INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES

200-204

Authors: Siddiqui SS | Raja IA

Wolbachia are maternally inherited bacterial endosymbionts that found in different arthropods. It is now well known that they induce reproductive phenotypic manipulations like feminization, thelytokous parthenogenesis, male killing and cytoplasmic incompatability in their arthropod hosts. Although diverse insects are infected with Wolbachia bacteria and generally for their insect hosts, it is regarded as facultative/parasitic endosymbiont bacteria. The Wolbachia strain, designated as wCle associated with the bedbug Cimex lectularius was shown to be vital for the growth of host’s and reproduction via provisioning of B vitamins. Previously the infection of endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria has been shown to the colonies of the human bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. (Heteroptera: Cimicidae) cultured in the laboratory, but no information exists regarding the infection status in natural populations in India. We assayed Cimex lectularius populations from different areas of Vidarbha region (Akola, Amravati, Chandrapur, Nagpur), Maharashtra, India for Wolbachia infection. Detection was done by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Wolbachia infections were prevalent in all populations assayed (75–100%). Higher rate of Wolbachia infections were found in bedbugs of Vidarbha region of India, which indicates importance of this association. The characterization of these Wolbachia strains provides a deeper approach into this interaction, which is essential for further studies. The potential utility of Wolbachia for another bed bug control strategies is discussed.

210-218

Authors: Bagde Neelima

The present study was carried out in the West region of Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh (India) to document the diversity and utility of avian fauna. Many of the wild life species are gradually vanishing from our forest. The biological imbalance created due to disappearance of particular species which have put may problem. The national forest policy 1952 has laid special emphasis on preservation of wild animals. The inhabitants of the region are dependent up to a large extent on wild resources for their remedial needs. The region is rich in avifaunal diversity having 124 species belonging to 17 orders and 46 families. This study will be helpful in developing a comprehensive data base on the faunal resources to strengthen the care system in the area and in conserving the avifaunal resources for the prosperity of the region.

225-231

Authors: Jagtap DK | Kashid LM | Jakhi PS

Oxygenated peptones and Vermiwash are commonly used in organic farming practices. In the present investigation, experiments were carried out to study the influence of Gibberellic acid (50 ppm), Oxygenated peptone (1% aqueous) and Vermiwash (20%) on fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) var. early bunching during seed germination by using petri-plate method. Distilled water was considered as control. Oxygenated peptone and Vermiwash showed promontory effect on germination percentage. All three treatments stimulated vigour index and also showed enhancement in fresh and dry weights of root and shoot. Oxygenated peptone and Vermiwash showed supremacy in root length while GA treatment remarkably enhanced shoot length. Oxygenated peptone, Vermiwash and GA treatments showed significant improvement in the amount of total carbohydrates, soluble proteins and activities of enzymes like amylase, protease and catalase. The study revealed that Vermiwash, Oxygenated peptone and GA improve the process of germination with positive alteration in biochemical aspects.

238-244

Authors: Dave Kalpana | Jain Shruti

Water management in general takes account of biodiversity and conservation aspects, but further some protective measures are needed. Cost of water management directly or indirectly influences the aquatic ecosystem. Biotic and abiotic factors are both independent and interdependent resources. Multispecies communities like plankton, fishes and macrophytes are bioresources which are essential for the stabilization of ecosystem. Bioindicators and bioresources are both responsible to maintain the food chain of pond ecosystem. Species composition and biomass distribution are important for affecting the transfer of energy in food chain of pond. Phytoplankton represents the base of primary producer in aquatic ecosystem and plays a major role in the global cycling of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and other elements; and by this they help in regulation of the earth’s climate. Bioresources are the natural bioindicators of pollution in the water body. Bioindicators are anthropogenically induced which affects biomolecules, their biochemical and physiological parameters that are casually linked to the different levels of biological organisation. Sometimes the reason behind loss of biodiversity is due to competition between bioresources in a limited space. Present investigation is an attempt to study and understand the basic status in hydrobiology and productivity possibility of reservoir.

249-254

Authors: Wagay Nasir Aziz | Deshmukh VR | Rothe SP

One of the grand tasks of current taxonomy is to prepare a checklist of plants of the globe. This work is largely based on collecting information from regional floras and databases. Till this date, the progress is relatively slow, as the number of common names, synonyms, poorly resolved aggregates is high. For this purpose regional flora, checklists and databases with reliable taxonomy and complete coverage of critically examined data are required. The majority of novelties come from the tropics; but certain areas remain poorly explored as well, and numerous species in these areas still await recognition. In the present work, the studied area is Vidyabharati Mahavidyalaya campus which is situated in the prime location of the Amravati city. Amravati is a district in the state of Maharashtra with its district headquarters situated at 20˚55ˊ33̎ N and 77˚ 45ˊ53̎ E. The district is situated at 343m (1,125ft.) asl. The present study deals with the floristic diversity of campus in the former sense, i.e., the number of individual species in the area. The present paper attempts to highlight the diversity of vast plant resources of the campus in a conservation perspective. A total of 91 species of flowering plants are documented in which 43 were herbs, 25 shrubs, and 24 angiospermic trees distributed in 22, 13, and 12 families respectively.

260-262

Authors: Dhole PA | Bhogaonkar PY

Fabaceae is the largest family, represented by total 116 species in the Melghat Tiger Reserve. Present paper deals with the addition of 02 new reports of Fabacae members namely, Flemingia macrophylla (Willd.) O. Ktze. ex Merr. and Paracalyx scariosus (Roxb.) Ali, to the flora of Melghat Tiger Reserve. Correct and updated citation, local name, a short description, along with distribution, is provided for future field work.

131-140

Authors: Kushwaha VB | Agrahari M

This paper aims to study the effect of domestic sewage on phytoplankton population in river Rapti at Gorakhpur, U.P. and India. An increase in free CO2, bicarbonate alkalinity, nitrate, phosphate and BOD while a decrease in pH, DO and carbonate alkalinity was observed at sewage mixing point. However, these parameters gradually changed at the station away from sewage mixing point (downstream) and were within the limits of Indian standards. During the study period total 29 species of phytoplanktons were observed belonging to 4 families: Bacillariophyceae (11), Chlorophyceae (10), Cyanophyceae (6) and Euglenophyceae (2). In present investigation it was observed that population of phytoplankton was very low at station R2 where sewage mixed into river.

147-151

Authors: Yeragi SS | Yeragi SG

The present investigation revealed that the stomach content of both juvenile (<130 mm SL) and adult (>130mm SL) Sillago sihama (Forsskal) in Mithbav (L.160 20’ N.L.170 25’)estuary of Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra from April 2011 to March 2012. The gut analysis was carried out using frequency of occurrence and point methods. Diatoms were found to be the most preferable food of plant origin in both the life stages like juvenile and adult in all the season, Diatoms, blue-green algae and dinoflagellactes constituted main food of plant origni. Diatoms were found to be the most preferable food during starvation period of monsoon due to unexpected water currents. During monsoon, the habit of food and feeding was distured for short time. They do not remain in main stream of water but move towards the bank, bay, as well as in lagoons of the estuary. During monsoon it occurred in more than 11.3% of food item by point method. The feeding intensity of juvenile was notice that on increasing along with increase in size group. The quality and quantity of food items were fluctuated seasonwise to season and juvenile to adult stages. Crustacean including shrimps, crabs, their larvae, copepods eggs, and larval forms comprised the maximum part of the food of animal origin. It was concluded that sillage sihama in the coastal waters of Mithbav is planktonivorous and feeding on a wide range of food of planktonic and benthic organisms.

157-161

Authors: Ghaware AU | Jadhao RG

This study was aimed to estimate current status of Physico-chemical characteristics and level of pollution indicator bacteria and their variation at whole stretch of dam. Some environmental parameters such as Temperature, pH, Turbidity, Dissolved oxygen, Sulphates and Nitrates were monitored. In addition, the microbial analyses involved total viable bacterial and fungal counts. The results of physicochemical parameters showed varied value; from conclusions revealed that large number of sewage drains in Morshi and agricultural discharge is mainly responsible for pollution in Nal-Damyanti Sagar Dam.

167-170

Authors: Bhoyar VV

The water quality and nutrients influence population of zooplanktons. The population observed in the distribution of zooplankton is due to abiotic factors (e.g. temperature, salinity DO and other dissolved ions), to biotic factors (e.g. nutrients). Many species of zooplanktons are limited by temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity and other physico-chemical factors. Zooplanktons constitute an important link in food chain as (primary or secondary consumers) and serve as food for fishes directly or indirectly. Therefore any harm to these will be harmful to the fish populations. The occurrence of zooplankton depends upon its productivity, which is influenced by physico-chemical parameters and the level of nutrients in water. Hence the present study was carried out on kudla dam for a period of one year from Jun 2013 to May 2014. In the present study 19 species of Rotifers were found.

176-180

Authors: Jadhav VA | Laeequr Raheman

Now a day, we are having good stimulation and regulation due to small piece of evolutionarily developed nucleotides working dynamically called gene (eg.NF1). The malfunctioning of NF1is autosomal dominant condition, contributes a set distinct genetic disorder that that cause tumors to grow along various types of nerve. In addition, it can affect the development of non-nervous tissue such as bone and skin. The NF1 gene, encodes for protein called neurofibromine, belongs to family of protein that serve as negative regulators ras oncogene. The GRD region encoded by exons 20-27a, is the function ascribed region. We are aiming to identify and analyze with structure prediction.

9-15

Authors: Sunil KCR | Swati K | Bhavya G | Nandhini M | Veedashree M | Prakash HS | Kini KR | Geetha N

Prime drive of the research work carried out was to explore heavy metal-tolerant bacteria from rhizospheric soil samples collected from contaminated agricultural lands of southern India. Soil samples of Mysore agricultural lands of Karnataka state, India, irrigated with industrial effluents from several decades, were brought to the laboratory in sterile polythene bags and were screened by plating serially diluted samples on to Minimal Glucose Yeast extract agar media amended with 0.3mM mercury. Morphologically differing cultures were tested for their tolerance to mercury by growing them in the liquid minimal media amended with 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6mM concentrations of mercuric chloride and 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5mM of lead nitrate at optimal physiological conditions. Further the isolates were identified using 16s r-DNA PCR amplification. Blast analysis of the sequence results revealed for the first time the tolerance potential of Streptomyces flavomacrosporus, Bacillus methylotrophicus, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Bacillus tequilensis, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus subtilis and their chances of participation in bioremediation of mercury. Among these isolates the actinomycetes S. flavomacrosporus, showed tolerance to multi metals.

21-26

Authors: Bagde Neelima | Jain Shampa

Present Ethnozoological study highlights the conservation of domestic animals reared by Pardhan community in Bicchua block of Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh. Field study was conducted with Pardhan people with the help of semi structured questionnaire survey. 20 Pardhan people provided information of different ethnomedicinal and other purposes of domestic animals. The results shows that there are 18 domestic animals used in 39 ailments (like weakness, diabetes, cough, cold, tuberculosis, paralysis, fit, asthma, constipation, eye disease, cancer, ulcer, sun stroke, hair growth, drug addiction etc.) and more other purposes. Domestic animals are very important in rural life. Pardhan have rich knowledge of their livestock and emotionally attached with them. In this area there are no any documented literature of their knowledge is available so, this study aims to proper documentation of traditional knowledge of Pardhan community and their livestock.

36-38

Authors: Deshmukh CG

Sphecid wasps are a familiar and diverse group of solitary wasp. They are beneficial and harmless insect to human being. The present study was to know the diversity of sphecid wasp around Koradi region, Dist. Nagpur. The study recorded 8 species of sphecid wasp in 5 genera from 2 sub family. The subfamily Ampulicinae recorded 2 species from 2 genera while from subfamily Sphecinae 6 species under 3 genera. The most number of species recorded from the subfamily Sphecinae.

43-48

Authors: Vasanthkumar B | Kapsikar Gangadhar B | Deshpande SP

Zooplanktons are the microscopic animals present in the water bodies. They play a major role in food chain of any ecosystem. The study was carried in Kali River for the period of Oct 2012 to Dec 2013. Kali River was further divided into six sub stations (rivers). In the present study an effort being made to study the diversity of Zooplankton diversity in different selected sites and their relation with hydro biological parameters.

55-62

Authors: Bhajbhuje MN

Metabolites are known products of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that occur naturally within cell. The potential of metabolites of two Alternaria species, A. alternata, and A. solani from culture filtrate in Czapek’s nutrient broth, was investigated against Triticum aestivum L both in laboratory bioassays and in pots. In laboratory bioassays, the potential of culture filtrates of both Alternaria species was studied on seed germination and seedling emergence in blotter paper slots. The metabolites from 5-days culture filtrate of both Alternaria species enhanced seed germination rate by 9.6 - 10.2% while length of shoot, shoot fresh biomass, length of root and root fresh biomass of wheat seedlings was increased over control by 10-12%; 9-13%; 12-14% and 9-14% respectively. Rate of transformation of germinated seeds to normal seedlings was enhanced over control when treated with 5-days old culture filtrate. The toxicity of culture filtrate increases with longer duration of treatment. The toxicity appeared in 10-25 days old culture filtrates, significantly inhibited seed germination, shoot length, shoot fresh biomass, root length and root fresh biomass over control. In pot trials, foliar application of culture filtrates was made on 1-week and 2-week old wheat seedlings. The seedlings receiving 5-days old metabolites treatment of both Alternaria species markedly enhanced the shoot biomass while seedlings emerged from 10-25 days old metabolites treated seeds reduced the shoot biomass. The seedlings of 2-week age old were reported more susceptible to foliar spray than the 1-week old. The reduction in shoot biomass was more significant to 2-week old wheat seedlings when treated with 10-25 days old metabolites. It is revealed that metabolites from 5-days old culture filtrate of both Alternaria species resulted enhance effect, may be able to be used as alternative growth promoter while other treatments had inhibitory effects, and may be beneficial for destroying the weeds which reduce the productivity of economical important crops.

67-75

Authors: Bhise MR | Patil CR | Salunkhe CB

The present paper deals with three new species of genus Asterina (Asterinaceae) belonging to black mildew fungi, collected on rarely occurring host plants from Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, India. These are, Asterina beilschmiediae sp. nov. on Beilschmiedia dalzellii, A. hosagoudarii sp. nov. on Litsea josephii and A. oxyceri sp. nov. on Oxyceros rugulosus. The detail morphological description, colour photographs, line drawings and discussions of these newly described species are provided in this paper.

81-84

Authors: Nalawde Amit A | Bhalerao Satish A

Biofertilizers are commonly called microbial inoculants which are capable of stoping important nutritional elements in the soil from non-usable to usable form by the crop plants through their biological processes. For the last one-decade, biofertilizers are used in large quantity as an eco-friendly approach to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, improve soil fertility status and for improvement of crop production by their biological activity in the rhizosphere. The seeds of Vigna mungo were treated with bio-fertilizers for 45 days as compared to untreated. It was observed that the plants treated with experimental bio-fertilizer Rhizobium showed excellent result in the morphological and bio-chemical parameters.

91-95

Authors: Bhaisare Manmohan S | Kunjalwar SG

E. chaetaria, (Roem. &Schult.)is less known plant species of Eleocharis, in India, even in Maharashtra? These plants are economically and biologically insignificant. But traditionallymore important, because some traditional people used such a plant in medicinal purposes. The present study investigate, the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of the major bioactive constituent in E. chaetaria, (Roem. &Schult.).The plant where found to contain, Alkaloid, Tannin, Flavonoids, Saponin, Steroid, Terpene. The importance of the distribution of these chemical constituent discuss with respect to biologically most active form.

99-104

Authors: Mankar SS

Rose is an ornamental aromatic plant belong to the family Rosaceae. In all 22 varieties from 2 different rose species viz Hybrid Tea and Floribundas (F) were used in this study. Out of these 19 rose petals varieties were moderately to strongly antibacterial against all the screened bacteria and the remaining 3 varieties demonstrated weak antibacterial activity. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to be strongly sensitive to all the 22 rose varieties with maximum zone of inhibition (32mm). Bacillus coagulans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Shigella flexeneri and Salmonella typhi were moderately sensitive while Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium were weakly sensitive. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was resistant to most of the standard antibiotics. Enterococcus faecalis was resistant to 2 varieties namely Koppies and Zorina. Staphylococcus aureus was resistant to 2 varieties namely Vimala and Zorina. Proteus vulgaris was resistant to 3 varieties namely Charleston, Viamala and Zorina where as Klebisella pneumoniae was resistant to 2 varieties namely Viamala and Zorina and Bacillus coagulans was resistant to 1 variety namely Zorina. These rose varieties may act as good alternatives to reduce the excess use of antibiotics to some extent, without side effect. Further studies are required for the screening of volatile and non-volatile active antimicrobial chemical constituents of rose petals to utilize them in pharmaceutical industries.

108-110

Authors: Manoorkar VB | Gachande BD

Phytochemical analysis of plant latex was carried out from ten plant species from Nanded region for presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannin, saponin, terpenoids, steroids and glycosides. Alkaloids were found in all plant latex except F. benghalensis & C. papaya, while flavonoids and phenols revealed the presence in all latex samples except Nerium oleander & Carica papaya. Calotropis procera, Jatropa curcas, J. gossypifolia, N. oleander, C. papaya showed presence of Saponin but absence of tannins. Terpenoids are absent in Euphorbia tirucalli, Ficus benghalensis, F. religiosa. Steroids are present in E. tirucalli, C. procera, F. benghalensis, while glycosides were absent in E. tirucalli, N .oleander and F. religiosa.

115-117

Authors: Rao Padmavathi S

Physalis philadelphica commonly called as Mexican husk tomato is widely grown as a minor crop and extensively used in western countries as it responds positively to any type of soil and climate. The fruits are used for the preparation of curries, jams, sauces and jellies and the taste is similar to tomato. A steroid Physalin extracted from leaves and roots has prophylactic and therapeutic properties for treating infections caused by protozoans. Also it is used in autoimmune diseases and it acts as anti-leukemic agent. The Mexican people use decoction of calyces for diabetes. This species attracts considerable attention because of its economic as well as medicinal properties. Information relating to the biochemical work on species of Physalis is meagre. Therefore with a view to study the biochemical variability, three accessions of Physalis philadelphica from different sources were collected and to employ these three accession in biochemical investigations to study qualitative and quantitative analysis of free and protein amino acids and their effect on the morphology of the three accessions.

6-10

Authors: Bhajbhuje MN and Pathode Punam R

Fungal metabolites are well known low molecular weight, biconcave organic compounds created or secreted or excreted by diverse group of fungal organis- ms as results of diverse beneficial or detrimental activities or chemical reactions occurring in every functional cell during its growth and metabolism. The metabolites produced in growth nutrient medium by Alternaria triticina, a serious causal pathogen of leaf blight of Triticum aestivum L. were isolated from culture filtrate for a period between 5 to 25 days at an interval of five days in Czapek’s broth medium and tested for their effects on seed viability and seed emergence of wheat. An increase in per cent seed germination and shoot length of seedling over control were recorded with five days old metabolites treated seeds. The rate of seed germination and seedling emergence declined while percent dead seeds and abnormal seedlings increased with metabolites of longer duration. The seed coat of treated hard seeds becomes soft, but seeds did not germinate. The metabolites from five day old culture filtrate served as growth promoter while metabolites of longer duration are toxic and acts as growth inhibitor.

13-16

Authors: Thaware Jayshree | Jawade Seema

Atmosphere is rich source of diverse groups of contaminants which may be biological or non biological in origin. Maximum contaminants have hazardous health effects such as allergic reactions, asthma, varied skin diseases, internal organ infection and toxicity as well. In the present study the mycological survey was carried out for one year from May 2013 to April 2014 by Volumetric Tilak Air Sampler which is known to capture approximate 75% of bio-particles. Aerobiological studies are of great importance as they provide with qualitative and quantitative information about airborne fungi in a given region. Total 24 Fungal spores were identified. Alternaria,Artrinium, Ascospores, Beltrania, Bispora, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Didymosporium,Eppicoccum, Helminthosporium, Mold spores, Rust spores, Smut spores and Yeast was observed throughout the year.

21-24

Authors: Kayarkar Ankush | Bhajbhuje MN

Library is a basic source of cellulosic substrate for proliferation of diverse group of fungal organisms provided ambient climate of temperature and humidity. India comprises one third diversity of globe. The study was undertaken for a month at an interval of a week to report the aeromycoflora from various corners of library. Altogether 980 colonies falls under 19 genera and 28 species have been recorded by culture plate exposer method. Ascomycota dominated with more than half of the total colonies recorded followed by Zygomycota and Deuteromycota while Oomycota had least colonies. Member of Basidiomycota did not persist. Significant count of colonies was reported prevalent in third week of January while moderate count was confined in first week of February. Aspergillus was dominated with higher colony count as wellas greater species number. Cladosporium cladosporoides, Mucor pusillus and Rhizopus stolonifer were recorded sub-dominant. Fusarium was recorded with 3 species;Penicillium, Curvularia, Alternaria with 2 species and others had single species. Diversity of fungal organisms on cellulosic material in library concerns to changing indoor environment. The climate for third week of January was confined ideal for sporulation. The culture plate exposure technique has proved to be more appropriate over others.

27-30

Authors: Sontakke NR | Hedawoo GB

In the present investigation, fungi associated with chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) were detected by blotter paper and agar plate method. Thirteen different fungi like Actinomucor repens, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A.ochraceus, Cladosporium sp., Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium sp., Mucor varians,Penicillium notatum, Phoma herbarum, Rhizopus stolonifer were isolated in variable frequencies. Frequency of the individual species ranges between 1.11 – 8.19%. Of which, Fusarium oxysporum (8.19%), Rhizopus stolonifer (7.63%), Phoma herbarum (5.69%) and Aspergillus flavus (5.44%) were found to be predominant. Blotter paper method was found to be more effective than agar plate method. The percent germination of the Chickpea seeds was evaluated by the standard rolled paper towel method. Higher incidence of fungi on the seeds of chickpea adversely affected its germination.

35-38

Authors: Gadpayale Jagannath V | Somkuwar Subhash R | Alka Chaturvedi

Nagpur is the most prominent district of Eastern Maharashtra. During the field survey of Nagpur District, the authors collected some uncommon taxa from the different locations and habitats which are not reported yet in the floristic documentation. The present paper deals with the study of findings of four new taxa, collected for the first time. Some taxa have very small population size in the study region. Specimens were collected, identified with the help of different floras and recent literature for their authentification.

43-47

Authors: Madavi Shivkumar | Bhajbhuje MN

The mycological analysis of seed samples of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracia L. var. botrytis) from Nagpur region revealed prevalence of 38 fungal species belonging to 20 genera. Of these, 24 isolates encountered both as external and internal seed borne; 9 isolates were external and 5 isolates were internal seed borne. Deuteromycota dominated with nearly half of the total count of isolates followed by Ascomycota. Aspergillus dominated with highest count of species and contributed more than one quarter of the total incidence. Fusarium dominated with four; Penicillium, Alternaria and Curvularia each with three; Chaetomium, Helminthosporium with two species while remaining ones had single species. Ascomycota contributed greatest fungal incidence followed by Deuteromycota. Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium, Alternaria and Penicillium had significant level of infestation Moderate infestation has been recorded for Cercospora, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Mucor Curvularia, Helminthosporium, Nigrospora, Pyricularia, Trichothecium and Pythium while others reported with little to mild infestation. Blotter paper method proved superior over agar plate.

51-55

Authors: Dapke Suresh | Lambat Ashish | Gadewar Rajesh | Charjan Sanjiv | Dongre Vinod

A field survey was carried out in medium type of soil to evaluate the efficacy of herbicides for the control of weed. Dry matter accumulation of weed significantly reduced with application of Imezethapyr @ 75g ha-1 and Quizalofop ethyl @ 50g ha-1 with 1H and 1HW at 35 DAS followed by the treatment Imezethapyr 90 g ha-1 and Quizalofop ethyl 62.5 g ha-1 combined with 1 H and 1 HW at 35 DAS. Highest weed control efficiency and lowest weed index was recorded with treatment Imezethapyr @ 75g ha-1 +1H +1H +1HW. The treatment Imezethapyr @75 g ha-1+1H+1HW found more effective on weed control and favours yield.

59-61

Authors: Yadav AM

Soil contains many kinds of microorganisms. It is the loose mineral material on the surface of earth and very good culture medium for the growth of microorganisms. This study deals with the fungal diversity at various sites of traditional paddy field in Bhandara district. The soil of paddy field of Lakhani, Mohadi, Tumsar, Sakoli, Pauni and Bhandara was infected by the fungi Tricoderma, Mucor, Fusarium, Arthrobotrys, Rhizopus, Rhizoctonia and Aspergillus. After comparative study, it was concluded that mostly Mucor is dominated followed by Tricoderma and Rhizopus.

65-68

Authors: Manwatkar VG and Gogle DP

The deproteinised juice (DPJ) is also referred as ‘Whey’ or ‘Liquor’ which is left after the extraction of protein from juice. It contains proximate amount of non protein nitrogen, soluble carbohydrates, calcium and potassium as suggested by Reddy (1986). The DPJ can be used as a fertilizer for seed germination and growth of plants.During the present investigation some wild and cultivated plant species(Brassica juncea, Goniocaulonindicum, Celosia argentea, Digeramuricataand Tridax procumbens) have been used for the preparation of deproteinised juice (DPJ) and the effect of these DPJ has been studied on the seed germination and on growth of Pigeon pea seedling.

73-76

Authors: Bhute RM and Chandekar CJ

Bacillus axarquiensis is isolated from Basi Bhat. It had aggregation time (64 min) and produce biosurfactant. It showed protease, lipase, and amylase activity. It passes cellsurface hydrophobicity 78.2%; resistance to acidic condition (pH 3 for 90 min) and growing in presence of bile salts (in culture medium containing more than 0.15% bile salt). The thermostable extracellular amylase was isolated and partially purified, the optimum temperature and pH for it was found to be 55 0C and 6.5 respectively. The maximum amylase production was seen with maltose as carbon source while among the nitrogen sources, complex nitrogen sources support for maximum amylase production.

81-84

Authors: Kumbhare Shravan D, Kamble Rahul B and Chaturvedi Alka

Guaiacum officinalebelonging to family Zygophyllaceaeis native to the West Indies from the Greaten Antilles through to Bonaire, and Aruba; also in Panama, Colombia and Venezuela. This tree was naturalized in India from long years back. The species is listed in Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species). G. officinale is one of two species yielding the true lignum vitae, the other being Guaiacum sanctum. There was no any work documented earlier on this important taxa Guaiacum officinale. So keeping this view in mind, the work on reproductive biology conducted which expose the behavior of its pistil and concluded as the reason behind less percentage of fruit formation.Besides this, in vitro practices with the help of plant tissue culture techniques were performed on Guaiacum officinaleand achieved callus induction as best response on anthers as an explants with hormonal concentration,Kinetin (0.3mg/L) and 2, 4-D (1.5mg/L).

88-90

Authors: Dudhe SS, Khirade PD and Dudhe NS

Weed is plant is a growing where it is not desired; it interferes with utilization of land and water resources and affects human and animal welfare. Unwanted vegetation flourish in the field crops, forestry, industrial sites, railway lines air fields, water ways and non cropped lands create several problems. The weed Hyptis suaveolens L. belonging to family Lamiaceae growing in Maharashtra especially in vidarbha region and found growing luxuriantly on boundary of crop fields, on sides of railway tracks and road sides. The seeds of plant were collected from plant already growing in fields, were allow to grow with aqueous concentration of glyphosate herbicide (weedicide) at various concentration like 1000-50000 ppm. No lethal dose could be determined upto 50000 ppm. Morphological changes like stunted growth and the inhibition in photosynthetic activity was observed.

95-98

Authors: Kapgate DK and Ukey RW

The petrified pteridophytic sporocarp of Rodeites was collected from new fossiliferous locality- Bhutera (Lat. 22 006.582’N; Long. 79 008.402’E) of Chhindwara district, M.P. It is 30 km from Chhindwara on Seoni road and 10 km from north of Jhilmily Railway station. So far, only three species of Rodeites have been reported from these beds, such as Rodeites dakshini sporocarp present on a curved stalk, Rodeites polycarpa in a row attached to petiole, Rodeites intertrappeana on a branched pedicel. Present sporocarp shows some differences from above mentioned sporocarps of Rodeites. It is bilaterally symmetrical sporocarp of about 5 mm X 9 mm in size with very thick and multi-layered sporocarp wall approximately 454 µm. It contains 20-25 megaspores fully packed in the midst of microspores. Megaspores are spherical and 430µm to 500µm in diameter. Megaspore wall is about 43µm thick and complex in structure having intine or endospore, epispore, prismatic zone and outermost layer. Microspores are very numerous, spherical, 40-60µm in diameter. Microspore wall with two layers: a relatively smooth, dark inner layer and much thicker spongy looking layer outside it. A distinct triradiate mark observed from apical surface of microspore. As it show close similarities with Rodeites dakshini Sahni, (1943), it is kept under the genus Rodeites bhuteri sp. nov. The specific name after the locality Bhutera.

102-104

Authors: Wankhade MR

Lycopene is one of the most important and very much useful carotenoid traced in many fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant substance which plays critical role in cancer prevention, sun protection, asthma, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol and in maintenance of the immune system of the body. This study made for to assess the concentration and presence of lycopene in various vegetables which are included in our day to day diet. For this spectrophotometric analytical techniques were used and nutritionally important data is traced out from the experimentation.

108-111

Authors: Rane VI and Suryawanshi BG

Soil is one of the most diverse habitats on earth and contains the most diverse assemblages of living organisms. Biodiversity refers to all organisms living in the soil. Soil fungi are microscopic plant-like cells that grow in long threadlike structures called hyphae. The mycelium (a mass of hyphae) absorbs nutrients from the roots; it has colonized on surface organic matter or on the soil. Fungal population is maximum close to the soil surface and decreased with soil depth. The factors inorganic matter and aeration believed to limit the fungal growth. Cultivated soils of the same type contain many organisms in common, but cultivation may change the proportion of different species of soil fungi also. Fungi occur in soil either in mycelia stage or reproductive stage. Soil of Gondia district, is fertile; it is suitable for rice crop. The climate of Gondia district is tropical hot and favorable for growth of fungi. Altogether 11 species of Tuberculariaceae belonging to 02 genera were recorded throughout the study from rice field soil during 2005-06.

116-118

Authors: Deshmukh RN

Fresh water is one of the abundantly available abiotic components in nature that exploited more than any other resources by man for the sustenance of life. Moreover, the uncontrolled use of natural resources has put enormous strain on the quality of freshwater. In the backdrop of above information, the present study was undertaken to determine the trophic status of the five freshwater resources/lakes in and around Pauni town of Bhandara District of the central India. The trophic status assessment of the five collected water samples from lakes was assessed phosphorous, nitrogen, chlorophyll-a content and transparency. The results revealed variation in concentration of phosphorous from 1.3±0.5 to 3.1±1.1 mg/L and nitrogen from 3.4±1.3 to 8.1±2.2 mg/L. The transparency in majority of lakes was less than 1.9 meters, whereas the chlorophyll-a varied from 3.9 to 8.3 mg/L. Majority (P<0.05) of freshwater resources in & around Pauni town are reported mesotrophic. It may be concluded that freshwater resources of the region are severely under nutrient pollution threat and demand that better practices be followed to restore the water quality.

123-124

Authors: Ingole SP

The drinking water crises in India is reaching alarming portion. It might very soon attain the nature of global crises. Hence it is important to preserve water. In many houses there is unnecessary wastage of water due to overflow in overhead tanks. Automatic water level controller can provide a solution to this problem. The operation of water level controller works upon the fact that water conducts electricity so water can be used to open or close the circuit. As the water level rises or falls different circuits in the controller send different signals. These signals are use to switch on or switch off the motor pump as per requirement.

128-131

Authors: Khobragade DP | Sathawane KN

The present communication deals with the diversity of common weeds in wheat crop cultivation during Rabi season of Bhandara district (M.S.), India. In this study 76 weed species belonging to 24 dicotyledons and 03 monocotyledons families are reported.Among dicotyledons families the maximum dominance shown by Asterceae, Fabaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Euphorbiaceae while monocotyledons families with 15 weed species, having dominance of Cyperaceae and Poaceae.The common dominant weeds of Rabi wheat crop are Anagalis arvensi, Chenopodium album, Portulaca oleracea, Melilotus indica, Phaselous aconitifolius, Parthenium heterosphorus, Tridax procumbence, Rumex dentatus, Alternanthera spinosus, Euphorbia thymifolia, Cyprus rotundus and more

135-138

Authors: Labhane NM | Dongarwar NM

Tecoma stans (Linn.)H.B. & K. Nov. Gen is a species of flowering perennial shrub belonging to family Tecomaceae, and is native to South America. Tecoma stans is medicinally important since different plant parts have nephrotoxic, antifungal and antibacterial properties. The flowers arise in condensed raceme with bright yellow colour flowers. Each ovary contains many ovules. The fruit are elongated and compressed with about 11-20 cm, with two sections each containing about 10-20 seed in each locule. Seeds are non endospermic, with seed coat showing papery appearance. The structure of embryo is very distinct. In most of the angiosperms, the two cotyledons are mostly folded, and thus prevent the exposure of the growing tips to outer environmental conditions. However in Tecoma stans it is found that the two cotyledons are unfolded, which leads to exposure of the plumule and the radical. The shape of the embryo seems to be very characteristic, adapting itself to be dispersed at longer distances. The embryo also seems to have evolved in order to orient itself according to the shape of the seed for longer distance dispersal. However the structure of the embryo seems to have detrimental effect on the survival of the species in xeric condition, since the plumule is not having the said protection which is normally seen in case of many angiosperms.

141-142

Authors: Jaiswal RN | Kalkar SA

Pollen grain is male reproductive unit of plant and pollen production influences pollination, fertilization and ultimately productivity of the plant. Pollen physiological aspects like pollen production of plants in Delonix regia, Butea monosperma, Cassia fistula and Lagerstroemia speciosa were carried out in MIDC Industrial Area, Hingna, Nagpur and Civil lines area was taken as control area for experimental purpose. The studies were carried out throughout blooming period at fortnightly intervals. It was observed the average pollen production of the experimental plants in industrial area was comparatively less than control area. It is essential to recognize allergenic contributors in each area. Hence, the present studies will be helpful to add some knowledge to various fields like agriculture, palynology, aerobiology and allergy.

147-149

Authors: Meshram Wasudha J

The present study is focused on the seasonal variations of copepods in relation with the physico- chemical parameters of a Devtaki pond, Gondia, Gondia District, Maharashtra. The pond is surrounded by slums of Govindpur and Chhota Gondia areas in the town. Seasonal changes in physico-chemical parameters such as water temperature, PH, Dissolved Oxygen and inorganic contents were studied month wise from June 2006 to May 2007. Studies showed the seasonal fluctuations in water temperature (25ْ C-35ْ C), Transparency (13-20 cm), PH (7.1-8.3), Dissolved Oxygen (3.4-10.5 mg/l), Free Carbon Dioxide (6.0-17.5 mg/l), Total alkalinity (103-309mg/l), Chlorides (15.6-72.0 mg/l), Total Hardness ( 475-830 mg/l), Phosphate (2.07-7.15 mg/l), Nitrates (2.09-4.06 mg/l), Copepods were recorded as 1430 ind/lit. The study revealed that there is an indication of pollution in the pond due to anthropogenic activities, rapid encroachments of the area, domestic sewage, the pond water is being polluted. Hence preventive measures are required to avoid further deterioration of the pond water quality.

153-155

Authors: Kukade Rutuja Jayprakash

Agricultural ornithology aims at obtaining scientific information on birds in relation to agriculture and using this information for their management. Most of bird species play a useful role in agriculture by having a potent check on insect and rodent pests. The paper deals with the research work carried out in an Agricultural field near Akot city (Latitude 21o06’N, 77o06’E Longitude) of Maharashtra state. Birds were surveyed in the agricultural field and in the adjoining hedges with the help of binocular once in a week. Total 64 bird species were observed during the study span. The study revealed that there is a difference in bird richness and diversity between the habitats of agro-ecosystem in the study area. Hedges provide important nesting, feeding and sheltering sites for birds in agricultural areas.

159-162

Authors: Giripunje Manisha D | Fulke Abhay B | Meshram Pravin U

The study of phytoplankton count and trend of algal diversity for seasonal changes was conducted at three study sites such as Futala, Gandhisagar and Ambazari lakes of Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. The study revealed that, phytoplankton population increased with increase in climatic temperature and nutrients. Overall fifty-two phytoplankton taxa were recorded in three lakes of the city. All three lakes predominantly consisted of chlorophyta, cyanophyta and bacillariophyta. However, in this study the Shannon Wiener diversity Index values for all three lakes indicated oligotropic water.

166-168

Authors: Deshpande Rupali | Chaturvedi Alka

Plumeria rubra L. a member of family Apocyanaceae is a very common ornamental plant. Flower of Plumeria is found to be a good source of natural dye for producing various green and ivory shades on silk cloth. Aqueous medium was suitable for extraction of dye from the flower. Alum, Chromes, Copper sulfate, Ferrous sulfate, Acid, Sodium Hydroxide and Sodium chloride with different combinations were used to get different shades of color. Premordant method is useful for dyeing. Excellent fastness to sunlight was found in all mordant combination. Pretreatment of Terminalia chebula to silk cloth enhanced the shade and improve the color fastness property of dye. Color change was found in all samples subjected to dry and wet crocking. Only 30 gm material is required for dyeing 5 meter silk cloth. This dye is biodegradable and the technology is found to be economically viable.

172-174

Authors: Bawankule Devesh | Chaturvedi Alka

Aristolochia indica L. a threatened medicinal plant belongs to the family Aristolochiaceae used traditionally as an antidote on snake bite and other diseases. However, the present study is the Ethnobotanical survey and the major reasons for thelow populations of Aristolochia indicawere documented. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of Aristolochia indica gave positive test for various compounds, also qualitatively analyzed with the help of thin layer chromatographic techniques.

289-303

Authors: Bhajbhuje MN

Seed is the basic and most critical input for substantial agriculture. A population of 41 fungal pathogens representing 20 genera has been recorded on stored seeds from a composite of 20 seed samples of mustard (Brassica campestris L.) obtained from each geographical areas of Nagpur district understudy comprising of five sub-divisions and 14 talukas. Mycological analysis revealed prevalence of total 41 fungal pathogens fall under 20 genera from survey area SD-I; 39 species representing 20 genera from SD-II; 39 species of 19 genera from SD-III; 35 isolates of 19 genera from SD-IV; and altogether 34 species belonging to 18 genera from SD-V in varying level of incidence. Members of Deuteromycota are most predominant followed by Ascomycota, Zygomycota and Oomycota. Basidiomycota did not persist on seeds. A population of 29 species of 15 genera have been reported from composite seed lots as both external and internal seed borne; 7 isolates of 5 genera as external while 5 species as internal seed borne isolates. Of the total, three-fourth incidence was recorded on blotter paper over agar plating. Ascomycota contributed nearly half of a total incidence followed by Deuteromycota, contributing one-third of total incidence. Zygomycota contributed moderate while Oomycota had least incidence. Among the predominant isolates, Aspergillus dominated with highest count of species followed by Alternaria, Curvularia, Fusarium, Penicillium, Rhizopus and Helminthosporium while remainings were reported with single species. Aspergillus amstelodomi, A. sulphureus, A. versicolor, A. ochracious, Paecilomyces varioti and Cunninghamella elegans were reported for first time on mustard seeds in India.

311-317

Authors: Meshram SM | Borkar SU

A well preserved dicot wood was collected from Jabalpur Highway in Jabalpur M.P. The wood is dicotyledonous, diffuse porous, vessels mostly solitary and in radial multiples of two. Perforation plate simple. Intervascular pit pairs alternate, bordered, parenchyma paratracheal, vascicentric, wood rays mostly multiseriate and composed of heterogeneous cells, uniseriate rays mostly homogenous. Fiberes short, thin walled, nonseptate. The wood though shows some characters of the present day families like Lecythidaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Connaraceae, Flacaurtiaceae and Lythraceae. It has close affinities with the members of the family Lethraceae. It could not conclusively be traced to any particular genus but it broadly placed under the family Lythraceae.

325-328

Authors: Kapgate CA | Rane VI

Present study is carried on performance of different isolates against Colletotrichum graminicola causing anthracnose of sugarcane shows different result in antagonistic study. Antagonistic disease is controled by non-pathogenic fungi. Total 24 isolates are tested for antagonistic activity and positive result shows by 21 isolates pathogenic fungi. Antagonistic activity line is observed clear in position. Plus or square signaling is very good indication of result. The redial mycelia growth of the isolates (non-pathogenic fungi) on cultural petridisc found differed from each other.

334-340

Authors: Kamble SY | Sawant PS | Patil SR | Pawar SG | Singh EA

Since the origin of human race on this earth tradicinal medicines have greatly contributed towards quality health care of rural and tribal communities. During the ethanobotanical survey of the area under study, emphasis was given to collect information from traditional herbal healers i.e. Local medicine men, Mukhia or Mhorkyas of village, Bhagat, Vaidyas etc. on the sources and uses of indigenous medicinal plants in Northern and Western districts of Maharashtra. The indigenous knowledge of local herbal healers and plants used for the treatments of various ailments were collected through questionnaire and personal interviews. This communication presents information on medicinal uses of 33 species belonging to 32 genera and 24 families of Angiosperms and Ferns. Among the Angiospermic families Euphorbiaceae is dominant one with 4 species followed by Fabaceae and Loranthaceae of Angiospems and Cheilanthaceae of Pteridophytes with 2 species each. Present study provides novel reports of herbal remedies which have not been reported earlier or mode of administration differs from earlier report.

346-349

Authors: Baviskar RN

Methanolic extracts of Launea pinnatifida and Argimone maxicana was observed at different concentrations ranging between 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 and 3000 µg/ml were tested for antifungal activity in vitro on Penicillium expansum, Aspergillus flavus and Botrytis cinerea isolated from naturally infected apple fruit. Both plants were collected from different places of Maharashtra and identified. Methanolic extracts of plants were assessed for antifungal susceptibility using dilution method. Known antifungal agents were used as positive control. The water extracts used as control and it was observed that the methanolic extracts concentrations were more effective and showed antifungal activity against the test pathogens. The results reveled that Launea pinnatifida showed 99% mycelial growth inhibition at 3000µg/ml against Penicillium expansum and Aspergillus flavus whereas Argimone maxicana showed 100% mycelial growth inhibition at 3000µg/ml against Botrytis cinerea. Hence, the results of the present investigations indicate the plant extracts possess antifungal properties that can be exploited as an ideal treatment for future plant disease management to eliminate fungal spread.

355-358

Authors: Deshmukh AA | Vidhale NN

Total 147 Actinomycetes were isolated from saline belt of Purna river basin which appears in Akola, Amravati and Buldhana district of Vidarbha region. 147 actinomycetes isolates were recovered during primary screening and out of that 87 isolates (59.18 %) showed an antibacterial activity against two test bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by agar overlay method and 19 isolates were recorded antibacterial against both these test bacteria. These 19 isolates were subjected to secondary screening and found antimicrobial against Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 7443), Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 441), Escherichia coli (MTCC 443), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 424), Aspergillus niger (MTCC 281) and Candida albicans (MTCC 3017) by agar well diffusion method. Nearly 78.94% isolates were active against Staphylococcus aureus followed by 68.42% against Bacillus subtilis, 52.63% against Escherichia coli, 47.36% against Candida albicans, 42.10% against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 26.31% against Aspergillus niger. Similarly actinomycetes isolate N8 showed activity against all the test microorganisms.

363-365

Authors: Kanade AM | Bhosale RS

Cassia tora Linn. is well known weed found throughout Maharashtra. It a well known medicinal plant used in various skin disorders. Cassia tora L. is commonly known as ‘Takala’ in Marathi and tender leaves are used as vegetable in Konkan region. Investigation was carried out to study influence of VAM on vegetative and reproductive parameters after inoculation. After 90 days growth parameters like plant height, number of branches, number of flowers, number of fruits, dry leaf biomass, dry root biomass, mycorrhizal colonization, % VAM Colonization, was quantified. Plant with either a combination of mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorous grew taller and produced higher dry matter of root and leaf than treated with phosphorous alone or control plants. Number of branches increased when inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorous. In the present study mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorous were found to be synergistic with percent of root colonization.

369-372

Authors: Diwan RK

The present paper is focused on insecticidal activity of extracts from three different plant species i. e. Tagetes erecta, Ailanthus excelsa and Psoralia corylifolia relatively, against Collosobruchus Chinensis and C. maculatus, which are very common in most of the part of India. All three plants are treated as medicinal plants in different parts of India. Tagetes and Ailanthus also used for insecticidal activity among tribal and rural areas of Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh and Psoralia is known as a good antiseptic among them also.

378-381

Authors: Kadam Omprakash A

There are four Bacillus sp. were tentatively identified by using culture dependent method. Among them one of the Bacillus sp. having potential to produce maximum extracellular amylase on skimmed milk agar plate. The production of an extracellular amylase by Bacillus sp was statistically optimized by using response surface methodology (RSM). The maximum production of amylase from Bacillus sp. was achieved in presence of glucose and peptone as a carbon and nitrogen source respectively. The obtained ANOVA from central composite design showed a significant p value hence the designed model can be useful for to produce amylase by Bacillus sp.

389-393

Authors: Sushant Punekar

Rural women role is important in freshwater aquaculture for development of fisheries because India vast and varied inland fisheries resources potentially one of the richest in the world. In the process of rural development especially fish framing has acquired special significance in the context if economic growth in rapidly changing socio-economic and socio-cultural climates both in developed and developing countries. Women are equally endowed with motivation and managerial capabilities in starting and running. The participation of fisherwomen in fisheries is well established and highlighted by several workers. The fisherman plays an important role in culture fisheries and they contribute about 43.54 % work in fish farming i.e. pond management practices, net making & care, post harvest techniques for smoked fish, trapa cultivation, and marketing of fishes. Results of study gave emphasis to train the fisherwomen as per their training needs, to increase knowledge, adoption and attitude about fish farming. The need of the hour is to utilize various development schemes for evolving profitable fish culture techniques, which can generate self-employment for rural women.

399-402

Authors: Yeragi SS | Yeragi SG | Mathew Shaji

The present study investigates some aspects of the biology of newly recorded moony, Diamond fish, finger fish Monodactylus argenteus (Line) from Mithbav creek (L.160 20’ N.L170 25’), Sindhudurg district Maharashtra, India. This species is first time noticed in this creek. The local natives are commonly known as ‘Chand (Moon) fish. It is of diamond like shining and looking like a diamond shape. Diurnal fish collections were carried out from the creek between october 2011 to September 2012. The fish were caught with cast (mesh size 10-18mm) and gill nets (mesh size 15-22mm). The specimens were fresh directly for gut contents finding. Data on total length (SL) and body weight (w) measurements were taken from standard measuring board and with digital balance. Sexes were different separated by maro and microscopically examination of the gonads after making slit from the ventral to opercula region of the fish. The condition factor from the expression K=100w/L3. The main food items were plankton, detritus and larvae.

407-409

Authors: Mishra Priti | Shukla Satish

A total of 103 samples of poultry of different age groups of non specific infections were tested. The cultural examination revealed presence of the organisms in descending order E. coli, Staphylococci, Enterobactor, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Streptococci and Klebsiella. Antibiogram of these samples showed Ceftiofur sodium, Levofloxacin, Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin, Chloramphenicol, Gentamicin Amoxycilin, and Ampicillin as most effective antimicrobials while Doxycycline, Streptomycin and Oxytetracycline are moderately effective.