INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES

22-28

Authors: Ekpenyong EP, Ononuju CC, Orikara CC and Ikwunagu EA*

Pot trial experiment was conducted at the College of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria between the months of June and October, 2014. The study was designed to determine; the nematicidal effect of leaf powders of Aspilia africana (African marigold), Terminalia catappa (Indian almond) and Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon grass) against nematode infestation on tomato; appropriate time of application of plant materials and to compare the effect of the plant materials with synthetic nematicide (carbofuran). The experiment consisted of six treatments with six replicates, arranged in a Completely Randomized Design. Parameters recorded were number of leaves, plant height, number of fruits, weight of fruits, fresh shoot weight, fresh root weight, number of galls in roots, number of nematodes egg in root and number of nematodes larvae in soil. Result obtained showed that treatments at 1 and 15 days after inoculation (DAI) with nematode eggs significantly reduced nematode population in some parameters than 30 DAI, although in some cases, there were no significant differences between treated and untreated experiments. Thus, different powders significantly increased tomato yield when compared with untreated (nematode alone). However treatments with Aspilia africana appeared to be most effective, as it recorded least number of galls irrespective of periods of application, also for eggs in the roots and nematode larvae in soil. Plants treated with nematicide ranked second in reducing number of galls, eggs in roots and nematode larvae in soil. Aspilia africana performed better than Terminalia catappa and Cymbopogon citratus leaf powders, suggesting that they could be used in the management of root-knot nematodes in tomato production as alternative to chemical nematicides in view of their environmental hazard and pollution problems.

44-56

Authors: Poojari Anukthi C | Maind Sandip D | Bhalerao Satish A

The present study investigated the comparative biosorption study of cadmium (II) and chromium (VI) using inexpensive biosorbentrind of orange (Citrus sinensis), (L.) Osbeck, under optimized conditions. A biosorption study was carried out in batch system from aqueous solutions. The biosorbent before and after biosorption was characterized by FTIR and SEM. The work considered the optimization of parameters such as solution pH, biosorbent dose, initial metal concentration, contact time and temperature. To assess the potential applicability of biosorbent, the experimental equilibrium data were analysed by Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Kaganer-Redushkevich (DKR) and Temkin isotherms. Langmuir isotherm model provided a better fit with the experimental data for both cadmium (II) and chromium (VI). The maximum biosorption capacity of cadmium (II) and chromium (VI) which was determined from Langmuir isotherm was found to be 83.33mgg-1and 10.74mg g-1respectively. Simple kinetic models such as pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich and Weber & Morris intraparticle rate diffusion, were employed to determine the biosorption mechanism. A result clearly indicates that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model was found to be correlating the experimental data strongest for both cadmium (II) and chromium (VI), which suggests that chemical adsorption process was more dominant. Thermodynamic study revealed that the biosorption process was spontaneous, endothermic and increasing randomness of the solid solution interfaces. The rind of orange (Citrus sinensis), (L.) Osbeck was found to remove cadmium (II) and chromium (VI) effective from aqueous solutions with uptake and selectivity in the order of cadmium (II) > chromium (VI).Thus biosorption have an advantages over other expensive cleanup technologies, can be used for waste water treatment for remediation of heavy metal contamination in industrial sectors.

63-70

Authors: Mahmoud Mustafa Ali Abulmeaty MD1,2

This study compared sun exposure with commercial vitamin D3 supplementation in restoring bone health in a vitamin D deficient rat model. 35 healthy weaned male albino rats were divided into two groups. Vitamin D deficient rats (n=21) were subdivided into: an Sd group (n=7) that was directly exposed to sun-light, a Tt group (n=7) that was treated with commercial vitamin D3 with oil, and a Ct group (n=7) that was treated with canola oil without vitamin D. Normal diet fed rats were subdivided into: a Cs group (n=7) that was exposed to sunlight and fed a normal vitamin D chow and a control (C) group(n=7). Plasma 25 hydroxy vitamin D3, parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorus levels and the enzymatic activity of alkaline phosphatase were estimated and femur bones were used to prepare histopathological sections. The sun-exposed groups showed a significant reduction in levels of parathyroid hormone (67.69±13.18 vs 86.05±9.67 pg/mL, P < 0.05) in addition to an improvement of osteoid area and a reduction of trabecular separation in the bone sections. In a conclusion, sun-exposure have a more positive effect on bone structure and hormones that control bone mass rather than normalization of vitamin D.

78-82

Authors: Kinkar Shobha Bhanudas1 and Patil Kishor Gopal

The present study is carried out to investigate the structure of pancreas in normal control, diabetic control and Tinospora cordifolia extract treated albino rats. Healthy albino rats (9 months old) of both the sexes, weighing 150-190gm were used for the experiment. Rats were treated with Tinospora cordifolia whole plant extract 20ml/kg body weight, twice a day from day 2 to 30. It was observed that the cells in the pancreas in normal control animals are densely packed. In case of alloxan treated group the cell density significantly diminish. Where as in case of Tinospora cordifolia extract treated group it was observed that the empty spaces in islets created by the alloxan induced necrosis is significantly decreased.

89-96

Authors: Sajjad Fazel Tavassol* and Gopalakrishna GS

The study area, Tehran-Karaj plain is situated in central part of Iran, lies between latitudes 36°10′ to 35°04′ N and longitudes 50°38′, to 51°45′ E covering an area of 4762sq km comprising of 4 sub-watersheds (A,B,C and D). Morphometric analysis is important in any hydrological investigation and it is inevitable in development and management of drainage basin. The present study involves the Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis techniques to evaluate and compare linear relief and aerial morphometric of the 4 subwater sheds. The drainage network shows that the terrain exhibits dendritic to sub-dendritic drainage pattern. Stream orders ranges from fourth to fifth order. Drainage density varies between 0.21 and 0.4 km/km2 and has very coarse to coarse drainage texture. The relief ratio is ranging from 0.004 to0.017. The mean bifurcation ratio varies from 2.37 to 3.77 and falls under normal basin category. The elongation ratio shows that ‘C’ watershed possesses circular shape while remaining sub-watersheds mark elongated pattern.

107-115

Authors: Golwalkar Rachna Deo1, Sleeqa Banoo | Mustaq Tehmeena | Diwan Suniti | Kumar Ankit | Vyas Vipin

The present study examines the distribution of benthic macro-invertebrate fauna in the four seasonal tributaries of River Narmada in the central zone to evaluate the benthic macro-invertebrates community assemblages in predicting the water quality status. During the present investigation, total 8 sampling stations (two sampling stations on each tributary) were identified and from these stations 30 taxa of benthic macro-invertebrates were recorded. Among the major taxonomic composition phylum arthropoda was found at dominant (63%) position, whereas values of Shannon-Wiener diversity index was found between 1.12 – 2.10 which indicates moderate pollution status at all stations. Values of Pielou evenness index (0.67-0.96) showed equability in the apportionment of individuals among the species at all stations while, range of Margalef diversity index varied from 0.94 to 3.58 indicates extremely low species richness and low abundance with physically disturbed areas in poor condition of colonization by aquatic organisms

121-124

Authors: Fatmi Amjad | Ruby Durreshahwar

Studies were conducted to determinate the effect of different levels of aflatoxin contaminated feed on growth performance and survival rate of fish Clarias batrachus. There was a significant decrease in average length gain, total weight gain, average weight gain as well as survival rate with increase in contamination of aflatoxin in the feed of the fish.

129-132

Authors: Seema Kumari, Vishwranjan and Prashant Kumar

Incidence of Trematode Parasites of Common tode (Bufo melanostictus) has been studied in bank of Saryu River along Chapra town during 2010- 2013. Chapra is the District Head quarter of Saran. This study shows the Trematodes found in common tode of this area and this is worse condition of the population situated near the bank of Saryu River. Trematodes can be found anywhere where untreated water and human waste is spread out. A simple food chain and contamination of food and water is follows the infectious route. Out of total 1328 Toades (Bufo melanostictus) collected and examined, trematodes were 450 (57.3 per cent). The rate of infection of trematodes was higher in sex-wise female’s 256 (34.5 per cent) males 194 (33.1 per cent). Pollution due to sewage and excreta waste of town increase the infection of toad and flanking population.

137-139

Authors: Mishra Priti | Ther Sandip V | Shukla Satish

To aim of this study was to isolate and to identify the pathogenicity of E. coli from the water in poultry farms. To conduct this study, water samples were collected from the poultry farms in the vicinity of Jabalpur. Around 200 water samples were collected from the 60 poultry farms, during the period of September 2011 to January 2014. All the water samples were cultured on Mac-Conkey’s and EMB agar plates. The positive samples were examined for coliform. confirmation of E. coli was based on the morphology of colonies, gram staining and biochemical characters. In vitro pathogenicity test for E. coli was carried out through the Congo-red binding activity. Out of 200 water samples processed for coliforms, 150 produced growth on Mac-Conkey’s agar. Biochemical characteristics identified 66 of these as E. coli. Out of 66 isolates of E. coli, 40 resulted in the growth of brick red colonies shown the pathogenic. While remaining 26 samples produced colorless colonies after 72 hours of incubation at room temperature and were confirmed as non pathogenic.

145-147

Authors: Dekate HM | 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 sand creek. The mangroves consist of various types of animals. Many species of birds have disappeared all over the world due to deforestation, human interference in hilly regions, quarrying in forest and pollution. Human interference in the jungle for various purposes create disturbance in the habitat of birds, hence, neither they feed properly nor can construct their nests safely. The wetland ecosystem plays an important role in conservation of birds. Thus, the wetlands serve as treasure house for the ornithologists and interested. During high tide, the birds remain on the mangrove plants, while during low tide they come down and feed on the ground or in air on varieties of insects. The mangrove swamps provide readymade food, therefore naturally, the birds stay there and during breeding season they make their nest amongst the plants where the enemies cannot reach, provided if no human interference happens. One of the other important roles that mangrove plays is that it acts as the habitat for many species of birds. Although mangroves at first glance appears to be barren and unprotected place for any animal to live in, this is precisely the aspect that many of the bird species take the advantage as it is marshy and saline area where animals do not venture. Quietness and silence are so tangible in fully developed mangrove forests, that one can hear the puff of methane bubbles coming up from the bottom as they break the surface of water. Even water itself is silent in its streamlined flow up and down with the tides. Who is not going to stay in such calm, peaceful, vibrant, rich and academic environment? Hence the birds have an undisturbed environment at their disposal, for resting, breeding, nesting and also feeding. The avifauna includes resident, local migrant and migratory. The mangroves are very important for the birds as ample of food is available to these birds and mangroves are nesting sites for these birds. The present investigation was carried in 2015.

151-158

Authors: Chaudhary Pankaj Kumar | Mishra Kamlesh Kumar | Chaudhary Jitendra Kumar

Stem cells are cells of special kind with immense self-renewal and differentiation/trans-differentiation potential. Therefore, they are capable of providing various functional, structural and homeostatic supports to almost all kind of tissues and organs throughout the life. They are pervasive, and found to reside in almost all the organs, especially within the organ-specific anatomical niche so as to provide optimal access for better performance and tissue homeostasis as well as can be used as cellular backup, help repair damage and maintenance of concerned organs. These organ’s in-built niches and microenvironments help maintain substantial repertoire of stem cells throughout life of multicellular organisms. These cellular repertoires of stem cells, however, decline with the age and deteriorating health status of an individual. Furthermore, meticulous research works of several decades have broadened and deepened our horizon of multidimensional understanding about the pervasive cellular intercourse observed between stem and non-stem cells at the cellular, molecular and biochemical levels. Stem cells have immense potential of intracellular, such as autocrine and intercellular, such as paracrine, communications, as well as communications with the genetically, structurally and functionally distinct cell types located somewhere else in the body. In this work, we have tried to throw light upon such a structurally and functionally kaleidoscopic cell entity, with special emphasis on their spatio-temporal diversity and therapeutic relevance in ever changing disease dynamics at molecular and cellular levels.

7-10

Authors: Stewart Miriam and Padalia Unnati

Electron Beam Irradiation (EBI) is an effective and environmentally safe method ofsterilization and fungal decontamination of a variety of food commodities. This irradiation allows decontamination of many food and agricultural commodities, which usually suffer from fungal contamination and mycotoxin interference during post-harvest processes. Since EBI uses less energy thanconventional techniques, it may replace dry sterilization techniques in future.

19-26

Authors: Kelkar Tushar S | Katdare Ajit S | Bhalerao Satish A

Urban farming is no more new to Mumbai and it’s suburban. Being a metropolitan city, its expansion is a common trend in every possible direction. A railway is a life line of this city. This local service is divided into Central railways, Western railways, Harbour railway and Trans Harbour railway. From which Trans Harbour railway is comparatively new development connecting Thane to Vashi (New Mumbai). Near the railway tracks some area of land might be available as a free space. On this land various vegetables like Okra (Abulmoschus esculantus L.), Methi (Trigonella longiceps F.), Bathua or Mayalu (Chenopodium album L.) Chawali (Vigna unguiculata.), Palak (Spinacia oleracea L.). are cultivated during pre and post monsoon period. Whereas in monsoon season, Paddy cultivation (Rice, Oryza sativa L.) is a common practice. Such rice cultivation is largely based on stagnant water which gets collected during heavy monsoon. In present study, one of the urban farms which are near Koparkhairane station on the trans - harbour train route was selected. From the urban farm Oryza sativa L. (rice) plants were collected at specific intervals throughout the monsoon period and percent root colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from roots was analyzed. Rhizosphere soil was analysed for pH, mineralizable nitrogen along with spore density of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal chlamydospore. Very high level (as high as 100 %) root colonization by various arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi could be observed. A positive correlation between spore density and percentage root colonization was drawn from the results.

32-36

Authors: Gupta Aman, Gupta Deepak and Vaidya Vinit Depar

Incident of 2,00,000 barrels of crude oil spill in Alaska fetched attention of the world. The problems caused due to oil spill are environmental pollution along with risk to the marine life and human beings. The global use of crude oil, mainly derived from various fossils throughout the world, is estimated to be average 5.5 metric tons per year. Biodegradation of such complex hydrocarbons is very challenging task. Use of microorganisms viz. bacteria and fungi to degrade these hydrocarbons is a primary mechanism to eliminate the pollutants from the environment. Effect of environmental parameters on the microbial activities in terms of metabolic pathway and its impact on the genetic bases was always been an area of intense curiosity and reviews. In case of fungi, spp. of Aureobasidium, Candida, Rhodotorula, Sporobolomyces, Trichoderma and Mortierella are commonly used as source of mycoremediation for degradation of hydrocarbons. In the present studies, we have tested Epicoccum nigrum, as a potential source of mycoremediation against oil spill. The effective degradation of hydrocarbons from the oil and petrol was measured in terms of titrimetric estimation of phytosterols from the samples.

42-46

Authors: Patil JS and Suryawanshi NS

Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa L.) is an important fruit in Maharashtra. Twenty five isolates of Alternaria alternata were isolated from rotted strawberry fruit and their sensitivity was tested against Mancozeb. The MIC was ranged between 680.0- 2040.0µg/ml in vitro. Isolate Aa-10 (680µg/ml) was sensitive while isolate Aa-08 was resistant showing maximum MIC (2040µg/ml). In present investigation total thirty six plant extracts were used to manage Mancozeb resistant mutant of A. alternata (Aa-EMS-2) individually as well as in mixture with Mancozeb. The individual PCE of Zingiber officinale Rosc., Mimusops elengi (L.), Aloe vera (L.), Lantana camara (L.), Mentha arvensis Benth., Catharanthus roseus (L.), Eucalyptus globules (Labill.), Allium sativum L.(Leaf and bulb), Calotropis gigantea (L.) R. Br. ex Schult. and Cymbopogon citrates DC. Stapf. gave fruitful results in individually. While mixture with Mancozeb, Allium sativum L. (leaves) (91.11), Allium sativum L. bulb (89.91), Mimusops elengi L. (86.67), Lantana camara L. (74.45), Polyalthia longifolia Benth. & Hook. f. (74.45), Catharanthus roseus L. (73.33), Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (72.22), Ficus benghalensis L. (72.22), Datura inoxia Mill. (70.00) and Aloe vera L. (68.89) shows fruitful results in controlling Mancozeb resistant mutant of A. alternata (Aa-EMS-2).

51-54

Authors: Mestry Asmita

The present investigation is an attempt to evaluate the possible ameliorative effect of Butea monosperma leaves extracts on aflatoxin induced haemolysis. Blood sample were collected from healthy adult human being (25-30 years old) in EDTA vials and were used for preparation of RBC suspension in saline. Saline suspension of RBC was treated with aflatoxin (0.5-2.0 μg/mL) with and without Butea monosperma leaves extracts (1-100 μg/mL). The results revealed that addition of aflatoxin (0.5-2.0 μg/mL) to RBC suspension caused significant dose-dependent increase in the rate of haemolysis. However, concurrent addition of aflatoxin (2.0μg/mL) and extracts of Butea monosperma leaves caused concentration dependent retardation in aflatoxin induced hemolysis.

60-64

Authors: Baviskar RN and Suryawanshi NS

The present study assayed the effect of the certain fungicides viz. dithane Z-78, polyram, acrobat, kocide, dithiocarbmate, thiobendazole and diphenylamine on blue mold of apple caused by Penicillium expansum Link. Twenty isolates of P. expansum were isolated from infected apples collected from various fruit markets of Maharashtra. All these isolates were tested their sensitivity against carbendazim on PDAmedium.MIC of carbendazim was determined against isolates.Pe-9 MIC-750.6µg/ml was sensitive while isolate Pe-15 MIC-970.3µg/ml was tolerant. Pe-9(MIC-1900.2µg/ml) was sensitive and Pe-15 MIC-2470.3µg/ml was tolerant in vivo. Carbendazim resistant mutant (Pe-EMS-10, MIC-4850.6µg/ml) is equally important to control using different fungicides. P.expansum was tested against carbendazim and other fungicides. In vitro the fruitful results were observed that the (PCE) values at 50 %Conc. (44.02 - 49.28) while at 100 %Conc. (50.89- 61.39) individually and in mixture with Carbendazim the PCE value increased at 50 % Conc.(55.39 - 68.98) while at 100% (68.72 -73.57). PCE value at 50% Conc. (51.62 - 56.95) individual and mixture (57.25 - 59.26) while at 100 from alone (58.32 - 69.36) and in mixture (71.63-79.82) PCE value increased as compared with individual value( In vivo). Without fungicide served as control.

70-72

Authors: Singh Pooja* and Padalia Unnati

Three Chalcone derivatives of biological interest were prepared by Claisen-Schimdt condensation of freshly distilled acetophenones with aromatic aldehydes in the presence of 10% sodium hydroxide and ethanol at room temperature.The purity of these compounds were checked by Thin Layer Chromatography method.These derivatives were evaluated for their antifungal activities against yeast Candida albicans by Agar Well Diffusion method.All the three derivatives are found to exhibit antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

77-80

Authors: Bhamre Pradnya* and Padalia Unnati

Research in the area of biosurfactant has expanded quite a lot in recent years. Biosurfactants are amphiphilic compounds i.e., they contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties. Their low toxicity and eco-friendly nature and the wide range of potential industrial applications in health care, bioremediation, and food processing makes them a highly useful compound. They are produced by a variety of microorganisms as extracellular compounds. Biosurfactants are superior to the chemical surfactants with respect to their biocompatibility, lower toxicity, and higher biodegradability. The present study was focused on in vitro antifungal activity of rhamnolipid biosurfactant produced by bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa using olive oil as substrate. Biosurfactant was extracted by solvent extraction method using equal volume of Chloroform and n-butanol (65:15). The extracted biosurfactant was evaluated for its potential antifungal activity by using agar cup method against yeast Candida albicans and was compared with commercial chemical surfactant Sodium lauryl Sulphate. Extracted rhamnolipid Biosurfactant showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Thus, the work suggests that after further purification it could be used as therapeutic agent in Biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

86-88

Authors: Salgaonkar Snehal* and Padalia Unnati

One of the primary modes of transmission of micro-organisms are our hands. Hand-washing is important in food production, food service and day care preparations. Hence it brings us to the use of antiseptic for hand washing purposes. Many of the antiseptic available in market are alcohol based sanitizers which have some shortcomings or adverse effects. Their frequent use can lead to skin irritation. The present research was aimed to evaluate the anti-fungal efficacy of herb and plant material such as Lemongrass and Bermuda grass by agar-cup method of these plant extracts that were obtained by soxhlet extraction. Also the research was carried out to formulate and evaluate the herbal hand wash liquid containing the above extracts. The anti-fungal activity of the formulated hand wash gel was tested against Aspergillus niger by Agar Cup Method. Thus this work suggests and supports the incorporation and utilization of herbs and traditional plant materials in the formulation to give better anti-fungal effect. The further development should be performed to achieve broad antifungal activity with different extracts.

92-94

Authors: Bari Kishor P and Unnati Padalia

Fungi are known to produce a vast array of secondary metabolites that are gaining importance for their biotechnological applications. In the present study, two fungal isolates which can grow at alkaline condition were screened for antimicrobial activity. Antimicrobial activity was studied using cell free extract.One out of two fungi exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. Besidesfungal metabolite,extraction was also carried out using methanol.

100-104

Authors: Kandhare Ashok S

Green gram (Vigna radiata L.) is affected by seventeen seed-borne fungi. These fungi case adverse effects on seed health and yield. Application of synthetic fungicides causes damage to consumers and environment. Therefore, petroleum ether plant part extracts of locally available plants are tried to control seed mycoflora of the pulse. Almost all plant extracts showed restrictive effect on seed mycoflora of the test pulse. Significant plants that controlled seed mycoflora in higher percents are Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Cyperus rotundus L., Ocimum basilicum L., O. americanum L., O. sanctum etc.

12-20

Authors: Jadhav Seema*, Bhot Meeta, Barua Meenakshi and Mandke Manjushree

In recent years there has been rapid increase in the standardization of selected medicinal plant of potential therapeutic significance. Despite the modern techniques, identification of plant drug by pharmacognostic study is more reliable. Terminalia catappa belongs to family Combretaceae, commonly known as Indian Almond, native to most regions of the India. By looking at the high traditional use of the young and mature leaves of plant Terminalia catappa Linn, the present investigation was undertaken for research with the purpose of drawing the pharmacopoeial standards for this species. The present study deals with pharmacognostical parameters for the young and mature leaves of Terminalia catappa which mainly consists of macroscopic and microscopic characters, powder characteristics, physio-chemical constants and phytochemical screening. The macroscopic, microscopic characteristics of Almond leaves were identified. In physico-chemical parameters, foreign matters, total moisture content, pH, different ash contents [total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, sulphated ash] and extractive values [alcohol soluble and water soluble] were studied. In qualitative phytochemical analysis, it was observed that the mature leaves of Terminalia catappa contain more phytoconstituents as compared to young leaves. The study revealed specific characteristics for the particular crude drug which will be of significant use in identification, control to adulterations of raw drug and can serve as a reference for any further investigations.

29-36

Authors: Nirmalkar Vaishali*, Shaikh Naziya and Shaikh Shahnawaz

In vitro callus induction method was developed for Terminalia catappa kernels and Arachis hypogaea nuts. They were cultured on MS medium supplemented with IAA and KiN for callus induction. The best callus induction was observed in MS medium supplemented with (IAA:KiN) (0.5:0.5) in case of T. catappa kernels while in case of A. hyupogaea nuts, it was observed with (IAA:KiN) (1.0:0.5) hormonal concentration. In addition to this, analysis of some phytochemical parameters of T. catappa plant parts and A. hypogaea nuts were evaluated in terms of Flavonoid, Anthocyanin, Chlorophyll, Proteins and Lipids. The red leaf (RL) and red epicarp (RE) showed high Antioxidants in terms of Flavonoid and Anthocyanin leading to more potent radical scavenging effect. On the other hand, Chlorophyll was found to be least in RL and RD showing that chlorophyll of the plant T. catappa is inversely correlated to the Antioxidants (Flavonoid and Anthocyanin). Similarly, Protein and Lipid content showed increase in red and mature parts of the plant T. catappa. Thus, it could be suggested that Protein and Lipids might be protected from oxidative damage due to presence of Antioxidants (Flavonoid and Anthocyanin).

42-46

Authors: Atheaya Ela* and Kamalinee Deodhar A

The two species belongs to genus Plumeria L. are P. obtusa and P. pudica has been used as an ornamental and medicinal. It is commonly known as ‘White Chafa’ belonging to Family Apocynaceae (Oleander family). The present paper highlights the comparison between the leaf traits (Qualitative and Quantitative) of Plumeria obtusa and Plumeria pudica. In the present study multiple morphological leaf traits such as leaf arrangement, petiole, stipule, latex, leaf surface, leaf shape, leaf margin , leaf apex, and venation were compared. The leaf size and leaf thickness were also compared. All the qualitative traits studied shows that the leaf of P. obtusa is glossy green, obovate, distinctive apex with entire margin whereas P.pudica leaf is dark green, spoon shape, acute apex with wavy margin. On comparision of quantative characters like length of the petiole and lamina of P. obtusa was found bigger than the P. pudica. The thickness of P. obtusa lamina was also more than P. pudica. It was also reported that both Plumeria species leaves shows spiral arrangement on the stem, presence of white milky latex , long petiole, exstipulate, and smooth leaf surface with reticulate venation. These findings are valuable in botanical identification of plant species.

51-56

Authors: Jaybhaye Maya M and Bhalerao Satish A

In nature cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin are major source of plant biomass; therefore their recycling is indispensable for the carbon cycle. Each polymer degraded by a variety of microorganisms which produce a number of enzymes that work on waste material. For the present research work agricultural waste such as paddy straw were selected which was good source of lingocellulose content. Paddy straws were inoculated with fungal strains such as Pleurotus sajor-caju, Trichoderma harzianum and Aspergillus niger and Chaetomium globosum and allow composting process for 40 days with different combination of fungal strains. Temperature and moisture content 60-80% maintained throughout the experiment. Analysis of initial, control and compost samples showed degradation of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content. Cellulose decreased from 31.10% to 13.38%, hemicellulose 15% to 7.4% and lignin 14.30% to 3.35%. In the future, processes that use lingocellulytic enzymes or are based on microorganisms could lead to new, environment friendly technologies. This study suggests that agricultural wastes could be converted into some value added products such as compost.

62-64

Authors: Patil Vivekkumar Vasudeo

Airborne particles of biological origin are mainly consisting of fungal spores, pollen, bacteria, viruses, algal filaments, epidermal hairs, plant fragments etc. Fungi are the most important aeroallergens. Fungal spores’ constitute a significant fraction of air borne particles. Extramural aerobiological research includes aero microbial survey at various places to identify fungi in urban environment and to study the variation in their concentration at four different sites. In the vegetable markets of metropolitan cities, rotten vegetables and fruits, gunny bags, paper bag, packing materials, straw, discarded leaves and stems forms the main substrates for the growth of airborne fungi. The culturable molds presents in the air of different sites was collected by exposing petriplates at four different sites. The maximum contributor at the aerospora was cladosporium with 8.79% contribution followed by aspergillus sp (6.58%) contribution tops the rank and it was followed by Helminthosporium (5.38%), Aspergillus sp (4.90%) and Alternaria sp with 4.47% contribution.

67-72

Authors: Mehta Latika and Vaidya Sharda

Pangloli is a small village in Mhasala Taluka of Raigad District, Maharashtra. The nearby cities are Mahad, Mahabaleshwar and Pen. The village maintains its traditional beauty of small individual houses with sloping red roofs amidst the orchards of coconuts, areca nuts and mangoes. It is surrounded by the hills that are green covered throughout the year. The forests in these hills are mixed deciduous. The people are mainly involved in rice cultivation but also grow some other crops. This beautiful village is changing its scenario very fast as the trekkers point and a picnic spot. A new hotel has already been established. Since the trekkers and visitors develop directly or indirectly the increase the wages of the villagers, they are also attracted by such visitors. This is resulting in the disturbances in the ecosystem of the village and the hills around. The forests in the hills possess a lot of leaf litter. Being near to the Arabian Sea, there is ample rainfall that results in maintaining abundant moisture. Both these result in luxurious growth of diverse types of fungi. This diversity is decreasing in the last few years. The present work indicates some of the species that are occurring in lesser and lesser numbers in the last few years. To carry out this work, frequent visits were made to the location especially during rainy season. The specimens were studied for their morphology and anatomy. The identification was done using standard literature.

7-10

Authors: Seema Nagdeve

Monitoring of indoor air of Arva rice mill for airborne fungi at Desiaganj (Wadsa) district - Gadchiroli in respect to effects on human being was undertaken during the period from Jan- 2012 to Dec-2013 using petriplate method and Hi Air sampler. Altogether 64 fungal organisms were isolated and identified from four different sections of Arva rice mill, belonging to Oomycota, Zygomycota, Ascomycota and Deuteromycota.The important fungal types identified were Aspergillus niger, A. candidus, A. fumigatus, A. sydowii, A. flavus, penicillium notatum, P. glabrum, P. funiculosum, P. citrinum, Alternaria solani, A. alternata, Fusarium monoliforme, F. solani, Curvularia geniculata, C. lignicola, C. lunata, Bipolaris oryzae Cercospora sp.., Mucor sp., Rhizopus sp., Cunninghamella sp., Pithomyces sp., Epicoccum sp. Trichoderma sp., Torula sp., etc. during period of investigation.

18-20

Authors: Aher SK, Dhawale VP and Baviskar PS

Pomegranate (Punica grantum L.) is a high value commercial horticultural crop grown extensively throughout Western Maharashtra. The aerobiological survey was undertaken to understand the qualitative and quantitative incidence of fungal spores over pomegranate field for the first time from this unexplored locality by operating Continuous Volumetric Tilak Air Sampler. Out of total air spora, 42 spore types of deuterospores were recorded. Percentage contribution of each spore type of deuteromycetes to the total air spora revealed that Cladosporium contributed the highest toll (29.49%) followed by Epicoccum (9.27%), Nigrospora (2.86%), Alternaria (2.30%), Botrytis (2.18%), Botrydipodia (2.00%). Influence of meteorological factors on incidence of deuterospores was observed. The present paper provides a critical account of airborne deuterospores over pomegranate field.

26-28

Authors: Patil MS and Sawarkar AB

The present research work was carried out to study the antimicrobial activity of honey sample collected from chalisgaon region during 2012 to 2015. During study, four crude honey samples were applied to evaluate the antifungal and antibacterial study on the basis of zone of inhibition. It was concluded that Escherechia coli and Bacillus subtillis are more susceptible than other experimental bacteria. In the antifungal activity, the Aspergillus terrens had shown more susceptibility than other experimented fungi.

32-36

Authors: Vibhandik AM and Wani GP

The study deals with the effect of Contaf, (a systemic fungicide) on histological studies in Barbus carnaticus. LC 50 concentration of Contaf for Barbus carnaticus was found to be 5.9439 ppm for 24 h, 5.2142ppm for 48 h, 5.2469ppm for 72h and 5.2516 ppm for 96 h. and 1/10th of the corresponding LC50 values were treated as sublethal concentrations. The fish showed severe histological changes like severe necrosis i.e. local death of cells. Swelling, hypertrophy of cells, as the period of exposure go on increasing.

42-48

Authors: Kalse Ajit and Bhosale Yuvraj

The objective of the present study was to study the biodiversity and prevalence of helminth parasites of Girna dam fishes. A total of 500 fishes were examined, in which 249 fishes (49.8 %) were infected with 228 cestode parasites and 172 nematode parasites, which belongs to four and seven genera respectively. The result of the present study suggest that cestodes mainly Circumoncobothrium spp., Senga spp., Lytocestus spp., Polyoncobothriumspp., and nematodes mainly Eustrongylides spp., Rhabdochona spp., Syphaciella spp., Contracaecum spp., Ascardiaspp., Camallanusspp.,and Trichurisspp., are the main intestinal parasites of girna dam fishes(viz. Mastacem bellusarmatus, Wallago attu, Ophiocephalus punctatu, and Clarius batrachus). This report summarizes the data of incidence, intensity, density and index of infection in fresh water fishes in relation to environmental factors. Incidence of infection was higher in winter season. While intensity of infection was higher in Monsoon and density of infection was higher in winter season. The present study will be helpful to the status of diversity of cestode and nematode parasites from Girna dam.

53-58

Authors: Shelke AD and Wani GP

A considerable number of contaminants of environment contain heavy metals as their constituents. Mercury is considered to be one of the most toxic metals. Industries discharge heavy metals recklessly in to the environment. The consumption of heavy metalsparticularly mercury through food chain via fish by human being cause severe disorder in the physiology. Heavymetals causing serious damages to entire ecosystem including fishes. To reduce the toxicity of heavy metals of fishes, it is one of the serious and major problems in fish culture. There is a lack of study about the effects of phytoplankton especially micro algae on fishes. The protective effects of Spirulina applied on other animal’s however it has yet to be applied for fishes. The effect of spirulina supplementation on reduction of mercuric chloride toxicity based on haematological parameters was studied in a freshwater fish, Labeo rohita. The fish were divided in to six groups of 10 individuals each and were exposed to 0.12 ppm. (50% 96h LC50 value) of mercuric chloride for 21 days. The results showed that sublethal exposure of Labeo rohita fed with spirulina free diet (T1 groups) significantly reduced the hamotological parameters than those exposed to sublethal level of mercuric chloride and fed Spirulina supplementation diet (T2- T5 groups).

63-66

Authors: Sawarkar AB and Tembhare DB

The internal male reproductive system in Apis cerana indica was consists of a paired testis, vasa deferentia, mucus gland and a median ejaculatory duct. It was observed that each testis internally packed with seven tube-like follicles compactly filled with the cysts. The spermatogenic stages mainly occurred in the pupal stages. The seminal vesicle represented by a distal large sac-like region of the vas deferens. It consists of an inner epithelial and outer thick muscle layers. The epithelial layer was consists of tall, columnar cells with brush border towards the lumen filled with a large mass of sperm bundles. The paired mucus glands were large, sac-like structures representing a peculiar type of male accessory glands. The epithelial layer of mucus gland was composed of tall, columnar glandular cells which showed their secretory nature. It was noticed that the mucus gland and the seminal vesicle has mesodermal in origin. The mucus glands open into a common ejaculatory duct via lateral ejaculatory ducts. The ejaculatory duct was a long slender tube opens distally into an aedeagus. The wall of the ejaculatory duct was differentiated into outer broad epithelial layer and inner cuticular layer. The inner thin cuticular layer bears elongated spines in the lumen. The presence of cuticular layer showed that the ejaculatory duct is ectodermal in origin.

72-76

Authors: Chaudhari Rajeshwar M

Vincristine (C46 H56 N4 O10) is one of the most widely used effective curative for cancer. It is an indole-indolin alkaloid from periwinkle plant. The drug was administered intravenously to six adult male rats at dose levels of 0.06 and 0.12 mg/KgBW/day respectively. The object of the present work is to study the Vincristine effect on the reproductive accessory gland and testes. This drug prevents metastatic growth by preventing the formation of spindle fibers, thereby arresting mitosis without affecting replication of DNA. Vincristine affect on sperm morphology and resulting into primary and secondary sperm abnormality. The different sperms abnormalities were found to be in head, mid-piece and tail. The higher percentages of abnormalities are amorphous head, coiled tail and hook less head. The percentages of sperm abnormalities are more significant in low dose and high dose treatment as compare to vehicle treated control. From the foregoing mono-therapeutic study, it is concluded that this chemotherapy schedule belongs to the category of anti--androgenic.

82-84

Authors: Bhosale PA and Bhosale YM

During the study of RNA contents of gill and gonad tissues in corbicula striatella shows significant decrease in gill from 2.23±0.059to 1.96±0.109 *(-12.107) for 15th day and on 30th day. There is significant decrease from 1.75±0.113 to 1.31±0.102** (-19.714) on gonad shows significant and decrease from 8.16±0.951 7.16±0.312 (-12.254 on 15th days and on 30th days there is a significant decrease from 7.33±0.654 to 6.00±0.328** (-18.144) on 30th day This is due to toxicity of 5- Fluorouracil and changes of RNA in mobilization of tissue in the cellular metabolism.

89-91

Authors: Kohchale Sudhir

The toxic effect of Methotrexate on seminal vesicle have been studied by intramuscularly injecting low dose of 3 mg/ kgBW /day and 6 mg/kg BW/day for 15 days to adult male squirrel (Funambulus pennanti) during the breeding period January. For comparing the effects the saline treated vehicle was injected same amount of saline and was maintained for the same duration. Reduction in the size of secretory alveoli of seminal vesicle due to remarkable increase in the fibro-muscular coat, loss of secretory capacity all suggest toxic effect of MTX on seminal vesicle.

95-97

Authors: Pawar LB, Patil DN, Shewale SS and Kendale SS

One new cestode species U. latkanai from Trygonzugei at Ratnagiri (M.S.) West Coast of India is described. Uncibilocularies latkanai differs from all the known species of the Genus in having scolex triangular, tapering at both the ends and bothridia are present. Mature segments are elongated in shape and five to six times longer than broad. Testes 47-50, genital pores submarginal, vitellaria granular like strip. Cirrus pouch alternate.

101-103

Authors: Nikam Priyanka S

Parasitism is the association in which host and parasite are ecologically interrelated. Capra hircus is dominant species of Indian goat. Capra hircus has richest source of nutrional value. Caestodes are the endoparasites which infect the intestine of Capra hircus. Their infection causes parasitic diseases and also causes economic losses. Caestode parasites have greater diversity and their species have cosmopolitan distribution. The effect of these parasites is depend on the number of parasites occur in intestine of Capra hircus. Morphological studies of Caestode parasites is more beneficial to identify various species of parasites and their classification and external form. It also provide information about diseases they cause and also their occurance in particular region. This information will help to plan for preventive control measures.

107-108

Authors: Thombre R and Dhande Abhishek R

Through this manuscript, a case of albinism in common wolf snake Lycodon aulicus is documented. Given albino individual was spotted/found in Patna village of Chalisgaon Tehsil in 2014. This manuscript also discusses the reasons of albinism and previous cases of albinism in Lycodon aulicus in Maharashtra.

115-118

Authors: Bendre KB, Patil AM and Rathod MM

In recent times fertilizers are responsible for 50 percent increase in crop yield. Due to progressive intensification of agriculture and production of high yielding varieties; fertilizers consumption has increased very much accounting to 23.6 metric tonnes of nutrients every year through crop removal. Over use in certain potential areas and sub optimum use in larger areas are crucial issues; and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizer is creating lots of problems especially soil degradation and pollution. Therefore, emphases should be to reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers and to improve fertilizer use efficiency. Hence, a strategy for integrated nutrient supply is evolved by judicious combination of chemical fertilizers, organic manures and biofertilizers. Therefore, attempts were made during present study to observe the effect of integrated fertilizer dose (urea + biofertilizers) on productivity of popular forage crop hybrid Napier (cv.RBN-9). Study also includes investigation on percentage increase in the yield of forage crop and saving of nitrogenous fertilizer due to use of biofertilizer.

123-126

Authors: Landge Laxman and Kalse Ajit

Leaf extract of Pithecollobium dulce was evaluated for its protective effect against chloramphenicol induces hematological changes like aplastic- anaemia, leucocytosis, thrombocytosis, etc. The dose of chloramphenicol i. e. 500 mg/1 kg. body weight of mice for was administered orally for 14 days. On day 15 hematological parameters like Haemoglobin level (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cells (WBC) count, blood platelets (thrombocytes) count, differential WBC count were declined in toxin group except the lymphocytes level was increased. But the methanolic leaf extract of Pithecollo biumdulce showed significantly increase in RBC count, total WBC count, platelets count and some leucocytes. While decrease in Haemoglobin (Hb) level, neutrophils etc. The result indicates that the leaf extract of Pithecollo biumdulce significantly recovered the altered values of blood cells due to chloramphenicol induced toxicity in bone marrow as well as haematological parameters.

136-139

Authors: Undirwade DN, Bhadane VV and Baviskar PS

The present study deals with genus Ipomoea of family Convolvulaceaefrom various regions of Maharashtra state. A total of 17 species of the genus have been collected from various localities of state Maharashtra on the collections made between 2013 and 2015 from different parts. The present paper illustrates the diversity and morphology of the species of Ipomoea, which are separated from each other on the basis of their morphological characters

144-146

Authors: Damyanti R, Patil KB and Borse KN

The present paper deals with four species of freshwater submerged aquatic Hyphomycetes, encountered in foam samples collected from Khandwa District of Madhya Pradesh, Viz Canalisporium caribense (Hol.-Jech and Mercado) Nawawi and Kuthub. Canalisporium exiguum Canalisporium pallidum and Canalisporium pulchrum, Nawawi and Kuthubutheen are being reported for the first time from Madhya Pradesh. The data collected provide information on the biodiversity and Geographical distribution of these fungi from freshwater habitats of India, apart from description and illustrations. This data will assist in the compilation of freshwater fungal biodiversity of India.

150-152

Authors: Wankhade MS and Mulani RM

Kinwat and Mahur taluka of Nanded districts has old heritage of medicinal plants and herbal medicine. Forest is rich in biodiversity and consists of rare medicinal plants. Biogeographical condition such as altitude, soil type and average rain fall make the vegetation diversity in this area. The local tribes Andh, Gond, Kolam, Naikde and pradhan use forest resources for their day to day life. In the present research 27 leguminosae plants were identified through the quadrate method from the study area. Digitization was carried out using morphological information of the plant, taxonomically important photographs and ethnomedicinal uses along with other information related to the plant. Hyperlink computer technique was used while doing the digitization. The present digitization of leguminosae tree plant will gives instant global access to the plants information and easy to maintain and process this information.

287-305

Authors: Tekle Edossa Kubure | Raghavaiah Cherukuri V | Chavhan Arvind | Ibrahim Hamza

A field experiment was conducted at Ambo University research farm with the objective to determine the optimum P rate and population densities in faba bean (Vicia faba l.) genotypes grown on vertisols. The treatments comprised three genotypes (Hachalu, Walki and Local), three spacings ( 30 cmx7.5 cm, 40 cmx5.0 cm and 60 cmx5.0 cm) and two phosphorus levels (0 kg p205/ha and 46 kg p205/ha,) which were laid out in a split- split plot design with three replications. The results showed that the improved genotype, Walki (3,407 kg/ha) was comparable with Hachalu (3,037 kg/ha) and gave substantially greater seed yield than the local cultivar (2,833 kg/ha). Seeding at 44 plants/m2 resulted in substantially higher seed and biological yields (3,815 kg/ha and 7,894 kg/ha) than 50 plants/m2 (3,074 kg/ha and 6,570 kg/ha) and 33 plants/m2 (2,388 kg/ha and 4,696 kg/ha); although the harvest index was unaltered. Fertilization of faba bean with 46 kg p205/ha resulted in substantial increase in seed (3,531 kg/ha) and biological yields (7,172 kg/ha) over no fertilizer check (2,654 kg/ha seed and 5,602 kg/ha haulm yield). The harvest index tended to improve with p nutrition (49.7) over no phosphorus (47.4). Correlations worked between yield and growth and yield components showed a significant positive relation between seed yield and plant height at different stages, leaf area/plant, leaf area index, biological yield and seed yield/plant. Biomass yield is correlated with leaf area/plant, leaf area index, and plant height. Nutrient (np) removal of genotypes both in seed and haulm has been greater in Walki and Hachalu than in the local cultivar. The n removal in seed and haulm of Walki was 107 kg/ha and 58 kg/ha; and the corresponding removal of Hachalu was 95 kg/ha and 52 kg/ha; while that of the local cultivar was 89 kg/ha and 48 kg/ha. The n uptake in seed and haulm has been greater with 44 plants/m2 (120 kg/ha and 66 kg/ha) in comparison with 50 plants/m2 (97 kg/ha and 54 kg/ha) and 33 plants/m2 (75 kg/ha and 37 kg/ha). The uptake of p in seed and haulm increased with p application (11.3 kg/ha and 3.6 kg/ha) over no p-application (8.5 kg/ha and 2.7 kg/ha). In protein yield, Walki and Hachalu were better than the local variety. Maintaining 44 plants/m2 performed better than 50 and 33plants/m2. Application of 46 kgp2o5/ha out yielded no P check. Nutrient dynamics of soil after harvest of crop showed that there was an increase in soil N status ranging from 0.00 to 0.05 percent but a sharp decline in soil P and K contents after the crop harvest due to greater removal by the crop, which ranged from 4.03 to 4.27 ppm of P and 0.15 to 0.01 meq/100g of K. Economic analysis of the genotypes showed that Walki gave the highest net returns (ETB 29,642/ha) followed by Hachalu (ETB 24,827/ha) and the local cultivar (ETB 22,178/ha). Maintaining 44 plants/m2 gave higher net return (ETB 34,938/ha) than 50 plants/m2 (ETB 25,309/ha) and 33 plants/m2 (ETB 16,401/ha). Phosphorus fertilization resulted in a net return of ETB 31,247/ha compared with ETB 21,233/ha obtained with no phosphorus.

317-324

Authors: Abidemi-Iromini AO1* and Kusemiju K2

Spent engine oil, NPK fertilizer (15:15:15) and sewage effluent pollutants on growth and survival of Clarias gariepinus catfish were investigated for 70 days. Juvenile fish of length range 7.5cm to 10.6cm; and weight range 4.00g to 8.20g were used; and fish fed 5% body weight of conventional floating feed on daily basis. Temperature (0C), pH and dissolved oxygen (mg/l), mortality and growth rate were monitored. 35% mortality was experienced in NPK media; and 15% mortality was experienced in control experimental tanks. Specimens in control and NPK tanks survived to end of experimental period (70 days) with highest mean weight control tank (51.9g) and length (9.6cm); NPK specimen had mean weight 35.0g and length 8.4cm. Condition factor ‘K’ in control tank and NPK tank were: 0.98 and 0.93. Food Conversion Ratio (FCR) of control and NPK tanks were: 2.00 and 1.51. Food Conversion Efficiency (FCE) in control and NPK tanks were: 50.11% and 66.35%. Specific growth rate (SGR) {%/day} in control water tank was 1.47% per day, and NPK was 1.29% per day. Test statistic indicated there was no significant difference in growth/survival rate within surviving specimens of NPK and control environmental tanks.

333-340

Authors: Sivakumar T | Rathimeena T Shankar | Ponmanickam P

Couroupita guianensis, Silver nanoparticles synthesis of Plant extract were confirmed by UV-vis and FTIR. Further it was tested against various pathogenic microorganism and followed by antioxidant properties. The Couropita guinanensis flower extract mediated nanoparticles showed absorbance peaks at 318--323nm region in the spectral analysis.Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of the silver nanoparticles showed absorption peaks of reduced silver at 1631.95 cm−1. At concentration of plant extract with silver nanoparticles. The (12 mm) clear inhibitory zone appeared around 100µl against Pseudomonas aeroginosa MTCC 2453after incubation for 24h followed by Bacillus subtilis MTCC121 (23 mm), Staphylococcus aureus MTCC96 (13 mm), Klebsiella pneumonia MTCC109 (15 mm) and E.coli MTCC 912 (20 mm).In Couroupita guianensis total antioxidant was found to increase with increase in concentration in standard, plant extract and AgNO3.

351-359

Authors: Mishra IP | Sabat G | Mohanty BK

Profenofos 50% EC (Curacron 50 EC) is a hazardous pesticide commonly used in agriculture is also an important contaminant of environment. Its presence in biological system has gained importance due to bioaccumulation in food chain. The phyto-toxic effect of profenofos was assessed based on the secondary metabolites like Phenolic Compounds, Flavinoids) and Enzymes of the test species, Vigna radiata, L. The concentrations of pesticide chosen were based on EC50 and are in the range of 0.02, 0.05, 0.08, 0.1 and 0.2 % of profenofos. The changes in phenol and flavinoids enzymes (peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase) are not dose dependant but the catalase enzyme activity was profenophos concentration dependant.

367-374

Authors: Swamy Meena

In the present study it is observed that the histamine perse caused dose dependent significant aggregating effects in the dorsal skin melanophores of Rasbora elenga. Higher concentrations of histamine caused more sever aggregating effects of the scale melanophores.The isolated scale melanophores of fish R.elanga maintained an intermediate state in physiological solution of 0.7 % NaCl. After this, melanophores are pretreated with a specific H3 Receptor antagonist thioperamide in the concentration of 2×10-6 g/ml. They were later incubated in increasing concentrations of histamine in a logarithmic scale of 1×10-6 g/ml to 6.4×10-5 g /ml. In the lowest concentration of 1×10-6 g/ml of histamine it was observed that thioperamide blocked the melanophore aggregation effect of histamine per se. Increase in the concentration of histamine with the blocker thioperamide to 3.2×10-5 g /ml the teleost melanophores were not able to aggregate in the presence of the antagonist. After that the melanophores of R.elenga were previously bathed in 0.7% Saline in order to bring the melanophores in the neutral state, where melanophores remained in a state of neither aggregation nor dispersion. When such scale melanophores were incubated with H3 Agonist immethridine it was observed that immethridine induced physiologically significant melanophore aggregation in all concentration. The intial concentration of immethridine perse of 1×10-6 g/ml caused the melanophores to decrease in size showing aggregation. Increase in the dose concentration of immethridine perse to 6.4×10-5 g /ml, induced a complete aggregation of all the melanophores

379-386

Authors: Dassharma Kakoli | Ravnang Pratik

Stomata, the vital gate between plant and atmosphere may play a central role in plant vegetation responses to environmental conditions, which have been and are being investigated from molecular and whole plant perspectives, as well as at ecosystem and global levels. Stomatal diversity in foliar epidermis has great value in plant systematic studies. The present work deals with the anatomical investigations with respect to stomatal complex in genus Piper belonging to family Piperaceae where an attempt has been made to recognize the taxonomic value of genus Piper. Stomatal complex of eight species of genus Piper has been studied for the present work. The species are as follows: P. chaba, P. pedicellosum, P. sylvestre, P. talboti, P. boehmeriaefolium, P. lonchites, P. miniatum, P. galeatum. Three types of stomata were observed: paratetracytic, staurocytic and anisocytic. All the species show the presence of stomata on the lower epidermis only. P. galeatum was noticed with combination of two types of stomata on its epidermis. Rest all the species were found to show single type of stomata. The observations suggest the predominance of paratetracytic stomata followed by and staurocytic and anisocytic type. Detailed study of foliar trichomes in the above mentioned species showed abundance in glandular trichomes. Under glandular trichomes, types of unmodified epidermal cells and modified epidermal cells were found to be persistent. Interestingly, eglandular trichomes of type trichome apex obtuse were also noticed in two species. P. boehmeriaefolium was been observed with both glandular as well as eglandular type of trichomes.

392-394

Authors: Sundaram Sujit | Mane Sushant

The brown paper nautilus, Argonauta hians Lightfoot, 1786 was recorded for the first time from the northwest coast while investigating the biodiversity of cephalopods from Maharashtra waters. One specimen of the said species was collected as an incidental by-catch in the trawl catch off Mumbai, northwest coast of India.

399-402

Authors: Bhajbhuje MN

Impatiens balsamina L. is one of the most potent medicinal plants extensively grown worldwide including India. The seeds of this plant are reported to be heavily infested with diverse group of fungi. The fungal organisms associated with seeds are known to deteriorate the nutrient content of seeds. As the plants serve as ecofriendly and economic bio control agents, the potential of aqueous extract of three plants each of family Acanthaceae and Euphorbiaceae was determined against three species each of seed borne isolates of Curvularia and Fusarium from stored seeds of Impatiens balsamina L employing poisoned food technique. Majority of the plant extracts were reported to be toxic, leading to inhibition for the growth of the test fungi. The aqueous leaf extract Adathoda vasica was found to be most potent reducing significant level of mycelial growth of test fungi.