient availability of paddy straw. Biomolecules like carbohydrates (reducing sugars) increased seven times, proteins (amino acids) enhanced 18 times, inorganic phosphorus and total organic matter enhanced four times that of untreated straw. Solid State Fermentation treatment using soil fungi in the presence of 1% urea for a period of 10 days is considered to be appropriate to improve the nutritive value of paddy straw. Among the three soil fungi used Humicola fuscoatra and Penicillium notatum exhibited better performance.

2 tables, 28 ref

022686   Venkateshwarlu M (Botany Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Plant regeneration from leaf explants of Coccinia indica. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 9-10.

Leaf segments of Coccinia indica were inoculated on MS basal medium supplemented with various cytokinis i.e., BAP and NAA. Coconut water also had a role in triggering the formation of multiple shoots. Addition of BAP at 2.0 mg/1 and NAA at 3.0 mg/l to the MS basal medium, induced regeneration from the leaf segments. With an increase in the level of BAP 2.0 - 3.0 mg/l the percentage of explants producing shoots also increased. The number of shoots developed on the leaf segments ranged from 1-4 to 2-3 by the addition of BAP at concentration of 1.0 mg/1 or NAA at 2.0 mg/1. Among the three concentrations of coconut milk used i.e, 10, 15 and 20%, 1.5% of coconut milk along with 0.5 mg/1 BAP proved to be ideal for multiple shoot induction. MS medium fortified with 1.0 mg/1 BAP or 2.0 mg/l L-G Glutamic acid also induced shoot buds on leaf segments.

4 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

022685   Venkatesh M N (Biotechnology Dep, Nagarjuna College of Engineering and Technology, Venkatagiri Kote Post, Bangalore Dist-562 110, Email: tovenkateshmn@gmail.com) : Transgenic animals and current scenario. Res J Biotechnol 2008, 3(1), 53-63.

Transgenic animal technology is in the process of revolutionizing the way we domesticate the livestock. Though such an attempt to produce transgenic animals started with the purpose of producing better breed lines, which were strong, more caracass, faster growth rate, and increased in milk yield, the field has slowly and consistently moved forward in attempting to produce important biopharmaceuticals, to that of producing organs to meet the demand for organ transplantations. Each animal system is different in sense that they exhibit unique advantages and disadvantages and need to be handled differently and serve different purpose. Though several animal systems have been employed in producing transgenic animals, this paper attempts to give glimpse about the developments in few animal systems.

49 ref

022684   Upadhye V;Saha Roy S;Shende N;Satish Kumar; Harinath B C (Jamnalal Bajaj Tropical Disease Research Center, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, Sevagram, Wardha-442 102, Email: jbtdrc_wda@sancharnet.in) : Isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein antigens ES-31, ES-43 and EST-6 of diagnostic interest from Tubercle bacilli by affinity chromatography. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(7), 599-602.

Immunodiagnostically useful M. tuberculosis H₃₇Ra protein antigens ES-31, ES-43 and EST-6 were isolated from detergent soluble sonicate (DSS) antigen using monospecific antibodies by affinity chromatography and compared with similar antigens isolated from M. tuberculosis culture filtrate for seroreactivity in tuberculosis sera by Indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Recovery of affinity purified ES-31, ES-43 and EST-6 antigen from DSS antigen was approximately 3, 3.5 and 4% respectively, compared to 10, 9 and 6.3% from culture filtrate. Affinity purified ES-31, ES-43 and EST-6 antigens from both culture filtrate as well as DSS antigen showed similar seroreactivity with overall sensitivity 85, 80 and 75% respectively and specificity of 85% at optimum concentration of 50 pg protein of each antigen. The results suggest that DSS antigen may be a promising antigen source for isolating antigens of diagnostic interest obviating the need for cumbersome, time-consuming culture techniques of mycobacteria.

2 tables, 16 ref

022683   Tewary P K;Ram R L;Pinki Kumari;Banerjee N D (Regional Sericultural Research Station, Central Silk Board, , Hehal, Ranchi-834 005) : In Vitro plant regeneration from cotyledon and hypocotyl explants of mulberry (Morus alba L.) seedling. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 5-7.

In vitro plant regeneration has been obtained from 10 to 12-day-old seedling cotyledon and hypocotyl segments of mulberry (Moms alba) via a 2-step organogenesis. On MS + BAP (2mg/l) + NAA (0.1 mg/1) 30-40 shoot buds per explant regenerated after 4-8 weeks. Subsequent subculturing of regenerating mass in liquid MS medium + BAP (2mg/l) + NAA (0.5 Mg/1) mg/1) induced 40-70 shoot buds per explant after 4 - 6 weeks. The shoot buds that developed 2 - 3 cm long robust leafy shoots, were excised and cultured on MS + NAA (1 mg/l) which developed profuse roots within 3 weeks.

3 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

022682   Sree Lakshmi L;Janardhan Reddy K (Botany Dep, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: kjreddy50@yahoo.co.in) : Influence of growth medium, source of explants and micronutrients on daidzein and psoralen contents in cell cultures of Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik. J Pl Biol 2007, 34(1), 35-41.

Cullen corylifolium is an important medicinal plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. Callus cultures were established from leaves and nodes of C. corylifolium on Murashige and Skoog medium and Cierna et al. (Z) medium supplemented with auxins (2,4-D and NAA) and cytokinins (6-BA and kinetin). The synthesis of daidzein and psoralen was more in leaf-derived callus grown on Z medium with 9.04 μM 2,4-1) and 9.30 μM kinetin. Synthesis of psoralen and daidzein was detected and confirmed by thin layer chromatography, ¹II NMR, ¹³C NMR, electron ionization mass spectra and high pressure liquid chromatography analyses. Callus cultures were treated with different micronutrients (manganese, iron and copper) to increase the content of daidzein and psoralen. Manganese enhanced the content of daidzein whereas copper enhanced the psoralen content.

7 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

022681   Singh S V;Singh P K;Singh A V;Sohal J S; Subodh S;Narayanasamy K (Veterinary Microbiology Laboratory, Animal Health Div, Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, PO-FARAH, Mathura-281 122, Email: shoorvir.singh@gmail.com) : Non-chemical method of DNA recovery and characterization of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis using IS 900 PCR. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(9), 812-16.

Two methods of DNA isolation-routine, traditional and standard DNA isolation protocol for Mycobacteria (Method 1) 'and a new non-chemicals and non-enzymes (physical) method (Method 2) of DNA recovery have been compared and evaluated in IS900 PCR for the specific detection of pathogen. Using the new Method 2, DNA has been recovered from few (1-3 colonies), extremely minute and stunted colonies. DNA, thus, isolated from these colonies (colonies PCR) and cultured for the first time from the cases of Crohn's disease in human beings, dairy cattle, raw milk and pasteurized commercial milk samples has been characterized in the present study. It is the first report from India.

3 tables, 32 ref

022680   Singh S;Dhindsa G S;Sharma A;Singh P (Plant Breeding Dep, Genetics and Biotechnology Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Combining ability for grain yield and its components in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Crop Improv 2007, 34(2), 128-32.

Combining ability analysis and gene action studies were carried out involving 8 lines and 5 testers in barely for grain yield and its components. The variance due to parents was significant for days to 50% flowering, plant height, spike length, grains per spike, 1000-grain weight and grain yield per plant indicating that parents possess good amount of genetic variability. The variance due to hybrids was highly significant for all the traits suggesting that good amount of variability generated among the hybrids. The variance due to lines x testers was also highly significant for all the traits. The relative estimates of variance due to sea were higher than variance due to gca for all the traits studied, except days to flowering, indicating the predominance of non-additive gene action. For 1000-grain weight the parents namely 30lhIBON-325, 30thlBON-361, DWR28, BH589 and PL709 were good general combiners, whereas the parents 12lhHBSN-1,12HBSN-25, VJM201 and 12thHBSN-176 were poor general combiners. For grain yield per plant the parents namely 30lhlBON-343, 12thHBSN-1, DWR28, BCU71 and PL426 were good general combiners, whereas the parents VJM201, 30thBON-361, BH589 and 12thHBSN-176 were poor general combiners. The crosses 30thIBON-361 x 12lhHBSN-176, 30thBON-361 x PL426, 30thlBON-325 x PL 426 and DWR28 x PL426 for 1000-grain weight; and the crosses 30thIBON-343 x 12thHBSN-176, 30thIBON-361 x BCU71,12thHBSN-1 x PL426 and 12thHBSN-25 x PL426 for grain yield recorded significant sea effects as well as high perse performance. The parents 30*1BON-361 and PL426 for earliness, 12thHBSN-176 and BCU71 for spike length, 12lhHBSN-25 and PL426 for grains per spike, 30thIBON-343 and BCU71 for tillers per plant, and PL426 for 1000-grain weight and grain yield seems to be good specific combiners.

3 tables, 11 ref

022679   Singh R;Singh A K;Sharma T R;Singh A;Singh N K (National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012) : Fine mapping of aroma QTLs in basmati rice (Oryza sativa L) on chromosomes 3, 4 and 8. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2007, 16(2), 75-82.

Aroma is one of the most important quality traits of basmati rice (Oryza sativa L) that leads to high consumer acceptance. Earlier three significant QTLs for aroma, namely aro3-1, aro4-1 and aro8-1, have been mapped on rice chromosomes 3, 4 and 8, respectively, using a population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between Pusa 1121 (a basmati quality variety) and Pusa 1342 (a non-aromatic variety). For fine mapping of these QTLs, 184 F⁶. RILs were grown in the Kharif season of 2005 at New Delhi and Karnal, India. A total of 115 new SSR markers covering the three QTL intervals were designed and screened for parental polymorphism. Of these, 26 markers were polymorphic between parents, eight for the interval aro3-1, eight for the interval aro4-1 and ten for the interval aro8-1, thus enriching the density of SSR markers in these QTL intervals. Revised genetic maps were constructed by adding 23 of these new markers to the earlier map, by giving physical order of the markers in the pseudomolecules a preference. In the revised maps, the interval for QTL aro4-1 could not be improved further but QTL aro3-1 was narrowed down to an interval of 390 kbp from the earlier reported interval of 8.6 Mbp and similarly the QTL aro8-1 was narrowed down to a physical interval of 430 kbp. The numbers of candidate genes in the 8ro3-1 and aro8-1 intervals have now been reduced to 51 and 66, respectively. The badh2 gene on chromosome 8 was not associated with the aroma QTL on this Chromosome.

4 illus, 5 tables, 31 ref

022678   Sharma T;Modgil M;Thakur M (Biotechnology Dep, Dr YS Parmar Univ of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: modgild@hotmail.com) : Factors affecting induction and development of in vitro rooting in apple rootstocks. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(9), 824-9.

Shoots of apple rootstocks raised in vitro were transferred to various rooting media to study the effect of different factors on root initiation and development. Various concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) initiated rooting but maximum rooting percentage was found with 2.0 and 2.5 mg l^-1 of IBA in M7 and with 1.0 mg 1^-1 of IBA in MM106. The drawback was that the roots were thick, short and with profuse callus. The presence of activated charcoal (AC) in the rooting medium improved the rooting quality but reduced the rooting percentage in both the rootstocks. In high auxin dip of 70, 80 and 90 mg l^-1 IBA for 2, 2 and 1 hr showed 75-85 per cent rooting in M7, but lacked reproducibility of the results. Whereas in MM 106, 66 - 70 % rooting was achieved with 70 mg 1^-1 of IBA dip for 3 h. Root induction in shoots in IBA containing liquid medium (LM) in dark for few days and root elongation in IBA - free medium in light proved most effective. On the other hand, continuous light treatment showed reduced rooting. Reduction of MS salts and sucrose in root elongation medium showed decreased rooting. Plantlets from two - stage rooting procedure showed more rapid growth and satisfactory survival during hardening of plants and on transfer to field.

1 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

022677   Sharma S;Thakur A K;Srivastava D K (Biotechnology Dep, Dr. Y.S. Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: srivastavadk2004@yahoo.com) : Genetic transformation in Capsicum sp.. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(1), 51-7.

The progress of genetic transformation and its extensions from simple microorganisms to higher plants has been a land mark development in biological sciences. Capsicum is an important horticultural crop that can surely benefit from plant biotechnology to improve the characteristics like disease resistance, insect resistance, and abiotic resistance. In Capsicum, Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation has been a technique of choice for transformation even though direct gene transfer have also been reported. Gives an insight of success of till date and the future prospects of potential applications of genetic transformation in this commercially important plant species.

2 tables, 31 ref

022676   Sharma P K;Sahu K K (Biotech Lab Training and Demonstration Centre, Collectorate Campus, Ambikapur-497 001) : Farm production of Trichoderma harzianum T-64 using different organic materials from hilly zones of Chhattisgarh. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 39-41.

Use of chemicals in crop production is unavoidable. However their excessive use is creating health problem due to pollution of air, water, and soil, i.e., environment and food products, now under IPM strategies bio-pesticicles and botanical pesticide have emerged as a eco-friendly approach to protect environment for sustainable agriculture and life on the plant. Addition of Trichodcrma harziamum T-64 into organic media like ' farmyard manure, vermi-compost and neem cake caused an immediate increase in the population up to 72-96 hours. Population increase was observed at all the different proportions of initial inoculum levels tried. It also showed similar trends at different areas. Increase in the total population density of Trichoderma harzianum. In the media suggests that competition by native fungi in non-sterile carrier media was not a limiting factor in colonization of the media by the antagonist. Soil amended with organic materials showed better growth and survival of antagonist than in soil alone. Carrier materials like FYM, vermi-compost and neem-cake serve as nutrient additives to the crop in addition to inoculum production they support.

2 tables, 8 ref

022675   Sharma N;Satsangi R;Pandey R;Vimala Devi S (Tissue Culture and Cryopreservation Unit, National Bureau of Plant Ge, , Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012, Email: neelam@nbpgr.ernet.in) : In vitro clonal propagation and medium term conservation of brahmi [Bacopa monnieri (L) wettst]. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2007, 16(2), 139-43.

Protocol has been developed for in vitro clonal propagation leading to conservation of Bacopa monnieri (L) Wettst, a medicinal plant of high commercial potential with legendary reputation as a memory vitalizer, Single node explants when cultured on Murashige and Skoog's medium supplemented with SA (0.2 mg 1-'), showed active shoot proliferation (22.2 shoots/ explant in 8 weeks) without callus formation. Rooting was achieved on the same medium. The generated shoots could also be conserved for 12 months with high survival rate (up to 100%). The regenerants upon transfer to soil showed no morphological variation as compared with the donor plants. The medium optimized in the present study was applied for culture establishment and conservation of a total of 15 Brahmi accessions procured from different regions.

^ssc2 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

022674   Saroha V;Yadav N R;Yadav O P;Yadav R C (Biotechnology Dep and moecular biology, Medicinal, Aromatic and Under-Utilized Plants section, Plant Breeding Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: rcyadav@hau.ernet.in) : Plant regeneration and somatic embryogenesis in cultured explants of bara gokhuru (Pedalium murex) - an important plant in Indian ayurvedic system of medicine. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2007, 29(4), 212-5.

Plant regeneration from different explants was studied in Pedalium murex L., an important herbaceous medicinal plant commonly known as Bara Gokhru, to find out the possibility of its micro-propagation by in vitro methods. Nodes, internodes and leaf explants were cultured on MS basal medium supplemented with various growth regulators and other additives. Nodes cultured on MS medium supplemented with 5.0 mg/l BA and 80.0 mg/l adenine produced shoots in over 80% of the cultured explants in three weeks. When nodes were cultured on double strength MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l TDZ, shoot formation and shoot elongation was noticed in 76% cultures within ten days. Rooting was observed when regenerated shoots were transferred to MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l NAA. The regenerated plants were transferred to soil with 70%> establishment. Leaf and inter-node explants did not respond to shoot regeneration. Instead callus formation was observed in both the explants. Interestingly, MS medium with B, vitamins and BA at 10 mg/l concentration induced direct embryo formation in these explants in two weeks.

1 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

022673   Sarla Kumari;Purabi G;Sood I S (Chemistry Dep, Government College, Ajmer, Email: sood_is@yahoo.com) : Bio-accumulation of zinc by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Res J Biotechnol 2008, 3(1), 50-52.

Bio-accumulation of Zinc by yeast cells was studied. Increase in growth at lower concentrations was observed while at higher concentrations growth was suppressed. Similarly total protein content increases at lower concentrations of Zinc and decreases at higher concentrations. Accumulation of Zn by Saccharo-myces cerevisiae is correlated with protein contents. Results were analyzed and correlation between protein content and bio-accumulation studied.

4 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

022672   Ranjan Amalendu P (Biochemical Engineering Dep, Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi-110 016, Email: amalendu.ranjan@gmail.com) : Variation in Mycelial Growth and Morphology of Aspergillus niger with changes in shear stress. Res J Biotechnol 2008, 3(1), 22-26.

Aspergillus niger has many important industrial applications. In the case of filamentous microorganisms, many relationships are known to exist between engineering variables like agitation, shear stress, oxygen transfer, medium properties like rheology and specific parameters of the fungi characterized by growth rate, morphology. In order to understand the optimizing conditions in cell growth using a bioreactor, a better comprehension of the characteristics of shear stress as an engineering variable during the fermentation of filamentous fungi is needed. In this study, the effect of shear rate on growth and morphology of the fungal cultivations of Apergillus niger were studied The purpose of this study was to define the actual effect of shear rate on growth and morphology of Apergillus niger, taken as an example for filamentous fungi.

5 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

022671   Rajamuthu S;Parthiban M;Wilson Aruni A; Ramadass P (Animal Biotechnology Dep, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu) : Isolation and characterization of soluble antigens of sheep poxvirus. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(1), 79-81.

The soluble antigens were separated from five local isolates of Tamil Nadu by high-speed ultracentrifugation. The different molecular weight polypeptide bands along with sheep poxviral specific polypeptide band (<62> 100 kDa) was observed. Hyperimmune serum was raised in rabbits against soluble antigens and they were characterized with the serological tests such as AGPT and CIE. The soluble antigens besides containing major precipitinogens, the non-infectious nature could be exploited for the formulation of new diagnostic kits.

12 ref

022670   Rajamuthu S;Parthiban M;Aruni A W;Ramadass P (Animal Biotechnology Dep, Madras Veterinary Coll, Chennai-600 007, Email: drparthiban66@yahoo.co.in) : Restriction profile studies of the envelope protein gene (P32) of sheep poxvirus isolates from India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(1), 11-14.

Seven local field isolates of sheep poxvirus from different districts of TamilNadu and two vaccine strains were characterized by PCR-RFLP assay. The viral envelope protein gene P32 of sheep poxvirus was amplified by PCR technique using sheep poxvirus specific primers. The amplified products were subjected to different restriction enzymes digestion, viz. Mbo II, Alii 1 and Hinf I. The digestion yielded identical restriction patterns and differentiation was found improbable with no variable regions with in the P32 gene.

4 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

022669   Qu G Z;Wang M H (School of Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon-200-701) : Analysis of the expression of a CycD3 gene isolated from Nicotiana tabacum. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2007, 16(2), 97-100.

D-type cyclins (CycD) are thought to control the onset of cell division and responses to extracellular signals during G1 phase. In this study a cyclin D3 (CycD3) gene was isolated from Nicotiana tabacum. Southern blot analysis indicated that it was present in a single-copy in the N. tabacum genome, and Northern analysis showed that it was only expressed in organs and tissues containing dividing cells. Exposure to cold and salt stresses resulted in decreased CycD3 expression supporting the view that its expression is closely related to cell growth.

4 illus, 15 ref

022668   Prathanturarug S;Jenjittikul T;Angsumalee D; Huadsuwan P;Kiatseesakul I;Duangnet J;Chuakul W;Saralamp P (Pharmaceutical Botany Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mathidol University, 447 Sri-ayudthaya Road Bangkok-10400, Thailand, Email: pyspr@mahidol.sc.th) : Micropropagation of ganepainia godefroyi K schum and Gagnepainia thoreliana (Baill) K schum - rare medicinal plants of Thailand. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2007, 16(2), 135-7.

Micropropagation protocol for Gagnepainia godefroyi K Schum and G thoreliana (Baill) K Schum, two rare medicinal plants of Thailand, has been developed using terminal buds. After a total of twenty weeks of culture (4 weeks on MS added with 36.33 11M TDZ and 16 weeks on PGR-free MS), 28.77 and 13.50 shoots/explant were obtained, respectively. Rooting was spontaneous and regenerated plants were successfully transplanted to soil.

3 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

022667   Poornima D;Shivamurthy G R (Studies in Botany Dep, Mysore Univ, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006) : Rapid clonal multiplication of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv. Through In vitro leaf petiole culture. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 27-9.

Rapid clonal multiplication of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia has been achieved in vitro through indirect organogenesis using seedling leaf petiole explants on MS medium. BAP played an important role in shoot regeneration and the regenerated shoots can be easily rooted with IBA. The rooted shoots were acclimatized using vermiculite and soil mixture.

1 illus, 15 ref

022666   Poornima D;Shivamurthy G R (Department of Studies in Botany, Mysore Univ, Manasagangotri, Mysori-570 006) : Multiple shoot induction in adenocalymma allicea Miser. through nodal culture. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 1-3.

Polyphenols exudation from the exposed cut ends of Adenocalymma allicea Miser. posed problem in establishment of nodal explants in culture medium and inhibited direct organogenesis in axillary meristems. Production of polyphenols was more in mature shoots compared to younger and also season depended. Incorporation of activated charcoal in to the medium, initial incubation of explants under dark and frequent subculturing, inhibited the release of polyphenols and induced multiple shoots in axillary meristems of nodal explants.

1 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

022665   Paul P;Pradeep C R;Sundar Rajan B (Mathematics Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Banglore-12, Email: prabal@math.iisc.ernet.in) : On the PAPR of cosets of linear codes. Indian J pure appl Math 2008, 39(1), 69-86.

Employing an error control code is one of the techniques to reduce the Peak-to- Average Power Ratio (PAPR) in a Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing system, a well known class of such codes being the cosets of Reed-Muller codes. The class of such coset-codes of arbitrary linear codes was considered and method of doubling the size of such a code without increasing the PAPR was presented by combininig two such binary coset-codes. The conditions under which can employ this doubling more than once with no marginal increase in the PAPR value. Given a PAPR and length, method has enabled to get the best coset-code (in terms of the size). Also, that the PAPR information of the coset-codes of the extended codes is obtainable from the PAPR of the corresponding coset-codes of the parent code. Shown that special type of lengthening is useful in PAPR studies.

1 table, 4 ref

022664   Panda J J;Rout G R (Plant Biotechnology Div, Regional Plant Resource Centre, Bhubaneswar-751 015, Email: grrout@rediffmail.com) : In vitro selection and biochemical characterization of salt-tolerant plants of Nicotiana tabacum L.. J Pl Biol 2007, 34(1), 67-74.

Sodium chloride-tolerant organogenic callus lines of Nicotiana tabacum were developed in vitro on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with BA, IAA and different concentrations of NaCl. The maximum shoot bud regeneration was achieved from both tolerant and non-tolerant calluses on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/1 BA, 0.1 nig/1 IAA with or without NaCl within four weeks of culture. Standard growth parameters such as fresh weight and dry weight of organogenic callus, growth tolerant index and enzyme activity (peroxidase and catalase) were used as indicators of salt tolerance. Measurements as early as two weeks after the beginning of the treatments did not yield consistent results. However, growth tolerance index in the 4-week after the beginning of treatments yielded significant differences among the non-tolerant and tolerant organogenic callus lines. The regenerated shoots were rooted on half-strength MS basal salts supplemented with 2% sucrose but devoid of growth regulator. The regenerated plants from tolerant callus lines were capable of growing in vitro in presence of 175 mM NaCl. This investigation may help in the selection and characterization of salt tolerance in plant improvement programme.

1 illus, 2 tables, 38 ref

022663   Mellet M A;Schoeman A S (Zoology and Entomology Dep, Pretoria Univ, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa) : Effect of Bt-cotton on chrysopids, ladybird beetles and their prey: aphids and whiteflies. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(6), 554-62.

The effect of Bt-cotton, i.e. genetically modified cotton that contain genes expressing 5-endotoxin, on aphid, whitefly, chrysopid and coccinellid populations was determined with a two-year field study at a cotton farm near Marble Hall. South Africa. Although Bt-cotton is lepidopteran specific, non-lepidopteran arthropod populations may be indirectly influenced by the endotoxin. Abundance of aphid, whitefly, chrysopid and coccinellid populations and predator-prey interactions were used as measures to determine possible effects on the populations under investigation. The cultivation of Bt-cotton had no effect on aphid, whitefly, chrysopid or coccinellid abundance. Positive density dependent interactions occurred between aphids and coccinellids which were not influenced by Bt-cotton. A significant relationship between whitefly and coccinellid abundance, i.e. predator-prey reaction, occurred in the control and sprayed non-Bt cotton fields but was absent from the Bt-cotton fields.

6 tables, 29 ref

022662   Md A S;Syed R;Shafi G;Kaiser J (NO, Genomics Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Indo American Cancer, Road no. 14, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad-500 034, Email: kaiser.jamil@gmail.com) : Molecular cloning of T5ha gene in pTZ 57R/T vectors. Res J Biotechnol 2008, 3(1), 7-15.

Taxadiene 5 α hydroxylase (T5ha) of Cytochrome P450 family causes the conversion of taxa-4(5),11(12)-diene to taxa-4(20),11(12)-diene-5α-ol which is the first oxygenation step and the third specific step of taxol biosynthetic pathway -a central feature in taxol biosynthesis. A PCR based differential display cloning approach was used to enhance the production of taxol from the Yew (Taxus brevifolia). Total RNA was extracted from the leaves of T. brevifolia and it was reverse transcribed into cDNA followed by PCR amplification. The annealing temperature of RT PCR was obtained by performing Gradient PCR. PCR amplified gene product was electophoresed in 2% agarose gel and it was purified using the Quiazen gel elution kit. The purified T5hα gene was then cloned into a pTZ57R/ T vectors with the T₄DNA ligase and the recombinant vectors were transformed into the competent E.coli DH5α cells. The cloning of T5ha gene was confirmed by restriction digestion analysis with EcoRI and Hind III and the transformation of vectors were confirmed by the blue-white screening. This study successfully describes the cloning of T5hα gene into pTZ57R/T vectors and the transformation of T5ha cloned recombinant vectors in competent E.coli DH5α cells for application in taxol production.

7 illus, 1 table, 26 ref