020314   Ram R C;Kumar S (Mycology and Plant Pathology Dep, Institute of Agriculotural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi, Email: rcbhumpp@yahoo.com) : Agricultural wastes used as casing mixtures for production of button mushroom. Indian J scient Res 2010, 1(1), 21-5.

India can make rapid progress in mushroom industry by cultivating and commercializing of temperate and tropical mushrooms. But, they are still cultivated on small scale in some pockets on a specific substrates and yield potential is not satisfied due to specific casing materials. There are need to evaluate different agricultural wastes as casing materials for enhancing better growth behaviour and yield potential of mushrooms. Initiations of pinheads were recorded after (13-15 days) of casing. Minimum time taken for harvesting of I" flush by casing with CCP + VC + FYM + SD + Sand and non-significantly with each other treatments. Maximum time taken for harvesting of IInd flush with casing of VC + SD + FYM + Sand, and IIIrd flush harvested ranged of (76.67 85 days). Maximum weight of sporophore was obtained with application of casing CCP + VC + Sand, where maximum length of stalk was recorded from CCP + FYM + SD casing mixture. Finally yield of all flushes recorded, the total maximum yield was obtained by the application of CCP + VC + FYM + SD + Sand, which differs significantly. This study will help to mushroom growers for selection of suitable casing materials for better growth behaviour and yield potential of button mushroom.

2 tables, 7 ref

020313   Payasi A;Sanwal G G (Biochemistry Dep, Univ of Lucknow, Lucknow-226 007) : Molecular mechanism of ethylene signal transduction in fruits. Indian J agric Biochem 2009, 22(1), 1-11.

The biochemistry, genetics and physiology of ripening have been studied extensively in fruits and a considerable amount of information is available which ranges from the physiological and biochemical changes during ripening to ethylene biosynthesis and the mechanisms of perception, signaling and control of gene expression etc. The major components of the pathway for ethylene signal transduction have been identified by genetic approaches in Arabidopsis and have now been shown to function in agronomically important fruit plants as well. Studies on ethylene signaling in tomato has demonstrated conservation of the basic model defined in Arabidopsis, yet with modifications in gene family composition and expression. In recent years progress has been made on several fronts such as localization of ethylene receptor signaling complex at the endoplasmic reticulum, the regulation of constitutive triple response (CTR) activity by these receptors, the identification of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, the characterization and cloning of several ethylene insensitive (EIN) transcription factors from many plant species as well as ethylene response factors (ERF) family of transcription factors. The present review focuses on recent advances on ethylene signal transduction in particular of fruit ripening.

2 illus, 115 ref

020312   Pandey S;Singh M P;Singh R P (Botany Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi, Email: rkv69.429@rediffmail.com ) : Effect of heavy metals (Pb & Cr) on growth and chlorophyll content of Datura metel L.. Indian J scient Res 2010, 1(1), 51-4.

Datura (Datura metel) is said to be one of the most misunderstood of all plants probably like all evil plants. It has great potential for variety of medicinal uses. Heavy metals are spread pollutants of great environmental concern as they are not degradable and are perisistent. It is well perceived that there is a permissible limited of each metal above which they are generally toxic. In the view of increased environmental awareness, heavy metal is of utmost importance. Keeping these facts in view a pot culture experiment was conducted to study the effect of Pb and Cr on Datura metel". The experiment was carried out under completely randomised design with 16 treatments and 3 replications. Pb and Cr were applied through PbCl, and K₂Cr₂O₄ respectively. The plant growth was studied in the form of plant height, no of leaves, no of branches fortnightly. Heavy metals like Pb and Cr significantly affected the growth such as plant height, leaves and branches. The Chlorophyll content decreased with increasing concentration of heavy metals. Adverse effect Pb+Cr was more pronounced in comparison of their individual application.

2 tables, 5 ref

020311   Modgil A;Garcha S;Bansal M;Kaur K;Dhammi M; Kaur H (Biotechnology Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002, Email: seemagacha@gmail.com) : Potential of yeast in biological treatment of dairy effluents. Indian J Dairy Sci 2009, 62(2), 155-8.

Food sector is one of the highest consumer of water and the biggest producer of effluent per unit production in addition to generating a large volume of sludge for biological treatment. Dairy industry is an example of this sector. Its water requirement is in the range of 0.9 to 2 litres of milk processed (Kumar and Ramesh, 2007). It is being used for cleaning silos, tanks, heat exchangers, homogenizers, pipes, etc. and has organic load constituted by milk reflected in effluent levels of BOD. Pretreatment processes as centrifugation, adsorption, chemical precipitation, sedimentation, screening and neutralization are commonly employed (Abeliovich, 1986). Biological treatment is however cost effective and clean. Yeast and Cyanobacteria hold promise as bioremediating agents for dairy industry waste water. (Sharma et al., 2004). Various species as Candida intermedia MTCC 7744, Candida haemulonii MTCC 1966, Candida versatilis MTCC 1964. Candida parapsilosis MTCC 1744 and Kluyveromyces marxianus MTCC 3772 were employed for the said purpose and were found to lower the BOD₅ by 73.43% to 82.00%. The effect of varied composition of the dairy effluents and also environmental conditions on the efficacy of the organisms was studied. All the above mentioned organisms exhibited appreciable bioremediating property at temperature ranges between 25°C to 30°C and were more effective at near neutral pH i.e. between 6.0 and 7.0. Upon use as a consortium the limitation of environmental factors and effluent composition can be overcome to a large degree. Immobilization of the organism can make the entire operation cost-effective.

2 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

020310   Maurya P K;Arora K;Sarkar S (Biochemistry Dep, Life Sciences Div, Sardar Bhagwan Singh (PG) Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Researc, Balawala, Dehradun-248 161) : Role of L-ascorbic acid in the stability of human erythrocytes during aging. Indian J Gerontol 2009, 23(1), 1-9.

Many epidemiological studies showed increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower incidence of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and alzheimer s disease. Aging is associated with many changes in the erythrocyte and its membrane which contributes to former s stability. A study was carried out on normal healthy subjects of both sexes between the age of 22-78 years. A significant (p < 0.001) increase in osmotic fragility as a function of human age is observed. A significant (p < 0.05) protective effect of L-ascorbic acid was observed at a concentration of 10^{-5M in all age groups. We hypothesize that increase in osmotic fragility during aging in humans may be due to decrease in stability of human erythrocyte and increase in oxidative stress.}

2 illus, 24 ref

020309   Markand S J;Bahiram K B;Ambade R B;Wanjari B V;Paikrao D N (NO, Nagpur Veterinary College, M A F S U, Nagpur-440 006) : Effect of age, weight and lactation on hamatological parameter in Gaolao cow. Indian J Field Vet 2008, 4(2), 68-70.

Forty eight Gaolao cows (24 lactating and 24 non-lactating) from Nagpur region were selected for the evaluation of hematological parameters. Out of which 29 cows were between 5-10 years of age and 19 cows were of 10-15 years of age. According to body weight, 20 cows were having body weight of 200-270 kg. and 28 cows were of 271 -340kg. The average values for Hb (gm%) did not differs significantly in age, weight, lactating status and location. However weightwise Hb values found numerically lower in the groups of 200-270 kg. and location wise these were lower in Hingna tahsil. The average MCV (mm^{3) values were non significant in age and lactating status but differ significantly in weight and location. The average values for MCH were non significant among the weight and lactating status, however differ significantly age and location wise. The average MCHC and PCV values were non significant in all the groups ie. Age, Weight, Lactating status and Location.}

1 table, 18 ref

020308   Mala R;SaravanaBabu S (Biotechnilogy Dep, Mepco Schlenk Engineering College, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu) : Textile dying effluent effect on growth, photosynthetic pigments, carbohdrates and prolone in maize seedlinds in aqueous vs soil medium. Indian J Envir Ecoplann 2009, 16(1), 281-7.

Germination, seedling growth, concentration of chlorophyll and proline were studied in response to textile dyeing effluent application (5%, 10,15,20,25, 50,75and100%) in aqueous solution and soil medium. Seedling growth was reduced significantly by the effluent in aqueous medium than in soil.Net inhibition of germination was high above 25% in aqueous medium and above 50% in soil. Proline accumulation with effluent stress was comparatively high in aqueous medium.

4 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

020307   Mala R;Saravana Babu S (Biotechnilogy Dep, Mepco Schlenk Engineering, College, Sivakasi, Tamilnadu) : Pytotoxicity of Textile dyeing effluentt on germination and seedling growth of rice. Indian J Envir Ecoplann 2009, 16(1), 289-94.

Germination and seedling growth were studied in response to textile dyeing effluent application (5%, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, 75 and 100%). Seedling growth was reduced significantly by the effluent at higher concentration. Net inhibition of germination was high above 10% of effluent. 100% of effluent completely inhibited the process of germination. The effluent can be used as a source of water for irrigation only after pretreatment.

2 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

020306   Litoriya N S;Talati J G;Kher H R (Biochemistry Dep, Main Forage Research Station, Anand Agricultural Univ, Anand-388 110) : Identification of Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) varieties using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA markers. Indian J agric Biochem 2009, 22(1), 60-2.

In the present paper genetic variations of ten lucerne varieties are described on the basis of RAPD (Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers. A total of 20 distinct primers of OPK series were screened and 5 primers were selected for analysis. Genetic variation was observed for the presence or absence of bands in the RAPD profile. Of the total 55 bands, 25 contributed by five primers were polymorphic in ten lucerne varieties. Cluster analysis clearly showed that 10 varieties of lucerne were grouped into two major clusters based on similarity indices. Among the 10 varieties, AND-2 can be identified from the rest of the varieties. Thus, from overall RAPD analysis it can be concluded that RAPD markers can be successfully used to discriminate between different varieties in lucerne.

2 illus, 1 tables, 7 ref

020305   Jayeoba O J;Ogara I M;Omolaiye J A (Agronomy Dep, Faculty Agriculture, Nasarawa State Univ, Keffi, Nigeria, Email: jayeobaoj@yahoo.com) : Estimating leaf area of Massularia accuminata ("Pako Ijebu") from linear measurements. Indian J scient Res 2010, 1(1), 11-14.

The study was carried out to develop leaf area prediction models for Massularia accuminata using linear measurement. The maximum lamina length (L) and lamina width (W) were measured with a graduated ruler (cm), while the actual leaf area (ALA) were measured with LI-COR 3000 leaf area meter. The best-fit model was selected based on F test; mean square error (MSE) and coefficient of determination (R^{2). All the parameters were positively and significantly correlated at 1% level. Product of Length and width (1*w) correlated best with actual leaf area having a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.99. Quadratic and linear regression of the data produced fifteen leaf area models, ranked based on their predictive accuracy. The best five models were product and sum of length and width while the least five models were derived from single dimensional measurement of either lamina length or width. The quadratic model involving the product of lamina length and width gave the best prediction equation, LA (leaf area) = 2.66 + -2.46/(1 + -0.00512*LW) + 0.5559*(LW) with R2 of 98.1%; MSE =7.23; se = 2.69. Asimpler linear model LA = 0.51889(LW) +0.541: R2 = 98%; MSE =7.539; se = 2.75 was preferable for leaf area estimation of Massularia accuminata even though substitutability of the models required further validation.}

2 tables, 21 ref

020304   Jayasimha Rayalu D;Seshapani P;Pramoda Kumari J;Chennaiah K;Naidu N V (NO, Global Institute of Biotechnology, Himayat Negar, Hyderabad-29) : In silico modeling and binding energy calculations of thioguanosine and their derivatives against tumor endothelial Marker 8. Biosci Res Bull 2010, 26(1), 1-16.

Homology modeling of Tumor endothelial markers has been performed based on the crystal structure of the 1SHU (Chain X; Crystal Structure of the von Willebrand factor A domain of human capillary morphogenesis protein 2: an anthrax toxin receptor) and by using modeller software. With the aid of the molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics methods, the final model is obtained and is further assessed by procheck and verify 3D graph programs, which showed that the final refined model is reliable. With this model, a flexible docking study of Tumor endothelial marker 8 with a group of thioguanosine derivatives was performed and the results indicated that TYR -21, PHE 22,VAL 158, ASM 159, PHE 162, LEU 165 in Tumor endothelial marker 8 are important determinant residues in binding as they have strong hydrogen bonding with derivatives. These hydrogen binding interactions play an important role for stability of the complex. Among 35 derivatives of thioguanosine, 10th derivative showed best docking result with Tumor endothelial markers. Results may be helpful for further experimental investigations.

12 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

020303   Jayaseelan A;Bakthavathsalam R (Zoology & Biochemistry Dep, Government Arts College, Kumbakonam-612 001) : Nutrient analysis and the effects of green gram waste vermicompost and vermicasts on the growth parameters of radish plant. Envir Ecol 2009, 27(4A), 1840-4.

Levels of soil parameters such as pH, EC, macro (N, P and K) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) present in the samples of partly decomposed, vermicompost and vermicasts of green gram wastes were determined. No change was noticed in the pH of partly decomposed green gram waste (DGW) while vermicasts production. But the samples of vermicompost showe'd lesser pH (7.6) over DGW or vermicasts. The EC values of DGW showed relatively more when compared to vermicompost or vermicasts which indicate that the soluble salt level was reduced during vermicomposting. The earthworm, while vermicomposting slightly increased the levels of P, Zn and Cu and drastically decreased the levels of K and Mn of DGW. Though a differential effect was noticed in the growth parameters of radish plants raised in different PSR of partly decomposed, vermicompost and vermicasts, the plants raised in vermicasts showed relatively lesser values than the vermicompost or DGW.

3 tables, 22 ref

020302   Jayaprakash J;Rathore A C (NO, Scienist (Forestry) Central Soil & Water Conservation Research & Train, Dehra Dun-248 197) : Genetic diversity among different accessions of babul (Acacia nilotica L. Willd Ex del.) in Southern India. Indian J For 2009, 32(2), 211-20.

Study was conducted to determine genetic diversity and its structure in (A. nilotica L. Willd. ex del.) in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Genetic diversity studies based on biometric and biochemical approaches revealed that half-sibs of Tamil Nadu origin were not distinctly clustered together while half-sibs from Karnataka were grouped together in distinct smaller sub clusters as per their geographic origin. Isozyme analysis revealed that all the three markers used in this study brought out different patterns of diversity. Dwindling natural populations which are basic resources for future breeding programmes require conservation. The results of the study will be valuable for provenance identification, strategies for conservation of genetic variation, prospect for improvement and assessment of the potential of locally adopted tree sources.

4 illus, 6 tables, 30 ref

020301   Jayapadma P N;Bhat S;Kuruvinashetti M S (Biotechnology Dep, Collage of Agriculture Univ of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005) : High frequency multiple shoot bud induction from whole cotyledons of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). Indian J Crop Sci 2009, 4(1-2), 81-6.

Shoot regeneration through direct organogenesis was attempted from whole cotyledon explants of two local cultivars of chilli, Byadagi Dabbi and Sankeshwar Local. Explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium supplemented with different levels of benzyl amino purine (BAP) alone (8, 10, 12 mg/l) or in combination with gibberellic acid (GA,) (1, 2 mg/l). Percent explants showing multiple shoot bud induction was high when 10mg/[ BAP (90.20) was used and between the two genotypes Sankeshwar local gave maximum (88.49) response. When number of shoot bud/explants was considered Byadagi Dabbi was found to be better (46 buds/explant) than Sankeshwar local (41 buds/explant). Among the BAP levels tried and across the genotypes, 8 mg/l (50.7) BAP was the best followed by 12 mg/l (44.2 buds/explant) and 10 mg/l (35.8 buds/explant) of BAP. Shoot buds were sub cultured on MS with low levels of BAP (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 mg/l) for elongation and the percent shoot buds responded were very low. MS medium supplemented with 0.05 mg/l BAP (18.8%) showed better response followed by 0.01 mg/l BAP (9.0%). In addition, low levels of IAA or IBA used did not increase the elongation of multiple shoot initials in both the genotypes.

7 tables, 21 ref

020300   Gautam S K;Singh B;Verma V;Palta P;Chauhan M S;Manik R S (Biotechnology Dep, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra-136 119, Email: skgbiotech@redifmail.com) : In vitro production of blastocysts from vitrifield warmed abattoir-derived buffalo [Bubalus bubalis] immature oocytes. Indian J Dairy Sci 2009, 62(6), 495-502.

This study investigated effects of type and concentration of cryoprotectants on morphology and developmental competence of immature buffalo oocytes after vitrification. Following vitrification, the proportion of oocytes recovered morphologically normal, which was similar for 40% DMSO, 20% EG + 20% DMSO and 20% EG+ 20% PROH, was higher (P < 0.01) than that for 40% EG. The nuclear maturation rate was higher (P <0.05) for 20% EG + 20% DMSO than that for 20% EG + 20% PROH which, in turn, was higher (P<0.05) than that for 40% EG or 40% DMSO. The cleavage rate and percentage of oocytes which developed to morulae and blastocysts were higher (P<0.01) for 20% EG + 20% DMSO than for the other three groups. Loss of cumulus mass was the most prevalent damage irrespective of the type of cryopreservation method. A higher proportion of oocytes developed to morulae (14.9 vs. 4.4%) or blastocysts (4.0 vs. 0.5%) after vitrification in 20%EG + 20%DMSO. In conclusion, vitrification was an effective method for the cryopreservation of immature buffalo oocytes and the type and concentration of cryoprotectant were important factors affecting the post thaw survival.

40 ref

020299   Gajera H P;Bambharolia R M;Patel S V;Mandavia M K;Golakiya B A (Biochemistry Dep, College of Agricultural, Junagadh Agric Univ, Junagadh-362 001, Email: harsukhgajera@yahoo.com) : Significance of lytic enzymes from trichoderma in the in vitro biocontrol of fungal plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.. Indian J agric Biochem 2009, 22(1), 31-37.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri were isolated from chickpea wilt diseased plants. The inhibitory activity of the biocontrol agents - Trichoderma against F. oxysporum was tested in- vitro on potato dextrose agar (PDA) media. Among the four biocontrol agents, T. viride 54 showed highest 77.2% and 80.2% in vitro per cent inhibition of growth of fungal pathogen F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceri at 8 and 16 days after inoculation (DAI), respectively. The per cent growth inhibition of fungal pathogen was positively correlated with activities of peroxidase, protease, chitinase and b-1, 3-glucanase at 8 DAI. Mycoparasitism process was clearly observed during 8 to 16 days after inoculation (DAI) stages. At the later stage (16 DAI), peroxidase and protease correlated negatively with fungal growth inhibition of F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceri but at the same time, chitinase and b-1,3 glucanase correlated positively. It clearly indicated that chitinase, b-1,3-glucanase and protease considered as lytic enzymes were produced by Trichoderma to act on cell wall of fungal pathogens during antagonism. However, activities of cellulase and PG recorded lowest in treatments containing Trichoderma and found highest in F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceri control. The improvement in production of cellulolytic enzymes by T. viride 54 during its in vitro antagonism with plant pathogen suggested its suitability for biological control of plant pathogen F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceri.

3 illus, 5 tables, 39 ref

020298   Dogra D;Awasthi C P (Chemistry and Biochemistry Dep, College of Sciences, CSK HP Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062) : Quality components in broccoli heads harvested at different stages of maturity. Indian J agric Biochem 2009, 22(1), 45-50.

The fresh edible portion of heads of four cultivars of broccoli was evaluated for various biochemical constituents at pre-harvest, harvest and post-harvest stages. Wide variation in quality parameters viz., moisture, protein, total lipids, carbohydrates, total chlorophyll, total carotenoids, ascorbic acid, total phenols, glucosinolates, calcium, iron, sodium, potassium and phosphorus content was observed to range from 89.09 to 89.49%, 2.08 to 2.71%, 183.3 to 196.9 mg/100g, 4.2 to 4.6%, 0.06 to 0.23 mg/g, 0.10 to 0.60 mg/g, 50.69 to 69.40 mg/100g, 0.58 to 0.89%, 125.5 to 249.2 mg/100g, 46.93 to 76.90 mg/100g, 0.70 to 1.10 mgA 100g, 17.00 to 21.00 mg/100g, 117.31 to 318.00 mg/100g and 47.00 to 74.00 mg/100g at pre-harvest stage and 89.56 to 91.24%, 3.16 to 3.86%, 243.3 to 288.3 mg/100g, 5.4 to 5.6%, 0.13 to 0.42 mg/g, 0.36 to 1.40 mg/g, 58.80 to 81.31 mg/100g, 0.87 to 1.18%, 264.1 to 344.2 mg/100g, 54.00 to 79.88 mg/100g, 0.90 to 1.61 mg/100g, 23.00 to 26.00 mg/100g, 123.82 to 324.66 mg/100g and 52.00 to 79.00 mg/100g at harvest stage, accordingly. At post-harvest stage, variation in the above stated quality parameters was noticed from 88.44 to 87.78%, 3.02 to 3.75%, 228.6 to 276.6 mg/100g, 4.8 to 5.1%, 0.04 to 0.30 mg/g, 0.29 to 1.33 mg/g, 47.24 to 71.04 mg/100g, 1.32 to 1.49%, 250.1 to 329.8 mg/100g, 53.31 to 78.83 mg/100g, 0.90 to 1.60 mg/100g, 22.16 to 25.60 mg/IOOg, 122.00 to 324.50 mg/100g and 52.00 to 79.00 mg/100g, respectively. Based on genotypic rating at different harvest stages, the heads of cultivar(s) Palam Vichitra emerged to be the best followed by Palam Haritika, Palam Samridhi and Palam Kanchan and harvest stage (129 DAS) emerged out to be the best harvest stage.

2 tables, 33 ref

020297   Dhatwalia V K;Sati O P;Tripathi M K;Gupta V; Chauhan P K (Chemistry Dep, H N B Garhwal Univ, Srinagar, J & K) : Electrophoretic analysis of the isozymes of malate dehydrogenase and peroxidase in diffrent varieties of wheat. Indian J Crop Sci 2009, 4(1-2), 45-7.

Isozyme analysis is a powerful biochemical technique with numerous applications in plant physiology. It has long been used by geneticists to study the population genetics of fish, mammals, insects, nematodes and higher plants. Malate Dehydroqenase and Peroxidase isozyme were used to identify the variation among popular wheat cultivars of India. Malate Dehydrogenase and Peroxidase isozyme are Ubiquitous enzymes, easily extracted and stable in cell-free preparations. The participate and soluble fractions of cell-free extracts from leaves of eight different varieties of wheat plants were examined electrophoretically for isozymes of malate dehydrogenase and Peroxidase. Distinct isozyme patterns were observed for each variety. There were some isozymes in different plant extracts with equal electrophoretic mobilities. But there was some isozyme band that was common to all to all plants. In this Paper an attempt has been made to study diversity in Malate Dehydrogenase and Peroxidase for understanding the species interrelationship and variation among wheat varieties for their biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, to provide further indications about their genetic relations.

2 illus, 13 ref

020296   Dar Z A;Khan M A;Zargar M Y;Masoodi T H (Enviromental Sciences Div, S K Univ of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Shalimar, Srinagar-191 121) : Effect of ectomycorrhizae and various levels of phosphorus on growth and biomass of Cedrus deodar (Roxb. Ex lamb.) under nursery conditions. Indian J For 2009, 32(2), 291-4.

Pot experiments were carried out under nursery conditions during 2005-2006 to study the response of Deodar seedlings to inoculations with ectomycorrhizae (Pisolithus linctorius, Laccaria laccata and Suillus granulatus), forest litter and different levels of phosphorus. Various plant growth characteristics (plant height, root length, collar diameter and plant biomass) and ectomycorrhizal root colonization responded significantly to ectomycorrhizal inoculation, forest litter and phosphorus. Among the ectomycorrhiae, inoculation of Pisolithus tinctorius proved most beneficial for all plant growth parameters and ectomycorrhizal root colonization followed by Laccaria laccata and Sitillus granulatus. The treatment combination of Pisolithus tinctorius along with phosphorus dose of 75 mg plant^{-1 proved to be the best treatment for all the studied characteristics.}

2 tables, 14 ref

020295   Chakraborty R;Chakraborty S;Dutta B K;Paul S B (Biotechnology Dep, Assam Univ, Silchar-788 011, Email: ausupriyoch_2008@rediffmail.com) : Euclidean distance analysis for genetic divergence in biochemical characters amongsts promising bold grain rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes of Barak valley. Indian J agric Biochem 2009, 22(1), 38-44.

In Barak valley zone of Assam the physically hard working people prefer bold type rice grains with good taste as these are slowly digested and give a feeling of fullness in the stomach for a longer time. But most of the modern high yielding rice varieties are medium and fine grain type. Keeping the need of rural people in mind, the present experiment was conducted with 49 genotypes/varieties including 47 bold grain rice genotypes and two recommended high yielding check varieties namely Ranjit and Monohar Sali of Barak valley, Assam. The mean values of fourteen biochemical characters of these 49 genotypes were evaluated. Crude protein content (%) and total soluble protein content (g/100g of oven dry sample) varied from 7.09 to 13.10 and 4.10 to 6.69, respectively. The amino acids lysine and tryptophan varied from 3.20 to 4.45 and 0.56 to 1.10 g/16g N, respectively. The starch, amylose and amylopectin contents varied from 79.78 to 65.63%, 25.56 to 15.25 and 84.75 to 74.44% of starch, respectively. Total soluble sugar, total reducing sugar and total non-reducing sugar content ranged from 1.14 to 0.35%, 0.363 to 0.103% and 0.935 to 0.279%, respectively in the bold grain rice genotypes. The ash content and the phosphorus content varied from 0.88 to 1.50% and 0.213 to 0.430%, respectively. Calcium and iron content ranged from 16.59 to 37.98 mg and 1.11 to 3.92 mg/100g, respectively in the bold grain rice genotypes. Euclidean distance, based on fourteen biochemical characters was studied among 49 rice genotypes in all combinations. The highest coefficient of dissimilarity or Euclidean distance (10.541) was observed between the genotypic pair Shem Sail (G₄₃) and Chandmoni (G₂₀) indicating highest genetic divergence between them. The lowest coefficient of dissimilarity [1.721] was observed between the pair Latha Sail (G₃₄) and Kamal Bhog (G₁₅) followed by the pair Hacha Lath (G₃₁) and Baodun (G₁₈) [1.920]. These pairs of genotypes showing low Euclidean distance were genetically more similar and, therefore, would not be very effective as parents in breeding superior pure lines for the biochemical characters.

1 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

020294   Bhaiti H N;Nawaz S (Industrial Biotechnology Laboratory, Chemistry Dep, Agriculture Univ, Faisalabad-34080, Pakistan, Email: hnbhatti2005@yahoo.com) : Production of endoglucanase by Fusarium solani grown in solid-state fermentation. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(3), 1943-8.

Corn cob is an abundant lignocellulosic agricultural waste. In this investigation, the production of endoglucanase from this lignocellu-losic biomass under solid state fermentation was investigated. The effects of various process parameters, such as initial moisture content initial culture pH, amount of substrate, incubation period on endoglucanase production by a mesophilic fungus Fusarium solani were studied. With an initial moisture content of 70%, a pH of 5.0, maximum endoglucanase activity (312 ± 16 U/gds) was obtained with 15 g of corn cobs after 96 h. Addition of nitrogen sources further enhanced the endoglucanase production.

5 illus, 25 ref

020293   Bhagat M;Arora J S;Saxena A K (School of Biotechnology, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 006, Email: madhulikasbt@gmail.com) : In vitro cytotoxicity of Cassia ocidentalis againat human cancer celliness of liver and neuroblastoma origin. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(1-2), 85-90.

This study describes the in vitro cytotoxicity of the medicinal plant Cassia ocidentalis (whole plant) against human cancer cell lines of liver and neuroblastoma origin. Three extracts 95% alcoholic, 50% aqueous - alcoholic and hot water extract were used for the in vitro cyiotoxic assay at 10,30 and 100μg/ml. Growth inhibition was evaluated using sulphorhodamine B (SRB) assay. Our result indicated that out of two human cancer cell lines the extracts of Cassia ocidentalis (whole plant) had shown more potential for liver than neuroblastoma human cancer cell line. It was found that among three extracts 50% alcoholic-aqueous extract had more potential for growth inhibition at 1 OOjig/ml and 30μg/ml on liver (HEP-2) human cancer cell line followed by aqueous and alcoholic extracts whereas, on neuroblastoma (JMR-32) human cancer cell line aqueous extract had shown more potential than other two extracts. Therefore, this study revealed that Cassia ocidentalis possess in vitro cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines and can be further explore for its anticancer properties.

14 ref

020292   Baskar G;Sriharini C;Sripriya R;Pavithra S K; Matheswaran M;Renganathan S (Biotechnology Dep, St. Joseph's College of Engineering, Chennai-600 119) : Evaluation of aeration systems for effluents of different organic load. Indian J envir Prot 2009, 29(3), 238-42.

The performance of various aeration systems for treatment of two different industrial liquid effluents was performed and discussed in this work. Fixed, combined (fixed and floating) and diffused systems were chosen. The samples for different detention time were tested for BOD and COD, before and after aeration for these three systems. In diffused aeration system the inlet COD value is high and it has been reduced to low. The reduction of BOD in the diffused aeration system is high when compare to other traditional systems. The factor of safety for diffused aeration system handling high organic load has a factor of safety approximately equal to the other two systems. The test and power calculation revealed that the diffused aeration system is more effective and economic among the aeration systems studied for an effluent of high organic load.

2 illus, 6 tables, 8 ref

020291   Bakthavathsalam R;Balaji K S;Ruba Glory P (Zoology & Biochemistry Dep, Government Arts College, Kumbakonam-612 001) : Effect of sheep droppings and paddy straw waste vermicasts on the growth and yield of red rose plant. Envir Ecol 2009, 27(4A), 1850-4.

Rate of vermicasts production in partly decomposed sheep droppings (SD) and paddy straw waste (PSW) by Eudrilus eugeniae and its effect on the growth parameters of red rose plants were studied. The vermicast production was noticed only upto 36 days in SD and 16 days in PSW and its respective production rate was 275 and 300 mg/g earthworm body weight/day. The ratios of total nodes, leaves and flowers of rose plants raised in partly decomposed, vermicasts and residual SD and PSW were 109 : 115 : 93 and 74 : 114 : 70, 420 : 433 : 406 and 283 : 422 : 268, and 23 : 32 : 21 and 21 : 26 : 18 respectively. Of the partly decomposed, vermicasts and residual compost media of SD and PSW used, relatively high count of 115 nodes, 433 leaves and 32 flowers was noticed in the rose plants in SD vermicasts over the plants raised in partly decomposed and residual SD and also in all the 3 media of PSW. Evidently, the organic waste, PSW used in the present study was not suitable either for vermiculture practice or the production of vermicasts and also the vermicasts obtained from SD and PSW exert a better result in the cultivation of rose plants over its partly decomposed or residual compost.

3 tables, 17 ref

020290   Arminder Kaur;Sharma G S (Biotechnology Dep, N.C. College of Engineering, Israna, Panipat) : Identification of heparin-binding proteins of goat seminal plasma using <. Indian J Dairy Sci 2009, 62(2), 101-4.

3 illus, 16 ref

020289   Anita Subash;Durga Devi M;Archana P (Biochemistry Dep, Biotechnology & Bioinfomatics, Avinashilingam Univ for Woman, Combatore-641 043, Email: durga.ddms@gmail.com) : Isolation and study of an industrially useful enzyme from animal waste. Adv Biotech 2009, 9(4), 37-40.

The protease enzyme was isolated, purified and characterized from the visceral organ and head and tail wastes of Sharp finned Barracuda (Sphyraena acutipinnis). The enzyme was precipitated by ammonium sulphate fractionation and purified by dialysis. SDS-PAGE and Native PAGE determined the molecular weight. The presence of protease confirmed by Zymography using casein as a substrate.

11 illus, 16 ref

020288   Akubugwo E I;Ugbogu O C;Muoha I A;Ugbogu A E (Biochemistry Dep, Abia State Univ, PMB 2000, Uturu Abia State, Nigeria, Email: osychin@yahoo.com) : Impact of palm oil mill effluent (POME) on soils in Isialangwa, Abia state, Nigeria. Envir Ecol 2009, 27(4A), 1677-80.

The soil physico-chemical properties and enzyme concentrations in soils receiving palm oil mill effluent (POME) in communities in Isialangwa, Abia State were investigated. Results show that there were significant increase in the activities of urease, hydrogen peroxidase, lipase, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase in the soils receiving POME relative to the control site. Soil temperature, organic carbon (OC), organic matter (OM), exchange acidity (EA) were significantly higher in the POME impacted soils. Peak values for nitrate (NO₃), sulfate (SO₄) and phosphate (PO₄) were 5.74, 2.67, and 24.60% respectively. The results suggest that the soil is not suitable for agricultural activity but that the POME could aid soil mineralization if properly and moderately administered.

2 tables, 28 ref

015050   Verma S;Rana T S;Ranade S A (Conservation Biology and Molecular Taxonomy, National Botanical Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lucknow-226 001, Email: ranatikam@gmail.com) : Genetic variation and clustering in Murraya paniculata complex as revealed by single primer amplification reaction methods. Curr Sci 2009, 96(9), 1210-16.

Genetic variability among the wild and cultivated genotypes of Murraya paniculata Koenig ex L. (Ruta-ceae) complex collected from different regions of India were analysed using three different single primer amplification reaction methods, viz. inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR), directed amplification of minisatellite DNA (DAMD) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). A total of 62 genotypes were used in the present study that included one out-group accession (Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC.). ISSR (13), DAMD (5) and RAPD (20) primers were used in each method to amplify a total of 358, 135 and 448 distinct fragments respectively. Of these, 96, 96.29 and 94.4% of the bands amplified using ISSR, DAMD and RAPD markers respectively, were polymorphic. To analyse the relationships between wild and cultivated genotypes, we constructed a phylogenetic tree based on Jaccards coefficient of similarity using UPGMA methods. Tree topology suggested the existence of two distinct groups of the genotypes. Gene diversity (H) and Shannon's information index (/) were estimated and these values were found higher in wild compared to those of cultivated genotypes. These patterns of distribution of genetic diversity and distinction were congruent with morphology of the M. paniculata complex.

2 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

015049   Verma N;Rana M K;Negi K S;Gunjeet Kumar;Bhat K V;Park Y J;Bisht I S (NO, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi-110 012, Email: bishtis@rediffmail.com) : Assessment of genetic diversity in Indian perilla [Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton] landraces using STMS markers. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 43-9.

Inter-population diversity in 54 Indian Perilla landraces and 18 accessions of exotic origin was investigated using sequence tagged microsatallite (STMS) markers. The STMS markers clearly distinguished the Indian accessions from the exotic ones. Neighborhood-joining (NJ) clustering pattern revealed association of geographical diversity and genetic diversity for Indian Perilla germplasm. Population genetic parameters studied for 14 Indian Perilla populations from two distinct regions (North-eastern region and North-western Himalayas, Uttarakhand State) revealed greater diversity for accessions from the later region. Analysis of molecular variance, revealed that bulk of the variations existed between populations within groups, followed by variations within populations and between groups. The summary of group-wise F-statistics and gene flow revealed greater population differentiation for Uttarakhand populations as compared to accessions from North-eastern region of India.

3 illus, 5 tables, 25 ref

015048   Venkateswara Sharma V (Biotechnology Dep, Karpaga Vinayaga College of Engineering and Technology, G.S.T. Road, Palayanoor Post, Chennai-603 308, Email: sarmavv@yahoo.com) : Integrated use of straw and bioexploitation of Trichoderma. Curr Sci 2009, 96(9), 1164-5.

1 illus

015047   Unni B G;Peck K E;Pytel M M;Dahm K M; Bhaskaran G;Singh H R;Kakoty Y;Devi B;Wann S B (Biotechnology Div, , Jorhat-785 006) : Dimethyl sulphoxide inhibits in vitro synthesis of juvenile hormone I and II and stimulates juvenile hormone III by corpora allata of insects. Curr Sci 2009, 96(8), 1114-19.

Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) specifically inhibits the rates of biosynthesis of juvenile hormone I (JH I) and juvenile hormone II (JH II) in corpora allata (CA) of 0 day last instar larvae of Manduca sexta maintained in vitro. Addition of mevalonate (Mev), propionate and homomevalonate (HMeV) to the medium increased the rate of biosynthesis of both JH II and JH III in normal CA. Even with added Mev, DMSO drastically reduced the rate of synthesis of both the higher homo-logues, but enhanced the rate of JH III synthesis even more with DMSO alone. The mated adult female CA which secretes JH II and JH III, and almost no JH I, also showed similar pattern of response to DMSO in larval CA. Allatotropin-stimulated JH II synthesis was also blocked by DMSO. DMSO inhibited JH II synthesis in Galleria mellonella, but the rate of JH III synthesis showed no increase. Likewise, in the CA of adult male, Hyalophora cecropia which secretes only JH I and JH II acids, DMSO suppressed the synthesis of both acids, but there was no elevation in the rate of JH HI acid synthesis. DMSO stimulated the rate of JH III synthesis, the only homologue secreted by the adult female CA of cockroach, Blaberus discoidalis. Further in vivo studies showed that DMSO enhanced the growth of the silkworm larvae and silk fibre production.

6 tables, 27 ref

015046   Tejavathi D H;Devaraj V R;Murthy S M;Anitha P;Nijagunaiah R (Botany Dep, Jnanabharathi, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056, Email: tejavathi_hanu@yahoo.com) : Regeneration of multiple shoots from the callus cultures of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 101-5.

An effective protocol for the regeneration of multiple shoots from the callus, derived from shoot tip and cotyledonary node, was developed for the first time for Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verde. Shoot apices and cotyledonary nodes from 9-d-old aseptically grown seedlings were inoculated onto MS, L₂ and MMS media supplemented with various growth regulators. Proliferation of about 17 shoots was obtained on AS supplemented MS medium after 16 d of culture, while about 14 and 20 shoots regenerated from the callus on MMS₁ + NAA (1.86 μM)+BAP (0.45 μM) and L₂+IBA (0.45 μM)+BAP (0.11 μM), respectively after 30 d of culture. Regenerated shoots were rooted on MS+IAA (0.11 μM)+Kn (0.21 μM) with upto 6 roots per shoot. Rooted shoots were sequentially acclimatized by transferring them to sterile distilled water and tap water before planting in various pot mixtures. A maximum of 60% survival rate was noticed on a mixture of soil:sand:manure (1:1:1).

1 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

015045   Tanti B;Buragohain A K (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Dep, Tezpur Univ, Tezpur-784 028, Email: alak_buragohain@yahoo.co.in) : Differentiation of petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading Pseudomonas spp. based on lectin binding of cell extracts in an agglutination assay. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 74-9.

Plant and animal lectins with various carbohydrate specificities were used to type 43 petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading Pseudomonas isolates and the type strain P. aeruginosa MTCC1034 in a microtiter plate assay. Initially, a panel of nine lectins with their known specificity was used. For optimal typing, pretreatment by washing bacteria with a low pH buffer to allow protein release, followed by proteolytic degradation to eliminate autoagglutination, was used. Lectin types of treated samples were stable and reproducible. No strain proved to be untypeable by this system. The species were clustered into 10 different lectin types on the basis of their lectin binding with specific bacterial cell surface carbohydrate moieties. The result of lectin typing reveals considerable intraspecific variations within the species.

3 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

015044   Suntarachun S;Tirawatnapong T;Khunsap S; Puempumpanich S (Research and Development, Queen Memorial Institute, The Thai Red Cross, Society, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand, Email: sunutcha@yahoo.com) : cDNA cloning, sequencing, and expression of α- and β-neurotoxins from Thai-malayan krait. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 31-7.

Amplification products of a- and fi-neurotoxin from Thai-Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) were cloned and expressed in TA expression vector. The expressed protein could not be distinguished by SDS-PAGE. Hence, immunoblotting was performed using AntiHis (C-term)-HRP antibody. The antibody could identify the histidine tags at 24 h incubation with 0.02% L-arabinose. To increase the expression level, PCR products were cloned into PCR2.1 cloning vector and pGEX2T expression vector. The optimal condition for protein expression was IPTG induction at 1 mM for 24 h. Neurotoxin fusion proteins were used as antigen to generate antibodies in mice. In vitro neutralization indicated that antibody against neurotoxin fusion proteins raised in mice was able to neutralize 2x LD₅₀ of crude venom. This result provides basic data for the use of the neurotoxin fusion proteins as immunogens in the development of specific anti venoms against the B. candidus venom.

5 illus, 178 ref

015043   Sundaramoorthy M;Saravanan T S (Biotechnology Dep, ARJ College of Engineering & Technology, Mannargudi-614 001, Email: drtssaravanan50@yahoo.com) : Antibacterial effect of goat and chicken heart tissus against human pathogen bacteria. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(4), 407-14.

The crude buffer (Tris Buffer Saline-I) extracts of muscles, liver, kidney and heart of goat and chicken (White leghorn) were screened against 16 clinical isolates. Among the five tissues, the heart tissue of each animal showed significant bactericidal activities on many isolates. The acid extracted crude proteins of both heart tissues also showed significant antibacterial activities against many bacterial isolates. The crude proteins of goat heart tissues displayed strong bactericidal activities against Salmonella paratyphi 'A' and Salmonella typhimurium (MIC: 16 μg/ml) whereas the crude proteins of chicken heart tissues displayed strong bactericidal activities against Escherichia coli ATCC and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 16 and 63 μg/ml concentrations respectively. The peptides of low molecular weight (< 30 kDa) were also separated from the acid extracted crude proteins of goat and chicken heart tissues by SDS-PAGE after staining with silver nitrate solution.

4 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

015042   Sudha S;Sasikala K;Krishnaveni B;Sangeetha R (Biotechnology Dep, Karpagam Univ, Coimbatore-21, Email: sudhasellappa@yahoo.co.in) : Genetic polymorphism of the glutathione S-transferase M1, T1 and development of breast cancer. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 857-61.

Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) genes are involved in the metabolism of various carcinogens. Previous studies indicated that absence of GSTM1 and Tl enzyme correlates with an increased risk in developing certain type of cancers. In the present study, the associations between genetic polymorphism in the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes were investigated, in relation to breast cancer risk in 78 breast cancer patients and 100 controls. The frequency of the GSTM1 genotype in control and breast cancer groups were 52%, 71.79% whereas 48% controls, 28.21% breast cancer cases had the GSM1 null genotype. The genotypic distribution of GSTT1 was 59% in controls and 67.95% in breast cancer cases and GSTT'1 null genotype was 32.05% in controls and 41% in breast cancer cases. Statistical analysis indicates that there is no association of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphism and hence the gene does not appear to play a significant role in the development of breast cancer.

2 tables, 22 ref

015041   Singh P;Dhanjal S;Singh K V;Raman Suri C; Cameotra S S (NO, Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector 39A, Chandigarh-160 036, Email: ssc@imtech.res.in) : Monitoring atrazine uptake by a new florometric assay. Curr Sci 2009, 96(2), 268-71.

Reports here a new fluorometric method for monitoring atrazine uptake using a strain of Acinetobacter radioresistens. Around 40% decrease in the relative fluorescent intensity of the culture supernatant and a corresponding increase in the fluorescence in cell bio-mass was observed after 18 h of growth on the fluo-rescing substrate, which was indicative of the rapid entry of the compound into the bacterial cell. This fast and safe method is a new application in the field of environmental biotechnology and can be used as an additional approach to monitor uptake of other toxic compounds by different microorganisms and to screen for different pollutant degraders.

3 illus, 11 ref

015040   Sharma S N;Sinha R K;Sharma D K;Jha Z (Genetics Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: sinharakesh_ag@rediffmail.com) : Assessment of intra-spevific variability at morphological, molecular andbiochemical level of Andrographic paniculata (Kalmegh). Curr Sci 2009, 96(3), 402-8.

In the present investigation, 15 Andrographis paniculata genotypes collected from Chhattisgarh and adjoining states were grown in the field for the variability studies. Three different variability parameters namely morphological, molecular and chemotyping of active ingredient content were employed. Wide variations were recorded with regard to quantitative characters and RAPD profile. Ten polymorphic RAPD primers produced a total of 37 amplicons, which generated 70.27% polymorphism. The number of amplified products ranged from 2 to 7 for different primers, whereas the percentage of genetic similarity for the studied primers ranged from 51.4 to 97.0. There were two major clusters formed in the genotypes studied. The andrographolide content ranged from 0.69 to 1.85% and the genotype KI-2 had the highest estimated content. The study demonstrated that simultaneously morphological, molecular and biochemical analysis are useful for characterizing genetic diversity and defining relationships between kalmegh germ-plasm. It also gave possible indications to the phyto-chemical variation of different genotypes which were due to the genetic differences.

6 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

015039   Senthilkumar C S;Sureshkumar M;Wesley E G; Rajasekara Pandian M (Centre for Biotechnology, Muthayammal College of Arts & Science, Rasipuram-637 408, Email: Sengenetics@gmail.com) : Screening of fungus in anti-microbial herb Tecoma stans (L) kunth EX HBK - a microbiological evaluation. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 941-2.

Various plant fungus were isolated from Tecoma stows (L) Kunth Ex HBK in four distinct fungal medium enabling us to evaluate the diversity of pathogens in the valuable medicinal herb. Infected leaf scrapings cultured in different fungal media and Lacto phenol cotton blue staining influenced the study of pathogens under the microscope.

2 illus, 10 ref

015038   Selvaraj Y;Maheshwari G U;Reka S S;Babu M S (NO, Al-tahdi Univ, Libya, Email: yasodh1970@gmail.com) : Vetivera sp as a low cost adsorbent to adsorb Cr (VI) from electroplating industrial effluent. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(3), 194-202.

Chromium (Cr) plating is one of the most widely used forms of electroplating. It is also an important source of heavy and toxic metal discharges into wastewater lines. In the present study the biosorption capacity of Vetivera root has been studied with reference to removal of Cr (VI) from the chromium plating effluent. The results of biosorption studies in terms of pH, agitation time and dosage of adsorbent, revealed higher metal removal up to 150 ppm/g of adsorbent. Metal [Cr (VI)] removal within 120 min was enhanced up to 78.5%. Cr (VI) removal is higher at lower pH of 2.5. The reuse of plant biomass was subjected to elution studies using various eluting agents such as HNO₃, HCl, H₂SO₄, Thiourea and EDTA. The retention capacity of Vetivera was almost constant after three cycles of elution. Hence, this process can be used as an alternative to classical cost effective technology for heavy metal recovery and would also be efficient for effluent treatment system.

5 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

015037   Selvamaleeswaran P;Periyasamy N;Sureshkumar M;Wesely E G;Rajasekara Pandian M (Centre for Biotechnology, Muthayammal College of Arts & Science, Rasipuram-637 408, Email: maleeswaran83@gmail.com) : Antibacterial activity of Catharanthus roseus Lin.G. don on Staphylococcus aureus. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 793-95.

The antimicrobial potential of Catharanthus roseus hairy root has been studied using petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, isopropanol and Benzene extract against Staphylococcus aureus by antibiotic sensitivity test vs standard antibiotic tetracycline. The zone of inhibition formed was proportional to the concentration of chloroform extract found to be more effective and showed highest growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus as compared to the standard tetracycline.

1 table, 10 ref

015036   Selvakumar G;Sundararaman M (Microbiology Dep, DDE, Alagappa Univ, Karaikudi-630 003, Email: micselva@rediffmail.com) : Role of backwater cyanobacteria in enhancing fertility and yield of rice in saline alkali soil. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 913-16.

Saline alkali soil was reclaimed through biological methods using backwater cyanobacteria. Two predominant saline tolerance species such as Phormidium fragile and Oscillatoria curviceps were used for the treatment of saline alkali soil. The important parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity and exchangeable sodium percentage were decreased significantly. Moreover, these two species were increased the growth of paddy in terms of chlorophyll, shoot length, root length, fresh weight, dry weight and grains weight. However, the influence of free P. fragile showed maximum reclamation of soil and yield of paddy than the O. curviceps.

3 tables, 18 ref

015035   Satheeshkumar P K;Murugiah V;Gupta A K (Plant Biotechnology Dep, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai-625 021, Email: akg54@sify.com) : In vitro multiplication of the multipurpose tree Casuarina equisetifolia Linn. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 743-9.

This study has been conducted to establish a protocol for the in vitro multiplication of Casuarina equisetifolia, Linn., a highly prized multipurpose tree belonging to the family Casuarinaceae. Axillary shoots developed from the nodal part of the shoot tip explants in aseptic conditions were used as the starting material for in vitro multiplication. Callus formation was observed when the axillary shoots were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing the plant growth regulator 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), which gave rise to multiple shoots when subcultured on MS basal medium supplemented with the plant growth regulators BAP and indole 3-acetic acid (IAA), within 60 to 80 days. Excised microshoots, treated with IBA followed by ABA when subcultured on MS basal medium, induced profuse rooting within one month. Three months old in vitro regenerated plantlets could be established in pots in greenhouse. The protocol demonstrates that, Casuarina equisetifolia, one of the major tree species in afforestation and wasteland development programmes worldwide can be propagated through in vitro multiplication.

1 illus, 3 tables, 49 ref

015034   Saritha E;Anand R;Suja S;Uma Devi P; Swaminathan K (Biotechnology Dep, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Kalapatti Road, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Bio adsorption of mercury using Aspergillus niger. Asian J envir Sci 2008, 3(2), 111-16.

The increasing awareness of dye toxicity and the biomagnifications through food chain are responsible for the demand for detoxification of industrial effluents prior to their discharge into natural streams. The potential of using fungal biosorbents has received considerable attention since this represents a significant by-product from several fermentations. In batch mode studies, the parameters such as contact time, adsorbent dosage and pH were analyzed to optimize the bioadsorption of mercury. Autoclaved Aspergillusnigerwas found to be efficient in mercury removal. Studies on adsorption isotherms revealed that adsorption of mercury by the fungal mycelium followed the Langmuir model and the process of adsorption is favourable. By using Langmuir isotherm, the adsorption capacity (Qo) of live and autoclaved adsorbents was determined with 0.80 and 0.75 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption rate constants (Kad) were calculated from the slope of the linear plots and were observed to be in the range of 0.035 to 0.046 and 0.030 to 0.038 x10_-2 L/min, respectively for live and autoclaved mycelium.

8 illus, 4 tables, 37 ref

015033   Sairam R K;Kumutha D;Ezhilmathi K (Plant Physiology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: rks_ppl@yahoo.co.uk) : Waterlogging tolerance: nonsymbiotic haemoglobin-nitric oxide homesotasis and antioxidants. Curr Sci 2009, 96(5), 674-82.

Waterlogging is a serious problem which affects crop growth and yield in low-lying, rainfed areas. Most of the rainy-season crops, especially legumes, and to a lesser extent maize and rice are affected by flooding leading to hypoxic or even anoxic conditions. Lack of oxygen shifts the energy metabolism from aerobic mode to anaerobic mode, which in turn adversely affects nutrient and water uptake; so the plants show wilting even when surrounded by excess water. Gaseous plant hormone ethylene plays an important role in modifying the plant's response to oxygen deficiency. Plants normally adapted to growing under waterlogged conditions have mechanisms to cope with this stress in the form of aerenchyma formation, increased availability of soluble sugars, greater activity of glycolytic pathway and fermentation enzymes. Both alcoholic and lactic acid fermentation help in maintaining lower redox potential (low NADH/NAD ratio), and thereby play an important role in anaerobic stress tolerance. Other important biomolecules which are induced under waterlogging, are nonsymbiotic haemoglobins and nitric oxide. Interaction of nonsymbiotic haemoglobins and nitric oxide has been suggested as an alternative to the fermentation pathway, which also rules out the production of toxic alcohol and lactic acid, the latter being the major cause of cytoplasmic acidosis. Waterlogging stress also results in the production of reactive oxygen species, and induction of antioxidant defence enzymes. Waterlogging-induced production of ethylene, H₂O₂ and NO is also involved in signalling and induction of various defence-related genes leading to synthesis of proteins/enzymes imparting hypoxia tolerance.

^iia2 illus, 91 ref

015032   Raval P;Shah H;Panchal H (G.H. Patel P.G. Dep of Computer Science and Technology, Sardar Patel Univ, Vallabh Vidhyanagar, Gujarat-388 120) : Bioinformatics approach for discovering codon bias. Prajna 2009, 17(Dec), 122-4.

A "book" has been written in form of genome for each and every organism. Now it is time to read the book by various means for getting crucial information form it. We outline one way of doing it with the help of computer in this paper. The genetic code has degeneracy i.e. a single amino acid is coded by different codons depending upon the employed codon usage for each organism. According to non-randomness of the codon usage, there are optimal and non-optimal codons for each organism. This is called the codon bias of the organism. Codon bias refers to the tendency for an organism to use certain codons more than others to encode a particular amino acid. Here we intend to put a bioinformatics approach for finding a codon bias in the selected organism. We have created one module in the Java programming language using which one can easily find out the particular codon bias for a specific organism. This tool accepts any file format as input and it can also take multiple files as input. It runs on any platform, as Java is a platform independent language. It produces output in Microsoft Excel file format so that the output can be used for certain statistical analyses.

3 illus, 5 ref

015031   Raval N;Jadeja G (NO, Smt. K. P. Patel Collage of Home Science, Nr. Sardar baug, Anand, Gujarat-388 001) : Effect of germination and fermentation on phenolic comounds of white and black soybean. Prajna 2009, 17(Dec), 140-4.

In the present study, the phenolic compounds present in two different varieties of raw and processed, white and black soybean were evaluated. Total phenolics, tannin, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin content were assessed from raw white am black soybean. In addition, the germination and fermentation treatment were given to check out the changes occurre in phenolic content of processed soybeans. The highest phenolic content was found in black, Bifidobacterium bifidum fermented soybean. While, the lowest level of polyphenol were found in white, iMctobacillus plantarum fermented soybean. The results conclude that the changes occurred in phenolic content due to different processing conditions. The results suggested that the phenolic contents should also consider as an important characteristic feature of soybean seeds and as a potential selection criterion for antioxidant activity in soybean.

2 tabels, 15 ref

015030   Rautaray D;Phadtare S;Sastry M (Tata Chemicals Innovation Centre, , Anmol Pride, Survey No. 270 1st and 2nd Floor, Baner Road, Pune-411 045, Email: msastry@tatachemicals.com) : Nanotechnology. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(Spl), 121-8.

Nanotechnology is an emerging field of research and technology dealing with the fabrication and engineering of materials, structures, and systems at the nano-scale in at least one dimension. A nanometre (nm) is one-billionth of a metre, or ten times the diameter of a hydrogen atom. The diameter of a human hair is, on an average, 80,000 nm. At such scales, the ordinary rules of physics and chemistry no longer apply. For instance, materials' characteristics, such as their colour, strength, conductivity, and reactivity, can differ substantially between nano- and macro-scale objects (objects that can be seen by the naked eye) (Fig. 1). For example, carbon nanotubes are 100 times stronger than steel but six times lighter. The origin of this movement towards the nanoscale is often traced towards the end of 1959, the date of the seminal lecture by Richard Feynman entitled "There is Plenty of Room at the Bottom" delivered at the Annual Meeting of the American Physical Society at California Institute of Technology. The term 'nanotechnology' was first coined in 1974 by Norio Taniguchi, then a Professor at Tokyo Science University.

4 illus

015029   Randhawa G J;Singh M;Chhabra R;Guleria S; Sharma R (National Research Centre on DNA Fingerprinting, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 002, Email: gjr@nbpgr.ernet.in) : Molecular diagnosis of transgenic tomato with Osmotin gene using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Curr Sci 2009, 96(5), 689-94.

Requirement for upgradatioiv of analytical methods for ffie detection of genetically modified (GM) crops is increasing at a fast pace, with a quantum jump in the area of GM crops being grown globally to meet the regulatory and international trade requirements. In the present study, standardization of multiplex poly-merase chain reaction (MPCR) for the detection of GM tomato with osmotin gene was undertaken. In the MPCR, two pairs of designed primers specific for the inserted osmotin gene from Nicotiana tabacum in the transgenic tomato were used along with primers for 35S-promoter from Cauliflower Mosaic Virus and LAT 52 (endogenous late anther tomato) gene for simultaneous detection of the osmotin transgene, 35S promoter and endogenous LAT 52 gene. Internal control target (LAT 52 gene) was included both to assess the efficiency of all PCR reactions and to eliminate any false negatives. Molecular analysis using MPCR of the GM tomato revealed the detection of osmotin gene, CaMV 35S promoter and endogenous LAT 52 gene simultaneously in a single amplification reaction comprising 35 cycles with 59°C annealing temperature. MPCR detection results of GM and non-GM tomato suggest that the reported MPCR protocols would be suitable for detection and monitoring of transgenic tomato with osmotin gene.

3 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

015028   Praveen N;Manohar S H;Naik P M;Nayeem A;Jeong J H;Murthy H N (Botany Dep, Karnatak Univ, Dharwad-580 003, Email: nmurthy60@yahoo.co.in) : Production of andrographolide from adventitous root culture of Andrographic paniculata. Curr Sci 2009, 96(5), 694-7.

Adventitious roots were induced directly from leaf segments of Andrographis paniculata on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 5.3 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 30 g/l sucrose. Adventitious roots cultured in flasks using MS liquid medium with 2.7 μM NAA and 30 g/l sucrose showed higher accumulation of biomass (fresh and dry weight) and andrographolide within four weeks. Seven-fold increment of fresh bio-mass was evident in suspension cultures along with 3.5-fold higher andrographolide compared to natural plants. These results showed a great potentiality of adventitious root cultures for the production of andrographolide.

2 illus, 1 table, 14 ref