INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES

1-5

Authors: Basarkar UG, Nikumbh PS and Thakur HA

Development of eco-friendly process through various biological means helps to explore various plants for their ability to synthesize silver nanoparticles. In the present study, biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles carried out using leaf extract of Euphorbia hirta at room temperature. Silver nanoparticles were characterized for UVVis Spectrophotometer, SEM, FTIR, XRD & EDX. The antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles was evaluated on gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) gram negative (Escheria coli, Salmonella paratyphi, Klebsiella pneumonia) & fungi (Candida albicans). S. aureus & C. albicans were found to be more susceptible to silver nanoparticles. MIC study revealed that 2 and 5 % concentration of C. albicans found to be effective inhibitory concentration.

11-12

Authors: Athavale Pradeep S

The present paper deals with LM & SEM studies on the pollen of Anacardiaceae collected from Chandrapur & Gadchiroli districts of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state. The pollen morphological characters of Anacardiaceae indicate that the family is significantly eurypalynous. Pollen morphology of four (4) sp. of the family Anacardiaceae belonging to 3 genera viz. Anacardium, Buchanania, Lannea has been investigated using Light and Scanning Electron Microscope. Pollen grains are radially symmetrical, isopolar, subprolate to prolate spheroidal. Ornamentation of the exine is striate, striate-reticulate.

17-20

Authors: Doifode VD | Nandkar PB

The influence of biofertilizer inoculation, viz. Azotobacter and Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria (PSB) alone and in different combinations with recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (NPK) on Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) crop was tested during the Kharif season of the year 2008 at agricultural field (21 035’72.51 N; 78098’21.32E)to explore the possibility of reducing doses of chemical fertilizers and for better soil health. The results revealed significant improvement in growth characters such as height of plant (11.03% to 37.54%), stem diameter (6.38% to 23.79%), length of root (5.56% to 36.93%), number of functional leaves (5.67% to 51.51%), weight of fresh shoot (7.90% to 35.91%) and weight of dry shoot (7.14% to 46.94%) over the control. Similarly, number of fruits picked per plant (11.30% to 52.81%) and yield of fruits (11.89% to 54.61%) was more in inoculated crop. The attack of shoot-root borer, fruit borer and little leaf infestation was less (26.71% to 50.14%) as compare to uninoculated condition.

25-26

Authors: Junghare Archana | Nasare PN | Mousmi Bhowl

The present work was carried out on vegetable to study fungal diversity. The vegetable were purchased and collected from Bhadrawati and Warora vegetable market and allow to grow fungus on them. The Total of 25 vegetable were collected and categarised them in Earth vegetables, Undergound vegetables, Herbage vegetables and Fruit vegetable. Among these collected 25 vegetables those infected by fungus were identified as Pythium sp., Alternaria sp., Phytophthora sp., Aspergillus sp., Aspergillus niger, Pythium sp., Helminthosporium sp., Rhizopus sp., Aspergillus sp.,Aspergillus sp., Verticillium sp., Trichoderma sp., Rhizopus sp., Rhizopus sp., Fusarium sp., Alternaria sp., Trichoderma sp., Mucor sp., Fusarium sp., Mucor sp., Trichoderma sp., Colletotrichum sp., Cephalosporium sp., Erysiphe sp., Cladosporium sp., respectively.This shows that there is a great fungal diversity in vegetables.

31-34

Authors: Gond Gopal S

Medicinal plants are used to cure common ailments by the people of the tribal area. Bombax ceiba and Andrographis paniculata are selected for the antimicrobial and phytochemical analysis on the basis of medicinal folklore reports and literature data.The selection of plants for evaluation was based on traditional use for treatment of common ailments. Bombax ceiba is known Katesawari, semal, savari. It is used in diarrhoea, dysentery & menorrhagia. Andrographis paniculata belongs to the family of Acanthaceae and is popular worldwide with the name of “King of Bitters” in English. It is an annual herbaceous plant which is widely cultivated in Southern Asia, India, China and some parts of Europe. Qualitative phytochemical screening of stem bark Bombax ceiba and roots Andrographis paniculata was studied. The methanol solvent was used to obtain extracts from powdered plant parts. The extracts were subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening using standard procedures. Results show that six of seven phytochemicals screened for, were present in stem bark of Bombax ceiba. They are; carbohydrate, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, sterols and tannins. Five of seven phytochemicals screened for, were present in the roots Andrographis paniculata. They are; carbohydrates, phenols, saponins, alkaloids and tannins. The diversity of phytochemicals present suggests that Bombax ceiba stem bark and Andrographis paniculata roots could serve as a source of useful drugs.

39-42

Authors: Patharkar SP | Hedawoo GB

In Maharashtra state, oilseeds are cultivated in both kharif as well as rabbi seasons.Out of which soybean (Glycine max L.) is major oilseed crop. After harvesting, seeds are stored in various conditions. If these conditions are not provided properly that time different microbes like fungi are interacted with seeds and play a dominant role in decreasing quality and longevity of the seeds. Therefore the present work deals with the isolation, identification and percent germination of soybean seed mycoflora by using ISTA techniques. In seed health test, total 17 species of fungi were recorded from soybean seeds. Among them Aspergillus flavus (7.06 %), Rhizopus stolonifer (6.60 %), Phoma oleraceae (6.30 %) and Aspergillus niger (5.15 %) were found to be predominant. The highest (97.33 %) seed germination of soybean was recorded in the month of Nov. followed by Dec (95.21%) and lowest in Jan. (91.00 %).

48-50

Authors: Naqvi Nikhat

India has wide tracts of arid, semiarid and wastelands. There is a need to bring these arid, wastelands which are lying unutilized due to various constraints, under cultivation by adopting intensive reclamation measures. Forestry and wasteland development plays a vital role in socio-economic, rural development of a country besides maintaining ecological stability. Microbe-assisted phytoremediation is very effective and an innovative technology for restoration of biodiversity of degraded land. It provides number of benefits namely high survival rate of plants, increase in biomass. Mycorrhizal fungi are a critical component of healthy soil biology. Mycorrhiza is symbiotic association between fungus and roots of the higher plants.Out of the seven different types of mycorrhiza, arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) is most important ecologically and economically. In view of importance of AM to improve water relations, growth and survival of trees especially in degraded wastelands, establishment of AM plants may be critical to vegetation efforts. There is growing awareness that Multipurpose Tree Species (MPTS) can play a prominent role not only in meeting the increasing demand for fodder, food and fuel wood but also in sustainable agricultural practices. The present paper explores the possibility of using Mycorrhizal technology as a good package to remove all constraints associated withreclamation of wastelands. In preliminary field trials conducted at a semi- arid site at Asola (40 Kms from Delhi) various multipurpose tree species like Acacia catechu, A. nilotica, Prosopis juliflora, Albizzia lebbeck showed improved and better growth, increased survival rate and establishment when they were inoculated with AM fungi as compared to control. Mycorrhizal technology seems to provide sustainable, economical and healthy answer to reclamation of wastelands.

56-58

Authors: Rinkey Pallavi | Thakur Uma | Dongarwar Nitin

The survey of postharvest fungal diseases of some fruits and vegetables in the market of Nagpur was undertaken. Fruits and vegetables suffer every year due to number of pathogenic diseases. Postharvest diseases are caused by bacteria, yeast and fungi develops on fruits and vegetables between harvesting and consumption. Fungal diseases of 17 selectable fruits and vegetables were studied and their fungal pathogen were observed. Amongst these are Aspergillus, Alternaria sp., Fusarium sp., Mucor sp., Penicillum sp. and Rhizopus sp found to be major disease causing organism. The present investigation revealed that fungal infection is mainly due to injury during storage and handling.

62-64

Authors: Shrirame AM and Gogle DP

The present study was carryout to enhance the knowledge of ethnobotanical plants used by local peoples, tribes of Nagpur region. The 44 plants were listed on the basis of ethno information and also based on literature used for wound healing. The information was compare with flora of Maharashtra, Nagpur, BSI.

69-

Authors: Ghugal SI and Thakre RP

This work aims to isolate and to identify the fungal microorganisms associated with mustard (Brassica juncea cv. Pusabold) seed during storage. The seed mycoflora was isolated from mustard seeds at an interval of a month for a period of one year at laboratory condition by blotter and agar plate method. Altogether 28 storage fungi were confined to mustard seed samples throughout the year. Major predominant fungi included Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Fusarium moniliforme, Penicillium multicolor, P. oxalicum and Curvularia lunata. Mustard seeds were inoculated with the fungal culture filtrate of above test fungi and incubated for 7,14, and 21days. The pathological symptoms such as weak root, yellowing of leaf, stunted growth, blackening of radical, seedling rot, no primary root etc. were distinct symptoms of disease due to fungal filtrate of storage fungi. Culture filtrate of longer duration inhibited the seed germination and retarded the seedling growth.

77-80

Authors: Gawande PA, Deshmukh VP, Choudhary US and Thakare PV

A crude protein extract when fractionated on a suitable gel medium produces a spectrum of bands which is diagnostic for the species. For each species at least 10 locations were selected. Protein samples were extracted in 50 mM Tri-HCl buffer (pH 8.3) to added 10 mM 2-Mercaptoehanol. Vertical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was carried out for separation of proteins, using crude extract. The 15% Gel caste was used for the separation of proteins. Genetic similarity (GS) between individuals was estimated and the matrix was subjected to Unweighted Pair Group Method for Arithmetic average analysis (UPGMA) to generate dendrogram using average linkage procedure. It was evident that these five species were in two clusters.D. bulbifera, D. oppositifolia, D. hispida, and D. pentaphylla formed a distinct cluster (cluster-I), while D. belophylla was completely out-grouped and formed cluster II. Although, D. bulbifera and D. oppositifolia were placed nearer to each other, they did not pair and hence, were placed in two different sub-clusters (sub-cluster I and II). In this cluster D. hispida and D. oppositifolia was grouped together and formed subcluster III. The D. belophylla was distantly related with remaining four species.

85-87

Authors: Sitre Shashikant R, Thakare Mahendra G and Kamble Rahul K

The Balaji Temple reservoir is a freshwater reservoir having an area of about 42 acres located in the heart of Chimur city of Chandrapur district in Maharashtra State. This study was carried out during summer 2013 at 4 different sites on this beautiful reservoir to know the status of prevailing aquatic weeds. The investigation revealed 19 macrophyte species in the catchment area of the reservoir. Out of the 19 macrophytes from the study area, 5 species each were belong to free floating, rooted floating and submerged type whereas 4 species belong to emergent type. The people residing nearby this reservoir use this reservoir for washing and bathing activities and for open defecation practices in the bank thus adding anthropogenic source of pollution leading to enriching its nutrient contents thereby subsequently degrading the water quality and copious growth of aquatic weeds. This reservoir was a closed type of ecosystem having concrete embankments on all the sides and the sediments of this lake are constantly getting polluted due to construction activities present near the basin and anthropogenic interference by dumping sewage and drainage from the nearby localities.

91-94

Authors: Borkar KM and Thakre RP

Thermophilic fungi are known for their thermostable enzymes. In present work agricultureal wastes like corn cob, groundnut shell, wheat straw, jowar straw and carboxy methyl cellulose were utilized as substrates for cultivation of thermophilic fungus Humicola insolens. Culture filtrate was used for analysis of carboxy methyl cellulolase enzyme activity. Effect of different substrates and pH and temperature was studied. On wheat straw, corn cob and jowar straw activity was found to be higher than control on 4th day whereas, groundnut shell and CMC, as substrate inhibited the CMCase activity initially.Temperature 45 0Cand pH 5 found to be suitable for better enzyme activity.

99-101

Authors: Hande DV, Suradkar KP and Kadu SR

The present paper deals with investigation on the fungi from forest area of Melghat of Amravati District (MS). During the survey in forest area, four fungal species representing single genus, Arthrinium has been collected from dead and decaying parts of different hosts including Dendroclamus strictus Nees., Cajanus cajan (L)Millsp., Gossypium hirsutum L. Bambusa arundinacea (Retz)Willd and their morphotaxonomy was studied. The species were identified on the basis of morphological characters and structure of fruiting bodies. Taxonomic details illustrated in the paper.

105-207

Authors: Bhiwagade SD and Kalkar SA

Preliminary aerospora survey at outdoor and indoor environment in western part of Nagpur region was carried out for the period of three months viz, August 2013 to October 2013. The survey was conducted using rotorod air sampler. Data was analysed and identified qualitatively by using standard literature. Fungal spores viz. Alternaria, Aspergillus ,Curvularia, Helminthosporium, Nigrospora, Cladosporium uredospores, smut spores and pollen grains belonging to families like Poaceae, Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae, Mimosaceae were prominently observed along with other types. Further identification and quantitative analysis is in progress.

112-115

Authors: Wadhave NS

Rice fields harbour a very luxuriant growth of different kinds of algae owing to their standing water,prevalent high temperature and high humitidy during the rice growing season. Cyanobacteria are widespread photosynthesis microorganisms among which some are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Cyanobacteria also have a unique potential to contribute to productivity in a variety of agricultural and ecological situations.Cyanobacteria have been reported from a wide range of soils. Bhadrawati Taluka has an area of 1121sqkm,the area under cultivation is around 51900hectors.Soil samples were collected from Bhadrawati, Chora, Chandankheda,Ghodpeth and Ghotnimbala studies and 74 algal taxa have been identified.

119-122

Authors: DeshmukhVaishali D | Wharekar SR | Ingole SP | Khedkar DD

The quality of ground water depends on various constituents and their concentration. Ground water is the only source of potable water for majority of people in the urban & rural area.Dug well water samples were collected from five sampling of the Kamal colony, Amravati. which is analyzed by standard analytical methods. Water sample is collected by grab sampling method and stored in clean polyethylene five-liter cans. Physico-chemical analysis is carried out in the laboratory. The physical parameter like Colour, Temperature, Turbidity, Total suspended solids, Total dissolved solids and Conductivity. Chemical parameter like Alkalinity, Hardness, Acidity, pH, Dissolved oxygen, Chloride, Total hardness, Phosphate, etc. were analyzed. Each parameter was compared with the standard desirable limit of that parameter in drinking water as prescribed by different agencies such as WHO standard, ISI standard and USPH Standard.

125-127

Authors: Tagade WY | Kawale MV

Bhandara district is well-known for the forest resources. 1343.77 Sq. Km. land is under forest which constituted 36.15% of total geographical area of the district. Forest resources contribute significantly to the economy of the district. Mushroom is a general term used mainly for the fruiting body of the macrofungi. In a present study, a survey of the biodiversity of wild macrofungi, including edible species, was carried out in two major forest area of Bhandara district. The Koka forest is one of the recently declared sanctuaries by Government of Maharashtra. While Chandpur forest is well known tourist place covered with dense forest. In these forests, numbers of macrofungi are available, which play an important role in forest ecosystem. Macrofungi like Coprinus comatus, Daldinia concentrica, Xylaria polymorpha, Polyporus lucidus, Marasmius delectans, Schizophyllum commune, Mycena sp., Dictyophora duplicata, Claveria stricta, Geaster fimbriatus, Cantharellus infundibuliformis, Mutinus ravenelii, Lepiota americana, Clathrus cancellatus are occur commonly in Koka and Chandpur forest.

132-134

Authors: Pedhekar AK

The present paper deals with survey and collection of six wild species of the genus Vigna(Fabaceae ) In the context of correct names, distribution and environmental adaptability etc, from different localities of Bhandara District of Maharashtra. Presently the species collected so far are rare an uncommon in Bhandara district jurisdiction. The main objective of this survey to introduce and acclimatize these species in the Botanical garden and to study them from different angles to save the biodiversity of nature.

139-140

Authors: Wagh (Patil) Sanjeevani D

The word 'Plankton', originated from Greek word, 'planktons' which means drifting about in water under the action of water movement in the various functional aspects of an aquatic systems such as food chains, food web energy flow and cycling of matter, which are influenced by zooplankatons and phytoplanktons which are important biotic component of an aquatic ecosystem. They play important role in recycling the energy within their respective environment.

143-146

Authors: Shirbhate NS | Malode SN

A study investigated during the remediation effect of nutrient amendments of municipal solid waste polluted soil on chlorophyll contents of T. stans, C. tora, P. pinnata, B. napus, A. manihot, T. erecta ,C. officinalis and B. juncea. Soil samples were polluted with different waste material viz. 30-45 % organic matter, 6-10 % recyclables and the rest as inert matter. Municipal solid waste soil samples from Sukali compost, landfill depot sites, Amravati were collected and selected plants were grown for further study. The data indicates that Municipal solid waste contaminated soil may have improved chlorophyll contents of some plants. The chlorophyll contents significantly increase in some plants i.e. C. tora, P. pinnata, T. erecta, B. napus and A. manihot and affected adversely on remaining plants i.e. T. stans, P. pinnata and B. juncea.

150- 152

Authors: Zode Ravindra | Tagade Walay | Chaturvedi Alka

Non-timber forest products are much important in worldwide for their significant role in livelihood, which encompasses with medicinal plants, dyes, mushrooms, fruits, bark, leaves, flowers, seeds, honey, roots and tubers. 45 different plant species were mostly extracted as NTFPs for Edible, Construction, fodder, fuel, medicine, household and commercial purposes. Apart from this, Wild edible vegetables are common NTFPs such as Mushroom and the honeys that have been extracted widely through the tehsil. The present study suggests that, tribal peoples are more dependent on NTFPs. The collectors most in need of income support from NTFPs are least able to benefit from an NTFP-based development strategy as they have the poorest developed skills, lack resources to store

156-158

Authors: Hutke Varsha | Suple Sonali

Piper nigrum L. (fruits), P. longum L. (fruits) and P. betle L. (leaves) were screened for secondary metabolites and reported different medicinal compounds as alkaloids, glycoside, phytosterols, saponins, phenolic compounds, tannins and proteins. Dry powder of plant samples were extracted with petroleum ether, acetone, ethanol and distilled water. The solvent free extract was then subjected to qualitative tests for the identification of various plant constituent. f The results revealed that among the four extracts, ethanol and water extracts exhibited high test for various chemical compounds whereas petroleum ether and acetone extracts had moderate test or in sometime it was negative

163-165

Authors: Ulhe SK and Narkhede SD

Anisomeles indica (L) commonly called “Gopoli”, a wild plant of family Lamiaceae is used traditionally as an analgesic, antiinflammatory and snakebites. Medicinally it has been proven to possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.. To search novel active compounds from plant origin and to access the valuable thereupatic properties with minimum side effects, application of advanced method like GC-MS computational techniques plays an important role in the development of drug of interest. The compounds were identified in aerial parts of Anisomeles indica. are Tetracosapentaene,2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-,22-Stigmasten-3-one. Anisomeles indica is becoming rare in some regions of Nagpur. The efforts should be made to create of awareness in the society regarding its conservation. Plantation of this species should be increased.

169-171

Authors: Gadekar GP

Zooplankton community is cosmopolitan in nature and they inhabit all freshwater habitats of the world. These are not only useful as bioindicators, but are also helpful for ameliorating polluted waters. Hence qualitative and quantitative studies of zooplankton diversity are of great importance. An ecological study on a tropical pond situated in the centre of the Gondia city, was conducted with special reference to zooplankton diversity in relation to trophic status. In the present study, monthly changes in diversity and density of zooplankton assemblages had been recorded during January 2013 to December 2013, at three selected sites of Railway pond situated near Gondia railway station of Gondia city, Maharashtra. The population at Railway pond consisted of 20 genera of zooplankton. The recorded genera were categorized into 5 different groups – Protozoa, Cladocera, Rotifera, Copepoda and Ostracoda.

281-288

Authors: Kanaujia Amita | Kumar Adesh | Kushwaha Sonika | Kumar Akhilesh

Areas which remain waterlogged or submerged under water, seasonally or throughout the year are termed as wetlands. Wetlands provide valuable habitat for numerous wildlife, invertebrate, and plant species. Moreover, wetlands provide numerous other ecological services such as flood mitigation, abatement, nutrient cycling, aquifer recharge, improving water quality and providing other merchantable products. However, the loss and degradation of wetlands across the Barabanki has caused population declines of various flora and fauna. The present study is aimed at providing, in a nutshell, the distribution of wetlands, the value of wetlands, the causes and consequences of the loss of wetlands. Study is done in Barabanki and its associated areas during January 2013 to March 2014. Survey was carried out seasonally, on foot or vehicle according to the area. Observations were carried using line transect method with the aid of 10x50 binoculars and data was supported with photography using Canon EOS 1000 D SLR camera. Five wetlands Salaarpur Jheel, Kodwa Jheel, Bhagharr Jheel, Puraina Jheel and Khebli Jheel in Dewa, Barabanki exposed during study and all are unprotected site. All these wetlands harbor variety of flora and fauna and can be good ecotourism habitation except Khebli Jheel. Most of area of Khebli Jheel is encroached by Highland infra-build Company for housing construction works. The various threats such Excessive fish cultivation, Soil-digging, Farmers draining and converting it to agricultural land, Development activities, Poaching of water birds, wetlands Fire, Excessive cultivation of water chestnut, Overgrazing near wetland area, Excessive use of pesticides, Cultivation along the marginal areas of wetland cause encroachment and reduction in water spread etc. to the wetland area were also studied.

304-310

Authors: Bhise MR | Patil CR | Salunkhe CB

The present paper deals with three new black mildew fungi belonging to family Meliolaceae and Schiffnerulaceae, collected on the members of plant family Oleaceae from Mahabaleshwar region. Among these, Asteridiella websteri Hosag. var. oleae var. nov., Meliola dioicae sp. nov. and Sarcinella ligustri sp. nov. are reported in the survey. The detail morphological description, line drawings, colour photographs and discussions are provided.

318-324

Authors: Kayarkar Ankush | Bhajbhuje MN

Laboratory is the basic need of scientific research provided with several equipments, materials including cellulosic and non-cellulosic substrates. These substrates are degraded by diverse group of fungal microbes in a set of climate, indirectly polluting the indoor environment. In the present study aeromycoflora from various laboratories was reported for a month at an interval of a week. A population of 3368 fungal colonies falls under 19 genera and 28 species have been confined by culture plate exposer method. Ascomycota contributed with more than half of the total colonies recorded while Oomycota had least colonies. Zygomycota and Deuteromycota contributed moderate count of colonies. No member of Basidiomycota did persist. Aspergillus had higher colony count as well as greater species number. The sub-dominant air spora included Cladosporium cladosporoides, Mucor pusillus and Rhizopus stolonifer. The genus Fusarium had 3 species; Penicillium, Curvularia, Alternaria recorded with 2 species and others with single species. Prevalence of diverse group of fungal organisms on cellulosic material in laboratories depends on changing indoor environment. The climate of Lab IV was comparatively more ideal for fungal sporulation during survey

329-333

Authors: Labhane NM | Dongarwar NM | Borkar SJ

The present paper deals with morphology of freshly dissected out live embryos of medicinally important plant, Basella alba Linn. The various part of the plant is used to cure dysentery, diarrhea, anemia, cancer etc. It is also has a known antioxidant, anti mutagenic, infertility, central nervous system depressant and anti inflammatory activity. The study of embryo at maturity in its native form is very significant, since its normal development is related to the viability of the seed. The young and mature embryo can be distinguished with the help of presence of chlorophyll. The viability of seeds is determined by the presence of green embryo at maturity, while nonviable seeds contains white coloured embryo. The embryo is coiled twice at young stage, while at maturity it is coiled one and half times, with the growing tip situated at the centre and the radicle on the outer side. Considering the medicinal value of B. alba, study the reproductive biology with respect to structure of mature embryo is very pertinent. The study of embryo in its native form also shows the manner in which the growing tip is protected by coiling so as to ensure that the species is protected against adverse condition.

341-345

Authors: Pulate PV | Tarar JL

The cytotoxic effect of Calixin, a fungicide was investigated in the mitotic cell division in root tip cells of Allium cepa L. The seeds of Allium cepa were treated with different concentrations (0.02%, 0.04%, 0.06% and 0.08%) of Calixin for 3, 6, 9, 12 h treatment periods. The obtained results indicate that Calixin had the ability to cause production of a large number of mitotic abnormalities. These abnormalities appeared in varying degrees depending on the dose. Various abnormalities on chromosomes like lagging early anaphase, chromosomal bridges, c-metaphase, sticky metaphase, multipolarity, fragment, vagrant etc were seen among mitotic divisions treated with Calixin.

350-354

Authors: Mani Dinesh | Mourya Vishv Kumar | Pathak Neeraj | Balak Shiv

It is a common practice for farmers in India to use soils in municipal waste dump sites as fertile soil for the cultivation of a variety of leafy vegetables and the soils are also used as ‘compost’ by farmers without regards for the probable health hazards the heavy metal contents of such soils may purpose. This was the case of formers using the deserted dumpsite soil at Baxibandh municipal waste for their livelihood. It was concern that prompted the determination of heavy metals in the soil and control planting on Sheila Dhar Institute of Soil Science farm and that of the Makoy (Solenum nigrum L.) plant used to inactivate metals in dump soil. The concentration of heavy metal in the edible part of Spinach vegetable from the dump site and control: Pb (12.4-1.2 mg kg-1); Cd (0.65-0.26 mg kg-1) Zn (44.8-24.6 mg kg-1); Cu (24.2-11.8 mg kg-1) and Cr (0.08-0.04mg kg-1), respectively. The concentration of heavy metals in Makoy (Solenumnigrum L.) plant is Pb (45.6mg kg-1); Cd (1.44 mg kg-1) Zn (92.6mg kg-1); Cu (28.8 mg kg-1) and Cr (0.81mg kg-1) in Buxibandh dumpsite soil. The levels of heavy metals in the dumpsite soil and the soil after harvesting the makoy (Solenum nigrum L.) plant are Pb (116.4 -50.64mg kg-1); Cd (3.26-1.86 mg kg-1) Cr (2.24-1.72mg kg-1); Zn (184.4-108.6 mg kg-1) and Cu (58.2-24.24mg kg-1), respectively. The spinach species from the dump soil accumulates more heavy metals than that of the control. The level of heavy metals in dump soil decreases rapidly after harvesting the makoy (Solenum nigrum L.) plant.

359-362

Authors: Jeetendra Kumar Rao

Thirty three villages of eight district of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India, were surveyed for the occurrence of wilt of pea. The disease incidence ranged in between 3.6 to 14.42 per cent from village to village. Maximum percentage of wilt incidence (12.88) was found in Sant-Kabir Nagar district while Ballia, Balrampur, Deoria, Gonda Gorakhpur, Kushinagar and Sultanpur exhibited 6.48, 9.35, 8.28, 8.49, 6.74,7.27 and 7.82 per cent respectively. Thirty seven fungal species were isolated from root pieces of wilted pea plants collected from the field. Amongst them four species were identified as Fursarium chlamydosporum, F. moniliforme, F. nivale and F. oxysporum.Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.pisi was found to be most virulent during pathogenicity test.

366-368

Authors: Jagtap SS | More AD

Lablab purpureus (L.) belongs to family Fabaceae. It is known as a Dolichos bean and have economically important as grain legume, vegetable, animal fodder and green manure. In the present study seeds of Lablab purpureus (L.) variety Phule Suruchi were treated with Ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) at different concentrations like 10mM, 20mM, 30mM, 40mM and Gamma rays doses with 100Gy, 200Gy, 300Gy, 400Gy, and Combination of EMS and Gamma rays Concentration/doses at 100Gy+40mM, 200Gy+30mM, 300Gy+20mM, 400Gy+10mM.The effect of Physical and chemical mutagens on pollen sterility was studied in selected plants from the population of M1 generation.

373-377

Authors: Gawali Ashruta A | Nanoty VD | Bhalekar UK

Bioremediation of heavy metal pollution remains a major challenge in environmental Biotechnology. Some industrial processes results in the release of heavy metals into aquatic systems. This has led to increasing concern about the effect of toxic heavy metals as environmental pollutants. One of the approaches considered for application involves biosorption either to biomass or to isolated biopolymers, as a more economical, effective and safe alternative to processes such as precipitation, coagulation, ion exchange, electrochemical and membrane processes. Many bacterial polysaccharides have been revealed to join heavy metals with changeable degrees of specificity and resemblance The adsorption of heavy metals by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) is energy independent, non-metabolism, and can be caused by contact between negative charge and metal cations of acidic functional groups of EPS. Isolated biopolymers have not been practical on a huge range for heavy metal remediation. In this work, a experiment was carried out to investigate the ability of adsorption of three different metals – Zn2+, Pb2+, Cr6+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Cd2+ and Co2+ by an EPS produced by consortium gram-negative bacteria. EPS concentration and adsorption time were wide-ranging, in order to determine the ultimate environment to remove these metal cations from aqueous solutions. Outcome showed that the EPS is proficient to adsorb cadmium, zinc, and copper from the system. The extracellular polymeric substance produced by consortium gram-negative bacteria were shown to be a good adsorbent, capable to remove zinc, lead, chromium, nickel, copper, cadmium and cobalt from an aqueous system, with removal efficiencies of 77.15, 78.18, 74.48, 66.63, 71.00, 72.71 and 76.12% of each metal, respectively.

382-388

Authors: Pradhan VP

India is blessed with high average rainfall and abundant water resources. Inspite of this, millions of people do not have access to safe drinking water and severe drought is experienced in many parts of the country. The rivers, lakes and reservoirs are being used indiscriminately for disposal of urban, industrial and agricultural wastes thereby polluting surface and ground water beyond permissible limits. The emerging water crisis has clearly brought the need to address the issues at different levels of policy and governance, with a particular emphasis on the need of drinking water. There are innumerable factors responsible for the pollution and degradation of water bodies. Water Quality assessment involves analysis of physical, chemical, biological and microbial parameters which reflects on biotic and abiotic status of the ecosystem. This helps in planning the strategies for conservation and preservation of available resources. Less than 1% of total water on the surface of Earth is available for human use. This amount of water constantly passes through a system called as Hydro biological Cycle. The present study aims to study the physical parameters which affect the potability of the water body.

394-398

Authors: Mane AM

Present study deals with impact of fingerlings stocking on the major carp production in a minor reservoir Manar, Nanded district. The water spread area is 15.2/ha and water is useful for Agriculture and fisheries activities. Fingerlings with 75-80mm size were stocked @2000/ha. Catla, Rohu, Mrigal, common carp and grass carp fingerlings were stocked @500/ha, 500/ha, 400/ha, 400/ha and 200/ha respectively. The fishes were harvested after one year. Survival rate was found to be 39.2%, 36.5%, 30.5%, 39.5%, and 31 % in Catla, Rohu, Mrigal, common carp and grass carp respectively. Major carps yield was found to be 662kg/halyr, which is more than Indian average reservoir fish production (29.07kg/ha/yr). Catla attained maximum growth, fol­lowed by common carp, grass carp, Rohu and Mrigal and all the carps attained more than 1 kg in one year and Catla (29.25%) yield was maximum, followed by Rohu (24.24%), common carp (23) 3.04%), Mrigal (14.59%) and grass carp (09.09%).

403-406

Authors: Dhote Jayeshree D | Mohod Chaitali V

Puberty is less like a clock and more like a musical performance, with our bodies as the keyboards and the environment as the hands of pianist. Puberty is a stage of life where an individual exists in between the childhood and the arising adult. The present paper studies the effects caused due to the environment and locality on the puberty of girl childs. The environmental factors may be enlisted as the effect of temperature, lightning, season. Environment can also be the part of the family or also can be defined as the environment in the family, neighborhood, school environment; class performance, etc have an impact on the puberty of the girl Childs that causes early puberty. The surrounding covers basically the residence area, Garden area, society where there is a regular give and take with the people in it. Social environment also creates great variations on the girl child’s puberty.

410-412

Authors: Kakde VR | Dipke Vaishali G

Dengue, a major tropical & Vector Borne Disease; in this case the vector is mosquito (Female Aedes aegypti).In this paper, present status of Dengue in Buldana Town (M.S.) is going to report based on survey conducted by Government agencies like Municipal Committee, Z.P. & Malaria & Dengue Era diction Department. Other Aedes species that transmit the disease include A.albopictus, A. polynesiensis and A. scutellaris. During 2013-14 about 57samples are examined out of them positive samples are 01.Need of health education and penetration of hygiene sense are preventive measures against such vector borne diseases.

201-206

Authors: Santhoshkumar S | Nagarajan N

In the present study to investigate the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization in the rhizosphere soil of some pteridophyte plant species. Soil samples were collected during the month of September 2013 from the surface to 30 cm depth and pH was analyzed. Rhizosphere soil root of 12 pteridophytic plant species belonging to 7 families were investigated. The result showed that the mycorrhizal populations, such as Glomus species were found dominate followed by Acaulospora, Sclerocystis, Entrophospora and Gigaspora. The maximum spore population was found in the rhizosphere of Adiantum capillus-veneris (640.20 /100 g soil) belongs to the family Adiantaceae and the least spore population was observed in the Adiantum radianum (130.90 /100g of soil). The highest (81.36 %) AM fungal infection found in roots of Angiopteris evecta belongs to the family Angiopteridaceae. The lowest (21.11 %) AM fungal association was found in the root of Pteris biaurita belongs to the family Pteridaceae. In conclusion the AM fungi are associated with pteridophyte plants in naturally for beneficially both of them. AM fungal may be increase the yield of agricultural crops and soil fertility.

212-216

Authors: Mishra Monika | Khan Ainul Haq

Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of individual and combination treatments of EMS and gamma rays were assessed in Isabgol (Plantago ovata Forsk.) var. Mayuri. The experiment included total 16 mutagenic treatments (6 each for individual treatments of EMS and gamma rays and 4 combination treatments), selected on the basis of their LD50 values. Effectiveness and efficiency were calculated on the basis of biological damage of M1 generation and chlorophyll mutation frequency of M2 generation. While mutagenic effectiveness was found to be decrease with the increasing concentrations/doses of the mutagens, mutagenic efficiency showed variable trend depending upon the mutagen type and the criteria selected for its estimation. EMS treatments showed high mutagenic effectiveness than the gamma rays and combination treatments.

223-225

Authors: Salve KM | More AD

The seeds of Coriandrum sativum, Linn. (Coriander) Var. CS-287 were selected and used for following investigations. The healthy, dry and uniform seeds were treated with different doses of Gamma rays like 10kR, 20kR, 30kR and 40kR. Germination parameters like seed germination percentage, seedling height and seedling injury were studied. Seed germination percentage in control was 86 %. Seed germination percentage revealed gradual decrease from lower doses to higher doses in given treatments of Gamma rays. In case of seedling height there was dose dependent deduction after treatment of Gamma rays. In Gamma rays treated seeds seedling height was in the range 10.90 cm to 10.18 cm and seedling injury varied from 1.67 % to 8.15%. In conclusion it can be said that use of physical mutagens has succeeded in inducing M1 Biological parameters.

229- 234

Authors: Oak Deepali | Deore Sachin

Malaria is persistent in India. Maharashtra was not affected badly since the beginning of the 21th century. But in last few years the situation has changed. Thane district in Maharashtra faced the problem of outbreak of malaria in 2010.The present study is a retrospective analysis of malaria situation in Thane district from 2003 to 2012. Epidemiological data of malaria indicators is obtained from District Malaria Department and NVBDCP is considered, and a regression is formulated. Correlation R square and trend values are quantified. GIS technique based maps are prepared to identify hot spots. API of India, Maharashtra and Thane are compared by graphical representation. The results show that the trend of malaria of Thane is in contrast to the scenario of India. Hot spots are located in the north east tribal area. Ground realities reveal that urban API is unbelievably low as people prefer private medical services. API (Annual Parasitic Index) of tribal areas was 13.03to 47.51 in 2010, which was far more than the national and state average. Though it reduced in next few years, holistic approach at administrative and social level would dilute the problem. Political will power, governance over the health environment, public participation, and creating health awareness can control the resurgence of malaria in Thane district.

239- 243

Authors: Bhandarkar SV | Paliwal GT

The Shrungarbandh Lake has biological potential and rich in flora and fauna. This lake is more productive because of the nutrients from adjoin watershed gets accumulated in the form of compost, sediments, etc. The enrichment of organic constituents responsible for the growth of aquatic weeds, phytoplankton and zooplankton therefore the Lake is a good wetland habitat for availability of food items to various organisms like birds in ample proportion. It has been observed that the wetland is getting affected by local human activities. A status survey of water birds from Shrungarbandh Lake was conducted during the year 2012-2013. A total 52 water birds species belongs to 5 orders from 10 different families were recorded. The present study of this wetland helps to keep a record of bird species to restore and maintain the present condition of wetland. The attempt of this paper is to provide the information about biodiversity of water birds to recognize this site as globally important habitat for the conservation of bird population.

249-255

Authors: Talekar SD | Joshi AJ | Pawar US | Gohel NA | Naik AA

Salt marsh areas are recognized as important natural sinks for metals. Bhal region one selected for this investigation can be classified as a 15 km wide coastal wetland comprising of marshy areas towards the Gulf and of either freshwater-salt marsh or freshwater bodies in landward margin of 10 km, which remains flooded during monsoon. Hence in this study attempts were made to evaluate the levels of heavy metals viz., Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni and Cd of habitats located at such interesting ecoregion. 54 soil samples collected from 18 twin belt transects during monsoon, winter and summer at 6 different coastal locations viz., Mingalpur, Mundi Bridge, Rahtalav, Khoon, Kamatalav and Bhogavo were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Furthermore results obtained were subjected to 2-way ANOVA. From results obtained, it can be said that metal concentrations in soil samples supporting coastal flora in Bhal ecoregion could possibly be arranged in a decreasing order as follows: Fe > Mn > Ni > Zn > Cu > Cd. Also coastal regions of Bhal are comparatively less contaminated by heavy metals than marshy locations of other countries. 2-way ANOVA assessing seasonal variations showed that concentrations of Fe, Mn and Cu in 2 marshy locations varied significantly during monsoon, winter and summer. In contrast, Ni, Zn and Cd did not show such trend of temporal observations for all the 6 selected locations. Furthermore, metal content in soil samples collected from 3 belt transects at each location did not fluctuate significantly, indicating a fact that one may chose any one sample area for any specific type of botanical investigations.

263-267

Authors: Kadam CP | Dandolia HS | Kausik S | Saksena DN | Shrotriy VP

Zooplanktons play a vital role in the food web of aquatic ecosystems. They are good indicator of water quality. Present paper deal the qualitative and quantities estimation of zooplankton. The present study was done from June 2008 to May 2010 In all 27 species of zooplankton were identified. Among them 4 species belong to Protozoa, 10 species belong to Rotifera, 6 species belong to Cladocera, 5 species belong to Copepoda and 2 species belong to Ostrecoda. The zooplaktonic forms were exhibited as Protozoans were 9.50%, Rotifers with 54.84%, Cladocerans with 14.43%, Copepods with 15.70% and Ostracoda with 5.54%. The abundance of zooplankton in Pillowa reservoir followed a sequence as Rotifera > Copepoda > Cladocera > Protozoa > Ostracoda.

273-275

Authors: Dhore Mukund Manohar | Lachure Paresh Shyaam

The present investigation concerns the survey of diversity of aquatic macrophytes in Yavatmal district. Aquatic macrophytes play a prominent role in water ecosystems. The aquatic plants contribute to maintaining key functions and related biodiversity in fresh water ecosystems and to provide the needs of human societies. Aquatic vegetation is important part of aquatic ecosystem as they contribute in no small measure to the well being of other components of dynamic ecosystem. Aquatic plant provide directly or indirectly food, shelter and habitat for a large number of aquatic organisms which includes economically important fish species, they also enrich the pond water with oxygen during the photosynthetic activity. Macrophytes play a significant role in maintaining the growth of fauna in water bodies. The present survey was carried out at monthly intervals during January 2011- December 2013.

1-12

Authors: Patle Pratap J and Baile Vidya V

Olfactory organs of fishes show wide range of variations depending upon the systematic groups and ecological habitats.Number, shape and arrangement of the lamellae vary considerably among different teleosts ranging from flat unfolded surface to multi-lamellar rosette.Objective of the present work was to study the organization of olfactory system of Notopterus notopterus. As it is demersal in habitat, olfaction is expected to play a prominent role in various life processes. With the help of Haematoxylin-Eosin and Kluver and Barrera (1953) staining techniques, organization of the olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb was studied. In N. notopterus, olfactory epithelium is a multilamellar structure comprising 70-76 lamellae radiating from a median raphe. Each lamella comprises sensory and nonsensory regions. Sensory region shows ciliated, microvillous, crypt receptor cells, supporting cells and basal cells. Nonsensory region has ciliated nonsensory cells, basal cells and mucous cells. Within the median raphe, distinct melanophores innervated by axons from olfactory receptor neurons are observed. Olfactory epithelium is connected to the bulb by a short olfactory nerve. Olfactory bulb is a concentrically arranged four layered structure with olfactory nerve layer on the outermost side followed by glomerular layer, mitral cell layer and granular cell layer. Ruffed cells are observed surrounding the mitral cells. In dorsomedial region of the olfactory bulb, giant cells of nervus terminalis are prominent. In the present study, fiber projections from the olfactory receptor neurons to ventral telencephalon are clearly demonstrated histologically, indicating the pathway of hemosensory signal from olfactory receptor neurons to the higher brain areas. This work will be useful to study the neuroanatomy of the olfactory system and ultimately to understand neurobiology of fish olfaction.

17-22

Authors: Kalkar Surekha A, Renu Jaiswal

Air pollution effects on pollen morphology of two species of Cassia viz. C siamia L. and C. fistula L were studied in industrial area (MIDC, Hingna), Nagpur. Civil lines area was considered as control area. In order to study impact of air pollution, pollen grains were subjected to LM and SEM (light and scanning electron microscopic studies). LM studies revealed that pollen grains in control area have shown clear exine pattern, trizonocolporate condition of pollen, whereas in experimental area shrinkage in its size and breakage of exine was noticed. SEM studies of pollen in experimental area have shown some particulate matter was attached to its surface. The studies have discussed the structural changes in pollen characteristics of Cassia siamia L. and Cassia fistula L. under the influence of air pollution.

31-43

Authors: Bhajbhuje MN

Environmental seasonal variation pattern, vegetation diversity, pre- and post-harvest climate determine periodic distribution and concentration of microfungal propagules on seed coats in any geographic area. The seeds play crucial role in crop productivity on the globe and are vulnerable to attack by diverse group of fungal pathogens and spread of diseases, in turns adversely affect the global agricultural economy. Prevalence of enormous, high concentrations of diverse microfungal propagules on stored seeds of Solanum melongena L., widely considered as some pathogenic, phytotoxic and few carcinogenic, have been investigated in a set of storage climate for a year employing standard blotter paper technique, screening four hundred seeds from mixed samples of diverse geographic location of Vidarbha Region (M.S.) and incubating them for seven days. It has been proposed for an establishment of seasonal variation patterns as well as its possible correlation with climatological factors. Results revealed that out of a total fifty fungal isolates fall under thirty genera, eleven species of Aspergillus are among the most predominant components of mesophilic seed mycoflora. Deuteromycota contributed greater count of isolates followed by Ascomycota while Basidiomycota had least count. Winter season dominated by nearly half of a total population of isolates while summer season had 14 per cent count. Nearly 28 per cent population remained throughout in storage period while 10 per cent isolates occurred frequently. The storage period of winter season belonged to the months of December, January and February was seemed to be supportive for fungal infestation, rapid proliferation and sporulation, exhibiting greater level of percent incidence. Level of infestation for mesophilic isolates declined while it was enhanced for thermo-tolerants in summer season. Fungal count and per cent incidence varied periodically during storage. Report on seasonal diversity provides a basis for estimating functional role of fungal organism in an ecosystem

49-52

Authors: Knox Jai, Bhalerao SA, Paul MS

Parthenium hysterophorus a noxious weed of today has its effect on human and animal health. This weed is known to cause asthama, bronchitis, dermatitis and hay fever in human and livestock. In a sample survey conducted in Bangalore, India it was recorded that 70% of the population suffers from allergic rhinitis due to pollen and 47% suffered from nasobranchial allergies. At present there is no effecteive treatment of dermatitis, other than exclusion of the weed but azathioprine therapy shows promising potential. Studies were undertaken to assess the phytosociology of Parthenium hysterophorus with other weeds growing in its vicinity and its control by some potent bio-agents. Studies were also undertaken to assess the chlorophyll content and percentage nitrogen of Parthenium hysterophorus. Maximum significant inhibition in chlorophyll content and percentage nitrogen was observed in shoot leacheates of Cassia occidentalis and Calotropis procera ,respectively.

58-62

Authors: Jogdand SB, Ingole AC

Air sampling was carried out by using continuous Tilak air sampler from 1stJanuary 2013 to 31stMay2013 in the intramural environment of Bharati printing press having a tropical wet and dry climate with average temperature ranging between 19oC to 41oC and RH 49% to 87% to analyze the aerobiodeteriogens causing biodetrioration of papers, books and their relevance to health problems like allergy, sometime skin diseases, respiratory disorders, etc., among the press workers. Qualitative analysis revealed incidence of 64 fungal spore types and 09 other types. Quantitative analysis revealed daily and monthly variation in the percentage contribution of dominant spore types such as Cladosporium (23.186%), Aspergillus (21.302%), Nigrospora (21.03%), Smut spores (19.86%), and minor type like Torula (1.043%). Diurnal periodicity curve of Nigrospora (from 11th January to 20th January 2013)revealed peak point at 04 to 06hrs (11.64%) exhibiting early morning aerospora pattern and minimum at 14 to 16 hrs (10.34%), at average temperature (21 0C) accompanied by rise in average RH (67.8%) have been found responsible for the increase in aerospora. While diurnal periodicity curve of Chaetomium (From 8th April to 20th April 2013) exhibited peak at 02 to 04 hrs. i.e. post midnight aerospora pattern at average temperature 220C and average RH 62%. Prominent biodeterioration of papers and health disorders in press workers have been reported during the study period.

67-69

Authors: Yeragi SS, Yeragi SG

Mangroves are one among the most productive ecosystems in south konkan. The estuarine habitat is densely supporting this ecosystem and serve as custodians of their juvenile stock and from most valuable biomass. Mangroves are known as the salt tolerant forest ecosystem. It provides a wide range of ecological and economic products hence considered as treasury for the coastal living people. As a highly productive zone, no one can destroy this ecosystems in konkan. It is know to be Government property. Mangroves occupy less than one percent of the world’s surface. There are more than 18 million ha of global mangroves inhabiting in 112 countries and territories in the tropical and subtropical region. Around 34 major and 20 minor mangrove species belonging to about 20 genera and over 11 familes have been recorded globally. Indian has a mangrove cover of about 6, 749 Km2, The present investigation amongst the south konkan estuaries, about 12 genera and 20species were recorded.

75-78

Authors: Ingole AB, Tantarpale VT, Kulkarni KM

The Present cross – sectional study was undertaken among the tribes of Chikhaladara Dist Amravati. This study used to investigate the hemoglobin percentage and body mass index (BMI) among male and female tribes of Chikhaldara region. Total 275 males and 319 females were taken for examination. Hemoglobin percentage were analyzed by sahli’s method and commonly used indicator is weight (wt) and height (ht) were measured to calculate body mass indies to evaluate nutritional status. The test of statistical significant (t test) was used to compare population groups. The normal values of hemoglobin percentage and BMI were not observed in any age groups of total served tribal people of chikhaldara region.

84-89

Authors: Pradhan VP

We live on a water dominated planet, surrounded inside and out with water. Water not a very complicated substance chemically, but its unique physical and chemical properties are responsible for the existence of life on this planet. The properties of water provide the frame work, parts and methods for interacting with living processes. Due to the open nature of the water bodies, a constant exchange of matter and energy goes on between the aquatic ecosystem and its surroundings, thus making water quality a dynamic factor. Lakes are the most important components of Global Water Cycle and have assumed greater significance in human survival. Anthropogenic activities add pollutants to the water body in the form of organic and inorganic waste which bring about eutrophication. An attempt has to be made to evaluate the problems having direct bearing on the limnological profile and to suggest measures to be undertaken to improve the status of the lake and conserve it for the future generations.

93-95

Authors: Hande DV, Suradkar KP, Kadu SR

In due course of mycological survey of Amravati District, many interesting fungi have been collected; among these a rare Myxomycetes macbrideola has been reported in present article. For their specific identification, morphological characters and dimension of various fruiting bodies were studied and compared with already described one. These collections proved to be distinct as such described here rare species. The Exsicati of these fungi have been deposited in Ajrekar Mycological Herbarium of Agharkar Research Institute, Pune under their respective accession numbers. The present paper deals with description of Macbrideola.

Kinare Pratik | Shingadia Hitesh

Authors: Kinare Pratik | Shingadia Hitesh

Due to rapid industrial progress and urbanization environmental pollution with toxic heavy metal has become one of the major concerns in today’s world. We need advance chemical and mechanical technology for removal of heavy metals from polluted water, but this technology is quite expensive. Microbial technologies and inventions may provide an alternative to the current methods. Microorganisms and microbial products can be highly efficient bioaccumulators for heavy metals. In this study, preliminary investigation showed presence of few heavy metal resistant bacteria from a lake of Vasai Taluka situated in Nale village. Different isolates showed different degree of resistance to Arsenic, Lead and Cadmium proving that they can be used as tools for remediating the water contaminated with these toxic heavy metals. Further investigations need to be carried out to identify and characterize the isolates so as to establish their role as bioaccumulators.

114-118

Authors: Jain Shampa

Methyl parathion has a broad range of toxicity to many insect pests and has several agricultural applications. The present paper deals with the study of protein content of digestive tract and gills of Channa gachua induced by methyl parathion. Bromophenol blue test performed with methyl parathion exposure showed a gradual decrease in protein content with an increase in concentration and duration of toxicant level but in stomach columnar epithelium did not show any such response for different doses and duration. In intestine columnar epithelium, sub mucosa and circular muscles, protein remains unaffected. In the gills reduction of protein content was observed except in blood capillaries and central column.

124-126

Authors: Baig Rakshanda Nahid

The study of parasite diversity not only helps to estimate the diversity of organisms but also help to address question related to host specificity and coevolution. Hepatozoonosis, is an enzootic disease caused by several species of Hepatozoon, a genus in the phylum Apicomplexa. Hepatozoon infect wide variety of domestic and wild animals. The present pilot study was aimed to screen the common herpatofauna namely garden and wall lizard for the presence of Hepatozoon species using DNA based markers specific for 18S rRNA region. The findings of this study confirms the occurrence of Hepatozoon in garden and wall lizard using HepF300 and HepR900 primers targeted for ~800 bp of 18S rRNA gene. The study also highlights the need to screen more taxa for the occurrence of this parasite in both domestic and wild species to understand parasetemia caused by Apicomplexan species.

134- 138

Authors: Deshbhratar Shantaj M | Hile Vijay K | Raut Sonali R | Mahaley Jyotsna A | Singh Ankita J | Mehta Gayatri U

Bhandardara dam also known as Wilson dam about 185 km away from Mumbai.is situated in Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra, India 190 53' 75'' N and 730 96' 74'' E. It is the largest earthen dam in the country and amongst the oldest dams in Asia. Wilson Dam or Bhandardara Dam is at Bhandardara with a height of about 150 m. The dam is constructed to provide irrigation and drinking water to Ahmednagar region. Monitoring and Assessment of water has become environmental need due to contamination by mankind. One of the most unfortunate crisis of 21st century is the constraints in the availability of safe and pure drinking water which is the basic resource of our life. Most of the fresh water bodies get contaminated due to heavy metals effluents. The main threats to human health and animal biodiversity from heavy metals are associated with exposure to lead, cadmium, arsenic etc. Present investigations are carried out to analyse certain specific heavy metals required to establish and notify the quality and sustainability for varied purposes. Our observations suggest the presence of certain heavy metals in these water samples with significant concentration of some elements at few sites.

148- 154

Authors: Vasantkumar B | Roopa SV

This study was aimed to study the diversity of aquatic insects and physicochemical factors of water in pond of Karwar, India. The aquatic insects were collected using insects net from the study area during June 2009 to May 2010. 15 species belonging to 6 orders were found, with the highest number of aquatic insects from the order Hemiptera. The most abundant order was Coleoptera which were very commonly found during the study period. Physicochemical values of water, air temperature, pH, DO, DO, CO2, TA, Cl2, PO4 and NH4 were measured.

160-164

Authors: Borkar Laxmikant | Mate Devendra

33 pollen loads recovered directly from the honey combs of Apis dorsata (Rock Bee) collected in May 2013 from Ganeshpur forest area of Bramhapuri Tahsil of Chandrapur District of Maharashtra State, were analysed. Two (6.6%) pollen loads were found to be Uniforal, nine (27.27%) biforal and twenty-two (66.66%) multfloral. The Unifloral pollen loads were contained Terminalia sp. The pollen of Terminalia sp were recovered from 31 (93.93%) of the total pollen loads studied. The study high lights Terminalia sp (combretrceace) do the major pollen source and Mangifera indica (Anacardeaceae),, Blumea sp (Asteraceae), Citrus sp ( Rutaceae) and Delonix regia ( Caesalpineaceae ) as fairly important sources of pollen of the honey bees during the summer period.

168- 172

Authors: Valvi SR | Gadekar SS | Jadhav VD

Fruits are important ingredients in the human diets. Due to their high nutritive value, they make significant nutritional contribution to human well-being. The perishable fruits are available as seasonal surpluses during certain parts of the year in different regions and are wasted in large quantities due to unawareness, know-low for proper handling, distribution, marketing and storage. Therefore phytochemical investigation was carried out from five wild edible fruits (Ficus racemosa, Elaegnus conferta, Antidesma ghasembilla, Grewia tillifolia and Scleichera oleosa ) in their mature and ripen stage. Various parameters were carried out like moisture, dry matter, carotenoids, carbohydreate (reducing sugar, starch, soluble sugar) antioxidant enzymes like catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and non-enzymatic All five wild edible fruits were rich in vitamins, proteins and in antioxidant enzymes. The nutritional and phytochemical composition of fruits indicates that, these neglected wild edible fruits can be a valuable source of nutrients under famine conditions and high levels of some vitamins, antioxidants and can be used to prevent diseases.

179- 184

Authors: Kaur Rupinder

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) is a form of air pollution which is twice as deadly as all other types of air pollution combined together.ETSrefers to exposure to tobacco smoke from someone else's cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoke. Breathing inETSis known as passive smoking, second-hand smoke -SHS, or involuntary smoking. Although majority of Indians are fully aware of the health risks associated with smoking, but the fact that exposure to tobacco smoke released by someone else is also harmful is little known. As a result million of non smokers in India are slowly and silently being exposed to deadly levels ofETS. Tobacco smoke consists of 10% solid particles-tar & nicotine and 90% gases mainly carbon monoxide and carcinogens such as formaldehyde and vinyl chloride. Safe level of exposure toETShas not yet been determined; however the exposure levels can be evaluated by estimating carboxy hemoglobin or cotinine levels in blood/urine or level of nicotine in hair. The harmful effects ofETSinclude cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, lung cancer, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, middle ear infection, eye irritation, sore throat etc, Non-smokers living with smokers or those working in smoky atmosphere for long periods, asthma sufferers, pregnant women and children are more prone to health risks associated withETS. Although stringent legislations exist in India but there is urgent need to strictly implement them. This along with mass awareness campaigns via media and educational institutes can help to achieve the goal of Smoke free India. The paper presents an appraisal of various aspects ofETSwith special reference to India.

187- 189

Authors: Darade MS

The effect of VAM fungi on phosphorus uptake in three cultivars of okra were studied .The experimental data revealed that in cultivar Parbhani kranti the phosphorus content per 100 gm ash was found less in control plant as compared to the plants inoculated by Glomus fasciculatum and Gigaspora gigantea., In Arkanamika, the maximum phosphorus content was found in plants, inoculated by Glomus fasciculatum and Gigaspora gigantea.while in selection – 51, the less amount of phosphorus was noted in control plants than mycorrhizal plant.