INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES

7-12

Authors: Kelkar Tushar S and Bhalerao Satish A

Arbuscular Mycorrhiza is well known symbionts for majority of angiospermic plants. Mycorrhiza is more common than the exception for higher plants. Symbiotic relationship is developed because of requirement of carbon source by the fungus, which is present and can be produced by higher photosynthetic plants. In return, higher plants get enhanced phosphate uptake along with many other minerals like magnesium, iron etc. This symbiotic association proved to be beneficial for both of the symbionts. The benefits of this symbiotic association can be easily checked in host plants which are often a higher plant like angiosperm. In present investigation Capsicum annum L. plant commonly known as chilli was screened and assessed for such benefits shared by mycorrhiza. In present paper biochemical aspects were studied in controlled (non mycorrhizal) and treated (mycorrhizal) plants of chilli. The estimation of total chlorophyll content, total soluble proteins, phosphate phosphorous, Ca and Mg content of leaf was carried out in mycorrhizal chilli plants and is compared with non mycorrhizal plants of chilli. Results from these estimation showed that there is a significant increase in all the studied biochemical parameters in mycorrhizal chilli plants than the non mycorrhizal chilli plants. These results may contribute to the increment in overall yield of chilli plants.

19-24

Authors: Nirmalkar Vaishali*, Shaikh Asfiya and Ansari Raana

Filamentous fungi are important due to their high enzyme production potential. Many enzymes produced by fungi have been related to biotechnological applications in several industrial sectors. The purpose of this study was to isolate filamentous fungi from different sources and to screen for cellulase production potential. This study was focused on the evaluation of cellulolytic fungi isolated from different soil samples collected from different Textile Sizing sites of Bhiwandi city. Amongst the twenty isolated fungi, two cellulase producing isolates identified as P. citrinum and A. flavus were subjected for Solid State Fermentation. SSF was carried out using two substrates namely sugarcane bagasse and sweet lime bagasse. Both the fungi showed maximum cellulase activities at 72 hours of incubation. P. citrinum was found to be producing cellulase higher than A. flavus using both the substrates. Isolation of cellulase producing fungi from Textile Sizing Site will help in the bioremediation of sizing processing wastes’ environment.

33-40

Authors: Birje Rachana R* and Golatkar VV

In order to study the effect of various doses of AM fungi on growth of spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) plants, a series of experiments were conducted in pot cultures in randomised block design (RBD). A commercial AM fungal consortium ‘Rhizagold’ was used as the Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) culture. The various growth parameters such as dry weight, chlorophyll content, relative water content, Nitrogen content, Phosphate Phosphorous content and potassium content of spearmint were tested after 60, 90 and 120 DAS. Per cent root colonisation and spore count were also tested. The results were encouraging and demonstrated that there was a significantly positive effect of increasing doses of AMF culture on various growth parameters of spearmint plants throughout the experiment. Amongst the various treatments, the treatment T2 and T3 were proved to be better for harvest at 90 DAS than the remaining treatments.

47-51

Authors: Belose Shweta*and Chahar Sunita

The present study was carried out to evaluate the status of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) colonizing the rhizosphere of Sesamum indicum L. by setting up soil trap culture and to compare the species diversity in trap cultures with natural conditions. Sesamum indicum L. is a common wild medicinal herb, belonging to family Pedaliaceae. The study revealed that spore number was amazingly high in natural conditions. It was found to be 135spores/10g soil. The trap cultures after 3 months showed only 90 spores as against expected. The type of spores found in the natural conditions belonged to ten different types of species .The spores isolated from trap cultures belonged to only seven species. The spores isolated from the natural rhizospheric soil belonged to Glomus geosporum, Glomus callosum, Glomus clarum, Glomus tortuosum , Acaulospora myriocarpa, Ambispora appendicula, Scutellospora sp. Gigaspora margarita, Glomus clavisporum, Kuklospora sp . The spores isolated from trap cultures belonged to Glomus halonatum, G. constrictum , G.aureum, Gigaspora decipiens , Ambisporum, Pacispora boliviana and Acaulospora sp. The study of trap culture demonstrated that all AM Fungi do not sporulate in three months period , but had good amount of root colonization percentage. The sections of roots from trap cultures showed plenty of fungal hyphae, vesicles and arbuscules. Other endophytes with swollen hyphae and bulbous structures were observed in natural and trapped cultures.

57-60

Authors: Maurya C and Pius J

Silver ions have long been known to possess broad spectrum antimicrobial activities. In the present work Silver nanoparticles were fabricated using four different organic wastes. Synthesized particles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and TEM analysis. Antifungal effects of the synthesized silver nanoparticles were carried out by MIC and Radial growth assay method. The obtained result showed that the MIC values against F. oxysporum was 40ppm and against A.niger at 50 ppm. F. oxysporum was found to be more sensitive to all synthesized AgNPs compared to A.niger. Percentage inhibitory activity to radial growth was 100% for both the fungi at 40 and 50ppm of AgNPs.

66-68

Authors: Patil Anjali, Dangat BT and Patil MS

Present paper describes three species of the genus Leotia Pers. viz. L. albiceps (Peck) Mains, L. viscose Fr. and L. sahyadriensis sp. nov., new record to the fungi of India.

74-76

Authors: Chaudhuri Sanchita, Pius Jessy*, Naik Vishwesh and Gaikwad Sneha

Warm, humid greenhouse environment favours a number of plant pathogens that can infect various plant parts. The disease can be soil/ peat born, air born or water born. The aim of this paper is to give an over view of fungal diseases commonly observed on the vegetables grown in Greenhouse of RamnarainRuia College. In protected cultivation optimal conditions for growing vegetables in soil and soilless method need to be maintained. However improper maintenance stimulates the activity of pathogens. The diseases observed include Powdery mildew, Downy mildew, Damping-off, Tikka disease and fruit rot. This paper also gives organic control measures for the same.

81-84

Authors: Shweta Jain* and Chahar Sunita

Mycorrhiza is a known bio-fertilizer since long and has been found to be mobilizing various nutrients, including phosphorus, iron and zinc in adequate quantities. Mycorrhizal Inoculum Potential or Infectivity Potential is an indicator of mycorrhizal activity in the plant and soil. It allows the quality/infectivity of inoculum to be evaluated and is used as a biological indicator. Mycorrhizal Inoculum Potential is the number of infectious fungal propagules in a sample which can be tested by bioassay using plant seedlings as host and measurement of mycorrhizal colonization after a defined period. The method used in this study is Mean Infection Percentage, an effective method for assessing Mycorrhiza Inoculum Potential. Five mycorrhizal bio-fertilizer samples were used to assess the quality and an in house developed mycorrhizal bio-fertilizer was used to compare the results. The quality of samples was decided based on its spore count, viability of Infective Propagules, Mycorrhizal Infectivity Potential and presence of other endophytes after 15 days. Samples: “A,B,C,D,E” were fertilizer samples from the market and sample “F” was in house developed bio-fertilizer. Spore count in sample A,B,C,D and E was found to be 10,000 /gm, 101/gm, 6 /gm, 2/gm and 50/gm respectively . Spores of Glomus genera were the main Mycorrhizal constituent of all the samples and their Mycorrhizal infectivity potential after 15 days was found to be 0%, 30%, 0%, 10%, and 0% respectively. As compared to the market samples, F sample which is an inhouse developed Mycorrhizal bio fertilizer had 3spores/gm and showed 50% Mycorrhizal Inoculum Potential. Other endophytes were observed in all the roots of host plant (Zea mays plant) inoculated with fertilizer samples. In conclusion, the in house, in vivo developed product was of good quality than other in-vitro developed bio-fertilizer

89-97

Authors: Patil Anjali, Kambale Madhuri and Patil Sunita*

Orchid Mycorrhiza (OM) is a specialized group of endophytes, mutually associated with roots of almost all terrestrial orchids. They play an important role, not only in germination of seeds, but also for nutrient uptake throughout the entire adult life of many orchids, so much so that they are identified as mycoheterotrophs. As many as 45 numbers of terrestrial orchids belonging to the genera Habenaria, Nervelia, Malaxis, Peristylus, Pectilis, Geodorum, Zeuxine, Cheirostylus and Eulophia are recorded from Kolhapur District of Maharashtra state. Till date there are no reports of studies on OM of terrestrial orchids in the study area. Fungi isolated from orchids until now belong to the genus Rhizoctonia, Agaricales and other Basidiomycetes. In the present study OM from roots of Habenaria brachyphylla (Lindl.) Aitch., Habenaria commelinifolia (Roxb.) Wall. Ex Lindl., Habenaria diphylla (Nimmo) Dalzell, Habenaria digitata Lindl., Habenaria foliosa A. Rich.,Habenaria foetida Blatt. and McCann, Habenaria furcifera Lindl., Habenaria gibsonii Hook.f., Habenaria heyneana Lindl., Habenaria longicorniculata J. Graham, Habenaria longicornu Lindl., Habenaria marginata Colebr.,Habenaria plantaginea Lindl.,Habenaria rariflora A.Rich., Habenaria roxburghii Nicolson, Malaxis versicolor (Lindl.) Abeyw., Nervelia infundibulifolia Blatt. and McCann, Nervelia crociformis (Zoll. and Moritzi) Seidenf, Pecteilis gigantea (Sm.) Raf., Peristylus densus (Lindl.) Sant. and Kapad., Peristylus lawii Wight., Peristylus plantagineus (Lindl.) Lindl. are isolated and identified for the first time from Maharashtra state. During the present study nonmycorrhizal endophytes have also been recorded.

102-106

Authors: Raut Asmita and Sashirekha S

Fungi are group of organisms having a great biodiversity. They are the second largest group after insects and key component of tropical ecosystems throughout the world. Endophytes are group of microorganisms that resides asymptomatically inside the living plant tissues. Endophytic fungi are unexplored group of organism that has enormous potentials for new pharmaceutical substances. Medicinal plants and their endophytes are important resources for discovery of natural products. Plant endophytic fungi have been recognized as an important and novel resource of natural bioactive products with potential application in agriculture, medicine and food industry.

111-115

Authors: Gosavi Mahavir C

Fungi are a large, diverse and economically important group of organisms. Estimates of the actual number of fungal species vary widely from 1.5 million to 13.5 million, with fewer than 100,000 now known. Some fungi have relative complex and conspicuous morphologies, but others have very simple morphologies. Identification of fungi isolated from samples in laboratories is mainly based on observing morphology under the microscope and use of various cultural techniques. These conventional methods are very time-consuming and laborious. It usually requires several weeks for the fungi to grow sufficiently on culture media, and the identification processes on fungal phenotypic structure. DNA barcoding techniques have provided standardized, reliable and costeffective methods for fungal species identification. Gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region in the fungal genomes are the most commonly used molecular methods for fungal identification. The ITS region has been heavily used in both molecular methods and ecological studies of fungi, due to its high degree of interspecific variability, conserved primer sites and multiple copy nature in the genome. It has been recently accepted as a suitable marker for barcoding fungi. This approach has immensely being used currently for both phylogenetic reconstruction and species recognition.

119-120

Authors: Deshpande Ashwini* and Nadar Evangelin

Aeromicrobiology is the study of living microbes which are suspended in the air. These microbes are refered to as bioaerosols and also includes various dormant fungal spores. Though there are significantly less atmospheric microorganisms than there are in oceans and in the soil, there is still a large enough number that they can affect the atmosphere. Once suspended in the air column , the fungal spores get an opportunity to travel long distance with the help of wind and precipitation, increasing the occurrence of widespread fungal diseases. There is also an ecological significance as they can be associated with diseases in humans, animals and plants as they settle on surfaces in calm environment. Specially nurtured college herbal garden plants are also subjected to fungal infections. Thus there is a potential threat to medicinal, ornamental, rare and exotic garden species.Spores suspended in air can settle on an agar nutrient medium as it provides readymade nutrients for germination with optimum conditions required for growth, as a result of which fungal colonies are produced which can be further identified well in advance as a part of garden maintenance. A comprehensive aeromycological study was conducted in herbal garden of SIES College of ASC, Sion (west). Present studies revealed presence of Aspergillus, Alternaria, Fusarium, Pythium, Rhizopus etc and subsequently necrosis in the form wilt, blight, damping off, stem and foot rot were found to be occurred on the leaves of Ficus elastica, Exora, Papaya etc. Thus, continuous monitoring of aeromycoflora is a crucial step in garden maintenance.

5-9

Authors: Iyengar Krishnaveni1, Sarangi BK3, Khubalkar Nirankush1, Kotwal Swati 2

Phyllanthus amarus is a widely distributed pan-tropical herb under an angiosperm family Phyllanthaceae. It is an erect annual herb10 to 50cm high with a smooth cylindrical stem 1.5 to 2mm thick. The leaves are alternate on petioles 0.3 to 0.5mm long elliptic, oblong or obovate. The phytochemicals of value present in this herb are: lignans, flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, polyphenols, triterpenes, sterols and alkaloids.The extracts and compounds isolated from P.amarus show a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities including antiviral, antibacterial, antiplasmodial, anti-inflammatory anti-malarial, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, hepatoprotec- tive, nephroprotective and diuretic properties. It is an excellent medicine for gallstones and jaundice. It is also an excellent shampoo. During the second half of 20th Century there was a rapid, parallel and synergistic development of the Allopathic and Ayurvedic systems of medicine in India. It generated commercial demand for pharmaceutical drugs of plant origin. Using advanced biotechnological methods for culturing plant cell and tissue would provide new means of conserving a rapidly propagating valuable, rare and endangered medicinal plant. Besides preventing the depletion of stocks of wild plants due to indiscriminate harvesting, tissue culture can be helpful in increasing the quality of the product extracted from plant. Tissue culture is one of the ways by which plant material in pure form can be supplied continuously.

15-18

Authors: Taksande Amit G | Kotwal Swati | Mehere BA

Complementary and alternative medicine uses are common amongst cancer patients. Nutraceuticals are amongst the most commonly used group of discourses. These are considered by the general public to be safe, cause less side-effects and less probable to induce addiction. Natural therapies may be most helpful in supporting conventional cancer treatments. Natural therapies may help boost immune function and minimize the severity of side effects caused by surgical procedure, chemotherapy and radiation.

22-24

Authors: Borkar SD | Shah RC | Gadpayale JV

The present paper describes the study of antimicrobial activity of newly synthesized Glutaryl bis p – tolylcarbamide ligand against various pathogenic bacteria. The popular Baeur- kirby method of antibiotic disc agar diffusion was employed. The test pathogenic bacteria used were Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. The chemical ligand Glutaryl bis p – tolylcarbamide was found to possess inhibitory ability against all the above test bacteria used in the present experiment. Escherichia coli were found most susceptible bacteria while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found least susceptible bacteria against this synthetic compound. The present work thus has established the potential antibacterial activity of Glutaryl bis p – tolylcarbamide.

29-32

Authors: Ganvir VN, Shende AC and Dube Vinit

The world energy requirement is mainly provided by petroleum products. Its, extensively utilization has led to climate change, environmental pollution, and health problems. To reduce these adverse affects, it is necessary to enhance the use of renewable energy sources. Among many renewable energy sources biodiesel is one such alternate. Biodiesel is produced by trans-esterification where vegetable oils react with alcohol in present of catalyst such as (NaOH, KOH). In India, there are many trees bearing oil like mahua (madhuca indica), jatropha, and karanja (pongamia pinnata) etc. Among these species, which can yield oil as a source of energy in the biodiesel, Pongamia pinnata has been found to be one of the most suitable species. Conventionally, Biodiesel was produced in batch reactor by trans-esterification process and optimum condition were found to be 1:9 oil to methanol ratio, 0.75% w/w KOH base catalyst, and minimum 55-600c temperature and minimum 1hr reaction time. A Novel reactor oscillatory baffled reactor has been designed and fabricated. The optimum conditions for trans- esterification reaction in OBR were as 1:9 oil to methanol ratio, 0.75% w/w KOH base catalyst, and maximum 10 min reaction time. The different properties of biodiesel were analysed as per ASTM standards.

37-39

Authors: Gohokar RT, Biradar VK and Banginwar AD

Powdery mildew caused by Oidium lini is an important disease of linseed among the various diseases powdery mildew disease has been identified has one of the serious problem particularly in late sown crops normally in Vidarbha. Field studies were carried out at Linseed Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Nagpur, Maharashtra (India) to find out effective fungicides to manage the powdery mildew of linseed. Results indicated that Propiconazole (0.1%), Difenconazole (0.05%) and Wetable sulphur (0.25%) applied twice were highly effective for the management of disease and resulting in higher seed yield of linseed of both (9.53 q/ha) followed by wettable sulphur (8.77q/ha).

43-46

Authors: Somkuwar Subhash, Sahare Manisha, Kamble Rahul B and Choudhary RR

Medicinal plants have been used as an alternative source and remedy from centuries for treating human diseases because they contain numerous active constituents of therapeutic value. The methanolic and DMSO extracts of various plant parts viz. prop roots, stems, leaves, and fruits of Ficus benghalensis var krishnae (C.DC) C.DC. has been studied for antibacterial activity against the pathogenic bacteria Bacillus subtillis., Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aurignosa. Ampicillin antibiotic disc was used as standard. Various selected parts of F. benghalensis var. krishnae in methanolic and DMSO extract were observed positive minimum inhibition zone against Escherichia coli,Pseudomonas aurignosa and Bacillus subtillis.

51-54

Authors: Bhambri Megha, Bajaj Amarjeet and Cherian KJ

Cichorium intybus L. belongs to family Asteraceae. It is one of the most promising novel plant with great medicinal value. It is best known for its use as caffeine free coffee substitute. Chicory is very palatable to animals in general and farm animals in particular. It is grown as a major fodder crop alongside leguminous plants in Europe and Americas. Where chicory is grown for roots, grazing adversely affects the vegetative growth and root yield. An experiment was designed to assess the need of grazing control. It was observed that the differences in the mean values among the protected and unprotected plots were significant for the above ground vegetative parts. Hence it can be stated that the grazing significantly reduces the vegetative growth of Cichorium intybus L.

59-63

Authors: Gakhare Pankaj D, Kamble Rahul B, Ugemuge NR and Chaturvedi Alka

Climbing plants i.e. climbers, twiners and lianas are important components of vegetation. To explore the diversity of climbing plants in Nagpur City regular field visits were made. Present study enumerated 110 species of climber, twiner and lianas belonging to 79 genera and 35 various angiosperm families and shows rich diversity.

67-70

Authors: Shrirame AM and Gogle DP

The wound healing is common problem from ancient to till now. Many medicinal plant constituent having potential to cure it. Number of phytochemicals can easily isolated from plant part but awareness is very less . In the present investigation, priliminery phytochemicals screening of plant species i.e. Clerodendron sp., Cissus quadrangularis Linn, Clerodendron serratum spreng, Clerodendron infortunatum spreng, Cymbopogan citratus stpf., used for various phytochemicls such as Amino acids, Proteins, Carbohydrates, Phenols, Tannins, steroids etc.

75-78

Authors: Rothe SP and Maheshwari AA

A large number of our plants of medicinal value are common weeds, generally, found throughout India. Present paper deals with an investigation of plants used in ophthalmic problems by the tribals of Melghat region. Melghat region consists of variety of medicinal plants accumulated through the ages. A great mass of popular remedies, many of which are even today in common use throughout this region, though much of the folk medicine is steadily being eroded by the advancing tide of synthetic drugs. About two thousand are mentioned in the Ayurvedic, Unani and Tibbi systems of medicine. We have many other plants which could be better substitutes for those which are not indigenous. Drug yielding plants are mostly used in crude form even today, but with the advancement of pharmaceutical researches there is increasing exploitation of our resources. The active principles of our plants are isolated in pure forms; the manufacture of proprietary and secret remedies is now growing in commercial industry. Anything that leads to greater utilization of our natural products deserves encouragement.

86-88

Authors: Khobragade Harshwardhan and Nandkar PB

In the present study, algal bioassay was developed on the basis of agar solid culture lawn. The blue green algae i.e. Gloeocapsa montana Kutz and Microcystis aeruginosa Kutz were isolated and its clonal culture also prepared in vitro in BG 11 medium. The influence of fungicide Bavistin was tasted on blue green algae to find the inhibition zone on solid agar lawn. The algal toxicity was measured in context with the various coloration and inhibition zone on different concentrations of bavistin. The selected algae Microcystis aeruginosa Kutz and Gloeocapsa montana Kutz were showed effective zones of inhibition on concentration 6 ppm and 10 ppm respectively

93-96

Authors: Doifode VD

Soil status studied through pre-sown and post-harvest soil analysis. 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 Cotton crop was tested during the Kharif season of 2007-2008 at agricultural field (21040’76.97 N; 78096’22.70 E) to explore the possibility of reducing doses of chemical fertilizers and for better soil health. The results in cotton soil revealed that the water holding capacity decreased (7.11%) in Chemical Fertilizer Treatment (CFT) while it increased (3.8 to 12.37%) in Biofertilizer Treatment (BfT). Electrical conductivity increased (1.81 to 4.35%) in CFT. Organic carbon decrease in CFT and increase in BfT. Available nitrogen shown increased level (1.96 to 26.14%) in CFT and BfT. Phosphorous increase (10.87 to 19.52%) in CFT. Potassium increase (3.62%) in CFT while decreased (0.36 to 6.7%) in BfT. Azotobacter and PSB were significantly increased in biofertilizer treatment as compare to chemical fertilizer treatment soil.

101-104

Authors: Patil VN, Somkuwar SR and Deokule SS

Nodal explants were inoculated with basal cut surface down on medium MS with BAP. The different concentrations BAP ranging from 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/lit were used for obtaining multiple shoots. After 28 days maximum number of multiple shoots were obtained on medium containing 0.5mg/ lit of BAP which was approximately 100 / culture. In the present study 0.5mg/ lit of BAP concentration was found to be the ideal concentration for high frequency of multiple shoots induction. This is the first report of such high frequency of multiple shoot induction. Maximum Genistein 6.273 µg/g DW and Daidzein 8.224 µg/g DW content was found at 0.5 and 0. 52 mg/lit BAP respectively in in stem derived from shoot biomass. Minimum Genistein and Daidzein content was found in controlled (1.805 and 2.300µg/g DW respectively). We found that difference in content of Genistein and Daidzein was also affected by concentration of BAP i.e. increased concentration of BAP and increased number of multiple shoots showed correlation with increased concentration of Genistein and Daidzein

108-110

Authors: Rao Padmavathi S* and Udapure Shweta P

In aromatic plants in addition to terpenoids other secondary metabolites like alkaloids, tannin, steroids, flavonoids and gums are also present. These secondary metabolites have a great demand in drug industry. In view of this, the authors collected some medicinal aromatic plants (especially aromatic leaves having lysigenous and schizogenous cavities which contain terpenoids) for histochemical study, which gives basic information for further research in Pharmaceutical science.

114-116

Authors: Akare SM and Tagade WY

The partial decomposed leaves were used for understanding the microfungal diversity. Samples were collected from various locations of Umazari forest. The moist chamber, direct isolation and dilution plate methods were used with Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Czapek Dox Agar (CDA) and Malt Extract Agar (MEA) nutrient medium supplemented by suitable antibiotics such as penicillin and streptomycin for isolation of fungi. During the investigation, total 26 fungal species were isolated. Most of the isolates belong to the Deuteromycetes and Ascomycetes. Apart from this few species which were isolated belong to Zygomycetes. The Colony Forming Unit and Percent Occurrence of the microfungi were analysed

121-124

Authors: Madavi SV* and Dongarwar NM

Trees and shrubs play a vital role in maintaining an ecological balance and improving livelihood of peoples. Trees not only provide shade and shelter for road users but also act as a soil stabilizer and prevent water and soil erosion. Trees are also a source of wood products, including fuel wood, poles, and lumber. Human beings are dependent upon trees for these by products, so it is necessary to do plantation along with sustainable development. With the road network continuously increasing at fast rate, roadsides occupy a very broad area in most of the countries. So that, people started plantation on either side of roads. Nagpur is the second greenest city in our country is also called the ‘Garden City of Maharashtra’. No work on avenue plantation has been conducted in the city. Therefore the present investigation reveals the diversity and status of avenue plants of West Nagpur.

129-133

Authors: Manwatkar VG and Gogle DP

Leaf extract or leaf juice is the first fraction of green crop fractionation process (GCF) suggested by N.W. Pirie in 1942. During mechanical fractionation, the leaf juice is released due to the pressing of pulp crop. It is a high moisture- high protein product, free from fibrous material. The juice or leaf extract contains proteins, sugars, lipids, salts, vitamins and other soluble components of the cell protoplasm. This fraction is very labile and its composition changes rapidly. Therefore it should be processed for LPC preparation immediately without any delay because as soon as the leaf juice is released, catabolic activities starts and leading to degradation of protein, polysaccharides, pigments and other macromolecules. This results in impaired quality of juice.

137-140

Authors: Gurubaxani Sevak B*, Ganatra Sunil H and Uparkar Mamta S

World pharma is moving from synthetic therapeutically important drugs with many a side effects towards naturally inspired farm based, forest based herbal products showing potential biological activity against variety of ailments along with viability as recognized very early by Ayurveda and Unani traditional folk -medical practitioners. One such plant with array of medicinal properties is Lantana camara which shows marvelous recovering effects against cold, fever, stomachache, diarrhoea and is also implicated against prevention and cure of serious diseases such as cancer. Scientists’ around the globe studied the pharmacological as well as biological properties of this plant as a promising candidate for modern drug discovery. The present review reveals the older facts as elaborated by researchers and urge for further investigation with a quest for multitarget, non-toxic, cheap medicine with little side effects.

145-148

Authors: Pedhekar AK

Crotalaria junceaLinn.belongs to the subfamily papillionaceae/fabaceae of family leguminosae. It is cultivated for local use and export, as a raw material for sacking and cordage and also for fibre and green manure. A review of available literature indicates that a meager cytogenetic work on Crotalaria junceaLinn. In connection with mutagenesis, has been carried out. There has been little work with regard to the use of gamma rays been carried out. It was therefore thought worthwhile to undertake a detailed cytogenetic study of this plant involving induced mutation by using physical mutagen i.e. gamma rays.

153-156

Authors: Kamble Rahul B, Somkuwar Subhash, Sharma Swatantrata, Kamble Nitesh and Chaturvedi Alka

India has one of the oldest, richest and most diverse systems of traditional medicine. The use of plants to cure diseases is an ancient practice. The preparation of locally available medicinal plants remains an important part of health care for humans for people living in rural remote areas, where people lack access to modern medicine facilities and are unable to afford synthetic drugs due to its high cost. The present study deals with the survey of medicinal plants utilized by forest dwellers and documentation of 48 medicinal plants belonging to 34 families which are utilized by Gond tribes to cure various ailments in three forest besides villages; Hiwra Bajar, Deolapar and Akola of Deolapar forest range, Ramtek Taluka, Nagpur District, Maharashtra.

161-164

Authors: Zode Ravindra and Chaturvedi Alka

The present work was taken up in Nagbhir Tehsil, District Chandrapur in state Maharashtra which is a forested area with a high occupancy by tribal communities whose live and livelihood closely integrate and interact with forest community. During the investigation 50 species of 43 genera representing 29 families are found to be used by the tribal communities as a Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). The Dicot families are most commonly used than the Monocot. The investigation shows that,50 species were used in different purpose such as Medicinal, Edible, Sacred, Commercial and Construction. During the investigation information was collected from the traditional knowledge were found that ,in the month of Jan-April most of the NTFPs are available while during the month of May-August the availability of NTFPs are less. These NTFPs are indirectly helpful for the farmers.

169-172

Authors: Wazire NS and Patel JI

A field trial was conducted at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar (Gujarat) - 385 506 during kharif 2012 and 2013 on Gujarat Til 2 variety. The correlation coefficient between the larval population and yield was found highly significant and relationship was found negative during both the years. The regression equation showed that the yield of sesamum seeds was reduced by 0.5730 and 0.4383 q/ha for every increase of one larvae/quadrate during kharif 2012 and 2013. The economic injury level at 40 days after germination i.e., at pod initiation stage was found 0.26 and 0.23 larvae/quadrate for sesamum during kharif 2012 and 2013, respectively

177-180

Authors: Jadhao MF and Shukla AK

A weekly survey at selected sites of rice growing area in Bhandara district was carried out regularly during rabi and kharif seasons of 2012 and 2013. The data collected on predatory beetle complex and population dynamics of rove beetle, P. fuscipes during the present study is summarized in the present paper. A survey carried out during kharif and rabi seasons revealed that 4 predatory beetles viz., lady bird beetle Micraspis discolor (Fb.) and Hormonia octomaculata (Fb.), ground beetle, Ophionia indica (Thum.) and rove beetle, Paederus fuscipes (Curtis) were active and effectively regulating the populations of all the four major pests of rice (Scirpophaga incertulus, Cnaphalocrosis medinalis, Nilaparvata lugens and Sogatela furcifera). Among the 4 predatory beetles, rove beetle, P. fuscipes was found to be abundantly predating on immature and mature stages of major and minor pests of rice. During rabi season the highest population of rove beetle, P. fuscipes was recorded in second week of March at 42 DAT. In kharif season, first appearance of rove beetles, P. fuscipes was noticed in third week of October at about 63 DAT and its highest population was recorded in second week of November (84 DAT). The data obtained of four seasons (2 kharif and 2 rabi) indicated that the abundance of rove beetle, P. fuscipes was more in rabi than in kharif season.

186-188

Authors: Shende GC and Gogle DP

Deproteinized leaf juice is a by-product of mechanical operation called Green Crop Fractionation. DPJ can be used in various purposes like fertilizers for crop plants, milk for the calves, in vitro rhizogenesis and microbial growth. Deproteinized leaf juice contains biologically active substances like sugar, amino acids and vitamins which are essential component of the nutrient media for the growth of the microorganisms. Present investigation focus on the biomass production of the fungi Aspergillus niger on different concentration of the DPJ of Trigonella, Brassica and Raphanus.

192-194

Authors: Ramteke AV

Bats have evolved an incredibly rich diversity of behavioral, roosting and feeding habits. Different feeding habits of bats i.e. insectivorous, frugivorous, nectarivorous, omnivorous and carnivorous contribute its specific role towards the ecosystem. Out of all the bats around the World, approximately seventy percent are insectivorous, nearly thirty percent nectar or fruit eater, ten species are carnivorous, two species are fish-eater and only three species are the common vampire. Bats are all nature’s most beneficial animal and flora and fauna are affected by their absence, threatening the entire ecosystem from rainforests to deserts. Today, these valuable mammals often go unnoticed because of their minimum roost sites. So it is very necessary to provide for their habitat protection, conservation and monitoring of roosts amidst providing all the relative information to local localities about their role in the maintenance of ecosystem stability.

461-466

Authors: Nassef MH and Khater AM

In this study, uranium concentrations (ppm) and the natural activity ratios (235U/238U) in 6 representative samples of uranium ore samples were analyzed. The samples were collected from Gattar II ore site, which is located at the Red Sea northeastern desert of Egypt. The samples were measured using HPGe gamma ray detector (non-destructive technique) based on the measurement of the emitted gamma rays of uranium by using the photo peaks 163.33 keV for 235U to avoid the overlapping with 186 keV of 226Ra, and the 1001.03 keV photo peak of 234mPa daughter for 238U concentration respectively. The uranium concentrations of the same analyzed samples were determined using ICP-MS (destructive technique) for comparison. Sharp correlation (R2 =0.9881) was found between uranium concentration measured by non-destructive gamma ray spectrometry and that measured by destructive ICP-MS for the same analyzed samples.

491-508

Authors: Gabisa Giddisa Hinkosa, Alemu Lencho, Thangavel Selvaraj, Arvind Chavhan and Kasahun Sadessa

Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) is one of the most important commodity crops and plays a vital role in cultural and socio economic life in Ethiopia. Bacterial blight of coffee (BBC) caused by the phytopathogenic bacterium, Pseudomonas syringae pv. garcae van Hall is an important disease of Arabica coffee in Ethiopia due to its increasing incidence and severity. There is no information on the current status and the characterization of the pathogen in this study area in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the disease intensity, cultural and biochemical characterization of BBC isolates from Sidama and Gedeo zones, SNNP Regional State, Ethiopia and the variations within P. syringae pv garcae isolates from six different districts viz. Wensho, Aletawondo, Aletachuko, Dara, Dilla and Wonago of the study zones were carried out. A total 204 coffee trees, 96 coffee fields or peasant associations in 6 districts and in 2 coffee producing zones in SNNP Region was surveyed during the study time. The distribution map was done by JPEG map created using Arc GIS 10.0 map data of GPS reading. The frequency and intensity of BBC disease was varied between zones and the districts of coffee producing surveyed areas. Bacterial blight of coffee disease found in all assessed coffee localities that have been being posing considerable coffee tree losses. The percentage of disease incidence (70.0, 56.1, 44.6, 39.3%) and the severity (29.9, 15.7, 13.7, 12.5%) were recorded in Wensho, Dara, Aletachuko, Aletawondo districts of Sidama zone and the incidence (72.2 and 47%) and severity (21.6 and 13.1 %) were recorded in Dilla and Wonago areas of Gedeo zone, respectively. The prevalence of BBC disease was recorded in both Sidama and Gedeo zones, 87.5 and 93.8%, respectively while the mean BBC disease prevalence was 90.7%. The intensity of BBC disease also varied between different altitudinal categories; as altitude increases both incidence and severity were increased and at the lowest altitude ranges between 1625 and1725 m. a. s. l, both disease incidence and severity were recorded lowest. Symptomatic of 204 diseased samples were initially isolated and purified on nutrient agar (NA) and nutrient broth (NB) slants. The growth of bacterial colonies showed round colonies with 2-3mm in diameter and light cream with entire margins, dome shaped, shiny, smooth and mucoid on 5% NAS. A yellow supernatant fluid was observed when grown on 5% NAS media. The gram staining method revealed that the test isolates showed rod shaped and gram negative bacteria. Among 204 isolates, 37 BBC isolates were selected for biochemical tests based on similar morphological and in growth characteristics on selective media. All the BBC isolates were consistently gave similar positive results of catalase, KOH solubility, gelatin liquefaction, tween 80 hydrolysis and Levan production and negative in Arginine dihydrolase. The biochemical test results indicated that, 16 isolates showed negative reaction or failed to produce the dark colour to the hydrolysis of β-glucosidase activity. Hypersensitive and pathogenicity test response was conducted on tobacco leaves in which all the isolates induced the hypersensitive reaction and confirmed. The morphological, cultural and microscopic characters, gram stain, β-glucosidase activity and biochemical nature of the test isolates confirmed the organism identity as Pseudomonas syringae pv. garcae. The present study provided first information on in Gedeo and Sidama zones is on threatening at present, unless otherwise taking appropriate measurement which solves this problem, otherwise, the country will be lost foreign currency as a result, the life standard of farmers will be collapsed and leading to lost foreign income.

517-528

Authors: Gonya Nayak P, Sreedhar M, Surender Raju Ch, and Vanisree S

Sixteen crosses developed from four aromatic lines and four non scented testers were evaluated for various grain quality traits to assess the heterosis of the crosses and to identify best combinations. The estimates of heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis were variable among the crosses. Heterosis in desirable direction was recorded for important quality attributes viz., head rice recovery ( 22.16%), kernel length (10.28%), L/B ratio (12.84%), kernel elongation ratio (14.17%), volume expansion ratio (22.10%), aroma (35.21%), alkali spreading value (45.32) and Protein (19.95). Some of these heterotic crosses have turned out to be best specific crosses and exhibited desirable per se. Among the heterotic crosses Yamini/MTU1010(Milling Recovery), Pusa1121/BM-71(Kernel Length), Ranbir Basmati/BM71(Kernel Breadth, L/B ratio), Pusa 1121/MTU1081(Kernel Length after Cooking), RNR2354/BM71(Kernel Elongation Ratio), Yamini/ Sye632003 (Aroma, Alkali spreading value) and Pusa1121/ BM71 (Protein) were found to be superior, expressing heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis in desirable direction. Quality attributes viz., milling recovery, head rice recovery, kernel length after cooking, kernel breadth after cooking, kernel elongation ratio and aroma exhibit non-additive gene action. The results of the present study indicated the potential of these parental lines in the improvement of grain quality of rice hybrids.

539-546

Authors: Khandare SS and Patil SD

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains LAB -A, LAB -B and LAB-C isolated from batter of idli, very popular fermented food of south India and identified to species level using 16 S rRNA sequencing as Pediococcus acidilactici CSI29MX, Pediococcus parvulus MF 233 and Pediococcus pentosaceus QN1D respectively. All the three strains produced bacteriocins that inhibited Gram positive food borne pathogen Staphylococcus aureus and Gram negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. LAB strains were encapsulated in calcium alginate for possible higher bacteriocin production. After 72 h encapsulated LAB demonstrated remarkable increase in bacteriocin production with 2600 and 2800AU/ml tested against S.aureus and P.aeruginosa respectively and viable cell number of encapsulated LAB increased from 4.5 x106 to 6.3 x106/ml during 24 to 72 h as compared to free cells with 1100 AU/ml and 1000AU/ml, against S.aureus and P.aeruginosa respectively and decreased remarkably with free cells from 4.2 x106 to 1.2 x106/ml after 24 h. Encapsulated L. acidophilus MTCC 10307 , standard strain exhibited 2000 AU/ml and 2200 AU/ml compared to free cells with 1100 and 900 AU/ml. The isolates Pediococcus acidilactici CSI29MX, Pediococcus parvulus MF 233 and Pediococcus pentosaceus QN1D showed higher potential for bacteriocin production than L. acidophilus MTCC 10307.

554-562

Authors: Pragna G, Manoj Kumar G and Shiva Shankar M

The field experiment was conducted during rabi season, 2015-16 in split plot design with three replications. Two irrigation levels namely 0.6 ETc (I1)and 0.8 ETc (I2) as Main plot treatments and four discharge rates 1.6 lph (D1), 2.2 lph (D2), 3.0 lph (D3) and 4.0 lph (D4) were planned as Sub treatments with a total of 24 plots. The cabbage yield (t/ha) was maximum when the crop was irrigated with the drip at 0.8 ETc (29.85 t/ha) which was significantly superior over the crop irrigated with drip at 0.6 ETc (28.35 t/ha). The crop which was irrigated at 1.6 lph (Lowest discharge rate) has recorded significantly highest yield (32.43 t/ha) followed by 2.2 lph (30.08 t/ha), 3.0 lph (28.12 t/ha) and the lowest yield was recorded at the discharge rate of 4 lph (25.75 t/ha). Among two irrigation levels (0.8 ETc and 0.6 ETc), crop irrigated at 0.8 ETc gave higher yield but water use efficiency was higher for crop irrigated at 0.6 ETc. Hence irrigation water could be saved by irrigating the cabbage crop at 0.6 ETc without compromising for the yield.

575-578

Authors: Maharudra Shekhanawar and Sarala HT

Introduction: India currently faces an uncertain future in relation to the potential burden that diabetes may impose upon the country. Many influences affect the prevalence of disease throughout a country, and identification of those risk factors is necessary to facilitate change when facing health challenges Methodology: In this study, Deaths due to complications of Diabetes formed the study subjects. Totally 200 deaths for the last 10 years were selected by non-probability purposive random sampling technique Results: Mean serum creatinine of >2 mg/dl was found in patients with infections, liver diseases and with multiple causes of death apart from patients with CKD. Also, patients with DKA had mean serum creatinine of 1.6 mg/dl. Mean Sr. Creatinine (mg/dl) in CKD and other causes was 5.90 and 2.69 respectively Conclusion: Mean RBS was significantly higher in patients with DKA, IHD and infections.

583-588

Authors: Kalse AT and Suryawanshi RB

The present paper deals with the description of a new species of genus Moniezia, Blanchard, 1891 subgenus Blanchariezia, Skrjabin and Schulz, 1937, viz. Moniezia (B.) bhalchandrai n. sp. The present tapeworm differs from all other species of genus Moniezia (B.) in having scolex medium, quadrangular in shape, with four suckers; neck medium; mature segment broader than long, with double set of reproductive organs; testes 196-200 in number; cirrus pouchoval in shape, cirrus thin; vas deferens thin, wavy; ovary medium, inverted cup shaped; vagina thin tube, poste-rior to the cirrus pouch; receptaculum seminis large, spindle shaped; ootype small, round; genital pores bilateral, medium, oval; longitudinal excretory canals wide; interproglottid glands 13-14 in number; vitelline gland large, oval in shape and gravid proglottids large, rectangular with numerous round eggs showing pyriform apparatus.

595-598

Authors: Maharudra Shekhanawar and Sarala HT

Introduction: Cytokines are responsible for many of the symptoms and signs of the infection, particularly fever and malaise. Plasma concentrations of cytokines are elevated in both vivax and falciparum malaria. Methodology: All these patients were subjected to slide test for thick and thin smear as well as immunochromatographic test, ROT, Pan malaria or Falci check. Blood investigations like hemoglobin level, total leukocyte count, differential count and serum electrolyte and also renal function tests, liver function tests, random blood sugar were done in all cases. Results: Serum bilirubin was raised in 33 cases, but only14 cases had serum bilirubin > 3 mg/dL. maximum total bilirubin noted was 18.4 mg/dl. Out of 14 cases, 9 cases had conjugated hyperbilirubinemia and 5 cases had unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia Conclusion: Hepatic dysfunction in acute P.falciparum malaria ranged from mild elevation of liver enzymes to acute hepatitis.

602-605

Authors: Gaikwad PR, Sonune MB and Nagmote SR

The histopathological studies of infected and non-infected intestinal tissue of the host; with scolex attached to the epithelium of mucosa (villi), mature and gravid segments in lumen of intestine and among the villi. It also includes cysts of parasite in submucosa of host intestine. The transverse sections of infected intestine shows the damage to intestinal villi and submucosa. Histopathology includes the study of non-infected and infected intestine of host with reference to the cestode parasites – Circumoncobothrium shindei, 1977 Senga sonunae n.sp. Lytocestus indicus (Moge, 1925), Cotugnia aurangabadensis (Shinde, 1968), Raillietina corvina (Fuhrmann, 1909).

336-348

Authors: Sintayehu Fetene and Amare Ayalew

Common bacterial blight (CBB) caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli is a major disease of common bean affecting its production in eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia. The objectives of this study were to determine the integrated effect of seed treatment, biofumigation and foliar applications of chemicals on disease development, seed yield and yield components. Field experiments were conducted at Haramaya and Hirna experimental stations in 2010 main cropping season using a susceptible (Mexican-142) white pea bean cultivar. Seed treatment using streptomycin was integrated with biofumigation and foliar sprays of Kocide-101 at the rate of 2.31kg ha-1 at two and four weeks intervals. The experiment was arranged in 2 x 2 x 3 factorial combination in randomized complete block design with three replications. A total of 12 treatments were evaluated. The data obtained indicated that the effects of seed treatment integrated with biofumigation and fortnightly foliar sprays were significant in reducing CBB epidemics, increasing yield, yield components and net benefits as compared with other treatment combinations at both locations. This was followed by integrations of seed treatment and biofumigation combined with foliar sprays at four weeks interval. Seed treatment integrated with biofumigation and foliar sprays at two weeks interval reduced severity up to 66.5% and 59.0% at Haramaya and Hirna, respectively. Seed treatment in combination with biofumigation and foliar sprays at two weeks interval increased seed yield gain up to 67.61% at Haramaya and up to 53.13% at Hirna. In addition to reducing disease epidemics and yield increment, integration of seed treatment and biofumigation combined with foliar sprays at two weeks interval provided higher net benefit with higher marginal rate of return. Integration of seed treatment and biofumigation combined with fortnightly foliar sprays provide 1231.7% marginal rate of return at Haramaya and 1055.8% at Hirna. The study provides new possible integration alternatives and ecofriendly means for the management of CBB to both small and large scale bean producers of Ethiopia.

361-371

Authors: Ravinder Kaur, Nidhan Singh and Vashistha BD

During an extensive study carried out to assess the floristic diversity of the Karnal District, Haryana, 345 angiospermic plants were recorded belonging to 245 genera and 77 families. Out of that, 309 species belong to dicotyledons (218 genera and 69 families), 36 species belong to monocotyledons (27 genera & 8 families). Habit wise grouping shows 196 (56.81%) are herbs followed by 64 (18.55%) trees, 50 (14.49%) shrubs and 35 (10.14%) climbers. Among the families of angiosperms, Fabaceae with 47 species is the dominant family followed by Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Malvaceae. Ipomoea is the dominant genus with 8 species followed by Solanum, Euphorbia, Sida, Cyperus, and Ficus. The present study provides basic information about floristic composition, which will be supportive for management and conservation of the plant wealth of the area. Plants are enlisted with botanical name, family, local name, habit and distributional status of each species.

379-385

Authors: Suganthi Nagarasan and Boominathan M*

Adhatoda vasica is an indigenous herb belonging to family Acanthaceae has been used in the Indian system of medicine. It was spread all over the India and in some other Asian countries. It contains some phytochemicals such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenes, and glycosides. Alkaloids like vasicine, vasicinone, and vasicinol from leaves and roots, flavonoids like apigenin, kaempferol, astragalin, etc, and triterpenes like daucosterol from flowers have been isolated for the study of pharmacological activities such as Antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities. In the present study we clearly investigate the in vitro activity of Adhatoda vasica against bacteria, fungi and oxidative stress. Our research reveals that the aqueous, ethanol and chloroform extracts shows maximum inhibitory effect against various bacteria and fungi. In addition to that we proved that these extracts also have antioxidant activity.

394-400

Authors: Vidhale NN and Pundkar VM

Saline soil possessing high pH value (above 8.0) predominates alkaliphilic actinomycetes (Singh S et al., 2010), which can be explored for the production of amylase from agroindustrial waste as substrate using solid state fermentation. In this study six types of agroindustrial waste such as wheat bran, rice bran, Dal mil waste, oil mil waste, vegetable waste and molasses were employed. Solid state fermentation (SSF) was carried out at various moisture content (10 to 35%) at 37˚ c. results indicates that alkaliphilic Actinomycetes from saline soil of vidarbha region produced maximum amylase in vegetable waste (4.45mg/ml) in presence of 30 % moisture after 96 hrs, followed by oil mil waste (4.5mg/ml) in presence of 25%moisture after 120hrs, wheat bran and rice bran (3.9mg/ml) at 25%moisture content after 120hrs and 96hrs respectively. Dal mil waste was found to produce 3.5mg/ml amylase in presence of 25% moisture after 96hrs and molasses showed very least production of amylase (2mg/ml) after 144hrs. Hence it indicates that agroindustrial wastes are good source for the production of amylase using alkaliphilic Actinomycetes.

412-418

Authors: Bawaskar Prakas S and Bawaskar Kiran S

Preliminary checklist of Herpetofauna diversity from Khamgaon taluk, district Buldhana (M.S.) Central India at co-ordinate Latitude 20.6833, Longitude 76.5666. In present there is no report on Herpetofauna diversity from Khamgaon taluk, so the present study has been carried out during 2010-2015 in an alternatively days and nights herping. The study area covers such as Marshes, grass lands, rocky area, farm lands, scrub lands, forest, hilly area, villages and town. It was observed that 13 species found to be an abundant, 14 species were common, 12 species were uncommon, 9 species were occasional and 10 species were found to a rare. A general trend increased Herpetofauna population was observed in monsoon while comparatively less population of Herpetofauna observed during a winter to early monsoon.

423-426

Authors: Dekate HM and Baviskar RN

The present investigation was carried out in Mumbri Creek of Sindhudurg district (Lat. 16º 21' N. Long. 73º 25' E). The main aim of this work is to find out the productivity of the said creek. The phytoplanktons are the surface living energy trapping tiny green organisms. They play a significant role in food chain and web. It is believed that 80% of oxygen that we breathe comes from these tiny plant bodies. Bacillariophyceae, cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates, silicoflagellates were predominating. The primary productivity of an ecosystem is directly correlated with the density of phytoplankton. The physico-chemical parameters of the creek are directly correlated with their formation. The present investigation was done in July 2015-16.

432-440

Authors: Ramteke Asha Vilas

In an ecosystem diversity of organisms interact with each other and the species are evolving to increase their ability to withstand the rigors of the environment. Major ecosystems of world had threatened by human interference. The report emphasized in particular on beneficial role of bats in the environment as bats contribute in the maintenance of ecosystem. Bat species provide ecosystem services through pollination, seed dispersal and insect control, most importantly in tropical forests. The frugivorous bats plays vital role in the maintenance of species-rich tropical forests because of long distance dispersers of tropical seeds. Insectivorous bats, in particular suppress insect population in the environment, in agro ecosystem particularly as primary predators and natural controllers of night flying insects.

169-175

Authors: Getahun Dereje, Tesfa Bogale, Cherukuri V Raghavaiah, Bogale Walelegn and Arvind B Chavhan

Sorghum is an important cereal crop and occupies third place in production after Maize and Tef in Ethiopia. Information on the response of Sorghum to organic and inorganic nutrient sources in the Assosa Zone is scanty. On farm experiments were they are conducted at two locations, for three years, to investigate the effect of eight treatments of inorganic and organic fertilizer integration (Recommended NP (check), Recommended FYM based on N equivalency, Recommended compost based on N, 50% Recommended FYM based on N equivalency + 50% Recommended NP, 50% Recommended compost based on N equivalency + 50% Recommended NP equivalency, 50% Recommended FYM + 50% Recommended compost both based on N equivalency and 33% Recommended compost, 33% Recommended FYM both based on N equivalency + 33% Recommended NP) and was laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with each farmer as a replication. Significant influence on the grain yield of sorghum due to fertilizer application was recorded. The maximum grain yield (4640.4 kg ha-1) was obtained from application of 33.3% recommended compost + 33.3% recommended FYM both based on N equivalency + 33.4% recommended NP , which was 73.3 % higher than the control (1962.8 kg ha-1). The partial budget analysis indicate greater economic benefit with this integrated system of nutrient management than either organic or in organic source alone. 50 % Recommended compost + 50% recommended NP (3455 kg ha-1), Recommended compost (3452 kg ha-1) and recommended FYM (3456 kg ha-1) performed equally well and were superior to no fertilizer(2677 kg ha-1) application.

185-192

Authors: Chetan Malik, Rajan Shrivastava, Subhendu Ghosh, Hasan SS

KvAP is a widely studied potassium channel from bacterium Aeropyrum pernix. It is composed of six trans-membrane domains ranging from S1 to S6. Out of these six domains, S6 is the domain through which transfer of ions occurs. We have analyzed the structural differences in the s6 domains after mutating more hydrophobic amino acids with less hydrophobic amino acids. The computational studies suggest that there is a change in the secondary structures of protein which leads to its altered functioning. The RMSD (Root mean square distance) of the peptides were calculated and significant differences were observed in Ramachandran plot. The computational analysis complements the earlier published results.

198-202

Authors: Patil Kishor G1, Janbandhu Kishor S, Shende Virendra A, Ramteke Asha V and Patil Megha K

The kidneys of Paradoxurus hermaphroditus hermaphroditus were simple, typically bean shaped, possessing single papillary cone in the central region surrounded by thick medullary tissues. The medulla further differentiated into outer and inner regions; which was distinguished by the varying diameter and orientation of the uriniferous tubule. The outer thin cortex mainly consists of Bowman’s capsules enclosing the glomerulus and surrounded by the dense convolutions of proximal and distal tubules which were distinguished by vary in luminal diameter and the presence of microvillar brush border in the proximal tubules; the medulla is further differentiated histologically into outer and inner zones. From the outer medullary zone the large number of long medullary rays invades deep into the cortical region; sometimes up to the outer border of the kidney. The thick medulla and long medullary rays represents the long loop of Henle adapted for maximum water reabsorption and urine consentration. The distinct dense network of branches of renal vessels and the capillaries on the outer surface of kidneys indicate the rich supply to the Bowman’s capsule and increased filtration rate.

207-213

Authors: Neelima P, Govinda Rao K, Krishna Ch, Sunanda M and Chandra Sekhara Rao J*

Cyperkill 25%EC is a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide widely used in Guntur district for pest control in agri ventures due to its effective control against different pest species in a definitive and constant way with low cost. Its presence in freshwater environs is very common in this area. Contamination of aquatic ecosystems with this toxicant affects all groups of aquatic fauna including fish which are non target biota. A static-renewal bioassay was conducted to assess the acute and sublethal toxicity of cypermethrin on some haematological parameters of white carp (Cirrhinus mrigala). Juveniles of experimental fish were exposed for lethal (96 h LC50 i.e. 4.23µg/L) and sublethal (1/10th of 96 h LC50 i.e. 0.423µg/L for 5, 10 and 15 days) concentrations of cypermethrin. Decreased tendency at both lethal and sublethal concentrations was evident in RBC count, Hb content and PCV. At the same time an increasing trend in WBC count and MCHC at sublethal and decreasing trend at lethal concentration. MCV and MCH values were elevated at both lethal and sublethal concentrations. Toxicity derived alterations observed in haematological indices during this study led to a conclusion that the cypermethrin has detrimental effect on the test fish and its presence in an aquatic environment may severely threaten the health of the ecosystem and its living component.

227-234

Authors: Gupta Pooja, Chandra Naresh and Bhot Meeta

The plant kingdom is a treasure house of potential drugs and in the recent years there has been an increasing awareness about the importance of medicinal plants. Drugs from the plants are easily available, less expensive, safe and rarely have side effects. The plants which have been selected for medicinal use over thousands of years constitute for examining the current search for therapeutically effective new drugs such as anticancer drugs, antimicrobial drugs, anti-hepatotoxic compounds. Butea monosperma (Lamk.) Taub. is one such medicinal plant commonly known as palas (Flame of the forest) belonging to the family Fabaceae distributed throughout India.It is imperative that any crude drug for pharmacological use, needs to be subjected to scrutiny for botanical identity. The role of anatomical and phytochemical analysis is sought at this juncture to provide a set of diagnostic features of the plant which will help to a considerable extent to ascertain the botanical identification of the drugs. The present study has been carried out to determine the anatomical, phytochemical screening and HPTLC finger printing analysis of different parts of Butea monosperma (Lamk.) Taub. was carried out for crude drug identification and for standardization of the quality.

241-246

Authors: Samruddha Phadnis and Ganesh Iyer

The present study was undertaken to study the biodiversity of the freshwater green filamentous algae in the cities of Ambernath and Badlapur in Thane district. During the study, 5 taxa of Oedogonium Link ex Hirn viz. Oedogonium excavatum var. minus, Oedogonium sociale f. kanwaense, Oedogonium multisporum, Oedogonium longatum and Oedogonium rugulosum were recorded.

257-262

Authors: Puri SD and Virani RS

The avifaunal diversity of Bodalkasa lake was studied from February 2014 to January 2016 based on visual encounter surveys. The lake is located near Bodalkasa village having food availability and rich tree vegetation in surrounding area that harbors a variety of birds. Now a days the anthropogenic disturbances and the environmental changes happening regularly affects the seasonal biodiversity. Total sixty nine species including water birds and land birds were recorded belonging to different 33 families during the study period. Out of sixty nine species, 52 species were residents (75%), 12 species were winter visitors (18%), 03 species were summer visitors (4%) and 02 species were passage visitors (3%). The maximum species were sighted during the winter season followed by summer and monsoon season respectively. Out of sixty nine species, 37 species were very common, 13 species were common, 12 species were uncommon, 05 species were occasional and 02 species were rare for this site. The family wise relative diversity of the bird species from the lake was also calculated.

267-273

Authors: Syeed A Untoo*, Gagloo MD and Sarvar S

Primary production has been used as a potential index of productivity of a given aquatic ecosystem. Rich wealth of primary producers constitute a significant position in trophic levels of wetlands. Primary production studies in these wetlands showed fluctuations in net and gross primary production along with community respiration and chlorophyll content. These parameters showed bimodal fluctuations in primary productivity showing peaks of higher rates of net primary productivity during summer and post monsoon seasons except at one wetland during investigations where it shows peaks during summer, monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Seasonal fluctuations in the rate of primary production do not remain same throughout the year.

281-284

Authors: Peyami FY

The PhadkePada pond is situated near polytechnic college, Diva, Thane and Its geographical coordinates are 19°8´0” North and 72°59´0”East. The present work focused on the seasonal variations in physico- chemical parameters of this fresh water pond during winter, summer and monsoon. Various parameters were analysed month wise and finally computed variation in season wise. The water is alkaline, calcium rich and with bicarbonatetype alkalinity.

289-292

Authors: Chaudhary Pankaj Kumar and Chaudhary Jitendra Kuma

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are primarily derived from completely differentiated somatic cells or non-stem cells following molecular induction and cellular reprogramming. Molecular induction, leading to formation of iPSCs, has successfully been accomplished at multiple molecular hierarchies of biomolecules, including DNA, RNA, and Protein, and even using small organic inducer molecules like non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug, Nabumetone, the anticancer drug, 4-hydroxytamoxifen and so on. Such molecular induction leads to almost complete reversal of cellular machinery from differentiated state to undifferentiated state, restoring the immense biological potential which is considerably similar to Embryonic Stem cells (ESCs). This scientific breakthrough and tremendous accomplishment has given researchers rays of hope and equipped them to carry out various preclinical and clinical trials and translate the trial-based findings to design cure for various dreaded and degenerative diseases. Furthermore, its implication also transcends the various biological boundaries wherein it can be employed to slow down the physiological degeneration, such as aging, occurring owing to the cellular senescence and stem cell exhaustion. Besides, iPSCs can also help in understanding the normal development process as well as underlying mechanism leading to diseases. Pursuing research in this direction, various promising results have already been achieved which need to be consolidated and further extended to the next level of translational research. The uses of iPSCs is not only limited to cell-based therapy but have also been extended to the level of biological manufacturing, therapeutic cloning, and biosynthesis wherein several biomolecules, including growth hormones, chemokines, immunological molecules, such as interferon and interleukin of therapeutic significance are being synthesized by iPSCs-derived cells and organs. Moreover, iPSCs-derived cells and tissues are being used for toxicity testing and drug development.

302-305

Authors: Raje Sharayu and Mestry Asmita

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an enzyme involved in the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into acetic acid and choline. Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase is needed for deceleration of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Plants are known to contain Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.The methanolic extracts of Moringa olifera leaves were checked for Acetylcholinesterase inhibition on the acetylcholinesterase from brain homogenate of Danio rerio. The activity of the enzyme in-vitro and in-vivo conditions. In our investigations the extract from the plant showed a reduction in the Acetylcholinesterase activity. Under in-vitro conditions and in-vivo conditions the activity of Acetylcholinesterase dropped by 29.26% and 34.26% respectively.

310-313

Authors: Dekate HM and Baviskar RN

The present investigation was carried out in Mumbri Creek of Sindhudurg district (Lat. 16º 21' N. Long. 73º 25' E). The main aim of this work is to find out the productivity of the said creek. The zooplankton plays a very important role in food chain and food web. Most of these are small, microscopic organisms which feed on phytoplankton and ultimately become fish food. The Copepods, Mysids and Chaetognaths are predominantly present throughout the year. Zooplankton provides food for the masses; they get proteins, minerals, vitamins, etc. to the in developing countries. During the non-availability of fish or otherwise the locals depend on zooplankton for food. The work was investigated in Jan. 2015-Jan. 2016.