004422   Kanakdande D K;Satwadhar P N;Sakhale B K; Deshpande H W (Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai Univ, Matunga, Mumbai) : Sensory quality of aonla RTS beverage. Bioinfolet 2007, 4(2), 154-7.

The RTS beverages prepared from the Aonla fruits blanched for 3 min. and by blending the juice with either 15 per cent sugar, 3 per cent ginger or 2 per cent cumin seed extract was found significantly better in almost all sensory quality characteristics.

4 tables, 7 ref

004421   Jyothishwaran G;Kotresha D;Selvaraj T; Srideshikan S M;Rajvanshi P K;Jayabaskaran C (Biochemistry Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: cjb@biochem.iisc.ernet.in) : Modified freeze-thaw method for efficient transformation of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Curr Sci 2007, 93(6), 770-2.

2 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

004420   Jain M K;Modi S (Biotechnology Dep, Dr. H.S. Gour Univ, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh) : Seed testing of GMOs (food crops). Asian J Bio Sci 2007, 2(1-2), 171-3.

Plant, such as cotton or soyabean, is considered genetically modified when genetic material from outside of that organism is inserted into DNA sequence. Plants grown from seed harvested from genetically modified plants will also contain the genetic modification. To date, the most common genetic modifications in crops confer an herbicide or an insecticide resistance to the plant. This resistance is achieved through production of a novel protein encoded by the inserted DNA sequence. Detection methods for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are necessary for many applications, from seed purity assessment to compliance of food labeling in several countries. Numerous analytical methods are currently used or under development to support these needs. The currently used methods are bioassays and protein- and DNA-based detection protocols. The most frequently used approach in the field of genetically modified organism (GMO) quantification in food or feed samples is based on the 5'-3'-exonuclease activity of Taq DNA polymerase on specific degradation probes. To avoid discrepancy of results between such largely different methods and, for instance, the potential resulting legal actions, compatibility of the methods is urgently needed. Performance criteria of methods allow evaluation against a common standard. The more-common performance criteria for detection methods are precision, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, which together specifically address other terms used to describe the performance of a method, such as applicability, selectivity, calibration, trueness, precision, recovery, operating range, limit of quantitation, limit of detection, and ruggedness.

3 ref

004419   Jabee F;Shahab D;Ansari M Y K (Cytogenetics and Mutation Breeding Lab, Botany Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002) : Maleic hydrazide (MH) induced variations for economic traits in Trigonella foenum-graecum L.. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(1), 141-4.

Seeds of Methi (Trigonella foenum graceum L.) were treated with six different concentrations (0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06) of maleic hydrazide (MH) to induced variability in seven economic traits viz. plant height, No of nodes/plant, Internodal length/plant, No of Branches/plant, No. of pods/ plants, No of seeds/plant and pods length per plant. The direction of shift in mean values for plant height indicated that positive micromutations out weighted the negative ones in lower doses while vice versa in higher doses. Coefficient of variation indicated no linear relationship with the doses of mutagen.

1 table, 7 ref

004418   Gutpa R;Singh S;Kulshrestha R;Pandey R;Mishra S K;Singh C P (Chemistry Dep, Lab of Natural Product, Agra College, Agra) : Antifeedant activity of different polygonum species against Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(1), 317-19.

Laboratory studies were carried out to evaluate the antifeedant activity of different species of Polygonum i.e. P. bapatum (stem), P. limbatum (leaves & stem) P. plebejum (whole plant) against third instar larvae of H. armigera. The methanolic extracts of P. barbatum (stem) showed extremely significant antifeedant activity having C- value of 0.0266, 0.044 and 0.05 at 10,000, 7,000 & 5,000 ppm concentration respectively. At highest concentration the extract of P. limbatum (leaves) showed the significant antifeedant activity with C-values 0.434. Extremely antifeedant activity in P. limbatum (stem) and P. plebejum (whole plant) was observed at 10,000 ppm with C-values 0.192 & 0.297 respectively. Since the stem extract of P. barbatum showed significant antifeedant activity at lower concentration, thus, it can be used as better alternative to synthetic pesticides.

1 table, 6 ref

004417   Geetha M;Fulekar M H (Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Life Sciences Dep, Mumbai Univ, (India)) : Cypermethrin biodegradation in contaminated surface soil - a laboratory technique. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(1), 193-200.

Leboratory technique has been developed for cypermethrin biodegradation. The varying concentrations of cypermethrin i.e. 25ppm, 50ppm and 100 ppm were taken in surface soil treatment unit and bioremediation conditions were monitored and maintained.The biodegradation of cypermethrin has resulted into the formation of intermediates such as 3-phenoxy benzaldehyde, 3-phenoxy benzyl alcohol and 3-phenoxy benzoic acid. These compounds are less toxic than the parent compound and in the long run would be mineralized into nutrient & biomass. The present treatment technology would prove to be an effective technique for treatment of surface soil contaminated with pesticides. This technology would be useful to the pesticide industry for treatment of the pesticide wastes.

4 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

004416   Fijesh P V;Padikkala J (Biotechnology Dep, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur, Kerala-680 555) : Reversed-phase HPLC method developed for the identification and quantification of camptothecin in Ophiorrhiza eriantha WT.. Amala Res Bull 2006, 26(Aug), 223-8.

Study was designed for the identification and quantification of camptothecin from the plant Ophiorrhiza eriantha Wt. The HPLC analysis was performed on a reversed-phase C18 column with isocratic elution of acetonitrile and water at a flow rate of 1 ml/minute and UV detection was carried out at 256 nm. The distribution and accumulation of camptothecin in leaves, stem and roots were 0.052 ± 0.01, 0.011 ± 0.005, 0.02 ± 0.02 mg/g dry weight respectively. The standard solution showed linear response in the range of 10 - 200mg/ ml (regression coefficient r² = 9994). The method provided good sensitivity and reproducibility and sensitivity for the quantification of Camptothecin with intra-day (R.S.D. = 1.49 %) and inter-day precision ( R.S.D. = 2.8%) and accuracy ( R.S.D. = 1.37%) and the limits of detection and limit of quantification were 0.001 and 0.002, respectively. The validation results indicated that the HPLC method developed was simple, rapid and accurate for the determination of camptothecin derived from O. eriantha Wt. The root of O. eriantha Wt showed the highest content of camptothecin (0.20 ± 0.02 mg/g dry weights.

3 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

004415   Dwivedi G K;Pandey A K;Mishra K N (Biological Research Lab. Botany Dep, Kutir P.G. College of Chakkey, Jaunpur) : Screening of herbicides for possible mutagenicity in the cyanobacterium Nostoc linckia and isolation of antibiotic resistant strains. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(1), 337-40.

Herbicides Propachlor, basalin, propanil atrazine, monuron and Saturn belonging to different chemical groups were tested for their genetic effect on the N₂ - fixing cyanobacterium N. linckia for Kanamycin resistant (Knm^R) and their mutagenic potentials were evaluated in comparison to MNNG, a known mutagen to cyanobacteria, over spontaneous frequency. Propachlor, basalin and atrazine like MNNG were found to be more potent mutagen to induce forward mutation (resistant mutant) for Kanamycin (Knm^R) with more frequency than MNNG while propanil, Monuron and saturn were not able to increase the frequency above spontaneous level.

2 tables, 27 ref

004414   Chadha S;Gopalakrishna T (Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Div, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai-400 085, Email: soniachaddha@yahoo.com) : Comparative assessment of REMAP and ISSR marker assays for genetic polymorphism studies in Magnaporthe grisea. Curr Sci 2007, 93(5), 688-92.

Retrotransposon microsatellite polymorphism (REMAP) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) are simple PCR-based assays targeting retrotransposon and/or microsatellite regions (variable regions) of the genome. In fungi, ISSR has been applied for genetic variation studies, whereas REMAP was recently shown as a DNA fingerprinting assay. However, these techniques have not been compared for their utility in genetic polymorphism studies. In this study, comparative evaluation of ISSR and REMAP assays for percentage polymorphism, polymorphic information content, marker index, genetic similarity values and cost per polymorphic markers generated demonstrated REMAP as a marker of choice for genetic variability studies in Magnaporthe grisea. The results suggest a faster rate of evolution of these elements in M. grisea, thereby leading to its diversification. The growing number of reports on the presence of dispersed families of LTR-retrotransposon in fungi suggests wider application of REMAP assay in fungi.

3 illus, 3 tables, 33 ref

004413   Abramo G;Dangep Angelo C A (Laboratory for Studies on Research, and Technology Transfer Univ Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1-00133 Roma, Italy, Email: abramo@disp.uniroma2.it) : Measuring science: irresistible temptations, easy shortcuts and dangerous consequences. Curr Sci 2007, 93(6), 762-6.

In benchmarking international research, although publication and citation analyses should not be used to compare different disciplines, scientometrists frequently fail to resist the temptation to present rankings based on total publications and citations. Such measures are affected by significant distortions,due to the uneven fertility across scientific disciplines and the dishomogeneity of scientific specialization among nations and universities. Provides an indication of the extent of the distortions when comparative bibleometeic analyses fail to recognize the range of levels of scientific fertility, not only within a given major disciplinary area, but also within different scientific disciplines encompassed by the same area.

4 tables, 16 ref

003779   Uraku A J;Ajah P M;Okaka A N C;Ibiam U A;Onu P N (Biochemistry/Biotechnology Dep, Ebonyi State Univ, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, Email: nnenwamazi@yahoo.com) : Effects of crude extracts of Abelmoschus esculentus on Albumin and total bilirubin of diabetic albino rats. Int J Sci Nat 2010, 1(1), 38-41.

The effects of crude extracts of A. esculentus on albumin and total bilirubin levels of diabetic albino rats were investigated. Sixty (60) albino rats were divided into four (4) groups of namely A, B, C and D. While A and B groups served as positive and negative controls, respectively, groups C and D served as the experimental groups and each was further subdivided into three (3) groups of 5 animals each. Hyperglycemia was induced in the treatment sub-groups by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan at 75 mg per kg body weight. The extracts were administered via oral intubation to the subgroups of C and D in and doses of 200,400 and 800 mg/kg body weight respectively for a period of 14 days. Blood samples were collected through tail vein on various stages and serum glucose, albumin and total bilirubin concentrations were assayed using spectrophotometric method. Results showed that administration of A. esculentus extract to diabetic rats group recorded significantly higher (p<0.05) body weight gain than those of the test-control and control. There was a significant (p<60>0.05) increase in serum glucose of the untreated diabetic group compare to the control group. Administration of aqueous-ethanolic extracts caused a marked (p<60>0.05) increased in the albumin levels in the diabetic rats. There was a significant (p<60>0.05) increase (82%) in total bilirubin levels in diabetic control group over the normal control. Administration of aqueous-ethanolic extracts caused a marked significant (p<60>0.05) decrease in the billrubin levels in the diabetic rats.

2 tables, 24 ref

003778   Umadevi P;Kannikaparameswari N;Selvi S; Murugan S (Biotechnology Dep, Karunya University, Karunya Nagar, Coimbatore-641 114) : Effect of mrcury exposure on Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) seeds. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2009, 8(1), 53-8.

Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) seeds were grown under controlled environment in solution of mercury at different concentrations. The eco-toxicity of mercury on the seed germination, early seedling growth, metabolite level, enzyme activities and the uptake of heavy metal content in the seeds were tested. It may be concluded that the inhibition of germination, rate of germination and growth of seeds of Vigna unguiculata in response to mercury demonstrate that they are suppressed not only the protrusion of radical or delayed the germination but also retarded the growth. The seedling growth is more sensitive to heavy metal (Hg²⁺) in comparison to seed germination. Mercury treatment is potentially toxic to Vigna unguiculata root than shoot. Absorption depends on the ability of the root and may have an influence on synthesis of protein, carbohydrate, activity of enzyme and phenolic content, some of which can be enhanced, while others get inhibited. The sensitivity of Vigna unguiculata seeds in terms of biochemical changes and enzyme activities was remarkably noticeable. The results suggest that biochemical changes and enzyme activity in Vigna unguiculata plants is promising indicator of heavy metal toxicity. Vigna unguiculata assay should be further explored so that its value can be evaluated when more data are available.

4 tables, 15 ref

003777   Sharma N (Biotechnology Dep, G.L.A. Institute of Professional Studies, Mathura Uttar Pradesh) : Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of Diazepam (Drug) complexes of first row transition metals. Int J chem Sci 2009, 7(2), 1159-69.

Metal complexes of Co (II), Mn (II), Cu (II), Zn (II), Fe (II) and Cr (II) with drug diazepam (OZ) (7-chloro-l-methyl-5-phenyl-3H-1, 4-benzodiazepine-2-one) have been synthesized and characterized with the help of elemental analysis and IR spectral data. All the coloured complexes have been screened for their antimicrobial activity against fungi viz. A niger, A. flavour, P. triticena, F. Species and bacteria viz. E. coli, B. subtilis, S. typhi, S. aureus. The results of antimicrobial activity show that Dz-metal complexes of bivalent metals have more potency towards experimental fungi and bacteria. It also shows that Cu (II) complex is more toxic against bacteria E. coli.

6 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

003776   Renugadevi N;Lalitha P;Thenmozhi R (NO, Avinashilingam Deemed Women Univ, Coimbatore-641 043) : Biosorption of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution using blue green algae. Res Highlight 2010, 20(4), 232-8.

The results of the study reveal the fact that the biosorbent blue-green algae can be used as an efficient biosorbent for the removal of toxic Cr (VI) from aqueous solution . The biosorption of Cr (VI) was found to be concentration dependent. The effect of pH on the removal of hexavalent chromium indicates that ion-exchange is the predominant mechanism in the biosorption process using sufficient biosorbent dosage at pH 2.5. Percentage removal of Cr(VI) increased from 92.71 to 98.91% with increasing biosorbent dosage from 40 to 70 mg at pH 2.5 in 180 minutes of agitation time.

003775   Prabhuji S K;Singh D K;Srivastava A K;Sinha R (Biotechnology and Molecualr Biology Centre, M.G. Post Graduate College, Gorakhpur-273 001, Email: shaktiprabhuji@rediffmail.com) : Antifungal activity of a new steroid isolated from Abutilon indicum (L.) Sw. Med Pl 2010, 2(3), 215-18.

New steroidal compound 20, 23-dimethylcholesta-6, 22-dien-3á-ol has been isolated from the stem tissues of Abutilon indicum. The structure of the compound was elucidated by spectral and chemical studies. The compound was found to be 100% effective at 5000 ppm in controlling the mycelial growth of Aspergillus parasiticus var. globosus and Aspergillus terreus var. aureus using the poison food technique. For other fungi like Aspergillus flavus, A. versicolor and A. fischeri, it was fungistatic.

2 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

003774   Pandey P;Mehta A;Hajra S;John J;Mehta P (Plant Biotechnology Lab, Botany Dep, Faculty of Biological and Chemic, Dr. H.S. Gour Central University, Sagar-470 003, Email: pinkee.9d@gmail.com) : Anthelmintic activity of Ruta graveolens L. leaves extract. Med Pl 2010, 2(3), 241-3.

Alcoholic extracts of Ruta graveolens L. leaves were examined for anthelmintic activity against Indian earthworms (Pheretima posthuma) as model. Among the extracts, methanolic extract was found to be more effective one (paralysis and death time was 3.31±0.07 and 7.04±0.15 min respectively) at a concentration of 30mg/ml. Piperazine citrate (control) was used as standard drug (20mg/ml) in the study. The Phytochemical analysis of both the extracts showed the presence of phenolic compounds (flavonoids and tannins), which may the active compounds. The study confirms that the alcoholic leaf extract of the test plant can be used as an anthelmintic drug.

^ssc1 table, 12 ref

003773   Mathur N;Singh J;Bohra S;Bohra A;Solanki R; Vyas A (Biotechnology Dep, Mahila P.G. Mahavidhyalaya, Jodhpur-342 001, ) : Effect of vermicompost, Rhizobium and DAP on growth, yield and nutrient uptake by mothbean. J Arid Legume 2009, 6(1), 57-9.

An investigation was carried out during the winter seasons of 2006-07 and 2007-08 at Pal village, Jodhpur to evaluate the effect of vermicompost, Rhizobium and diammonium phosphate (DAP) on mothbean. Application of vermicompost @ 2 t/ha resulted in higher dry matter (38.60 g/plant), dry weight of nodules/plant (57.80 mg), number of pods/ plant (52.28), seed weight/plant (15.02 g) and grain (20.04 q/ha) and straw yields (23.01 q/ha) of mothbean. Total N (87.33 kg/ha) and P (9.92 kg/ha) uptake by mothbean also increased significantly with the application of vermicompost. Seed inoculation with Rhizobium markedly enhanced growth and yield attributes, grain (17.60 q/ha) and straw (21.98 q/ha) yield of mothbean. DAP application up to 180 kg/ha increased the grain (20.89 q/ha) and straw (25.76 q/ha) yield of mothbean but the significant increase was recorded only upto 120 kg/ha DAP. The magnitude of increase in mothbean yield with vermicompost was greater when no biofertilizer was applied. Vermicompost along with 60 kg/ha DAP recorded similar yield as obtained with 120 kg/ha DAP indicating an economy of 60 kg DAP per hectare.

2 tables, 11 ref

003772   Kalaivani S;Mahalakshmi Priya A;Sudha S S; Balasubramaniyan S (Biotechnology Dep, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Commerce College, Coimbatore-641 035) : Phycoremediation of sewage using microalgae Chlorella Sp. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2009, 8(1), 187-92.

Phycoremediation is a novel technique that uses algae to cleanup contaminated soil and water. It takes advantage of natural ability of algae to take up, accumulate, and sometimes degrade constituents that are present in their growth environment. The work deals with the study of remediation of sewage water using Chlorella, which is an alga, isolated from Kalapatti pond, Coimbatore. The remediation study was carried out in the sewage water collected from Thudialur municipal sewage. The physico-chemical and microbiological parameters like temperature, pH, turbidity, total solids (TS), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen, organic carbon (OC), chloride (Cl), hardness and calcium were analysed in raw sewage as well in treated sewage. Sewage water was diluted to different concentrations as 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. The inoculum was taken in different concentrations for the study (10%-T1), (20%-T2). The work was carried out for a period of four months and the readings were taken for every fifteen days interval throughout the study. There was a high reduction in all the physico-chemical parameters except DO. The treated sewage was observed to be clear, but there was was no significant reduction in the microbiological parameters. The use of disinfectant after separation of the algae from treated sewage will be a complete treatment. Thus, the green algae Chlorella is effective in reducing the physico-chemical parameters of the sewage. The sewage after the treatment attained the ISO permissible limit. The treated water can be used for irrigation, fisheries, etc. The algae can be reused for further remediation process.

13 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

003771   Joshi S N;Bhave S G;Sawant S S;Bendale V W; Desai S S (Plant Biotechnology Unit, Dr. B.S. Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Depoli, Dist Ratnagiri, ) : Genetic variability and correlation studies in horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.). J Arid Legume 2009, 6(1), 6-9.

The genetic variability and nature of character association was studied in 59 genotype of horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam) Verde.). A wide range of genetic variability was observed in yield and yield contributing characters. All of the characters evaluated, exhibited considerable magnitude of heritability in broad sense and genetic advance. The magnitude of PCV was greater than that of GCV. Genotypic correlation coefficients were greater than that of phenotypic correlation coefficients. Seed yield showed strong positive association with pods plant^-1.

3 tables, 12 ref

003770   Iqbal A;Ahmad I Z;Aslam M (Biotechnology Dep, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh) : New oleanane triterpene from the seeds of Nigella sativa Linn. Med Pl 2010, 2(3), 245-7.

From the methanolic extract of seeds of Nigella sativa (Rananculaceae) by eluting with benzene- chloroform (5:1), a new oleanane type triterpene was isolated. On the basis of NMR (¹H & ¹³C) and mass spectral studies the compound was characterized as 3-hydroxy-olean-12(13)-ene-28-oic acid.

^ssc1 illus, 11 ref

003769   Haleem Khan A A;Prathibha B;Ebenezer;Naseem (Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Chemisty Dep, Telangana Univ, Dichpally, Nizambad-503 175) : Bacteriological assessment for coliforms in different drinking water resources of Nizamabad city, Andhra Pradesh. J Aquatic Biol 2009, 24(2), 73-5.

Water borne illnesses among the human and animal population are common due to contamination of water resources for drinking purposes. In the present study 65 samples from various sources such as surface water (5), tap water (29) and ground water (31) were used as drinking water in the selected three suburban areas (villages) in Nizamabad were studied. Samples showed the presence of coliforms such as Escherichia coli. The findings indicated high incidences of E. coli in surface and ground water. The water used for drinking purposes from both surface and ground was not potable and proper treatment before, use is suggested to decrease the risk of health hazards.

2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

002507   Singh Y (Biotechnology Dep, College of Agriculture, Ganj Basoda, Distt Vidisha-642 21, Email: yogendrasinghbt@rediffmail.com) : Collection, isolation and maintenance of finger millet blast causing fungi (Maganaporthe grisea). J basic appl Mycol 2009, 8(1-2), 119-21.

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L) Gaertn FM) is a major food for resource poor farmers in several parts of India as well as the world. Blast caused by heterothallic ascomycete Magnaporthe grisea (Hebert) Barr. (anamorph: Pyricularia grisea) is the most important constraint to Finger millet production in most Finger millet growing environments. The pathogen also causes the catastrophic blast disease in rice as well as 50 other graminaceous hosts, but is considered host specific. M. grisea is notorious for its diversity and genetic variability. Very little is known of the genetic and pathogenic diversity of the Finger millet blast pathogen in India. This study was done to find out genetic diversity in M. Grisea isolates based on morphological characters as well as to study host-pathogen interaction.

1 illus, 10 ref

002506   Singh P K;Vyas D (School of Biotechnology, Guru Ghasidas Univ, Bilaspur-495 009) : Resistance to wilt disease induced by Trichlderma spp. Lycopersicon esculentum Wild.. J basic appl Mycol 2009, 8(1-2), 29-33.

Several factors affect the ability of Trichoderma spp. to provide systemic disease control. This paper focuses on the role of the substrate in which plants are grown, resistance of the host to disease, and the ability of introduced Trichoderma spp. inoculum to spread under commercial conditions. In Lycopersicon esculentum host resistance affects control of Fusarium wilt provided by Trichoderma spp. The suppressive effect of compost amended container media against Fusarium wilt Lycopersicon esculentum further observed during the experiment on disease incident, here also suppressive potential of Trichoderma spp. TvSV-11 found to be significant at P = 0.05. Plants treated with TvSV-11 containing media show lesser number of plants killed by the Fusarium, similarly area under progressive disease curve (AUPDC) was found lesser in comparison to control.

2 tables, 25 ref

002505   Singh G;Tiwari K;Upadhyay M K;Lodha P (NO, School of Life Sciences, Jaipur National Univ, Jagatpura, Jaipur, Rajasthan-302 025) : Biochemical & molecular characterization of endophytic fungi isolated from angiospermic medicinal plants. J basic appl Mycol 2009, 8(1-2), 23-5.

A total of 12 plant samples of Azadirachta indica (Neem), Mentha arvensis (Mint), Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) from different locations of Jaipur were collected for isolation of endophytic fungi. Of these, maximum frequency of Alternaria alternata (7 isolates) were recorded which are morphologically similar but ecologically variant. These isolates were differentiated on the basis of isozyme and RAPD analysis. The present paper discusses the differentiation of Alternaria alternata on the basis of isozyme and RAPD analysis.

4 illus, 13 ref

002504   Shraddha Suman;Upadhyay N (Botany Dep, Palaeobotany and Morphology Research Laboratory, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007, Email: shraddha_suman@sify.com) : Ethnomedicinal value of plants of Kuwana forest region, Gonda District, U.P.. J appl Biosci 2009, 35(1), 86-8.

Information regarding herbal treatment and curative and preventive properties of herbs, restricted to some people of Kuwana forest, is presented. Total 35 plants belonging to 30 families have been documented for their therapeutic use. The herbal medicines were prepared from various plant parts. The mode of application is external, but in many cases it was also administered orally. In several cases the pure herbal preparations were administered along with milk, ghee, curd, etc.

3 ref

002503   Saxena S;Kumar M (Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences Dep, Thapar Univ, Patiala, Punjab-147 004, Email: sanjaibiotech@yahoo.com) : Lactose mother liquor: a new and cheap medium for mass production of mycoherbicide Alternaria alternata. J basic appl Mycol 2009, 8(1-2), 1-7.

Alternative to synthetic chemicals are being extensively sought for better health and environment. Mycoherbicides offer themselves to be plausible alternatives only if their production is cost effective. Mass production of mycoherbicides Alternaria alternata ITCC 4896 and Alternaria alternata A69 for the biological control of the global invasive species, Parthenium hysterophorus was attempted using LML, dairy industry waste water and compared with standard laboratory semi synthetic medium PDB. Phytotoxicity and Biomass production were compared critically at different concentrations of LML and PDB. 3% w/v of LML induced higher phytotoxic activity of spent broth and biomass production compared to 3% PDB. An increase by 118% in biomass and 53.33% higher phytotoxic damage was observed in Alternaria alternata ITCC4896 and Alternaria alternata A69 on LML with respect to PDB. Thus lactose mother liquor can be modeled for efficient, cheap liquid substrate for fermentative production of fungal biomass, propagules as well as phytotoxins.

6 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

002502   Sashi V;Soundari S G (Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology Dep, P.S.G.R. Krishnammal College For Women, Coimbatore-641 004) : Partial purification of xylanase from Aspergillus niger. J Ecobiol 2009, 24(3), 285-8.

The main objective of this study is to purify xylanase from Aspergillus niger. The fungus showed maximum crude enzyme production under the cultural conditions employed. Hence purification of xylanase of A.nigerwas carried out. Purified xylanase yielded single band with a molecular weight of 66 kDa, which was studied for its maximum activity at different pH, and temperature. A.nigershowed maximum activity at pH 6.0 and temperature 60°C.

3 illus, 12 ref

002501   Sarkar P;Banerjee M (Laboratory of Algal biotechnolology, Bioscience Dep, Barkatullah Univ, Bhopal-426 026, Email: priyankamona2002@yahoo.com) : In vitro shoot multiplication and plantlet regeneration from nodal explants of Stevia rebaudiana. J appl Biosci 2009, 35(1), 1-6.

A rapid and reproducible regeneration in vitro protocol has been established in Stevia rebaudiana via nodal shoot multiplication. Highest frequencies of shoot initiation were obtained on MS medium supplemented with BA (1.5 mg/1) alone within one week of inoculation. For elongation and multiplication the combination of B A 1.5 mg/1 + IB A 0.25 mg/1 + GA₃1.5 nig/1 and adenine sulphate (100 mg/1) proved to be best. The addition of GA³ to MS media and adenine sulphate was attempted for the first time to enhance cytokinin activity and strength on the stevioside production pathway to regenerate Stevia at a rate required to meet the demands of today. Each nodal segment gave rise to a large number of shoot buds (30-32) within four weeks of culture with this combination. In a period of 3 subcultures, nodal segments produced 1024 shoots favoring the time factor and economics of regenerations. Excised shoots rooted on half strength MS medium supplemented with IBA (1.5 mg/1) + Charcoal (500 mg/1). Rooted propagules were acclimatized and successfully transferred to green house. Survival rate of micro propagated plantlets was 100%.

4 illus, 3 tables, 53 ref

002500   Saraf A;Khan N A (Microbio and Biotech Dep, MG Womens' College, Jabalpur-482 002) : Antimicrobial activity of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) Extract. J basic appl Mycol 2009, 8(1-2), 66-8.

Ethanolic and methanolic extracts form Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) were investigated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity. A set of Gram positive and negative bacteria including clinical isolated and laboratory control, five fungi and nine yeast species were studied by using disk diffusion and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. The results revels that only ethanolic extract displayed antifungal activity. Both the extracts of O. sanctum were different in terms of their antibacterial activities. The ethanol extract showed stronger activity followed by methanol extract. The minimal inhibitory concentration of ethanol and methanol extracts ranged from 94-175 μl/ml and 79.5-150 μl/ml respectively.

2 tables, 13 ref

002499   Rajput L P S;Yadav S S;Tantwai K (Fermentation Technology Laboratory, Biotechnology Centre, JNKVV, Madhhya Pradesh, Email: lpsrajput@yahoo.co.in) : Production of Manascus from rice bran supplemented with nitrogen sources using solid state fermentation. J basic appl Mycol 2009, 8(1-2), 76-9.

The pigments produced by Monascus have been used as fooocolorants and also as medicinal agents. Due to cost of currently used technology of pigment biosynthesis on an industrial scale, there is a need for developing low cost process for the production of pigments that could replace the synthetic ones. In this investigation, rice bran was supplemented with different nitrogen sources such as monosodium glutamate, peptone, yeast extract and ammonium nitrate in order to see their effect on the yield of microbial pigments using solid state fermentation method. The results revealed that except ammonium nitrate, all other nitrogen sources supplemented the rice bran increased the growth and in turn the pigment yields. Three major pigments were separated from the crude pigment extract on TLC plate.

1 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

002498   Rai S;Saraf A (Microbiology and Biotechnology Dep, M.G. Womens' College, Jabalpur-482 002) : Antifungal activity of selected plant extracts against clinical fungal isolates. J basic appl Mycol 2009, 8(1-2), 107-8.

The aqueous extracts of eight plants viz. tulsi, lemon grass, aloe vera, cinnamon, garlic, ginger and onion were investigated for their antifungal activity against a set of fungal isolates from immunocompromised patients. The discs of these extracts were prepared and in vitro sensitivity of each extract against clinical isolates was determined by Disc diffusion method as described by Kirby Bauer. Antimycotic activity of the plant extracts against different clinical isolates varied significantly between the test plants. However garlic extract was most effective which was followed by Onion and Cinnamon.

2 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

002497   Patill A;Deshmukh A;Deshmukh S;Khadse J;Khade S;Patil S (Biotechnology Dep, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati Univ, Amravati-444 602) : Microbial pretreatment of lignocellulosic biowaste for biogas, value added mushrooms and compost : a recalcitrant recycling tool. Ecol Envir Conserv 2009, 15(1), 99-103.

Unused wood residues can be converted into value-added products such as biogas, gourmet and medicinal mushrooms and also the compost. In this study, lignocellulosic wood waste was used to cultivate wood-inhabiting ligninolytic white-rot Basidiomycetes of the genus Pleurotus. The spent agrowaste was again converted into value added compost by adding Pongamia pinnata (L.) waste seed cake. The enhancement of biogasification potential of waste seed cake, leads to economic returns needed to support ecosystem management. These values include reducing fuels for fire, decreasing pest and disease outbreaks and increasing biodiversity.

2 table, 22 ref

002496   Morya V K;Yadav D (Biotechnology Dep, Jawahar Lal Nehru Centre for Biotechnology, DDU Gorakhpur Univ, Gorakhpur-273 009) : Extracellular alkaline protease of A. awamori (MTCC 8839): production, partial purification and characterization. J basic appl Mycol 2009, 8(1-2), 42-8.

An alkaline protease produced by an indigenously isolated Aspergillus awamori (MTCC 8839) from soil of teak dominated forest, at Gorakhpur has been partially purified and characterized. The production was found to be maximum after 96 h i.e.72.5 lU/ml. The crude preparation of alkaline protease showed reasonable activity at temperature range of 45 to 70 °C with maximum activity at 45 °C and had a relatively wide pH range of pH 7 to 11, with maximum enzyme activity at pH 8.5. The Km value of the enzyme was found to be 16.25 mg/ml and the molecular weight as determined by SDS-PAGE was approximately 45 kDa.

8 illus, 2 tables, 41 ref

002495   Mondal A;Azad M A K;Khandoker M A M Y;Husain S (Reproductive Biotechnology Laboratory, Animal Breeding and Genetics Dep, Bangladesh Agricultural Univ, Mymensingh-2202, Email: mondalabg@yahoo.com) : Effect of bovine serum albumin on in vitro maturation of quality goat oocytes. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2009, 2(3), 299-304.

The study was undertaken to evaluate the slaughterhouse goat ovaries and cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COC), to establish the suitable method of oocyte collection and the effect of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) on in vitro maturation (IVM) of goat COC. Goat ovaries were categorized as right, left, with and without corpus luteum (CL). Higher (p<60>0.05) number of normal COC per ovary (1.5±0.1) was obtained by intact follicle collection than aspiration (1.0±0.1) per ovary. The left ovaries contained higher number of normal COC per ovary (1.2 0.1) than right ovaries (1.10.1) with an increase number of follicles aspirated (3.20.2). Conversely, higher abnormal COC were found in right ovaries. Significantly higher number of normal COC (1.2 0.1) were found in with CLthan without CL (0.90.1) with an increase of total number of follicles on the surface (5.6 0.2), number of follicle aspirated (3.40.1) and total number of COC (2.000.10), but decrease in abnormal COC (0.78 0.07). When collected normal COC were cultured for 22 hours in TCM-199 media with or without supplementation of BSA at 2,4 and 6 mg ml^-1, significantly higher maturation rate was obtained in the normal COC (67%) cultured with TCM-199 supplemented with BSA. 4 mg ml^-1 of BSA supplementation in maturation media gave significantly higher maturation rate (69%) in normal COC, and also 6 mg ml^-1 supplementation resulting more or less similar maturation rate (64%). Even though, supplementation of BSA in maturation media has positive effect on in vitro maturation of goat oocytes, further research are still remained to confirm the present findings.

1 illus, 5 tables, 23 ref

002494   Modi P;Banerjee M (Bioscience Dep, Laboratory of Algal Biotechnology, Barkatullah Univ, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Email: bio_mona04@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of growth regulator and additives (ADSO₄ Zeatin and coconut water) on Micropropagation of Rauvolfia serpentina. J appl Biosci 2009, 35(1), 79-81.

Maximum number of shoots were induced from apical nodes on MS medium containing mg/1, BA (0.5) + Zeatin (10) + AdSO⁴(20) + Coconut water (20 ml/1) within 3-4 week of inoculation. Coconut water alone was unable to produce any beneficial effect with regard to shoot bud proliferation but the response was augmented with the other additives. On an average, within a period of three subcultures, a single apical node explants generated 400 shoots. Optimum regeneration of roots was observed in these shoots in the presence of half MS medium+ mg/1 IB A (2.0) and NAA (1.5). Rooted plantlets were successfully transferred to the field, after acclimatization in the net house.

5 illus, 12 ref

002493   Katariya P K;Mathur M;Yadav S;Kamal R (Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biotechnology, Botany Dep, Rajasthan Uviv, Jaipur-302 055) : Phytochemical and antimicrobial screening of Momordica dioica Roxb. and Moringa oleifera Lam.. Asian J expl Sci 2010, 24(2), 263-7.

The methanol extracts of Momordica dioica Roxb. and Moringa oleifera Lam. were evaluated for antimicrobial activity. The dried plant parts of M. dioica (leaves, fruit, stem and root) and M. oleifera (flower, leaves, pod, stem and root) were extracted with 95% methanol. The preliminary phytochemical investigation was done for identification of various phytochemical constituents present in the extracts and also subjected to antimicrobial activity for the assessment of inhibitory effects of the alcoholic extracts of these plants against eight medically important pathogenic microbes by in vitro agar well diffusion method. The results of the preliminary phytochemical studies revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, saponins in experimental plants. In addition to this, these extracts exhibited significant zone of inhibition and good antimicrobial activity against the majority of the selected strains of microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsilla pneumoniae, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Rhizopus stonifer and Alternaria alternaria. These present results leading to the conclusion that these plants would serve as novel sources of antimicrobial agents. These secondary metabolites are most likely responsible for the observed activity of the plant parts. Results obtained in this work justify the medicinal uses to which M oleifera and M. dioica parts have been employed traditionally in recipes for infection.

4 tables, 22 ref

002492   Dindorkar S K;Mahalle D M;Bhoyar S (Farm Structures Dep, Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharastra) : Evaluation of cottonseed oil for biodiesel production. Int J agric Engng 2009, 1(2), 45-8.

The methyl ester of cottonseed oil (CSME) has been found to be a potentially functional substitute for diesel fuel. This paper discusses the procedure used to produce CSME for use as a diesel fuel substitute. Reaction variables, reaction rates, equipment and detailed procedures for producing biodiesel are discussed. Cottonseed oil was used to evaluate it for biodiesel production, its properties and its performance in CI engine. It was observed during the experimentation that, cottonseed oil can be used for production of quality biodiesel by base catalysed transesterification. The biodiesel produced meets ASTM specification and its calorific value was 7.47 per cent less than that of diesel. Brake Specific fuel consumption (BSFC) decreased with increase in the brake power and also with percentage of biodiesel in the fuel blend. The engine efficiency was found to [^increase with increase in brake power and increased with the increase in CSME percentage in blend.

6 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

002491   Deepak M (Zoology Dep, Chikkanna Government Arts College, Tirupur-641 602) : Bio reduction of industrial waste water hardness by oligochaete worm. J Ecobiol 2009, 24(4), 383-6.

The oligochaete worm Tubifex tubifex is known for the degradation of pollutants. The sugar factory effluent has the characteristic of hardness due to the presence of Ca++. In the present study an attempt has been made to employ the Tubifex tubifex to reduce the hardness of the reclaimed water from sugar factory. There was a significant decrease of Ca++ against controls. There were 14.9; 17.5 and 17.9% reduction at the intervals of 20, 30 and 40% in field applications of worms. This was substantiated by histochemical studies on the enzymes activities such as adenosine triphosphate. succinic dehydrogenase, NADH-reductase, cytochrome oxida.se etc.. in earthworm tissues used investigation. These enzymes activities were enhanced due to Ca++ absorbtion in excess. The results are discussed with Ca++ pollution reduction.

1 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

002490   Coria N A;Sarquis J I;Diaz M C (NO, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias, Univrsidad Veracruzana, Penuela, Amatlan de los Reyes Veracruz, Mexico-945 00) : In vitro micropropagation of Sechium edule Jacq. sw. from axillary buds. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2009, 2(3), 284-88.

In vitro culture conditions for successful micropropagation of Sechium edule plantlets from axillary buds is reported. For best sterilization results tissues were rinsed in tap water, thoroughly washed with dextran followed by more rinsing, immersion in 70% ethanol for 30 s with agitation and then soaking in 10% NaOCI added with Tween-20 for 10 min. Neither isolated mature or immature embryos, apical meristems, root tips nor leaf segments were suitable for the production even of a callus in a wide array of culture media. Use of axillary buds for explants allowed regeneration of whole plants when cultured in only one of the many media combinations tested. This medium consisted of MS salts added with activated charcoal. In this case, completely regenerated plants showing organ development and growth by the end of the experimental period were observed.

2 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

002489   Chaudhry A;Bhinder P (Mosquito Cytogenetics Unit. Zoology Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014) : Cypermethrin induced mutations in rDNA internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidiae). J appl Biosci 2009, 35(1), 7-12.

Deals with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based genotoxicity evaluation of LD₂₀ of cypermethrin using mosquito genome. For this, nucleotide sequence variations were recorded in the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacers (ITS) 1 and 2 of control and treated stocks of mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. The purified samples of DNA were amplified by using specific forward and reverse primers 5'-CCTTTGTACACACCGCCCGT-3' and 5'-GTTCATGTGTCCTGCAGTTCAC-3' for ITS 1 and 5'-TGTGAACTGCAGGACACAT-3' and 5'-TATGCTTAAATTCAGGGGGT-3' for ITS 2. A single prominent DNA band of approximately 850 base pair length was generated from ITS 1 and 460 base pair length from ITS 2 from both control and treated samples. The sequence alignment data revealed that the treated ITS 1 had suffered deletions and insertions of 22 and 49 base pairs (bps) respectively. At the same time there were 268 substitutions in which 33.58% were transitions and 66.41% were transversions. Similarly, treated ITS 2 sequence had deletion of 7 bps and insertion of 14 bps in the sequence while there were as many as 111 substitutions in which 32.43% were transitions and 67.56% were transversions. As per the incidence of substitutions, the rate of transversions was found to be higher, therefore it was logical to state that cypermethrin has a potential to promote a variety of mutations in the nucleotide sequence of individuals exposed to its semilethal doses.

3 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

003452   Vennison S J;Chandramohan M;Singh J P R (Biotechnology Dep, Bharathidasan Institute of Technology, Bharathidasan Univ, Tiruchirappalli-620 024) : Isolation and plasmid transfer on the phyllosphere colonizing Bacilli isolated from crop plants Abelmoschus esculentus (okra), Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) and Solanum melongena (egg plant). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(4), 741-4.

Few phyllosphere colonizing bacterial strains were isolated from crop plants such as Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra), Lycopersicon esculentum (Tomato), Solarium melongena (Eggplant). The isolated bacterial strains were identified as Gram positive, endospore forming Bacillus. Totally six Bacilli strains were used for colonizing studies with the phyllospheres of the same plant from which the strains were originally isolated. Colonizing studies were performed by spraying sporulated cultures of isolated bacteria on both adaxial and abaxial surfaces of leaves. Phyllosphere colonizing ability of inoculated bacteria was studied from zero day to thirtieth day. Based on these studies three strains were found to colonize stably from zero to thirtieth day. These strains were used for plasmid transfer studies using a conjugative plasmid. The plasmid DNA was conjugated into the three selected Bacillus strains through bacterial conjugation by filter mating. Three strains were found to harbor the plasmid DNA stably for more than twenty generations. The results suggested that the three Bacillis strains isolated from crop plants could be used for heterlogous expression of insecticidal genes from Bacillus thuringiensis as biopesticides.

2 tables, 12 ref

003451   Varghese R;Jenitta A;Pillai S V (Biotechnology Dep, Vivekanandha College of Arts and Science for women, Elayampalayam, Thiruchengodu, Namakkal District) : Molecular variability in the mosaic disease free accessions of Manihot esculenta Crantz.. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(4), 783-4.

Some of the cassava mosaic disease free varieties were analyzed for DNA polymorphism using RDPD analysis. Various markers for morphological and agronomical traits are traditionally used for divergence and characterization studies of cassava cultivars. To find the molecular variability available in the cassava mosaic disease free accessions of cassava using DNA Polymorphism and document the data. The RAPD of the extracted DNA using 3 primers showed polymorphism in 9 accessions out of the 12 accessions studied. 21 different polymorphism bands were obtained. Dendrogram showed that, the similarity varied between 32.84% and 100%. From the study, it can be concluded that RAPD analysis is an additional tool to identify molecular variability and genetic relatedness in cassava.

4 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

003450   Selvam K;Saritha K P;Swaminathan K;Manikandan M;Rasappan K;Chinnaswamy P (Biotechnology Dep, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-35, Email: selsarat@yahoo.com) : Pretreatment of wood chips and pulps with Fomes lividus and Trametes versicolor to reduce chemical consumption in paper industries. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(4), 771-6.

Two white rot fungi fomes lividus and Trametes versicolor, isolated from the Western Ghats region of Tamilnadu, India, were used to treat Eucalyptus grandis wood chips and hard wood Kraft pulp. Hand , sheets that were prepared by conventional chemicals methods and had 20 kappa points and 14.0 ISO brightness were used as a control. Hand sheets prepared by fungal pretreatment followed by treatment with 50% Na₂O chemicals (as that of control) had 15 and 14 kappa points 16 and 17 ISO brightness, of F.lividus and T. versicolor respectively. Biobleaching and delignification of hard wood and kraft pulp (HWKP) by pretreatment with F.lividus and T.versicolor in shaking culture reduced the kappa number by 38.7 and 67.7% and increased ISO brightness by 29.8 and 29.9% of on 6th and on 5th day, respectively. Partially purified enzymes of these fungal lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese dependent peroxidase (MnP) laccase and mixture of these enzymes were treated to hard wood kraft pulp. Laccase at 15U/ml of both fungi reduced the kappa number by 36.1% and increased ISO brightness in T. versicolor mixture enzymes by 36.1%. These results revealed and F.lividus and T.versicolor pretreatment could reduce the chemical usage in paper industries without affecting the paper quality.

2 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

003449   Sarat Babu I;Rao G H (Biotechnology Dep, A.N.I.T.S, Sangivalasa, Bheemunipatnam, Visakhapatnam-531 162, Email: saratbabu_imandi@yahoo.com) : Citric acid production by Yarrowia lipolytica NCIM 3589 in solid state fermentation using pineapple waste as a novel substrate. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(4), 799-802.

Citric acid production in solid state fermentation (SSF) by Yarrowia lipolytica NCIM 3589 was better with pineapple waste when compared to the sugarcane bagasse, wheat bran or their combinations. The highest citric acid content achieved on pineapple waste was 1.155 g per 10 g dried pineapple waste, with moisture content of 80% in five days.

9 illus, 14 ref

003448   Saikia R;Singh B P;Kumar R;Singh T;Arora D K (Biotechnology Div, RRL (CSIR), Jorhat-785 006, Email: aroradilip@yahoo.co.in) : Use of molecular tools to study the diversity of phytopathogenic fungi. Indian J Microbiol 2006, 46(4), 293-306.

Development of the science of Genomics has opened up innumerable possibilities in many areas of scientific research. The time consuming and often laborious process of undertaking a research study is replaced by high throughput techniques of molecular biology. Deals in detail about the various techniques carried out for generation of probes to study the diversity of phytopathogenic fungi causing diseases in horticultural crops. An elaborate introduction of molecular markers coupled with PCR and hybridization based detection methods serves to introduce the concept of marker application. A discussion on the amplification and analysis of rRNA, rDNA and spacer region gene clusters is also included. The techniques of rapid amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), amplification fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and PCRªAFLP form the core of the review. The concluding part deals with the target regions in the genome which can be potential candidates for generation of probes. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequences (ERIC), repetitive extragenic palindromes (REP), conserved protein coding genes and microsatellite regions aid in speedy probe generation. The frontline technology of microarray whereby a lot of genes are scanned simultaneously for `the genes of interest' is dealt with at the end of the review. A review of various commonly used procedures for assessing genetic variability of phytopathogenic fungi reveals that molecular tools are indispensable for characterizing and identifying plant pathogenic fungal species and strains, thus their development and application will be of use for all researchers concerned with pathogenic fungal biodiversity, fungal biology and genetics.

^iia1 table, 101 ref

003447   Ravikumar K;Mani M;Rajaduraipandi K;Panneer Selvam K;Philip A S;Rajasree P V (Biotechnology and Microbiology Dep, Dr. G.R. Damodaran College of Science, Coimbatore-14) : Two-year epidemiological study on enteric fever caused by Salmonella sp from Tamil Nadu, south India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(4), 795-7.

This study analyses the prevalence, demography and seasonal variation of enteric fever caused by Salmonella sp. A retrospective review of all cases reported for diagnosis with suspected enteric fever at a diagnostic center was carried out for screening patients with confirmed enteric fever. All the patients' records were further analyzed for microbiological and serological details. Cases with culture proven and significant serum titer upon WIDAL test were included for epidemiological analysis. Of the 1023 patients, who attended the diagnostic center, 373 (36.4%) patients were found to be positive for enteric fever. 228 and 145 cases were male and female respectively. Salmonella typhi was found to be the predominant (290) causative agent. Peak period of disease spread was noticed, as the number of cases was not uniform throughout the year. This study emphasizes the importance of adequate surveillance for this pathogen by the epidemiologists as well as on the need for creating awareness among public to adopt proper sanitary measures by the health care providers so as to lessen transmission of this pathogen.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

003446   Omar M F;Habibuddin H;Sijam K;Ahmad Z A M; Ee-Banna M H M (Plant Protection Dep, Putra Univ, Malaysia-43400) : Differentiation of two Egyptian isolates of Spiroplasma citri based on 16S RDNA, spiralin genes and 16S/23S RDNA intergenic spacer region. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(4), 729-40.

Two Egyptian isolates of Spiroplasma citri (Fewa and Qualubia) were studied based on nucleotide sequences of their spiralin and I6S rDNA genes and I6S/23S rDNA intergenic spacer region sequence. The I6S rDNA of the two isolates comprised I 529 nucleotides with a similarity between them at 99.80% where only two different nucleotides were observed. Both have more than 99.67% similarity to three published * strains of S. citri, R8A2HP, Car4 and Car6. Their I6S/23S rDNA intergenic spacer region has 305 nucleotides, with a similarity of about 99.76 %, where only one nucleotide difference was observed. The I6S/23S nucleotide sequence of Fewa isolate was identical to that of strains 169, Maroc and ATCC 27556. Five nucleotide differences were observed in spiralin gene sequences of the two isolates, which has 99.30 % similarity. Both the two spiralins comprised 241 amino acids and only three amino acids differences were observed between them, and their amino acids similarity was about 98.75%. Our findings indicated that both Fewa and Qualubia isolates have high similarity in the nucleolide sequences of their I6S rDNA, I6S/23S rDNA intergenic spacer region and the nucleotides and amino acids of spiralin gene. However, they were not identical and could be differentiated by using restriction enzyme Bfa that digested at the recognition site CTAG within their spiralin gene sequence.

9 illus, 4 tables, 27 ref

003445   Maheshwari R (Biochemistry Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: ramesh.maheshwari@gmail.com) : Fungi as cell factories: Hype, reality and hope. Indian J Microbiol 2006, 46(4), 307-24.

Extant diversity of fungi and their intraspecies genetic variability offers the scope of finding useful strains producing enzymes, antibiotics or metabolites of scientific or practical importance. Genetic and molecular techniques allow a gene from one organism to be transferred to a safe domesticated fungal species and engineer precise changes in its regulatory DNA sequences to increase expression of the transgene. Cultivation of fungus in industrial-sized fermentors facilitates a desired substance to be produced for commercial use. A few species produce homologous proteins in significant amounts but the expression of heterologous proteins of mammalian origin for practical use is generally low. Among the perceived uses of fungi as cell factories is production of human antibodies. For increasing the secretion of a heterologous protein, an understanding is required of its structure and of the regulatory genes controlling expression of the protein. Furthermore a detailed study of the architecture of the fungal cell wall over period of mycelial growth is required since proteins finally exit through the cell wall.

^iia7 illus, 1 table, 102 ref

003444   Gaurav S S;Ahmed A (Biotechnology Dep, Ch. Charan Singh Univ, Meerut-250 004) : Antimicrobial activities of spices. Prog Agric 2007, 7(1-2), 177-8.

5 tables, 5 ref

003443   Bharathi P;Philomina D;Agastian P (Biotechnology Dep, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamilnadu) : In vitro multiple tuber formation and direct plant regeneration in Gloriosa superba. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(4), 857-9.

Propagation of Gloriosa superba for multiple tuber formation and direct plant regeneration was studied. Callus induction and multiple tuber formation was obtained in Murashige and skoog medium supplemented with Benzyl Amino Purine (lmg.1^-1) and Naphthalene Acetic Acid (2mg.l^-1). Tuber formation was greater when callus from cormlets was transferred to induction medium rather than by subculturing the existing tubers. Direct shoot regeneration was achieved when cormlets were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with kinetin and Indole Butyric Acid at a concentration of 1 mg 1^-1 each.

5 illus, 12 ref