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Cellulolysis rates of four cereal foot-rot fungi were estimated by dry-weight loss ( wl) of filter-paper cultures incubated for 7 weeks at 22·5°C. Fungal growth rate across the paper circles was recorded and was found to be correlated with the product of $$\sqrt {WL} $$ of paper multiplied by fungal growth rate over pd agar; the correlation was significant at 1% level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certain metals have been investigated in paper mills effluent channel and in the river Tungabhadra in relation to their distribution, seasonal fluctuations and their effect, if any, on algae. The concentrations of various metals analysed are in the order of Zn>Cu>Pb>Ni>Co>Mn. In general these metals indicated an increase in their concentration along with the increase in the concentrations of chlorides, total hardness, sulphates and total alkalinity. Blue-greens and diatoms seem to be more tolerant to these ions than Chlorophyceae. Stigeoclonium exhibited very good growth at high concentrations of zinc, copper and nickel and at low concentrations of cobalt and lead. Schizomeris attained good growth when the lead concentration was high and cobalt was low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Median periods of saprophytic survival by Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici in colonized wheat straws are shorter in clay-loams than in soils of lighter texture. This reduction has been ascribed to the microflora of clay-loam soils, and especially to competition by commensal bacteria for the sugars released by fungal cellulolysis of the wheat-straw tissue. Model experiments on the growth of colonies of four cereal foot-rot fungi on filter-paper in the presence of bacteria showed that the slowly growing colonies of G. graminis var. tritici caused a loss in paper dry weight that was nearly five times as great, per unit area, as that by colonies of Fusarium culmorum, which grow four times as fast in the presence of bacteria. By their rapid uptake of sugars, commensal bacteria prevent the regulation of cellulase enzyme induction by catabolite repression, so that cellulolysis continues at a maximum rate. So this bacterial competition for sugars hastens exhaustion of the substrate and thus shortens survival of the take-all fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication in interdisciplinary research ranges from communication between collaborators with different interests and vocabularies, through presenting published conclusions in a form comprehensible to all potential users, to choice of a publication vehicle and facilitating information retrieval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper gives an overview of the mycoflora of the Philippine Islands, starting from its earliest record before 1900 to the present time. It also shows the extensive collections available at the Mycological Herbarium of the UPLB museum of Natural History but there is still a need for more systematic studies on various groups of the fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the effect of water stress and clipping treatments on growth behaviour and nutrient value of 4 grasses, viz., Lolium perenne, Poa pratensis (both C plants), Chloris gayana and Panicum coloratum (both C plants). Biomass, net production, relative growth rates were affected more markedly and adversely in the two C species due to water stress. The effect of clipping varied with species and was generally more marked and adverse in two C species. The C plants developed higher R:S ratio under water stress. Water stress resulted in a greater decline of total non-structural carbohydrate and protein content in the two C species. Clipping affected adversely the nonstructural carbohydrate content and again the effect was more marked in the two C species. On the other hand, protein content in shoots of all plants increased due to clipping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria act as fertilizer plants providing nitrogen in situ for rice paddies. The filamentous heterocystous cyanobacteria Westiellopsis iyengarii Jeeji Bai and Mastigocladus laminosus Cohn are potential biofertilizers in the tropical region. Results presented in this paper show that combined nitrogen does not have any beneficial effect on the growth of both Westiellopsis iyengarii and Mastigocladus laminosus. While in the former this retardation in growth is seen in spite of an increase in pigmentation, proteins and photosynthesis, in the latter, the decrease in growth appears to be a direct consequence of the lowering in the cellular content of pigments and proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper an account of 12 taxa of the genus Ramaria (Fr) Bonorden collected from various localities in the eastern Himalayas and adjoining hills is given. Of the taxa included R. rubella var himalaica is described as new; R. rubrievanescens, R. rubripermanens, R. botrytis, R. strasseri and R. flaccida var longiramosa are now records for the Himalayas; while R. clarobrunnea, R. flaccida, R. pusilla, R. concolor and R. apiculata are the first records of their occurrence in the eastern Himalayas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Gymnoascaceae, is related to the dermatophytes. Anamorphs of certain members lie in Chrysosporium, Microsporum and Trichophyton. The members of the family are world wide in distribution. They live as saprophytes on various Keratinous substrates, dung, droppings and in soil. Often they are isolated from clinical sources of human and animal. Therefore these fungi have been regarded as 'potential pathogens and opportunistics'. Thus the family is important. Studies on Gymnoascaceae have been mostly confined to morphological and taxonomical details. Investigations on the physiology of its various members are limited, though such studies are called for. The present paper reviews the physiological studies so far conducted in the family dating back to the year 1893. The early investigators confined their studies to nutritional requirements of certain species. Later workers employed nutritional biochemical behaviour of different species and strains as a parameter for clarifying taxonomic confusions. The biochemical behaviour is genetically controlled and may have a bearing on taxonomy. More recently a theoretical study was undertaken to analyse the growth patterns quantitatively. Equations for growth curves of certain species were obtained. The relevance of undertaking such numerical methods is appreciated in view of the facts that these predictions can give clues on certain taxonomical and behavioural patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The various forms/varieties of Datura metel have so far been distinguished mainly on their morphological characters viz flower colour and number of corolla tubes. This paper deals with morphometric analysis of four forms of D. metel considering all sorts of possible morphological characters. The results clearly indicate large variations among the four forms deserving individual taxonomic identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper describes alterations in the structure of bark, wood and gum-resin canals of Commiphora mukul in response to mechanical injury. The samples of bark collected after 15 minutes of injury showed signs of visible distortion or collapse of cell walls, specifically of the phloem cells near the gum-resin canals. The process of cell wall degradation gets intensified after 45 minutes of injury and the complete cell collapse is sometimes evident. The histology of healed bark reveals mass dissolution of cells at the site of injury. Several phloem parenchyma cells show structural similarity with the epithelial cells of gum-resin canals. The intercellular spaces show the presence of gum as well as resin droplets. The wall of epithelial cells facing the duct lumen disintegrates and the resultant product is released into the duct lumen. The vessels and axial parenchyma cells close to the site of injury are plugged with gum-resin content. The development of tylosis as a result of injury is also evident in some vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the epidemiological studies undertaken on the airborne diseases of sorghum at Mysore including the downy mildew. The circadian and seasonal periodicities are presented and the significant reversal of usual role of conidia and oospores normally found in Peronosporaceae is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty species of rust fungi are reported in this paper. Of these Puccinia fimbristylidis-ferrugineae and Uredo setariae-tomentosae are described as new species. Puccinia conclusa Thum., P. cyperi-tagetiformis (P. Henn.) Kenn, and P. pseudocesatii Cumm. have been recorded for the first time from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a theoretical approach for computing the wing beat frequency of a flier whether it be an insect, bird or bat in its normal state of hovering on the basis of mass flow of air. The calculated values are found to be in good agreement with the observed values. The paper describes the results of 5 species of insects, 4 species of birds and 3 species of megachiropteran bats totalling 136 samples. The mass of the fliers ranges between 0·07 gms to 744 gms and frequencies range from 125 cps to 4 cps respectively. It is concluded that the wing beat frequency of a flier in general varies with the state of flight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of spiders, viz., Rhene khandalaensis and Rhene decoratus described in this paper, were collected from Khandala, Dist. Poona, Maharashtra. This genus is being reported for the second time from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the aerodynamic parameters, the structure and functions of the flight surface together with its radiographic information in the case of C. marginatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is an account of some salient embryological features in four genera and five species belonging to the family Cyperaceae ( Eleocharis atropurpurea, E. congesta, Fimbristylis tetragona, Fuirena trilobites and Scirpus lateriflorus). In E. atropurpurea double pollen grains are occasionally observed. Their significance in systematic considerations of the family is discussed. The development of the female gametophyte conforms to the Polygonum type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vegetational wealth of northwest Himalaya is discussed in this paper. Unlike the vegetation of eastern Himalaya, the forests are not diverse and rich. The forests here are mainly classified under (i) tropical forests, (ii) subtropical forests, (iii) temperate forests, (iv) subalpine forests and (v) alpine vegetation, primarily based on the altitude. The plant resources of the region are briefly outlined with reference to (i) wild edible plants, (ii) medicinal and aromatic plants, (iii) ornamental plants, (iv) orchids, (v) fodder resources, (vi) bamboos and (vii) other biologically interesting species. The brief phytogeographical affinities of the northwest Himalayan flora, the major threats to the flora and some conservation programmes are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urb., a clonal perennial herb, grows abundantly on a wide range of habitats in Meghalaya and reproduces both through vegetative and sexual means. The paper presents the competitive interaction between the populations of Centella asiatica raised from stem cuttings and seedlings, designated as 'C' and 'C' respectively. The two categories of plants showed significant differences in growth performance. The numbers of stolons and seeds produced by 'C' were greater than by 'C' in both monoculture and mixtures. The total leaf area and dry matter yield of 'C' were greater in monoculture than in mixtures, while the reverse was true with 'C'. A comparison of the two categories of plants in monoculture and mixtures reveals that with increased proportion (75%) of C in mixture, the yield of C increased while the yield of C decreased in mixed populations having 75% C, thus depicting the competitive superiority of C over C. The relative yield ratio of C to C which was greater than unity also confirms that population of Centella asiatica raised from the stem cuttings is more competitive than that developing from the seedings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The softwood grafting in jackfruit is a simple and rapid method of vegetative propagation. A success varying from 33·33-80% has been reported in this method. Matured scion sticks of 6 months old recorded significantly highest sprouting (73·33%) and survival (68·33%) of the grafts. With the increase in the length of scion sticks from 2·5-10cm, the percentage of success also increased from 6·66-58·33%. The scion sticks of 7·5 and 10 cm length gave the highest success (58·33%). No significant difference in success was observed with defoliated and undefoliated scion sticks. The jackfruit scion sticks can be stored in moist sphagnum moss, polybags, moist gunny cloth or moist news paper up to 3 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the morphotaxonomic study of 10 species of the lichen genus Catillaria s. lat. from India. Three species Catillaria nilgiriensis, Catillaria obscura and Catillaria versicolor are new to science. Certain taxa reported earlier under Catillaria from India have been excluded from the present study for the reasons given against each. Catillaria metaleptodes (Nyl.) Zahlbr. and Catillaria manipurensis K Singh have respectively been transferred as Buellia metaleptodes (Nyl.) comb. nov. and Protoblastenia manipurensis (K Singh) comb. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the apiaries of the western Himalayan region (Kumaon and Garhwal hills) of Uttar Pradesh, the honey is harvested twice in a year i.e. in autumn and spring. Out of 12 spring samples of honey analysed, there are 10 unifloral and 2 multifloral samples. The dominant entomophilous pollen types in unifloral samples are Brassica, and Rosaceae- Prunus type. It has been suggested that the anemophilous pollen types namely, Alnus and Rumex may be used as markers of honey samples originated from the Himalayan region. The data presented in the paper are useful in standardization of honey samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper deals with quantitative estimations of DNA, RNA, total and-SH proteins during different stages of pollen development in Najas marina L. Attempts were also made to study insoluble polysaccharides qualitatively. The changes in the macromolecular substances were investigated and correlated with cell divisions, growth and differentiation during microsporogenesis and pollen development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with 4 species of Brigantiaea and 7 species of Letrouitia known from India. Brigantiaea nigra is a new species to science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with a revised taxonomic study of Rotala species in peninsular India, where it displays maximum morphological diversity than in other parts of the subcontinent. Of the 19 species reported from India, 14 are distributed here. Besides, two new species of the genus, Rotala cookii Joseph and Sivarajan and Rotala vasudevanii Joseph and Sivarajan have also been discovered and described from this part of the country, making the total number of species 16. An artificial key for the species, their nomenclature and synonymy, descriptions and other relevant notes are provided here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the cytology of 10 taxa of 8 species of the genus Pteris L. from Kumaon in northwest Himalaya. Pteris biaurita and Pteris dactylina are apogamous triploids (n=87), Pteris excelsa and Pteris quadriaurita are sexual diploids (n=29), whereas Pteris vittata is a sexual tetraploid (n=58) and Pteris stenophylla is an apogamous diploid (n=58). Pteris cretica is represented by diploid (n=58) and triploid (n=87) apogamous races. Pteris wallichiana is normally sexual diploid (n=29) but an apogamous diploid (n=58) form from this area is a new record. Sexual mode of reproduction is observed in 40% taxa whereas 60% are apogamous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports some chemotaxonomic characters in 12 species of the genus Pennisetum (Poaceae). Distribution pattern of 3 biochemical constituents, viz. phenolic compounds, proteins and esterase isozymes were studied in the leaves of the 12 species, using paper chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A total of 15 phenolic compounds, 23 protein bands and 19 esterase bands were observed in all these species. Data on these 3 chemotaxonomic characters were subjected to cluster analysis which resulted in grouping the 12 species into 5 clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottle gourd mosaic virus infection on the leaves of bottle gourd delayed the appearance of Sphaerotheca fuliginea (SCH.) POLL., colonies when inoculated on the same leaves. This delay varied depending upon the time interval between virus and fungus inoculation. Development of powdery mildew colonies on bottle gourd mosaic virus inoculated leaves were lesser compared to the healthy leaves inoculated only with Sphaerotheca fuliginea. At the time of appearance the colony of fungus covered 2% of leaf area. After one month, it covered almost entire leaf surface, when inoculated on healthy leaves. Progress of fungal colony was checked on bottle gourd mosaic virus inoculated leaves, depending upon the time interval between inoculation of virus and fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morpho-taxonomic studies of 18 species of Bacidia, 1 species of Badimia, 4 species of Fellhanera and 3 species of Mycobilimbia known from India have been presented in the paper. A new variety, Bacidia fusconigrescens var. oleosa Awas. is described and 2 new combinations in the genus Mycobilimbia philippina (Vain.) Awas. and Mycobilimbia sphaeroides Awas. nom. nov. have been made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports the standing state and cycling of nitrogen in 4 regimes viz. once-burnt, twice-burnt, open grazing and protection against herbage removal, in a submontane Garhwal Himalayan grassland. Protection against herbage removal increased average nitrogen content in plant material (shoot+root) over that in burning and open grazing regimes. The soil nitrogen (0-30 cm depth) increased with the frequency of fire. Protection regime had more bearing on the total annual nitrogen uptake by plants than fire and grazing regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper records 10 more taxa of the genus Ramaria (Fr.) Bonorden subgenus Laeticolora Marr and Stuntz collected from different localities in the eastern Himalaya and adjoining hills. Ramaria synaptopoda, Ramaria rasilispora var. scatesiana, Ramaria sandaracina and Ramaria suecica are new records for the Himalaya while Ramaria flaviceps var. cremea, Ramaria flavobrunnescens, Ramaria flavobrunnescens var. formosoides, Ramaria flavobrunnescens var. aurea, Ramaria obtusissima and Ramaria camelicolor are being recorded for the first time from the eastern Himalaya. Type/authentic collections of the first 3 taxa have also been examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice bran wax was found to contain 1, 3-propane diol mono- and diesters of palmitic, stearic, oleic and linolenic acids. The unsaturated esters (especially diesters) are found to be eminently active in the biological growth of rice and wheat seedlings in laboratory tests and under field conditions. They are able to induce appreciable increase in root length, fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll content and rate of photosynthesis in seedlings/plants and also yield of rice grains in the field. An extract of alfalfa revealed the presence of another family of diol esters, namely, 2-methyl 1, 4-butane diol esters of unsaturated acids which are at least as good as the 1, 3-propane diol esters in the plant growth regulating activities. Therefore, the plant growth regulating effect of alfalfa extract attributed to triacontanol could be due to the presence of diol esters as well. The natural occurrence of hitherto unreported diol esters and more importantly their plant growth regulating activities are now described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper an account of 11 taxa of the genus Ramaria (Fr.) Bonorden collected from different localities in the eastern Himalaya and adjoining hills is given. Of the taxa included, Ramaria conjunctipes, Ramaria araiospora var. rubella, Ramaria xanthosperma, Ramaria rubribrunnescens, Ramaria flavigelatinosa, Ramaria flavigelatinosa var. carnisalmonea and Ramaria gelatiniaurantia are new records for the Himalayas; while Ramaria rubrogelatinosa, Ramaria brevispora, Ramaria brevispora var. albida and Ramaria perbrunnea were not known earlier from the eastern Himalaya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Dhava' is unanimously ascribed to Anogeissus latifolia Bedd. which is a large deciduous tree having most of the curative properties as credited to its stem-bark, root and leaves. A detailed pharmacognosy of the stem-bark and the root of the above species has been dealt with in the present paper. The study revealed that while the stem-bark is characterised by its short-complete fracture, exclusively narrow phloem rays and small irregular concentric phloem fibre strands; the root is identified for its bark having fracture laminated, some considerably broad phloem rays in outer part of phloem, large regular concentric phloem fibre strands and the wood with diffused vessels, xylem parenchyma typically aliform to confluent with some scattered cells and xylem rays exclusively narrow. The fluorescence analysis of drug powders and their behaviour on treatment with different chemical reagents, percentage extractives and ash values, preliminary phytochemical studies including TLC patterns of various extractives have also provided useful parameters to distinguish these plant-parts and check the adulteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conidial ontogenesis and the pathogenicity of the pathogenic black yeasts for mice are described. Scanning electron microscopy of conidiogenesis, physiological and biochemical characteristics and histological findings of infected mice are described in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt is made at a unified morphological analysis of the hyphomycetous anamorph as seen in its two phenotypic expressions: the vegetative (=hyphae and mycelia) and the reproductive (=conidiophores, conidiogenous cells, proconidia and free propagules). (Multi-hyphal structures are ignored). A distinction is made between cytological and structural criteria. The basic units used are cells (or compartments), and their assemblage into hyphae, and at a higher level of organization, organs. The description of elements (=the simplest recognisable structures) is suggested for cases where compartments are absent or poorly defined. Eight independent characters are proposed for the description of the mature anamorph. A unified approach is also suggested for the study of the development of the anamorph. Basic, general processes are growth (=different combinations of elongation, branching and transformation), maturation, lysis and secession (as defined in this paper), and, in the case of recognizable compartments, cell division (=septation). These processes, when integrated in various specific sequences, result in well known patterns, seen in both vegetative development and asexual reproduction. Examples are drawn from species with ameroconidia, more intensively studied in recent literature, as well as on lesser known species with simple, septate, or compound conidia. Some criteria are proposed for an ordered observation of independent processes which could provide a basis for a more stable descriptive terminology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Dravanti', an important Ayurvedic drug, has variously been ascribed to different botanical taxa, Jatropha curcas Linn. being one such species. A detailed pharmacognosy of the vegetative parts of the above species has been dealt with in the present paper. The study has revealed that such characters as the presence of 9 leaf traces in the basal parts of the petiole, mixed anisocytic and paracytic stomata with stomatal index 7·3 and 12 for the upper and the lower leaf surfaces respectively, funnel-shaped multiseriate phloem rays demarcating the phloem into wedge-shaped masses in both the root and the stem, diffused porous wood with diffused apotracheal parenchyma and 1-3 seriate xylem rays along with certain physicochemical constants and fluorescence tests can provide useful parameters for differentiating this species from other implicated taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seeds of Caryophyllales are suitable materials for micromorphological studies and might possibly yield valuable taxonomic information. This paper deals with SEM studies on the seedcoat patterns of nine species of Molluginaceae. The findings support the generic delimitations and are highly useful in infrageneric classification, as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calophyllum inophyllum Linn is one of the important Ayurvedic drug plants of which practically all parts are used medicinally. Among these flowers and stamens are often used as a substitute for 'Nagkesara'. This paper deals with a detailed pharmacognosy of the flower of C. inophyllum. Physico-chemical constants, preliminary phytochemical studies, fluorescence analysis, behaviour of powdered drug with differnt chemical reagents and thin layer chromatography were also carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotational bush fallow agriculture variously termed as shifting agriculture, slash and burn agriculture are commonly known in India as jhum is a traditional agricultural system of the humid tropics and is extensively practised by the tribes of the north-eastern hill region. There is a renewed interest in this agricultural system as it has so much to offer in terms of concepts and ideas to modern agricultural organization. The science behind jhum is based on intuitive experience of the farmer based on long tradition. This paper looks at the science behind jhum with particular emphasis on the ecological and economic significance of mixed cropping, recycling of resources within the system and between jhum and animal husbandry, the non-weed concept weed potential under different cycles of jhum, and nutrient cycling. The distortions brought about by the shortening of the jhum cycle to 4-5 yr is considered. Alternate strategies for development with jhum as the focal point, with suitable modifications but without the present-day distortions, have been considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes two new species Croton calderi and C. meeboldianus as well as a new variety and a new record from Burma. Another new C. chittagongensis from Bangladesh is also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper gives an illustrated account of a new grass viz. I. swaninathanii from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An account of 29 taxa comprising 24 species and five varieties of the genus Euglena collected from various localities in north-east, central and south India during 1937-76 is given. Of these, two, viz., E. vaginicola and E. pseudoehrenbergii have been considered as new species, one, viz., E. viridis var. maxima a new variety and one, viz., E. tuba var. pseudotuba f. minima a new form of a new combination variety. Four species, viz., E. vagans, E. helicoideus, E. granulata and E. hemichromata and three varieties, viz., E. tripteris var. klebsii, E. oxyuris var. playfairii and E. caudata var. minor appear to be new records for the Indian region. By studying the taxa from different ecological habitats it is shown that there is considerable variation within species in E. acus and E. tuba and to a limited extent in E. oxyuris. Since E. ehrenbergii as known at present is a composite species, E. srinagari has been separated from it, following Huber-Pestalozzi in this respect. E. tuba Carter which had been incompletely known so far and considered by most authors as doubtful, was studied in detail and shown to be a well defined species needing an emended description. E. tuba johnson, which shows some essential differences from Carter's species, is treated as a variety of E. tuba, viz., var. pseudotuba with an Indian form which is new. There is also a possibility of polymorphism in E. tuba. Meteorological and water conditions under which some of the species dominated are given. It is also shown that some species are characteristic of particular habitats. The need to give all relevant details including proper illustrations while describing the taxa of this difficult genus is stressed. The author has made an attempt to fill the, gaps in existing descriptions of the Indian taxa given in this paper to help in proper identifications. A key to these taxa is also given. A list of 29 other species reported from India by other workers is given with references and localities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with water and nutrient flow through incident rainfall, throughfall and stemflow through a 50-year old stand of forest at Lailad. A larger proportion of water was accounted as throughfall and stemflow in March-April and was related to canopy density and this was inversely related to interception loss which was maximum in December. Many of the nutrient concentrations like that of N, K, Ca, etc. increased with the maturation of the leaves during October-November. Though concentration of nutrients was higher in stemflow, the total quantity was more via throughfall because of larger quantity of water passing through this compartment. More of Ca and K was lost through run-off and percolation due to greater release of these nutrients through litter. The significance of these results have been discussed in the context of secondary succession after slash and burn agriculture (jhum) of which this forms a later stage of community development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three categories of secondary successional herbaceous communities subsequent ot slash and burn, viz., early successional non-sprouting, early successional sprouting and late successional populations were investigated for their reproductive efficiency considering leaf component since it is the chief organ of photosynthesis. Early successional non-sprouting populations were found to be reproductively the most efficient whereas the early successional sprouting populations allocated more to vegetatively reproducing organs. While the high reproductive potential of early successional non-sprouting species was associated with vigour and production efficiency of the species, this relationship was stronger with the latter characteristic. On the other hand, early successional sprouting populations showed inverse relationship between vegetative and sexual reproductive effort. The strategy of late successional species seems to be to maximize vegetative growth in a closed habitat. The significance of these strategies is discussed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper correlates the laying of eggs, feeding habits and digestive capacity of the larvae of a butterfly identified as Euchrysops pandava Horsfield with the structural features and growth of leaves of some species of Cycas. Analysis of faecal pellets of larvae yielded undigested fragments of lower cuticles transfusion tissue, and tracheids of leaves of the respective species. Speculations are made about attributing pest coprolites to insect larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present observations were conducted on NP 46-A and Pusa jwala varieties of Capsicum annuum L. Investigations on changes in cell wall components of the cells of leaf abscission zone associated with the process of abscission were based on specific qualitative histochemical staining procedures. It was observed that the loss of pectic and cellulosic substances preceded the separation phase of abscission from middle lamella and cell walls of the cells of separation layer of abscission zone. The abscission zone was characterized by thin cutin deposition on epidermal cells and poor lignification in vascular elements of this region. Separation of senescent part of petiole was followed by deposition of suberin in cells of some outer layers of abscission zone and by the deposition of lignin in cells of the remaining layers of abscission zone to form a protection layer on exposed part of petiole stump. Development of tyloses, tannins and calcium oxalate crystals was not found associated with abscission in the present plant material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacognosy of the flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz has been carried out to lay down standards for the genuine drug 'Dhataki'. The paper deals with the detailed anatomy of the pedicel and various floral appendages, pollen ornamentation, seed with unusual mucilage hairs and embryo characters. Histochemical tests and fluorescence characteristics are also described. Thin layer bidirectional chromatography of petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, alcohol and water extractives was performed. Other parameters studied include physicochemical constants, e.g. ash values, percentages of tannins, sugars and different extractives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies on the ontogeny of stomata in a number of plants have shown that the anomocytic stoma is not always perigenous or haplocheilic in origin as was previously believed but may be formed in a variety of ways. These are classified and reviewed in the present paper. The need to investigate ontogeny of this type of stoma in more plant groups is emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the discovery of the teleomorph of Aspergillus japonicus Saito which is described and illustrated for the first time from an isolate from green coffee berries from India. A new genus, Saitoa, is proposed to accommodate it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]