016444   El-Bahrawy A Z;Sarwar M;Mohager M O (Biology Dep, College of Science, Aljouf Univ, AlJawf, Saudi Arabia, Email: dr.sarwarbmu@hotmail.com) : Antibacterial activities of old and young leaves of Oleaa europaea (Olive tree) of Aljouf region, Saudi Arabia. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(7), 2762-69.

Antibacterial activities of different solvent extracts of young and old leaves has been evaluated against Pseudomonas aeureginosa (ATTCC10145) an opportunistic bacteria by Agar Well Diffusion Method. Extracts of olive leaves have been prepared by using standard extraction methods and DMS was used as vehicle for all the extracts. Amikacin was used as standard drug to which P. aeruginosa was found sensitive. Augmentin to which this bacteria is resistant was used to check combine effect (if any) with olive leave extracts. Ether, Chloroform and Alcoholic extracts of old and young leaves with or without Augmentin supplementation were used to evaluate the antibacterial activities against P. aeruginosa and all of these extracts were found active. The effect was displayed as concentration dependent for all the extracts tested in this study. The ether extract showed maximum activity which was more than the alcohol, chloroform extracts and Amikacin used as standard in this study. Augmentin supplementation to these extracts does not exert any additional inhibitory effect in the activities of olive leave extracts. Minimum inhibitory concentration was also determined and it was found that extracts of both old and young leave have inhibitory effect of which was found concentration dependent. There was no significant difference between antibacterial activities of old and young leaves. The outcome of present study suggests that these extracts have every potential to be used as neutraceuticals.

32 ref

016443   Djurdjevic L;Gajic G;Jaric S;Kostic O; Mitrovic M;Oberan L J;Pavlovic P (Ecology Dep, Institute for Biological Research, Univ of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia, Email: _kalac948@gmail.com) : Allelopathy of plants from deliblato sands-serbia I. Allelopathic influence of Festuca vallesiaca. Allelopathy J 2016, 37(1), 1-18.

The Festuceto-Potentilletum arenariae steppe community is dominated by Festuca vallesiaca Schleich. We investigated its allelopathic influences on seed germination and seedling growth of neighbouring plants (Cynodon dactylon and Lolium perenne), by determining the amount of total phenolics and phenolic acids in the aboveground parts of F. vallesiaca, litter and soil. An aqueous extract of the aboveground parts of F. vallesiaca, hydroponic growth solution in which F. vallesiaca grew, root exudates, its litter, soil and the phenolic-containing fraction from the soil inhibited the seed germination and seedling growth of neighbouring plants. Total phenolic compounds contents followed the order: vegetative F. vallesiaca parts <62> litter > soil. The same phenolic acids detected in the aboveground parts of the dominant F. vallesiaca were also found in plant litter and soil, but in significantly lower amounts. Phenolics produced in its tissue accumulated in the litter and soil, reaching toxic concentrations, thus inhibiting the seed germination and seedling growth. In addition to other ecological factors, the dominance of F. vallesiaca mainly resulted from its negative allelopathic effects on other species due to the synthesis and secretion of phenolics, which accumulate in the litter and soil.

7 tables, 43 ref

016442   Divya M P;Mathew D;Jyothi R;Bai R;Thomas S (Cholera & Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram-695 014, Email: sabu@rgcb.res.in) : Mutations in gyrA & parC genes of Shigella flexneri 2a determining the fluoroquinolone resistance. Indian J med Res 2015, 141(6), 836-8.

^ssc20 ref

016441   Dias L S;Pereira I P;Dias A S (Biology Dep, Univ de Evora, Ap.94, 7002-554 Evora, Portugal, Email: lsdias@uevora.pt) : Allelopathy, seed germination, weed control and bioassay methods. Allelopathy J 2016, 37(1), 31-40.

Even before its formal establishment as a scientific discipline, allelopathy has been intertwined with agriculture and the potential of allelopathy for weed control has been a permanent matter of interest. Therefore we investigate the importance of seeds and of permanent soil seed banks as a means for propagation of weed species as well as strategies for long-term weed control. Depleting seed banks is critical and encouraging weed seed germination prior to sowing crops is one of the most promising targets for weed control by allelopathins. The share of interest in weed control and in germination in Allelopathy Journal is also examined. Finally we present and discuss methodologic aspects to be taken into account in allelopathic studies for efficient weed control by either permanently inhibiting weed seed germination or by stimulating weed seed germination.

90 ref

016440   Dharajiya D;Shah M;Bajpai B (Biotechnology Dep, Ashok and Rita Patel Institute of Integrated Study and Research in Bio, New V.V. Nagar-388 120, Email: bhakti.bajpai@gmail.com) : Biosorption of acid black 52, an azo dye from aqueous solution using pre-treated biomass of Aspergillus fumigatus A23. Pollut Res 2015, 34(4), 667-76.

Up to 50% of the dyes are lost during the dyeing process and about 10.15% of them are discharged in the effluents. Dyes are mutagenic /carcinogenic and also cannot be completely removed by conventional wastewater treatment systems thereby causing serious environmental and health concerns. In this study, pre-treated biomass of Aspergillus fumigatus A23 was used as a sorbent for biosorption of a commercial textile azo dye, Acid Black 52 from aqueous solution. A comparison of pre-treatment methods showed that autoclaved biomass could decolorize dye maximally (86%) followed by acid (78%) and alkali (74%) treatment. The batch sorption parameters were optimized with respect to pH, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose and equilibrium time; biosorption kinetic parameters were also determined. The optimum conditions for biosorption were found to be initial pH (6.0), initial dye concentration (25 ppm) and biomass concentration (0.5 mg/50 mL) at 30±2°C. The R^{2 values for Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were calculated to be 0.993 and 0.971 respectively, which indicated that the biosorption of Acid Black 52 on autoclaved biomass of A. fumigatus A23 dye could be explained better by Langmuir as compared to Freundlich isotherm equilibrium. Scanning electron microscopic image and Infra-red spectra showed modifications in dead fungal cell as compared to untreated biomass. The autoclaved biomass of A. fumigatus A 23 efficiently removed dye Acid Black 52 and since it is dead biomass it can be used to decolorize composite, toxic raw industrial effluent generated from leather, pharmaceutical and dye manufacturing company.}

8 illus, 3 tables, 39 ref

016439   Deshpande P O;Mohan V;Thakurdesai P (Scientific affairs Dep, Indus Biotech Private Limited, Kondhwa, Pune, Maharashtra, Email: prasad@indusbiotech.com) : Preclinical safety assessment of standardized extract of Centella asiatica (L.) urban leaves. Toxic int 2015, 22(1), 10-20.

Centella asiatica (CA) leaves extract has been shown therapeutic potential. However, safety information is lacking. To evaluate acute oral toxicity (AOT), sub-chronic toxicity, and mutagenic potential of standardized extract of CA (L.) Urban leaves (INDCA). For the acute toxicity study, INDCA was orally administered to Sprague-Dawley rats at a dose range of 0-2000 mg/kg. For the repeated dose toxicity study, the rats of either sex were orally administered with INDCA at the doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day for a period of 90 days. The effects on body weight, food and water consumption, organ weight, hematology, clinical chemistry as well as histology were studied. The mutagenic potential of INDCA was tested using reverse mutation assay (Ames test). Data of each parameter were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test to compare the difference between treated groups. The administration of INDCA did not produce mortality or significant changes in the clinical signs included but not limited to changes in the skin and fur, eyes and mucous membranes, and also respiratory, circulatory, autonomic and central nervous systems, somatomotor activity, and behavior pattern. The appearance, progress, and disappearance of these signs were recorded. The lethal dose and no observable adverse effect level of INDCA were 2000 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg, respectively. There were no significant differences in the organ weights, hematological parameters, clinical chemistry values, or gross and microscopic appearance of the organs from the treatment groups as compared to the control group. It was found to be nonmutagenic in reverse mutation assay. Conclusions: INDCA was found safe in AOT, sub-chronic toxicity, and mutagenicity studies when tested in rats.

11 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

016438   Biswas S;Pandita N (SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Besides Bhaidas Hall, School of Science, Deemed-to-be-Univ, V.L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra-400 056, Email: sapnabiswas@ymail.com) : Phytochemical analysis and chromatographic evaluation of alcoholic extract of Dillenia indica Linn. leaves. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(7), 2799-812.

Present study is about the pharmacognostic and phytochemistry study on Dillenia indica Linn. Dillenia indica is commonly known as chalta or chilta in Hindi. It is a medium sized tree, a native of South eastern Asia, India, Bangladesh, East Srilanka, South western China and Vietnam. The plant is evaluated for understanding the pharmacognostic and Phytochemical characteristics of the leaf. The physicochemical parameters were evaluated which revealed the moisture content as 10.71%. Water soluble and alcohol soluble extractives was found to be 11.97% and 42.32% respectively. Total ash content, water soluble ash content and acid insoluble ash content was found to be 17.48%, 14.03% and 10.56% respectively. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of Alkaloids, Glycosides, Steroids, Flavonoids, Tannins, Saponins and Phenolic compounds. TLC and HPTLC analysis revealed the presence of various phyto-constituents along with Flavonoids, Steroids and Amino acids. HPTLC analysis revealed the presence of Quercetine, Kaempferol, Cholesterol and Glutamic acid. Detection was done under 254 and 366nm.

12 ref

016437   Benaiche G;Belattar N;Trifunnnovic S;Vukovic N;Todorovic D;Todorovic M;Baskic D;Vukic M (Nature and Life Sciences Dep, Faculty of Sciences, Univ of Mohamed Boudiaf, M'sila, Algeria, Email: ghanobenaiche@gmail.com) : Isolation of alkaloids and anti-tumor activity of the crude methanolic extract of algerian Cytisus purgans. Oriental J Chem 2015, 31(4), 1943-8.

In this study, two known quinolizidine alkaloids which are sparteine and lupanine were isolated from the methanolic extract of the plant CytisusPurgans of Algerian flora by open column chromatography. These two compounds were identified on the basis of their spectral data (GC/MS, IR, MS, ^{1H and 13C). The anti-tumor activity of the crude methanolic extract of the aerial parts of the plant was also evaluated invitro against human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) and human lung cancer (A549) cell lines using MTT assay.}

2 illus, 25 ref

016436   Alhumaidi J (Chemistry Dep, College of Science, Princess Nora Bint Abdul Rhman Univ, Saudi Arabia, Email: al-hamidij@hotmail.com) : Chemical composition of the essential oils for Anthemis melampodina from North Saudi Arabia. Oriental J Chem 2015, 31(4), 2265-70.

The chemical composition of essential oil of Anthemsmelampodinais determined by GC/MS. The oil was obtained by hydro-distillation and SPME extraction methodsIn the SPME method, a total of 41 constituents were identified monoterpene hydrocarbons (88.89%) were the main class of compounds detected in the SPME method with β-pinene(35.29%), trans-ocimene(23.96%) andterpinolene(15.78%) being detected as the main constituents. On the other hand, hydro-distilled oil was rich in oxygenated sesquiterpene(31.22%).

2 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

015291   Zeng C;Jiang W;Wang X c;Tan M e;Xing J g (NO, Xinjiang Institute of Materia Medica, Urumqi-830 004, P R China) : Total flavonoids extract from Dracocephalum moldavica composite phospholipid liposomes: preparation, in vitro drug release and permeability of Caco-2 cell. J Pharmac Phytochem 2016, 5(1), 30-5.

To prepare Composite Phospholipid Liposome (CPL) of Total Flavonoids Extract from Dracocephalum moldavica (TFDM), determine its physicochemical properties, investigate its in-vitro release and increase the bioavailability of TFDMCPL. The CPL was prepared by ammonium sulfate transmembrane gradients. The CPL and TFDM were separated by Sephadex-G50 chromatography. The concentration of TFDM in the CPL were detected by HPLC, then the entrapment efficiency (EE) was evaluated. And the shape, particle size, zeta potential, drug release in vitro were investigated, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques was employed to investigate molecular interaction in TFDMCPL and study the transcellular transportation and cytotoxicity of TFDMCPL using Caco-2 cell model. The EE of TFDM was 84.17±2.2%, mean size of CPL was 136.2±3.7 nm, polymey disperse index (PDI) was 0.158±0.015 and zeta potential was -19.8±1.2 mV. TFDMCPL were found to enhance the release of drugs more effectively than TFDM based on the in vitro model and CPL were found to enhance the permeability of TFDM more effectively than the TFDM alone based on the in vitro model of the epithelial barrier. The ammonium sulfate transmembrane gradient is suitable for preparing TFDMCPL. This HPLC method was accurate and sensitive, and can be applied to the determination of TFDMCPL. And TFDMCPL have potential to be used to improve the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs after oral administration.

7 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

015290   Yadav N S;Gautam D;Gautam S S (JNKVV, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kumdeshwar Road, Tikamgarh (Madhya Pradesh)-472 001) : Effect of plant growth regulators in flowering and colour development. TECHNOFAME 2015, 4(2), 62-6.

This study was carried out at Horticultural Research Farm of Bundelkhand University Jhansi to evaluate the effect of some growth regulators in flowering and colour development.Three plant growth regulators of GA₃, BA and IAA were exogenously applied in different concentrations alone and their combinations on Gladiolus. The experiment consisted 28 treatments of GA₃ (250, 500 and 1000 ppm), BA (25, 50 and 100 ppm) and IAA (100, 200 and 400 ppm) with three modes of application (dipping, spraying and dipping plus spraying alone) including one control, which were replicated three times. The data revel that GA 3 at 500 or 1000 ppm was significantly superior to other treatments regarding improvement in the flowering, number of days for slipping and number of days showing bud for colorings'.

3 tables, 3 ref

015289   Vivek Kumar;Nandani Kumari;Singh L B;Subodh Kumar (Animal Breeding and Genetics Dep, Ranchi Veterinary College, Ranchi) : Effect of fecb gene polymorphism on different reproductive traits in black Bengal goat. Indian J vet Sci Biotechnol 2016, 11(3), 70-3.

Aim of this study was to investigate FecB gene polymorphism in Black Bengal goats and its effect on different reproductive traits like age at first kidding, service period, kidding interval and gestation period. A total 96 DNA samples (42 males and 54 females) were subjected to polymerase chain reaction to obtain amplified fragments of 190 bp. These fragments were allowed for polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for the detection of Single Strand Conformational Polymorphism (SSCP). Polymorphism was revealed and three different SSCP variants were found which were designated as AA, AB and BB. The highest genotype frequency was observed for AB (0.38), which was followed by BB (0.33) and AA (0.29). Least-square analysis of variance showed non-significant effect of genotype on age at first kidding, service period, kidding interval and gestation Period. It suggested that genetic factor responsible for these traits is not related to this mutation.

1 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

015288   Verma R;Pandey R;Singh A K;Jain V;Nilofar R (Plant Physiology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: renu.pandey.iari@gmail.com) : Cloning and molecular characterization of high-affinity nitrate transporter gene BjNRT2.1 from Indian mustard. Indian J Pl Physiol 2015, 20(1), 63-71.

Inducible high-affinity nitrate transporter gene (BjNRT2.1) was isolated and structurally characterized from Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) seedlings grown in 10 μM nitrate solution. By performing 5'RACE-PCR, the full length cDNA of 1593 bp was obtained. Alignment and comparative analyses with other NRT2 proteins showed that BjNRT2.1 encodes a member of HATS family. Highly conserved motifs between AtNRT2.1 and BjNRT2.1 suggested that it is an orthologue of AtNRT2.1. Hydropathy plot of BjNRT2.1 predicted 12 membrane spanning α-helices with both C- and N-terminal inside. Reliability of this model was supported by the presence of major facilitator superfamily and nitrate-nitrite porter signatures associated with NRT2 transporter and conserved arginine residues. Induction of BjNRT2.1 transcripts at 10 μM nitrate concentration only in roots confirmed that it is root-specific and a member of inducible HATS gene family.

6 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

015287   Thind T S;Attri M;Singh A (Plant Pathology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: tsthind@pau.edu) : Simple method for early detection of metalaxyl resistance in Phytophthora parasitica dast causing foot rot of citrus. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2015, 45(2), 215-17.

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015286   Swati B;Yenagi N B (Food Sciences and Nutrition Dep, College of Rural Home Science, Dharwad Univ of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005, Email: yenaginirmalanb@uasd.in) : Comparative assessment of proximate composition of sewage and fresh water irrigated vegetables. Karnataka J agric Sci 2015, 28(3), 398-401.

The proximate composition and sugar content of edible parts of the vegetables grown under sewage and fresh water irrigation were assessed in the present study. Sewage and fresh water irrigated vegetables such as brinjal, coriander leaves, methi leaves, palak and tomato were collected from the farmers of Giriyal and Gamanagatti villages of Hubli taluk respectively. The results of the proximate analysis showed that the moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrate and sugar contents of vegetables were significantly influenced by quality of irrigated water. The mean moisture content was significantly lower in sewage water irrigated vegetables. Whereas the mean protein, fat, ash, crude fibre and sugar contents were higher in sewage water irrigated vegetables. Significant difference was observed between the vegetables irrespective of irrigation source. The highest moisture, total sugar, reducing and non reducing sugars were found in tomato followed by brinjal. The highest protein, fat ash and crude fibre contents were observed in coriander leaves. Overall the nutritional values of vegetables irrigated with sewage water were higher than those irrigated with fresh water.

2 tables, 6 ref

015285   Swamy K M;Patil M S;Bhat R S;Bydgi A S (Plant Pathology Dep, College of Agriculture, Univ of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005, Email: chinmayi3@rediffmail.com) : Development of coat protein mediated resistance in peanut plants against peanut bud necrosis virus. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2015, 45(2), 156-65.

Bud necrosis, caused by (PBNV), is a devastating disease of many crops including peanut ( ). The coat protein gene of 831 bp was amplified and cloned. The coat protein gene was sub cloned into a plant transformation vector pCAMBIA1305.1 to get a plant expression cassette under the control of CaMV 35S promoter and terminator. The resulting vector was mobilized into the LBA 4404 strain by triparental mating. Coat protein gene was transferred to peanut (cv GPBD 4) by mediated transformation of embryo axis. Of the 200 embryo axis infected with, 140 developed into plants (T₀), and thirteen plants (6.5%) showed the presence of coat protein gene when checked with PCR and GUS assay. Of the 52 T₁ transgenic plants from thirteen (T₀) events, 37 showed stable integration of the coat protein gene. Expression of the coat protein gene was confirmed using DAC-ELISA. The challenge inoculated plants were resistant to PBNV. Absence of virus was confirmed in PCR positive T₁ transgenic plants by negative amplification for movement protein gene of PBNV.

5 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

015284   Sreeja S J;Girija V K (Plant Pathology Dep, College of Agriculture, Keral Agricultural Univ, Vellayani, Trivandrum-695 522, Email: sreejasj@gmail.com) : Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Fusarium spp the causal agent of wilt of Cowpea in Kerala. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2015, 45(2), 201-6.

The species level identification of Fusarium spp., a dreaded soil borne wilt pathogen crippling the vegetable cowpea cultivation in Kerala, was attempted through partial sequencing of ITS- rDNA and phylogenetic analysis. Amplification of the ITS- rDNA region of the isolates of Fusarium spp. yielded 500-530 bp long product and were sequenced. Among the 12 isolates, seven were identified as F. oxysporum Schlecht. with 99-100 per cent sequence similarity whereas, three were close to F. equiseti (Corda) Sacc. with 100 per cent sequence similarity and the remaining two were detected as F. solani (Mart.) Sacc. with 100 per cent sequence similarity with the existing sequences of Fusarium spp. available in NCBI database. Hence, the study clearly distinguished the association of either F. oxysporum, F. equiseti or F. solani with wilt of cowpea in Kerala.

2 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

015283   Sophia O;Robert G M;Ngwela W J (Crops Dep, Horticulture and Soils Sciences, Egerton Univ, Egerton-Kenya) : Effects of aloe vera gel coatings and storage temperature on quality of mango of (Mangiferaindica L.) fruits. Ann Biol Res 2015, 6(5), 1-6.

Mango (Mangiferaindica L.) is a popular and economically important tropical fruit throughout the world due to its excellent nutritional composition, eating and visual qualities. However, the fruit is highly perishable and as a result high post-harvest losses continue to be reported especially in Africa. In order to address this problem, 4 concentrations of Aloe vera (AG) (0, 25, 50 and 75%) and chitosan (1%) were tested at two temperature levels (room temperature (15-22°C) and 13°C) to determine their effect on the postharvest life of mango (var. 'ngowe'). The experimental design was a 5 by 2 factorial experiment embedded in a complete randomized design with three replications. Data were recorded on weight loss, Total soluble solids, firmness and pHamong others. The results showed that at I3°C temperature, aloe concentrations significantly increased the shelf life evidenced by reduced percentage weight loss. Fruit firmness and totals soluble solids concentration and pH were also maintained for longer periods in these treatments.. Aloe vera gel as a coating and storage temperature of 13°C for maintaining quality of mango fruits hence reduced postharvest losses.

4 tables, 13 ref

015282   Sharma I M;Prashad D (Plant Pathology Dep, Dr YS Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: imsharmal18@gmail.com) : Prevalence, etiology and management of green mould rot (Penicillium digitatum) in citrus (Kinnow) fruits. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2015, 45(2), 189-95.

Present investigation was undertaken with the objectives to study the prevalence; etiology and management of green mould rot pathogen of citrus fruits to develop suitable management practices. Survey of different terminal fruit markets in the state indicated that incidence of green mould rot varied between 18.5-25.9 per cent. Maximum incidence of green mould rot was recorded at Paonta Sahib (25.9%) in district Sirmour. The freshly inoculated citrus (Kinnow) fruit with developed discoloured soft area around injuries on second days and white mycelium starts appearing on discoloured area on fourth days after 90 h of inoculation, olive green coloured spores appeared in the centre of white mycelium on sixth days of inoculation and the entire fruit surface was covered with olive green spores of fungus on eighth days of inoculation. In management studies, among eight different fungicides tested against difenoconazole 25 EC, carbendazim 50 WP and hexaconazole 5 EC were most effective in order with 99.51, 98.54 and 98.17 per cent growth inhibition (PGI). Similarly, out of six chemicals, diphenyl amine was most effective (92.5 PGI) followed by potassium sorbate (74.05 PGI) and sodium bicarbonate (73.12 PGI), respectively. Under evaluation, difenoconazole was most effective and exhibited complete control of target disease followed by carbendazim with 4.30 per cent disease index (PDI). Hexaconazole 5 EC, diphenylamine and potassium sorbate were the next best in order and recorded 90.71, 90.36 and 89.51 per cent DRI, respectively.

4 tables, 38 ref

015281   Shah P;Singh S P;Anil Kumar (Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Dep, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, US Nagar-263 145, Email: anilkumar.mbge@gmail.com) : Combined effect of hydroethanolic extracts of Murraya koenigii and Phyllanthus niruri leaves on paracetamol and ethanol-induced toxicity in HepG2 cell line. Curr Sci 2015, 109(7), 1320-6.

Present study is an attempt to determine the combined hepatoprotective potential of hydroethanolic leaf extracts of Murraya koenigii and Phyllanthus niruri against paracetamol (PCM) and ethanolinduced toxicity in human hepatoma HepG2 cell line. Toxicity in cells was induced by treatment with 15 mM PCM and 50 mM ethanol for 24 h as manifested by a significant (P <60> 0.05) decrease in cell viability, increase in the leakage of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and serum glutamate pyruvate in culture medium, increase in lipid peroxidation and reduction in reduced glutathione in cell lysate. These alterations were significantly ameliorated when cells were treated with a combination of hydroethanolic leaf extracts of M. koenigii and P. niruri, and silymarin during both prophylactic and curative studies. Both post-treatment (curative) and pre-treatment (prophylactic) with the combination of plant extracts were able show effective hepatoprotection. This was also evident during morphological studies. The combination of plant extracts thus holds immense potential for future use as a hepatoprotectant.

3 illus, 41 ref

015280   Sankhla A K;Malik C P;Jakhar M L (School of Life Sciences, Jaipur National Univ, Jaipur-302 017, Email: cpm_malik@yahoo.com) : Analysis of genetic diversity in Brassica juncea (L.) varieties by using RAPD and ISSR. LS-Int J Life Sci 2015, 4(3), 188-97.

Brassica juncea L. (family: Brassicaceae), is an important oilseed crop and known to be anodyne, aperitif, diuretic, emetic, rubefacient, and stimulant. In the current investigation RAPD and ISSR primers were used to assess genetic diversity in its 15 varieties. Total genomic DNA was extracted by CTAB and PCR amplification was carried out. Out of 100 tested RAPD primers, 60 primers were amplified, of which 43 were used for scoring and 42 revealed polymorphic loci. The number of bands amplified per primer varied between 2(OPD 9) and 19 (OPD-20) with an average of 6.09 bands per primer. A total of 256 bands were amplified of which 157 were polymorphic resulting in a polymorphism frequency of 61.32% and an average of 3.8 polymorphic bands per primer. Out of the 100 UBC tested ISSR primers, 48 primers gave amplification. Of these 31 primers were used for scoring. 30 primers gave polymorphic bands while 1 primer was monomorphic. The number of amplicons per primer ranged from 5 (UBC 830) to 19 (UBC 810 and UBC 840). The polymorphic primers amplified 321 bands of which 189 were polymorphic resulting in a polymorphic frequency of 58.87% and an average of 6.3 polymorphic bands per primer. The dendrogram revealed two main clusters. Each cluster was subdivided into subgroups. The present investigation revealed that molecular markers could be successfully utilised to determine genetic diversity and genetic relationship of various varieties. From the clustering pattern and genetic relationship obtained with different markers, breeders can fruitfully identify the diverse genotype from different cluster and take them up in their future breeding program.

11 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

015279   Sanjukta R;Mahesh Kumar;Mandakini R;Joken B; Karuna I;Nagappa K;Singh S P (NO, Gobin Ballabh Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand-263 145) : Phylogenetic analysis of CPV isolate of Manipur. Indian J Anim Sci 2014, 80(10), 1065-7.

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalent strain and epidemiological pattern of CPV isolates from Manipur. PCR was done with type-specific primers sets pCPV-2, pCPV-2ab and pCPV-2b. Out of 34 samples, 18 CPV isolates were obtained, all of which belong to CPV-2b. This is the first report of strain characterization of CPV isolates from Manipur (Eastern India) so it was further confirmed by sequencing of the cloned PCR product of 421 bp size. GeneBank accession no. EU118267 was assigned to the sequence. Comparative analysis of the sequence has shown to have cent percent homology with CPV-Japan 97-008, CPV Africa-3 and CPV-Polish isolates.

2 illus, 11 ref

015278   Saikia M;Shrivastava K (Laboratory of Biiotechnology & Plant-Microbe Interaction, Forestry Dep, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuli, Arunachal Pradesh) : Biological control of Heortia vitessoides moore, the most serious insect defoliator of Aquilaria malaccensis lamk., a commerciall important tree species of Northeast India. Ann Biol Res 2015, 6(5), 26-32.

Agar tree (Aquilaria malaccensis Lam., Family- Thymeleaceae) has drawn unique position due to the production of world's most expensive essential oil used as perfume. This paper deals with the ease & problems associated with large scale propagation of agar plant and biological control of Heortia vitessoides Moore (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera), a serious insect pest that severely damages its seedlings very often. Germination test performed with 4500 seeds for consecutive7 days showed 93%, 75%, 44.8% 40.6%, 33%, 29.6% and 14.4% germination with 73.61, 53.37%, 49.60%, 31.52%, 23.66%, 31.80% and 35.70% survival respectively. After three months, average height (15.83±l.45cm to 25.83±1.71cm) and average numbers of leaves (8.33+0.88 & 12.5+0.28) of seedlings were measured. Overall, only 42.75% seedlings could survive due to flood followed by grasshopper attack and H. vitessoides infestation during the study period. Biological control approach was adopted to manage this insect-pest using concentrated chilly, garlic and onion extracts @ 1kg/10 liter and fungal spare suspensions (Trichoderma viride, Aspergillus flavus, Metarhizium anisopliae Beauveria bassiana) @ approximately 2.2-2.4xl0^{6 spores/ml. Chilly, M. anisopliae and B. bassiana could control insect population above 90%. Onion/garlic were less effective (40-50%), Aspergillus flavus/Trichoderma viride had least (<62>20%) or no effect M all Chilly may be used as effective, eco-friendly and economic bio-control agent in the field.}

1 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

015277   Ruphin F P (Organic Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Sciences, P. O. Box 187, Univ of Toliara, 601 Toliara, Madagascar) : Vasodilator effects of Cymbopogon pruinosus) Poaceae) from madagascar on isolated rat thoracic aorta and structural elucidation of its bioactive compounds. J Pharmac Phytochem 2016, 5(1), 46-55.

The aerial part of Cymbopogon pruinosus is widely used in the Southern part of Madagascar for the treatment of hypertension. The aims of the present study were to analyze the vasorelaxant properties of different extracts from C. pruinosus and to isolate and characterize bioactive secondary metabolites. An ethno-pharmacological survey was conducted in the south of Madagascar about medicinal plants used in folk medicine to treat hypertension. The vasorelaxant activity of various extracts (n-Hexane, Dichloromethane, Ethyl acetate and Ethanol) from the most cited plant C. pruinosus1 was carried out on rat aorta ring. The chemical structures of the pure compounds were determined by LC/MS/NMR. The ethyl acetate extract was the most effective. The ethyl acetate extract inhibited phenylephrine contraction in isolated rat thoracic aorta. Bioassay-guided fractionation of this extract led to the isolation and structural characterization of two bioactive pure compounds (named PY-1 and PY-2) which exhibited very good vasorelaxant activities with the EC₅₀ values of 0.0125 ± 0.006 mgml^{-1 and 0.00731 ± 0.0018 mgml-1 respectively. The bioactive compounds were attributed respectively to Scopoletin (PY-1) and Bis(2-ethyl hexyl)phthalate (DEHP). The vasorelaxant potency of the bioactive extract was diminished in the absence of endothelium and by a pre-treatment with propranolol, a β ₂ adrenergic receptor blocker, which was however not affected by indomethacin pre-treatment. These findings indicated that the vasorelaxant effect of Cymbopogon pruinosus may be partially endothelium dependent, mediated by nitric oxide and that vasoactive prostanoids might not be contributing to the vasorelaxation effect. C. pruinosus possess vasorelaxant activity on isolated organs. The ability of plant extracts and its isolates in this study to cause relaxation of the aortic rings pre-contracted with phenylephrine may represent a rational explanation for the use of the plant species to treat hypertension by Malagasy traditional healers.}

11 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

015276   Roy S;Chakraborty U (Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Botany Dep, North Bengal Univ, Siliguri-734 013, Email: ucnbu2012@gmail.com) : Cross-generic studies with rice indicate that ion homeostasis and antioxidant defense is associated with superior salinity tolerance in Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.. Indian J Pl Physiol 2015, 20(1), 14-22.

A study was undertaken to evaluate the salt-tolerant attributes of Cynodon dactylon by comparing it with three varieties of the model glycophyte crop rice (Oryza sativa L.). For cross generic studies, all plants were uprooted and transferred to 0.1 x Hoagland solution supplemented with 0, 10, 100, 200 and 500 mM NaCl. All plants were exposed to NaCl shock for 24 and 72 h. One of the most important attribute that conferred salinity tolerance in Cynodon was the presence of sodium ion exclusion mechanism in leaves. At high NaCl concentrations (200 and 500 mM NaCl), Na^{+ exclusion from the leaves was observed after 3 days. This helped to maintain a high K+/Na+ ratio inside the leaf tissues. The activity of different antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione reductase were also evaluated, and it was observed that the synchronised activity of these enzymes was responsible for the detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated under salinity stress in Cynodon. The relatively stable and controlled level of H₂O₂ and membrane lipid peroxidation in Cynodon with the increase in NaCl concentration and time of treatment could be due to efficient antioxidant machinery. Additionally, the controlled and least affected relative water content in leaves and roots of Cynodon in comparison to the rice varieties can be linked to the enhanced accumulation of proline and sugars, which helped to maintain the osmotic balance. On the other hand, all the three rice varieties lacked Na+ exclusion mechanism and efficient ROS scavenging system at par with Cynodon, as evidenced by higher oxidative stress markers such as lipid peroxidation, and H₂O₂ and lower activity of antioxidant enzymes. Besides there was little inter-varietal differences among the rice varieties in terms of NaCl tolerance.}

8 illus, 5 tables, 45 ref

015275   Rao N K S (NO, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lake P.O., Bangalore-560 089) : Physiology of high temperature stress tolerance in vegetables. Int J Innovative Hort 2015, 4(2), 75-86.

Crop production is highly sensitive to elevated temperatures. A rise of a few degrees above the optimum growing temperature can lead to a dramatic yield loss. Heat stress influences an array of processes including physiological, growth, developmental, yield, and quality of crop. High temperature may slow down or prevent germination, depending on plant species and stress intensity, and, at later stages, may adversely affect photosynthesis, respiration, water relations and membrane stability. Plant reproduction is the most temperature-sensitive process in the plant life cycle. More precisely, pollen quality is strongly affected by heat stress conditions. High temperature leads to a decrease of pollen viability which is directly correlated with a loss of fruit production. The reduction in pollen viability is associated with changes in the level and composition of several (groups of) metabolites, which play an important role in pollen development, for example by contributing to pollen nutrition or by providing protection to environmental stresses. Metabolic alterations caused by heat stress can lead to severe damage in sensitive plants compared to tolerant plants. In this review, the effects of heat stress on processes by which plants respond, including the contribution of HSP, QTL and metabolomics studies to its understanding and performance of some vegetable crops under high temperature are discussed.

^iia147 ref

015274   Raj Pravin T;Nazir M (Agricultural Extension Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002, Email: trajpravin@gmail.com) : Participatory extension initiatives at grassroots towards colour revolution in coastal Tamil Nadu, India. Int J Innovative Hort 2015, 4(2), 123-5.

Gladiolus, as a new flower crop was introduced in the coastal farming system of Tamil Nadu, India using cyber extension mode. Demonstration farm with the active participation of self help group members and innovative farmers was laid in farmers' fields to introduce and cultivate gladiolus. The successful cultivation of gladiolus under the guidance and training of the research and extension team and the result demonstration campaign conducted in the premises of Govt. Arts college paved way for successful dissemination of this new floral technology among Cavery delta locality farmers Over years introduction of vegetable intercrop knol knol, formation of gladiolus growers club, establishment of gladiolus model and demonstration farms were some of the novel traditional extension interventions done as a part of "Exploring gladiolus for colour revolution in coastal areas of Tamil Nadu Project". However over a period of time to further to increase the participation of the diversified farming communities and to increase awareness among all stake holders of this project [Rural farm youth, unemployed rural graduates, farm entrepreneurs, Artisans community] new grass root extension initiatives like extension posters on Gladiolus, Gladiolus stickers as awareness campaign tool, extension calendar on gladiolus extension activities were done among all stake holders of this project so the need of the hour is to use both traditional extension approaches along with new creative extension initiatives in reaching in reaching our diversified farm population for introduction of farm innovations to be successful at the field level.

015273   Rabinal C A;Bhat S (Biotechnology Dep, College of Agricultural Dharwad, Univ of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka, Email: sumangalabhat09@gmail.com) : Expression profiling of mycoparasitic genes in Trichoderma koningii IABT1252 during its interaction with Sclerotium rolfsii. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2015, 45(3), 257-62.

Trichoderma is one of the biocontrol agents which parasitise most of the phytopathogenic fungi. The key components involved in mycoparasitism are production of various antagonistic enzymes, proteins and metabolites. The expression of genes involved in mycoparasitisation process determines the ability of the Trichoderma isolates in inhibiting the pathogen attack and preventing the disease incidence. In this study expression of chitinase, exo- β, D-glucosaminidase, cellobiohydrolase-2, aminoacid transporter, hydrophobin, bZIP transcription factor and exo-chitinase gene in a most potent Trichoderma isolate (T. koningii IABT1252) was studied during its confrontation with a major soil borne fungus, Sclerotium rolfsii. The expression level of all the genes were significantly high in T. koningii IABT1252 during its interaction with S. rolfsii compared to non-interacting T. koningii IABT1252. Of all the seven genes studied, expression level of gene coding for chitinase showed 1.9 fold higher expression after contact with T. koningii IABT1252 compared to non interacting T. koningii IABT1252. However, expression of gene coding for hydrophobin showed 1.571 fold high in prior to contact and its expression decreased after contact.

4 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

015272   Priji P J;Hemaprabha G (Crop Improvement Div, Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore-641 007, Email: hemaprabha@sify.com) : Sugarcane specific drought responsive candidate genes belonging to ABA dependent pathway identified from basic species clones of Saccharum sp. and Erianthus sp.. Sugar Tech 2015, 17(2), 130-7.

Development of drought tolerant sugarcane cultivars has long been a major breeding objective in view of depleting water source and longer dry spells. Identification of specific candidate genes would be an efficient approach to the genetic improvement of sugarcane for drought tolerance. As the involvement of abscisic acid (ABA) in mediating drought stress has been well demonstrated, in the present study eleven putative candidate genes from orthologous species belonging to ABA dependent pathway viz ABF 2, ABF 3, ATHB-7, CIPK 14, CDPK 18, LEA 3, MYB 2, RD 28, RGS 1, SNRK 2.5 and TPS 2 were screened on a set of clones belonging to tolerant species viz. Saccharum spontaneum, S. barberi, S. sinense, S. robustum and Erianthus and the susceptible species of S. officinarum. Out of these, ten genes except ATHB-7 were amplified in Saccharum and Erianthus species. The genes ABF 2, CIPK 14, LEA 3, MYB 2, RD 28, RGS1 and SNRK 2.5 were absent in almost all the susceptible clones of S. officinarum and were present in the tolerant species clones implicating their role in imparting drought tolerance in sugarcane. Number of genes detected in S. officinarum ranged from 2 to 6 whereas drought tolerant species clones exhibited 4-10 genes. The clones SES 106 B and Iritty 2 (S. spontaneum), Pathri (S. barberi) and IK 76-99 (Erianthus) were found as the repositories of ten genes to be advantageously used in breeding for drought tolerance in sugarcane. The sequencing of the polymorphic bands and BLAST search would lead to the identification of new drought responsive genes in sugarcane for use as novel and functional candidate genes for improving drought tolerance in sugarcane through marker-assisted introgression breeding and genetic transformation approach.

1 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

015271   Praveen K;Hemanth Kumar M;Umamaheshwari A; Reddy D M;Sudhakar P;Munikumar M;Pradhan D;Sabita N (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati-517 502, Email: hemanthangrau@gmail.com) : SGDB: a sugarcane germplasm database. Sugar Tech 2015, 17(2), 150-5.

Collection, conservation, characterization, maintenance and utilization of plant genetic resources are essential components of crop improvement programs. Sugarcane Germplasm Database was developed for 45 descriptors on 131 germplasm accessions using MySQL 5.6 server, Dreamweaver web design tool, JAVA programming language and Apache Tomcat server to rationalize storage, retrieve, update, query and report data for multiuser environment. The information included data on 27 distinct, uniform and stable descriptors as described in PPV & FRA, India, 18 agronomic and quality descriptors and pictures in JPEG format on the most distinctive features. The database will be useful to sugarcane breeders to identify the accessions and in selecting parents for targeted traits in hybridization and crop improvement in sugarcane.

5 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

015270   Oseni Olalekan A;Taiwo Abayomi G;Ijaola Taiwo O;Laner-Iyanda Y A (Science Laboratory Technology Dep, Chemistry Unit, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria) : Levels of some mineral element in the leaves of three Nigerian vegetables in Abeokuta, Ogun state of Nigeria. Ann Biol Res 2015, 6(4), 27-32.

Some mineral element levels in three Nigerian Vegetables were investigated. High levels might cause pollution of these vegetables thereby rendering them unsafe for consumption by the populace living in these environment. Moisture content, Iron, Manganese and Copper were determined in green Soko, Celocia argents L; Tete, Amaranthus hybridus L; and Ewe iroko (Ugu) Telfaira occidentalis collected from four markets (Gbangba, Kuto, Olumore and Iberekodo) in Abeokuta metropolis. Moisture content was determined by standard method while Iron was determined colourimetrically. Copper and Manganese were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, Perkin Elmer Corporation, Norwalk Model. % MC of the leaves ranged from 85:00% in Ugu of Gbangba to 92.48% in Soko of Kuto. The concentrations of Iron, manganese and Copper in the leaves ranged from 6.540 mgkg^{-1 in Tete of Kuto to 8.40 mgkg-1 in Soko of Olomore, 0.483 mgkg-1 in Ugu of Kuto and Gbangba to 8.420 mgkg-1 in Soko of Gbangba and Iberekodo, 0.041 mgkg-1 in Ugu of Kuto and Gbangba to 0.047 mgkg-1 in Soko of Iberekodo. Their observed mean values are 7.405 mgkg-1, 0.484 mgkg-1 and 0.042 mgkg-1 respectively. The levels of some elements in these vegetables were found to be below the permissible level recommended by WHO but were also found to be lower than the recommended daily dietary intake except for Manganese. Leaves of these three vegetables are recommended for consumption for the populace in this environment.}

2 tables, 9 ref

015269   Nirmaladevi D;Ramesha A;Sunitha V H;Babu R L; Srinivas C (Microbiology & Biotechnology Dep, Jnanabharathi Campus, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056, Email: srinivasbub@gmail.com) : Antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of the bioactive pigment bikkaverin produced by Fusarium oxysporum F.Sp. Lycopersici. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2015, 45(1), 13-21.

Fusarium oxysporum strains are known to be prolific producers of metabolites with potential application. A violet pigmented strain of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici was isolated from rhizosphere soil of tomato plant. The biomass was grown in PDB and the intracellular pigment extracted. The identity of the compound was established by comprehensive analysis of the TLC and spectral data viz., UV- Visible absorption, LC-ESI-MS, FT-IR and ^{1H-NMR. The pigment exhibited R_f of 0.76, λ_max at 605nm and the molecular ion peak at m/z 383.17 [M+H] consistent to the molecular formula of C₂₀ H₁₄ O₈ indicating that the compound was Bikaverin. The pigment exhibited antibacterial activity against human and seed borne plant pathogenic bacteria. The MIC and IC,v>50 values ranged between 5-10μg/ml and 10-50 μg/ml, respectively and it suppressed the growth of seed borne phytopathogenic Curvularia sp., Chaetomium sp. by 75 and 70%, respectively. In the cytotoxicity assay, the compound showed strong inhibitory effects on human lung carcinoma type II epithelial cells (A549), with IC₅₀ value of <126> 13μg/ml.}

5 illus, 2 tables, 96 ref

015268   Nirmal Tej Kumar;Rosa A H (Institute for Research in Anticipatory Systems, The Univ of Texas at Dallas, Tx, USA, Email: hmfg2014@gmail.com) : Environmental sciences informatics based on reaction diffusion mechanisms of nano-bio material systems using chemical sensing and computing paradigms- a novel suggestion. Int J appl Res Inf Technol Comput 2016, 6(2), 75-83.

Chemical reaction-diffusion media represents information processing means capable to efficiently solve problems of high complexity. It was found during the last decades that chemical reaction-diffusion media could be effectively used by the media by means of physical stimuli and fabrication of multi-level reaction-diffusion systems. An important challenge of the current nano-bio scenario is identifying and treating the environmental contaminants and preventing pollution, which are obligatory steps in environmental sensing and informatics. Although, we focused on the theoretical aspects, experimental implementation is also possible. Environmental informatics is a promising novel topic of interest to a wider audience.

3 illus, 78 ref

015267   Nayak A;Joseph E;Nayak S;Swamy M;Baghel R P S (Veterinary Microbiology Dep, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, NDVSU, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Effect of Ocimum sanctum dry leaf powder on immune response in broilers fed ochratoxin. Indian J vet Sci Biotechnol 2016, 11(3), 5-7.

Study was conducted to evaluate the immunomodulatory property of Ocimum sanctum dry leaf powder in ochratoxin supplemented fed broilers. Day old, 108 broilers were distributed into nine groups in duplicate. Serum was collected on day 15th, 25th and 35th and humoral immunity in broilers towards New castle disease was measured. Significantly lower titer against NDV was observed in broilers receiving ochratoxin, on 15th, 25th and 35th day. Broilers receiving 4 g Ocimum Sanctum dry leaf powder/kg feed showed highest NDV titer followed by broilers receiving 2 g Ocimum Sanctum dry leaf powder/kg feed. Significantly (P<60>0.05) improved haemagglutination inhibition titer was observed in group fed 4 g Ocimum Sanctum dry leaf powder/kg feed along with 4 ppm ochratoxin on 15th and 35th day in comparison to broilers fed only ochratoxin.

2 tables, 9 ref

015266   Menaka R (Veterinary Anatomy and Histology Dep, Vanbandhu College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry Navsari, Navsari-396 450) : Plastinated models as teaching aids in the educational institutions. Indian J vet Sci Biotechnol 2016, 11(3), 32-3.

Anatomical teaching aids preservation and preparation is a challenging artist work in the current scenario. Alternative teaching tools to be innovatively modified as per our indigenous technique to preserve the cadavers for longer durations. The equine limbs were used for plastination procedure and further treated with colorless varnish paint to pleasant look to handle it in laboratory conditions. The plastinate models were replaced with wet dripping formalin fumes in anatomical dissection hall. Simultaneously, the anatomical descriptions also well understand by its topographical position of adjacent structures due to its transparency of specimen. The plastination technique invites curiosity about education and research in the subject of veterinary anatomy, pathology and surgery. The plastinated models well recognized as good teaching tools in the anatomical laboratory as well as biological museum all over the world.

5 ref

015265   Marandi R R;John Britto S;George M;Minj E (The Rapinat Herbarium and Centre for Molecular Systematics, St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu-620 002) : Pharmacognostic, fluorescent, antibacterial and phytochemical analysis of tuber Dioscorea bulbifera L. from Jharkhand. J Pharmac Phytochem 2016, 5(1), 8-14.

Dioscorea bulbifera, locally called as 'Githi kanda' and belonging to Dioscoreaceae family, is used as food and ethnomedicine by the tribals of Jharkhand. According to the informants, the tuber powder is used against diarrhoea, malaria and diabetes. Phytochemical screening of the tuber extracts exhibited the presence of alkaloids, starch, coumarin, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, phenols, tannins and free amino acids in high concentrations. Analytical HPLC chromatogram revealed only a few bioactive compounds but in good concentrations. GC-MS analysis detected the presence of only five bioactive compounds. Fluorescent study exhibited characteristic colour data while the pharmacognostic evaluation indicated the storage of high amount of starch grains. The present study is supportive of the ethnomedicinal usage of tuber of D. bulbifera for the treatment of malaria, diarrhoea, aphrodisiac, rejuvenating and diabetes which may give lead to further the research in isolation and purification of noble drugs for the treatment of given diseases.

5 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

015264   Malafaia G;Estrela D D C;da Silva W A M; Guimaraes A T B;Mendes B D O;dRodrigues A S D L;de Menezes I P P (Laboratorio de Pesquisas Biologicas, Instituto Federal Goiano-Campus Urutai, GO, Brazil) : Toxicity study in mice fed with corn produced in soil containing tannery sludge vermicompost and irrigated with domestic wastewater. Curr Sci 2015, 109(7), 1326-32.

Growing food in unconventional systems such as those using irrigation with domestic wastewater and the use of potentially toxic waste has generated resistance from producers and consumers. Here, we evaluate the possible physical and biochemical damage to Swiss mice fed for 13 weeks with corn produced in soil containing tannery sludge vermicompost and irrigated with wastewater from domestic sewage. The corn was offered as an additional food to standard rodent chow at a daily concentration of 15 g/kg of body mass. The results showed no changes in body weight of the animals during the experimental period. The consumption of grain and weight gain of the animals was stable. The total protein, albumin, globulin and alkaline phosphatase levels did not differ among experimental groups. In addition, macroscopic analysis of the liver of the animals showed no sign of injury or disorders. Thus, we preliminarily conclude that the maize produced in this way is innocuous to animals. However, further studies are needed to evaluate other variables not measured in the present study which can contribute to food security and the nutrition of the corn thus produced.

3 illus, 3 tables, 62 ref

015263   Mahapatra M;Bijay Kumar K;Bijay Kumar M (Botany and Biotechnology Dep, Khallikote Autonomous College, Berhampur, Odisha) : Exogenous hormonal regulation of leaf senescence in two millets, Setaria italica, L. and Pennisetum typhoides, burm.. Indian J Life Sci 2015, 4(2), 1-10.

Present project is aimed at studying the exogenous regulation of leaf senescence in two millets i.e., L. and Burm. The present study is confined to the study of excised leaf senescence by using growth regulators as the exogenous agents. Attached leaf study was avoided for the reason that preliminary experiments showed insensitiveness of the leaves of these two millets to growth regulators in the attached condition. In this study three growth regulators were selected, each from three major groups. Benzimidazole (BZT) represented cytokinins and indole acetic acid represented the auxins. In the present investigation, the cytokinin, BZI was found to be effective in arresting the senescence process in the leaves of both P. typhoides and S. italica in the dark and in the light. Pennisetum was relatively more sensitive to BZI compared to Setaria. The event of senescence is considered concrete when the changes in the bio-molecules like amino acids, protein, DNA and RNA takes place with respect to the growth regulators. The Amino acid content an increasing trend under illumination as compared to dark condition of excised leaves. However, other biomolecules like protein, DNA and RNA decreased with respect to time of illumination in both the plants treated with hormones. The BZA was very effective in reducing the biomolecules in comparison to other hormones.

16 illus, 16 ref

015262   Lovejot K;Jadhav M S;Senthil N;Bharthi N; Malathi V G;Nagarajan P (Plant Biotechnology Dep, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003) : Molecular cloning and characterization of yellow mosaic virus from mung bean from northern region of Tamil Nadu indicates association of mungbean yellow mosaic India DNA A with a recombinant DNA B. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2015, 45(2), 173-81.

Genomic components of the yellow mosaic virus, the causal agent of yellow mosaic disease in mung bean were cloned and sequenced from an infected sample of mung bean. Nucleotide sequence analysis of DNA A component revealed more than 98 per cent identity with mung bean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) isolate from West Bengal (Gene bank acc no:HF92262) and therefore designated as an isolate of MYMIV-[IN::Vrng:Mg:13-A] whereas analysis of DNA B component revealed more than 93 per cent identity with some DNA B variant reported for mung bean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) and mung bean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) but showed very less identity (only 45%) with one set of DNA B components of MYMV.Total nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequence analysis of MYMIV-[Mg ] with other yellow mosaic isolates clearly established dichotomy of the isolates.

3 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

015261   Kumar M;Das B C;Bag S (Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh-221 005) : Mesenchymal stem cells and its potential use in cell therapy- An overview. Indian J Anim Hlth 2015, 54(2), 73-88.

Stem cells play a central role in the normal growth and development of animals and human having the capacity of self renewal and the potential to differentiate into one or more cell types depending on the in vivo signals. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have generated a great amount of interest over the past decade as a novel therapeutic potential for a variety of diseases. Presently MSC based clinical trials have been conducted in many kinds of pathological conditions, like spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson disease, stroke, bone healing, cardiac repair, tendon healing etc. Many completed trials demonstrated the safety and efficacy. Clinical application of MSC are mainly attributed to their important four biological properties, i.e. ability to home to sites of inflammation following tissue injury; to differentiate into various cell types; to secrete trophic factors capable of stimulating recovery of injured cells and inhibiting inflammation and to perform immunomodulatory functions. Furthermore, genetic modification of MSCs has provided prospects for clinical use in many diseases. Here we are highlighting the importance of mesenchymal stem cells in treatment of different disease conditions.

102 ref

015260   Karthikeyan A (NO, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breding, Coimbatore-641 002, Email: karthika@icfre.org) : Assessment of Casuarina equisetifolia Forst. clones against blister bark disease resistance. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2015, 45(3), 280-4.

Blister bark disease, a serious disease that usually found in young plantations of Casuarina equisetifolia Forst. caused by Butl. In this study, 250 clones of C. equisetifolia have been screened to identify the blister bark disease resistance. The clones were vegetatively propagated and inoculated with the pathogen. The inoculated clones were assessed for disease resistance through a disease severity score under nursery conditions. Totally 37 clones are showed resistant and 55 clones showed moderately resistant. Rest of the other clones showed reaction to the disease. Analysis of total phenols for all the 250 clones was performed and found that total phenol content was directly related to disease resistance. The resistant clones of C. equisetifolia showed higher content of Phenols (20 to 26 ml g^{-1), whereas the moderate resistant clones showed lower phenol content (11 to 18 ml g-1) than resistant clones. The resistant clones showed higher phenol content that influenced the disease resistance against blister bark disease.}

1 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

015259   Kantaraj T;Balanagoudar S R;Bhat S N; Vidyavathi G Y;Sathish Kumar U;Rajesh N L (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, College of Agriculture, Raichur Univ of Agricultural Sci, Raichur-584-104, Email: kanthsriram713@gmail.com) : Characterization and land suitability evaluation of a micro-watershed in north-eastern district of Karnataka. Karnataka J agric Sci 2015, 28(3), 336-41.

Investigation was made to characterize and evaluate the soil resource and landforms (viz, upland, midland and lowland) of Patapura micro-watershed in Raichur district of North-eastern dry zone of Karnataka in semi-arid tropics of South India for their morphological, physical, chemical characteristics and suitability for locally preferred crops. Among ten pedons obtained from three different landforms viz, upland, midland and lowland revealed that the slope varied from nearly level (0-3%) to gently sloppy land (5-8%). The soils developed on topographically, higher elevations were dark reddish brown (5 YR hue) and those developed on lower elevation were dark greyish brown (7.5 YR hue) and dark grey (10 YR hue) colour. Soil texture, bulk density, moisture retention at 33 and 1500 kPa, available water capacity, pH (1:2.5), organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, base saturation and exchangeable sodium percentage ranged from sandy loam to clayey, 1.22 to 1.70 Mg m^{-3, 9.5 to 33.7 per cent, 5.9 to 24.5 per cent, 2.3 to 15.4 per cent, neutral (6.5) to alkaline (9.3), low (0.6 g kg-1) to medium (5.8 g kg-1), 6.4 to 56.4 c mol (p+) kg-1, 41.3 to 98.7 per cent and 1.6 to 20.8 per cent, respectively. The agricultural land of the micro-watershed qualified for land capability classes III, IV, V. Higher elevated areas of micro-watershed (upland and midland, are marginally suitable (S3) for cultivation of cotton, sorghum and pigeonpea. Presently, lowland area is unsuitable for cultivation of these crops due to severe constraints of drainage and soil fertility aspects.}

1 illus, 4 tables, 6 ref

015258   Jugran A K;Bhatt I D;Mondal S;Rawal R S;Nandi S K (NO, G.B Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora-263 643, Email: idbhatt@bpihed.nic.in) : Genetic diversity assessment of Valeriana jatamansi jones using microsatellites markers. Curr Sci 2015, 109(7), 1273-82.

Valeriana jatamansi (family Valerianaceae) is a highvalue medicinal plant used in traditional and modern medicine. In the present study, 25 populations (151 genotypes) of V. jatamansi were collected from Uttarakhand, India and investigated using nuclear and chloroplast SSR markers. Six nuclear and seven chloroplast polymorphic SSR primer pairs were used to evaluate genetic variability and population relatedness. These primer pairs have generated 59 fragments (26 nuclear, 33 chloroplast). The number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 7. Expected heterozygosity of the 25 V. jatamansi populations was 0.108-0.222 with a mean of 0.165 for nuclear SSR markers and 0.147-0.265 with a mean of 0.215 for chloroplast SSR markers. Based on AMOVA analysis, 6.0% (P = <60> 0.001) of total genetic variation was found among populations. Nuclear SSR markers exhibited highest genetic diversity in samples collected from 1501 to 1800 m amsl altitudinal range and from pine forest habitat. In case of cpSSR, samples collected from 2101 to 2400 m amsl and grassland habitat exhibited highest diversity. These markers could be helpful in the identification and prioritization of genetically diverse populations/individuals for conservation and utilizing them in genetic improvement of V. jatamansi.

3 illus, 4 tables, 39 ref

015257   Janakiraman N;Johnson M (Centre for Plant Biotechnology, Botany Dep, St. Xavier's College, Palayamkottai-627 002, Email: ptcjohnson@gmail.com) : Proteomic analysis of selected Cyathea species from Western Ghats, South India. Indian Fern J 2015, 32(1-2), 173-82.

SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF MS analysis was carried out to know the inter-specific relationship among the Cyathea species. A total of 22 bands with varied molecular weight ranged from 6.16 to 89.13 kDa were observed in the SDS-PAGE gel system. MALDI based identification of Cyathea species utilize peptide / protein profiles containing characteristic biomarker peaks in the m/z region of 0-1,00,000 Da. The distinct protein patterns could be used to differentiate the studied Cyathea species which represent the "protein finger print" of that particular species.

3 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

015256   Jain R;Janikiraman T;Prabhat Kumar;Kumawat G L;Pinder R (Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012) : Post harvest attributes of tuberose as influenced by tinting with edible colours. Int J Innovative Hort 2015, 4(2), 119-22.

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) is a popular cut flower having white coloured fragrant blooms. In order to increase the value and appeal of flower along with fragrance, the spikes of tuberose can be tinted with artificial colours. Therefore, the cultivar Vaibhav was selected to conduct tinting and post harvest studies. The freshly harvested cut flower spikes were treated with four edible dyes (Red, Orange, Green and Brown) at different concentrations (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 per cent) to study the effect of edible dyes on quality and vase life of tuberose. The cut ends of tuberose spikes were immersed in dye solution for six hours and after that they were transferred to distilled water. Minimum weight loss (5.01g) and per cent weight loss (12.29%) was observed with 0.2% dye. Maximum dye uptake (3.00ml) was observed in flowers tinted with 0.4% orange dye, however, Maximum average stem girth (20.88 mm) was recorded in flowers held in 0.8% dye concentration. Maximum vase life vase life (7.56days) was observed in either non tinted flowers or flowers tinted with 0.4% dye. Maximum volume of water uptake (29.22ml) was recorded in flowers held in 0.4% orange dye. Maximum floret opening (15.01%) and floret drying (25.23%) was observed in flowers tinted with 0.2% dye concentration whereas maximum florets dried (42.47%) was observed with 0.8% dye solution.

4 tables, 10 ref

015255   Helena D S;Kannojia G;Gaur A K (Bioprospecting and Metabolomics Lab, Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 263 145) : In vitro regeneration of Picrorhiza kurroa royal ex beth for ex situ conservation and sustainable utilization. Ann Biol Res 2015, 6(5), 7-14.

Picrorhiza kurroa Royal ex Benth, a Scrophulariaceae member, is an important and highly valued medicinal herb endemic to alpine and sub alpine belts of the Indian Himalayas. Several monoterpenoid alkaloids are present in its tuberous roots which are known as picroside I, picroside II, picroside III, cathpol and anthocynin. The plant has been overexploited for its valuable iridoid glycosides, and due to this environmental effect the plant is now considered in endangered category. The depleting status of the herb in the wild needs implementation of conservation and sustainable utilization practices. It is essential to apply biotechnological approaches to sustain the production of picrosides ex situ using in vitro regeneration to ensure its proper utilization and constant supply of useful active ingredients for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. In the present research work, an attempt has been made to propagate the plant through induction of callus from leaf and shoot explants followed by regeneration. Different combinations of phytohormones based on usual practices of plant tissue culture were examined for callus induction and subsequently regeneration. Maximum callus induction was observed in MS supplemented with 0.5 mg L^{-1 TDZ + 0.3 mg L-1 1BA and 0.5 mg L-1 TDZ + 0.5 mg L-1 IBA in leaf and stem explants respectively. Callus derived from leaf and stem was transferred in Shoot induction medium where maximum shoot frequency was observed in 1.0 mg L-1 BA + 0.75 mg L-1 KN in leaf derived callus and 1.0 mg L-1 BA + 1.0 mg L-1 Kinetin in stem derived callus respectively. Shoots thus obtained were transferred for induction of roots.}

10 illus, 15 ref

015254   Gzaman;Chandra Shekar M;Nath M K;Kiba H Z; Savino N (NO, Assam Agricultural Univ, Khanapara, Guwahati, Asom-781 022) : Molecular characterization of Votho pigs from Nagaland using microsatellite markers. Indian J Anim Sci 2014, 80(10), 1137-9.

This study details genetic diversity of Votho pig population using a set of 21 microsatellite markers recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO) for Swine. All the studied loci were highly informative. The number of observed alleles (N_a) detected ranged from 2 to 10, with an overall mean of 5.59±0.598. In total 122 alleles were observed across the investigated loci. The effective number of alleles (N_e) ranged from 1.054 to 5.075 with a mean of 3.02±0.284. The Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) value ranged from 0.0499 to 0.7750 with the overall mean of 0.53±0.250. The overall means for observed (H_o) and expected (H_e) heterozygosities were 0.38±0.060 and 0.57±0.055 respectively. The within breed inbreeding estimate indicated heterozygosity shortage of 0.273. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) test revealed that 14 out of 21 loci deviated from equilibrium. Shannon's information index (I), was sufficiently high with a mean of 1.17±0.124. The bottleneck analysis revealed that population has not undergone any recent reduction.

1 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

015253   Gurjar M S;Aggarwal R (Plant Pathology Div, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi-110 012, Email: malkhan_iari@yahoo.com) : Identification and validation of stem rust resistance genes in Indian wheat genotypes using molecular markers. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2015, 45(2), 196-200.

Twenty five wheat genotypes were evaluated for stem rust resistance using different stem rust pathotypes. Different resistance genes like Sr2 and Sr31 were identified through gene matching technique and were validated using SSR and STS markers linked to stem rust resistance genes. The presence of Sr2 and Sr31 in the tested genotypes with marker based analysis was confirmed by a unique amplification of markers, Xgwm533.2B, and IB 267₂₆₇ respectively. Out of 25 genotypes tested, the presence of Sr2 gen was found in five genotypes namely HD 2894, HD 2687, HD 2824, DBW 16 and PBW 343 through marker while rust reaction showed the presence of Sr2 gene in more genotypes viz. HD 2894, HD 2687, VL 616, UP 2425, Raj 3765, HI 1531, HI 977 and WL 711(+ Lr57), besides above mentioned genotypes A 267 bp fragment was amplified in genotypes, HD 2733, HD 2824, VL 804, UP 2425, DBW 17, PBW 343, PBW 550, HS 240 and MACS 1967 carrying Sr31 gene through marker based analysis while host pathogen interaction test showed presence of Sr31 gene in nine genotypes, HD 2687, HD 2733, HD 2824, VL 804, UP 2425, DBW 17, PBW 343, PBW 550 and HS 240.

2 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

015252   Goutam U;Tiwari R;Gupta R K;Kukreja S; Chaudhury A (NO, , Directorate of Wheat Research, Post Box-158, Karnal-132 001, Email: umeshbiotech@gmail.com) : Allelic variations of functional markers for high molecular weight glutenin genes in Indian wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars and their correlation with bread loaf volume. Indian J Pl Physiol 2015, 20(1), 97-102.

Glutenins, the polymeric proteins are composed of high molecular weight (HMW) and low molecular weight (LMW) glutenin subunits. High molecular weight glutenin subunit (HMW-GS) plays a key role in determining bread making quality. The HMW-GS encoded by Glu-1 loci (GluA1, GluB1 and GluD1) are highly polymorphic. Thus it is very important to identify the alleles at Glu-1 loci for all three genomes for wheat quality improvement. In the present study 53 Indian wheat genotypes were evaluated for HMW-GS composition using PCR-based DNA markers. In total, two alleles (Ax2*, Ax1 or Axnull) at Glu-A1, four allele/allelic pairs (Bx7, Bx7 + By8, Bx7 + By9, Bx17 + By18) at Glu-B1 and two allelic pairs (Dx2 + Dy12 and Dx5 + Dy10) at Glu-D1 were identified using diagnostic DNA markers. Allele or allelic pair Ax2* (62.3%) at Glu-A1, Bx7 + By8 (64%) at Glu-B1 and Dx2 + Dy12 (58.5%) at Glu-D1 were present most frequently in wheat genotypes taken for study. Moreover, the allelic combination Ax2*, Bx17 + By18 and Dx5 + Dy10 exhibited highest bread loaf volume in comparison to other allelic combinations studied. The set of markers used here thus represents a useful alternative for screening of HMW-glutenin allele (s) for improvement of bread making quality in Indian wheat genotypes.

2 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

015251   Golher D M;Thirumurugan P;Patel B H M; Upadhyay V K (NO, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Mukteshwar, Uttarkhand-263 138) : Effect of drinking water temperature on water intake, feed intake and mild production of crossbred dairy cattle at high altitude temperate Himalyas. Indian J Anim Sci 2014, 80(10), 1101-4.

Study was conducted to explore the utility of different drinking water temperature, viz. ambient water temperature (10.25±0.28°C, T₁, 15-20°C (T₂) and 35-40°C (T₃) during winter at IVRI, Mukteshwar campus on 18 crossbred (HF x Haryana) lactating cows. They were divided into 3 groups of 6 each and various parameters were studied. At open environment maximum temperature, minimum temperature and mean relative humidity were 11.81±0.45, 1.52±0.27°C and 57.43±2.79%, respectively, the corresponding values for microclimate were 16.61±0.36, 6.68±0.61°C and 86.75±0.55%. Average water intake per cow per day was significantly higher in T₃ (40.66±0.55) and compared with cows in T₁ (38.63±0.42) and T₂ (37.53±0.47). Dry matter intake was more for cows in T₃ Daily mean milk yield for the cows in T₃ (7.56±0.18 litre) was significantly higher than T₁ (6.95±0.16 litre) and T₂ (7.06±0.17 litre). Milk SNF, protein and total solids percentages were significantly higher for cows consuming warm drinking water in T₂ (15-20°C) and in T₃ (35-40°C) than cows consumed ambient cool drinking water. Cows in warm drinking water groups showed relatively more gain in body weight compared to cows provided with ambient cool drinking water. It was concluded that the crossbred cows consuming warm water (35-40°C) performed better than the cows consuming comparatively cold water.

1 table, 15 ref