Department of Studies in Botany

In the present study an attempt was been made to assess the air pollution effect on micromorphological and biochemical parameters of Pentas lanceolata and Cassia siamea. There was a decrease in number of stomata in P. lanceolata of the polluted site compared to control but in C. siamea numbers of stomata were increased in the polluted area when compared to control. The number of clogged stomata was less in control area samples when compared to polluted sample. A number of epidermal cells in C. siamea of polluted and control sites showed a significant difference. Stomatal index of both species was found to be reduced in polluted site when compared to control. Leaf surface area in both the plant species decreased from control to polluted area and leaf colour changes from green to pale yellow/dark in a polluted area of both the plant species. Chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll content in both the plants were found to be significantly different in control and polluted plants. Ascorbic acid, relative water content, pH and Air Pollution Tolerance index was found to be significantly different between control and polluted plants. Based on the present study results two plant species i.e., P. lanceolata and C. siamea are categorized in to intermediate and sensitive respectively. Thus they can be considered as bio indicators of air pollution.

The widespread use of the herbicides for weed control and crop productivity in modern agriculture exerts a threat on economically important crops by way of cytological damage to the cells of crop plant or side effects. In the present study the cytotoxic effects of herbicide butachlor were investigated in the somatic cells of wheat. The wheat grains were treated with different concentrations of herbicide (0.15-1.0ppm) at room temperature. The percentage mitotic index decreased significantly as the concentration of the herbicide increased when compared to control. The chromosomal abnormalities were found to be increased as the concentration of the herbicide increased when compared to control. The observed chromosomal irregularities were sticky chromatin, chromosomal bridge, nuclear lesion, scattered chromosome, fragmented metaphase, fragmented anaphase, multipolar chromosome and micronuclei. According to our findings we can say that butachlor can produce negative side effects on mitotic division in somatic cells of wheat.

Herbicides are the most flourishing weed control knowledge eternally developed. To appraise the possessions of herbicides on maize, a study was carried out to evaluate the effect of alachlor on different maize cultivars on germination and early growth parameters. The  studies were carried out in hydroponic conditions supplemented with different concentrations (1.0, 2.5 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 ppm) of alachlor. All the three cultivars of maize were found to be significantly affected with increasing herbicide concentration. Percent germination, vigour index, tolerance index, fresh and dry weight, plumule and radicle length were found to be decreased as the herbicide concentration increased, however the dry weight increased slightly at higher concentration when compared to other concentrations. The percent toxicity increased as the concentration of herbicide increased. The current study clearly implies that higher concentration of alachlor is toxic to maize, resulted in a decline in seed ger...

In the current study an attempt has been made to evaluate the cytotoxic efficacy of distillery effluent on somatic cells of Allium sativum. The garlic bulbs were treated with different concentrations of effluent viz. 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% at room temperature. The percentage mitotic index was found to be decreased significantly as the concentration of the effluent increased, except in 2.5% concentration, where the mitotic index is higher than control. The chromosomal abnormalities were found to be increased as the effluent concentration increased when compared to control. The observed chromosomal aberrations were laggards, fragmented chromosome, fragmented anaphase and metaphase, chromosomal bridges, micronuclei, lobed nucleus, scattered chromosome, disoriented anaphase, Polyploidy cells. According to present findings 2.5% concentration of the effluent was found to enhance the rate of cell division when compare to control on the contrary higher of the effluent showed negative effects on mitotic division in somatic cells of Garlic.

In the present investigation an attempt was been made to assess the Allelopathic effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on early seed growth parameters of Maize (Zea mays).The aqueous leaf, stem and rhizome extract of ginger showed inhibitory effects on seed germination, root length, shoot length, vigour index, percent totoxicity, fresh weight, dry weight, in maize seedlings. All these parameters were found to be decreased with increasing the aqueous leaf, stem and rhizome extract of ginger. In all parameters maximum value were recorded at control and the minimum value were recorded at 100% concentration. The findings of present study showed that inhibitory effect of ginger aqueous leaf, stem and rhizome extract may be due to the presence of allelochemicals viz. terpinoids, phenols and steroids.

In the present study efficacy of aqueous extracts of rhizome, stem and leaves of Zingiber officinale were studied on germination, growth and yield parameters of Vigna radiata. Seed germination and its associated parameters like vigour index, tolerance index, root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight were found to be decreased considerably as the concentration of stem and leaves extracts increased, when compared to control. Where as in rhizome extract the maximum values were observed in 10% concentration for all parameters when compared to control. On the converse the phytotoxicity was found to be increased in stem and leaves extracts as the concentration increased when compared to control. All the measured yield parameters like height of the plant, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per pant, number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod were found to be decreased as the concentration of leaves and stem extracts increased when compared to control. On the other hand in rhizome extract the maximum values were observed in 10% concentration when compare to control and all other concentrations. In all the above parameters were studied the maximum and minimum values were recorded in control and 50% concentrations in stem and leaves extracts whereas in rhizome extract maximum and minimum values were recorded in 10% and 50% concentrations respectively.

Background: Nitrogen-containing heterocyclics are abundant in natural products and also in synthetic drug molecules because of a variety of applications and superior pharmacological profile action. Pyrazoles are the integral architects of many of the heterocyclic compounds with superior biological activity. Methods: Two series of the pyrazole conjugated Benzothiazole derivatives were synthesized. The pyrazoles were synthesized by the Vilsmeier-Haack reaction and then conjugated with benzothiazole hydrazine and hydrazide by imine bond formation. The synthesized compounds were screened for anti-mitotic activity using Allium assay. Results: Here, the anti-mitotic activity, the percentage of cell division and the percentage of inhibition compared to the control were calculated. Compound 4b (-OMe), 4c (-OH), 5b (-OMe), 5c (- OH) and 5d (-CH3) had electron donating groups which showed excellent activity, was followed by 4f and 5f where they contain p-Bromo substitution, showing moderate a...

The study was conducted at five traffic intersections such as K.R. circle, Metropole circle, Fountain circle, Sub-urban bus stand circle and Vijaya bank circle. The aim of the study includes the study of air borne microorganisms by petriplate exposure method using nutrient agar and Czapec Dox agar media. The study was conducted for two hours at the peak hours of the day at different traffic intersections. The present study was aimed at finding the air borne microorganisms and pollutants of auto exhaust which cause hazardous health effect on human health. Higher concentration of bacteria was found to be present in K.R. Circle and least concentration at Fountain circle. Air borne fungi were found at higher concentration in K.R. circle and Metropole circle while lower levels were detected in Sub- urban bus stand circle of the five sampling sites. The dominant fungi contributing to these differences were species of Cladosporium, Fusarium, Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma, Saccharomyces an...

The present study was carried out to assess the air pollution effects on micro morphological and biochemical parameters of Muntingia calabura and Ixora coccinia . In polluted area samples the number of stomata and unclogged stomata were found to be less then control, where as the number of clogged stomata are found to be higher in the polluted site when compared to control. The stomatal pore length and breadth were also found to be less in polluted area in both the plants when compared to control. The number of epidermal cells, trichome length values was found to be less then control in both the plants. While the trichome number was found to be less than control in Muntingia calabura and more then control in Ixora coccinia . The stomatal index in both the species is higher than the control. The amount of chl. a, chl. b, total chlorophyll content were found to be higher in control samples when compare to polluted samples. But relative water content, ascorbic acid, pH and air pollutio...

In the present investigation an attempt was been made to assess the air pollution effects on micromorphological and biochemical parameters of Tabernaemontana divaricata (Gentianales: Apocynaceae) and Hamelia patensi (Gentianales: Rubiaceae). In polluted area the number of stomata and clogged stomata were found to be higher then control, where as the number of unclogged stomata are found to be very less in the control site. The stomatal breadth and pore length were found to be decreased in polluted area in both the plants when compared to control. The number of subsidiary cells, trichome length values was found to be less then control plants. However trichomes are absent in T. divaricata. The stomatal index was found to be higher in both the plants is when compared to control. The chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content were found to be maximum in control samples when compare to polluted samples. But ascorbic acid, relative water content, pH and Air Pollution Tole...

In the current study, an attempt was made to assess the physicochemical parameters of distillery effluent and its cytotoxic effects on root tip cells of onion ( Allium cepa L.). The Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were found to be very high in the effluent. The onion bulbs were treated with different concentrations of the distillery effluent (25, 50, 75 and 100%) at room temperature. The percentage mitotic index and relative division rate were found to be decreased significantly as the concentration of the effluent increased. On the other hand, mitotic inhibition percentage and relative abnormality rate were found to increase as the effluent concentration increased. The chromosomal abnormalities were found to be increased as the concentration of the effluent increased when compared to the control. The observed chromosomal abnormalities include sticky metaphase, disturbed chromosome, sticky telophase, multipolar chromosom...

In the present investigation an attempt has been made to assess the effect of distillery effluent on germination and biochemical parameters of Chickpea. Maximum percentage of germination was observed in 25% effluent concentration and it was found to be reduced as the concentration of the effluent increased. The root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight, vigour index and tolerance index, was maximum in 25% effluent concentration and it was significantly reduced in higher effluent concentrations (50%, 75% and 100%), when compare to control. Phytotoxicity was absent in 25% effluent concentration but was increased in 100% effluent concentrations. The chlorophyll, protein and carbohydrate content were found to be decreased as the concentration of the effluent increased except in 25% concentration. Reduction in seed germination and seedling growth parameters in chickpea at higher effluent concentration indicate that it is toxic to the growth of crop plant. If the effluent is diluted to ...

Abstract: The study was conducted at five traffic intersections such as K.R. circle, Metropole circle, Fountain circle, Sub-urban bus stand circle and Vijaya bank circle. The aim of the study includes the study of air borne microorganisms by petriplate exposure method using nutrient agar and Czapec Dox agar media. The study was conducted for two hours at the peak hours of the day at different traffic intersections. The present study was aimed at finding the air borne microorganisms and pollutants of auto exhaust which cause hazardous health effect on human health. Higher concentration of bacteria was found to be present in K.R. Circle and least concentration at Fountain circle. Air borne fungi were found at higher concentration in K.R. circle and Metropole circle while lower levels were detected in Sub-urban bus stand circle of the five sampling sites. The dominant fungi contributing to these differences were species of Cladosporium, Fusarium, Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma, Sacchar...

In the present investigation, anti-inflammatory activity of Callicarpa tomentosa L. leaf and leaf derived callus extracts were examined. This plant is used frequently in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory and microbial diseases. In the current study, methanol extracts of the leaf and leaf derived callus were evaluated for the anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan induced paw edema method by using diclofenac sodium as standard. Callus cultures were developed from the leaf explants on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (2 mg/l) and BAP (2 mg/l). The activity was carried out in three different dose concentrations (100, 200, 400 mg/kg body weight of the animal). Results revealed that the plant extracts showed significant anti-inflammatory activity with the percentage inhibition of 64.10% and 52.51% in case of leaf and leaf derived callus, respectively (at 400 mg/kg b.w). Results are promising and also ascertain that leaves of C. tomentosa have anti-inflammatory potential, compared to the standard. Therefore, there is a scope of using this as a potent anti-inflammatory drug.

Integrity of urban wetlands depends on biological aspects, which is dependent on physical and chemical aspects. Biological assessment focuses on biotic components of an ecosystem. Among many known bioindicators, benthic diatoms and macroinvertebrates are commonly used. This study investigates the water quality for 11 urban wetlands in a tropical region (Bangalore, India) using bioindicators. Diatom and macroinvertebrate community structure, diversity and indices were calculated to understand the appropriateness of a particular biotic indicator group for routine and long term monitoring of wetlands. Principal component analysis bi-plot separates most polluted sites influenced by phosphate, electrical conductivity, hardness and chloride in axis 1 from the least polluted sites in axis 3. The species assemblages and distribution pattern also confirm the level of pollutants. A correlation of biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and electric conductivity with trophic diatom index (TDI) was significant than with biotic index (BI). The TDI indices clustered eutrophic sites in class V, while oligotrophic, clean water sites in class I reflecting the measured water quality. The BI index grouped sampling sites into Class I, II and III, indicating water quality to meso -eutrophic status. The insufficient data of tolerance values for several insects and mollusc species indicate the inability of BI indices for the present eco-regions. The analysis using TDI indices, with BI and FBI indices, highlight the appropriateness of implementing diatom indices for biomonitoring. In this context, developing long term monitoring programme focusing on diatom as bioindicators would help in understanding the drivers of ecosystem changes.

. India is a leading cowpea producer (Asiwe et al., 2009). Over the period 2010 to 2011, cowpea plants were found infected by a new leaf spot-causing pathogen in a survey conducted in the Mysore district of Karnataka State.It was observed that leaf spot symptoms increased after rains leading to the death of infected plants. Initially leaf spots appeared as small whitish lesions with concentric rings on upper surface and were pinkish grey on the abaxial surface ( . As the disease advanced, the spots coalesced to form larger necrotic areas . These symptoms were persistent throughout the crop season with sclerotia forming on the lower surface. On the lower leaf surface, sclerotiophores bearing sclerotia were produced from the immersed mycelium . Sclerotia were generally globose to irregular in shape and dark to grey brown in colour measuring 139.5 x 89 µm. Upon germination, germ tubes were produced over the entire surface of the sclerotium measuring 69.9 x 6 µm . The symptoms persisted throughout the crop season and affected the overall yield of cowpea. Fungal colonies were isolated from surface sterilised (2% NaOCl) infected leaf samples on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Aerial mycelium without sclerotia developed on PDA. The colonies were white to brown in colour with mycelia devoid of spores. The fungus was identified as Dactuliophora sp. based on cultural and morphological characteristics (Barnett & Hunter, 1972). On the host, white mycelium was appressed to the cuticle on the lower leaf surface. A septum near each hyphal branch and a slight constriction at the branch were also observed. The isolated fungus was tested for pathogenicity on healthy plants under glasshouse conditions. A twelve-day-old mycelial culture of Dactuliophora sp. was mixed with sterile distilled water and the suspension sprayed on cowpea plants. The plants were kept under high humidity (80%) for five days and at ambient temperature conditions. Leaf spot symptoms appeared on leaves after twenty-five days. The lesions coalesced to form larger concentric rings with sclerotia that developed from the sclerotiophores. The pathogen was re-isolated from infected plants. No such symptoms were observed on control cowpea plants treated with sterile distilled water. Cowpea is susceptible to a wide range of pests and pathogens, which can cause severe loss in all stages of growth and development (Summerfield & Roberts, 1985). The most significant and widespread diseases are caused by rusts (Uromyces phaseoli var. vignae), wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. tracheiphilum) and powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni) respectively. The incidence of Dactuliophora tarrii on cowpea was recorded earlier as a minor leaf spot pathogen in tropical Africa (Leakey, 1964). However, Dactuliophora as a major pathogen of cowpea has not previously been reported elsewhere. This is the first report of leaf spot disease of cowpea caused by Dactuliophora sp. from India.

In India, the Government enacted the legislation on Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights (PVP and FR) Act in
2001. The act provides protection of new varieties including extant-notified and farmer’s varieties. Novelty, Distinctness,
Uniformity and Stability are the essential requirements for grant of protection to all the new varieties. Under the PVP and
FR Act 2001 of India, it requires registration of varieties based on three principles know as DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity
and Stability) criteria. The DUS testing principles are used for the protection of variety and award of Plant Breeder’s
Rights (PBR), a system of intellectual property protection which is available to breeders of all types of crops. On practical
level, DUS assessment of agricultural crops generally involves growing field crops under appropriate ambient conditions,
and recording various morphological characteristics of the seed and/or growing plants. Laboratory and green house tests
can also be involved (Mauria, 2000) and the new (candidate) varieties are compared with existing varieties that are kept as
reference collection. The experimental material consisted of seventeen forage sorghum cultivars. Morphogenetic
characterization of varieties based on characteristics of seedling, plant and matured seed were conducted for deriving
comparative description of sorghum varieties, as per National Test Guidelines for DUS testing. Morphogenetic
characterization based on DUS testing ,to distinguish between seventeen varieties of forage sorghum, twenty six essential
morphogenetic characteristics, of seedling, plant (vegetative stage and at maturity) and matured seeds, as per the National
Guideline for DUS test of Sorghum, were considered. 3Character wise elaboration of results for distinguishing forage
sorghum varieties are done. It was possible to distinguish all the seventeen varieties included in the present study on the
basis of grouping characteristics based on physiology of plant its morphology and seed color.