Volume 28, Number 1,2 & 3( July, September & November , 2004)

July 22, 2014 admin

U. F. CHIEZEY, I. M. HARUNA¹ AND E. C. ODION [ Growth and development of sorghum /soybean mixture with nitrogen, phosphorus and plant arrangement in the northern Guinea Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria ]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2 & 3) : 1-14 (2004). Department of Agronomy Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria .

ABSTRACT

Field experiments were conducted for two years (1997 and 1998) in Samaru , Nigeria. The objective was to determine the growth and development of sorghum/soybean additive mixture (100 : 100) to four levels of nitrogen (0, 25, 50 and 100 kg a. i./ha), three levels of P (0, 13.2 and 26.4 kg P/ha) and two plant arrangements (alternate stand and single alternate row). The mixture responded positively to N and P application. LAI, plant height and total dry matter per plant and per hectare increased with N and P applications. 100 kg N/ha and 26.4 kg P/ha increased all growth parameters. Interaction between N and P on height and LAI showed that tallest plans and highest LAI were produced by a combination of 100 kg N/ha and 26.4 kg P/ha. Planting sorghum and soybean on same row (alternate stand) increased the height of soybean. Number of days to 50% flowering and number of days to physiological maturity were both influenced by the applied nutrients but not plant arrangement.
J. A. RAJI AND P. O. OYEKAN [Agronomic assessment of the nutritional potentials of cassava/soybean ]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2 & 3) : 15-21 (2004). Institute of Agricultural Research and Training Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan, Nigeria .

ABSTRACT

The agronomic assessment of protein, energy and nutritional status of cassava and soybean yields in Parst I as affected by cropping systems was carried out. Protein evaluation, from sole soybean on flat was 13.0% higher than on ridge, whereas protein from sole cassava on ridge was 11.4% higher than on flat. Intercropping cassava and soybean on ridge produced more protein than on flat. The mean energy (carbohydrate) realized from intercropping was greater than from sole cassava or sole soybean. Soybean was lower in carbohydrate production per unit area of land as compared to cassava, while sole and intercropped cassava had greater calcium and iron than soybean. Soybean was, however, richer in phosphorus than cassava. It was concluded that intercropping cassava and soybean would enhance cheap protein, carbohydrate, calcium, phosphorus and iron availability for rural family consumption.
P. S. SENTHIL KUMAR, S. ARUNA GEETHA AND K. KUMARASWAMY [ Effect of manure-fertilizer schedules on phosphorus balance under rice-monoculture in a permanent manurial experiment ]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 22-27 (2004). Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai-625 104 (Tamil Nadu), India .

ABSTRACT

In a permanent manurial experiment, the P uptake, P use efficiency and partial P balance were worked out in a permanent manurial experiment at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai (initiated in 1975). Depending on the absolute yield levels, P uptake requirement ranged from 4.9 to 8.0 kg P/t of grain. For higher yields, greater than 6.0 t ha -1 , total K uptake exceeded 56 kg ha -1 . On an average, the treatments that received green manure and NPK among manurial treatments and fertilizer treatments, respectively, were found to show higher agronomic P efficiency than all other treatments. The internal P use efficiency was lower in the treatments that received P either through fertilizer or manures. The NPK and FYM treatments showed lower PE value than all other treatments among the fertilizer and manurial treatments, respectively. On an average, P alone and urban compost treatments showed higher positive P balance than other treatments among the fertilizer and manurial treatments. The treatments that received N without P showed negative balance of P. Thus, the balanced recommended dose of NPK application alongwith any one of the manures showed significant positive balance, higher agronomic efficiency and lower internal efficiency of P leading to sustained soil and crop productivity.
KALYAN SINGH, U. N. SINGH, R. S. CHANDEL AND K. K. SINGH [Effect of intercropping in maize and life saving irrigation in garden pea on yield and nutrient uptake by maize-garden pea cropping system]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 28-33 (2004). Department of Agronomy Institute of Agricultural Sciences Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005 (U. P.), India.

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Barkachha (Mirzapur) during 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000. Three treatments in kharif season (sole maize, maize+cowpea and maize+okra) formed main plot and three irrigation levels in garden pea (control, one and two) were allotted to sub-plots in split plot design and were replicated thrice. The results indicated that sole maize was significantly superior to maize+cowpea and maize+okra in respect of green cob yield and stover yield. However, the highest value of NPK uptake was associated with maize+cowpea which was significantly superior to maize+okra and sole maize. Pods plant-1, pod weight plant-1, green pod yield and straw yield of garden pea were significantly higher when grown after maize + cowpea than sole maize and maize+okra. Similar trend of responses was also observed in case of NPK uptake by garden pea crop. Increasing irrigation levels in mustard also brought about significant improvement in yield traits, yield and nutrients removed in garden pea maximum at two irrigations and the lowest under control.
K. CHANDA AND S. K. GUNRI[ Response of hybrid and high yielding wheat genotypes ( Triticum aestivum L.) to nitrogen levels under terai zone of West Bengal ]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 34-38 (2004). Department of Agronomy Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar-736 165 (West Bengal), India.

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons of 2000-01 and 2001-02 at Institutional Farm of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India to study the effect of different levels of nitrogen on hybrid and high yielding wheat genotypes ( Triticum aestivum L.). Positive and significant correlations were recorded among grain yield and number of spikes, and number of grains spike -1 . But spike length and 1000-grain weight did not show any significant correlation with grain yield. Application of N fertilizers increased the concentration of N, P, K and protein content both in grain and straw during both the years. Increasing levels of nitrogen significantly increased the dry matter accumulation.
B. S. RATHORE, V. P. SINGH AND R. S. HOODA [Effect of mixed bio-fertilizers in association with different levels of nitrogen application on nutrient content and uptake by pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum )]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 39-41 (2004). Department of Agronomy CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to study the effect of mixed bio-fertilizers in association with different levels of nitrogen application , N and P concentration and uptake in grain and stover of irrigated pearl millet during kharif season of 2002. Increasing levels of N application brought about significant improvement in N and P content and uptake in grain and stover of irrigated pearl millet. Inoculation of seed with mixed bio-fertilizers also increased the N content and uptake in grain and stover. The application of 125% recommended dose of nitrogen produced significantly higher grain protein content than rest of the treatments.
A. B. MENDOZA*, H. O. ORTÍZ¹, H. RAMÍREZ AND R. K. MAITI² [ Use of interpolyelect rolyte complexes of poly (acrylic acid)-chitosan as inductors of tolerance against stress in horticultural crops]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 42-49 (2004). Departamento de Horticultura Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro Buenavista, Saltillo 25315, Coahuila, México *(e-mail : abenmen@uaaan.mx) .

ABSTRACT

The chitosan is derivative deacetilated of chitin with low solubility in water. The interpolyelectrolyte complexes of poly (acrylic acid)-chitosan, with higher solubility in water, were investigated as inductor of stress tolerance potentially useful in the organic production of vegetables. The complex PAA L -CS of low molecular weight showed its positive effect on the growth of the plants of lettuce and onion under water and salinity stress. The foliar and seed treatments were carried out using solutions of the complexes at 0.1% (v/v) in water with 5 g l -1 of NaCl. Results were discussed in the context of induction of tolerance to stress.
J. H. DÁVILA*, V. R. TORRES, A. B. MENDOZA, H. R. RODRÍGUEZ, V. Z. VILLA 1 , J. F. VELAZQUEZ 2 AND R. K. MAITI 3 [ Use of photoselective plastic covers for the control of photomorphogenesis in transplanted horticultural crops ]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 50-59 (2004). Departamento de Horticultura Universidad Autonoma Agraria de Antonio Narro (UAAAN) Domicilio Conocido, Buenavista, Saltillo, Coahuila, México *(e-mail : jhdavila@att.net.mx) .

ABSTRACT

The production of the transplants of horticultural crops is an important agro-industry in the production process of the vegetable crops. In this activity, the plastic covers are of common use, which permit to obtain good quality transplants, although, there is a necessity to improve the use of new technology. In order to attain this objective, three experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of different photoselective film covers for their effect on photomorphogenesis of the plants of broccoli, cauliflower and tomato. The results revealed that the transplants of better quality were obtained with white PVC cover, followed by those produced with yellow polyethylene (PE) and orange PE. On the contrary, the covers of colourless, blue colour produced plants of poor quality. Lower temperature and better soil moisture induced by the coloured covers probably favoured better morphogenesis of the vegetable crops. Therefore, it is recommended to use the photoselective covers to increase the production of better quality transplants of the vegetable crops.
K. S. JAYACHANDRAN¹, D. SRIHARI, Y. N. REDDY AND C. L. N. RAO [ Influence of post-harvest calcium treatment on storage quality of Lucknow-49 guavas ]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 62-62 (2004). College of Agriculture Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad-500 030 (A. P.), India.

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of post-harvest application of calcium compounds on the changes in quality of guava cv. Lucknow-49 fruits during storage. The results revealed the superiority of calcium nitrate over the other calcium compounds used. Calcium nitrate (1%) recorded the highest values of moisture content (81.75%), ascorbic acid (216.23 mg/100 g), organoleptic rating (53.50%), total chlorophyll (1.607 mg/g) and total phenols (0.203%) compared to rest of the treatments.
SYED ZAMEER HUSSAIN, S. JAVARE GOWDA AND S. C. MANDHAR¹ [Comparative study of mango pickles prepared manually and mechanically ]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 63-67 (2004). Division of Agricultural Engineering GKVK, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (Karnataka), India .
ABSTRACT

The different manually and mechanically prepared samples of mango pickles were collected from various small and large scale raw mango processing industries of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and were analysed for their bio-chemical parameters and organoleptic values. It was observed that manually prepared samples recorded lower values for pH, acidity, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, total sugar, crude protein and phenolic substances than mechanically prepared samples. However, the ascorbic acid was found to be higher in manually prepared samples than the mechanically prepared samples. It was also noticed that mechanically prepared samples were having higher shelf life than manually prepared samples. No noticeable fungi load was observed in mechanically prepared samples, whereas it was quite high in manually prepared samples. Bacterial load was also less in mechanically prepared samples than manually prepared. The mechanically prepared pickles were found to be of superior quality and got total organoleptic s core of 20 (adjudged as very good), while as manually prepared pickles scored only 12-15 points (adjudged as fair to good). The present study revealed that mechanically prepared pickle samples were of superior quality over manually prepared pickle samples.
A. R. DUARTE, A. B. MENDOZA*, L. B. HERRERA, A. R. LÓPEZ 1 AND R. K. MAITI 1 [ Effect of light intensity on flower bud abortions in lily (Lilium spp.) ]. Crop Res.28 ( 1, 2&3) : 68-75 (2004). Departamento de Horticultura Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro Buenavista, Saltillo 25315, México *( e-mail : abelmen@uaaan.mx) .

ABSTRACT

Lily (Lilium spp.) crop is affected by different environmental factors (light, temperature, etc.), which decrease the flower quality and its production owing to the absence of optimum conditions causing a great problem of flower abortions. In this respect, the present study was undertaken with an objective to evaluate the effect of light on the abortion of flower conducted in a green house in two phases. Phase I (percentage of shade) : The genetic materials utilised in present study were the cultivars, namely, Elite, Vivaldi and Dreamland; grown in a green house under four treatments of shadows : 0 (without mesh), 33, 50 and 73% shadows, utilizing a completely randomized factorial design. The variables measured were : (a) number of flower buds per plant, (b) abortion of floral buds, (c) plant height and (d) flower diameter. The results indicate that with an increase of shades (0, 33, 50 and 73%) there was an increase in the abortion of floral buds (45.66, 53.82, 71.19 and 91.66%, respectively), but decreased the flower diameter varying among cultivars. Phase II (supplementary illumination) : The cultivars utilised were : Dreamland, Pollyanna and Montreux; with two treatments of light at 100 (2) and 200 spark plug foot candle using the same experimental design and variables evaluated as in the case of the phase I indicating that the flower abortion decreased with increasing the light from 100 to 200 spark plugs foot candle (19.31 and 7.21%, respectively). The plants increased its height but decreased the flower diameter under less light intensity (100 fc); but varying among cultivars. Hence, it is recommended that the application of supplementary light (200 foot candles) at night could reduce the problem of flower abortion and increase the quality and quantity of flower of lilies. Light is necessary for floral development and supply of solar energy for assimilation of photosynthates required for flower development and plant growth. Fruit size and production depend on the efficiency of light intensity in conversion in photosynthates and its translocation in fruits.
M. SAIKIA AND D. SUT [Effect of different dates of planting on yield of seedling transplanted potato crop ]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 76-81 (2004). Department of Agronomy Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785 013 ( Assam ), India .

ABSTRACT

The results of two years’ (2000-01 and 2001-02) field experiment on TPS (Variety HPS-I/13) transplanted crop revealed that highest tuber yield and number of large size (>40 g) potato tubers were produced from 4th week of November followed by 2nd week of December planting. The weight of small size tubers (0-20 g) was significantly lowest in D2 followed by D3 and D1 planting. In view of tuber yield and its quality, D2 was found to be the superior planting date for the north-eastern plains of India.

W. B. AKANBI, A. O. TOGUN¹, J. A. ADEDIRAN² AND A. B. OLANIYAN³ [The effects of split application of organo-mineral fertilizer on okra fruit physico-chemical properties and cooking quality]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 82-89 (2004). Department of Agronomy Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

Experiments were carried out to assess the effects of combined application of organo-mineral fertilizer, and efficiency of some storage techniques on physico-chemical properties and cooking quality of okra fruit. Treatments were 4 t/ha compost, 2 t/ha compost enriched with 30 kg N/ha, three timings (single, 2 and 3 splits) of application of the fertilizer types and the recommended mineral fertilizer and control non-fertilized plants used as check. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Data were collected on fruit physical and chemical parameters as well as cooking quality and shelf life. Application of organic fertilizers in the form of compost did not have deleterious effect on the okra fruit traits considered. Significant differences were observed for fruit physical and chemical parameters (such as pH, ascorbic acid, total acidity and dry matter). For most of these parameters, 2-split application of 2 t/ha compost enriched with 30 kg N/ha produced the best fruit quality. The best cooking and drawing qualities were obtained with 2-split application of 4 t/ha compost or 2 t/ha compost in combination with 30 kg N/ha. In case of storage methods, fruit stored under the refrigeration had better quality in terms of fruit freshness, colour retention and % weight reduction and the least quality was obtained in fruit placed on laboratory desk. It was concluded that okra fruit stored better in refrigerator than under ambient condition, and among the fertilizer combinations, okra retained best of its quality under 2-split application of 2 t/ha compost enriched with 30 kg N/ha than any other treatment considered.

U. THAPA AND T. K. MAITY [Growth and yield of Basella sp. as influenced by nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization with or without cutting treatments]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 90-93 (2004). Department of Vegetable Crops Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252 (West Bengal), India.

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years during summer season of 1998-99 to study the response of three levels of nitrogen (viz., 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha) and two levels of phosphorus (viz., 40 and 60 kg/ha) with or without cutting treatments on growth and yield of Basella sp. at Horticultural Research Station, Monduri, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, West Bengal. Results revealed that yield and yield attributing characters declined with decreasing levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Cutting management was found beneficial for improving yield, number of branches, number of leaves, dry weight of leaves and stem, whereas reverse effect of cutting was observed with some parameters like length of leaves, breadth of leaves and vine length. The highest yield (148.72 q/ha) was obtained with cutting treatments.
MUHAMMED BASHEERUDDIN AND K. HUSSAIN SAHIB [Genetic variability and correlation studies in foxtailmillet (Setaria italica)]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 94-97 (2004). AICSIP Regional Agricultural Research Station Palem-509 215, Mahbubnagar District (Andhra Pradesh), India.

ABSTRACT

Yield and yield components were studied in 15 foxtailmillet varieties for genetic variability, heritability and character association. Grain yield exhibited the highest coefficient of variability followed by number of tillers per plant. Days to 50% flowering had the highest heritability. The high amount of heritability coupled with high genetic advance indicated additive gene action to be in operation for all the characters under study. None of the characters showed significantly positive correlation with grain yield.
A. B. SHIKARI AND S. P. SINHAMAHAPATRA [Character associations and path coefficient analysis of the yield formation process over three morphological groups in Brassica campestris (L.) var. yellow sarson] Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 98-102 (2004). Department of Plant Breeding Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur (West Bengal), India.

ABSTRACT

Ten Pendant, nine Horizontal and 10 Upright genotypes grouped on the basis of their siliqua inclinations (with respect to their bearing branch) were studied for 14 different characters including seed yield in tetra-locular Brassica campestris var. yellow sarson. Simple correlations and path analysis were drawn over the three groups i. e. all the 29 genotypes. Seed yield per plant envisaged very strong and positive association with siliquae per plant which in turn was highly correlated with siliquae on main raceme, plant height and number of primary branches both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. 1000-seed weight, however, was negatively correlated with yield although showed positive associations with oil content. Path analysis was applied separately within primary and secondary predictor variables towards their respective response variables. Genotypic analysis revealed that siliquae on main raceme followed by total siliquae per plant were the main yield contributing traits directly as well as indirectly. Traits like plant height, length of main raceme, pods on main raceme and days to 50% flowering promoted their positive direct effects which explains their high correlation with total siliquae per plant. Thus, weightage should be given to those traits which contribute towards increasing total number of siliquae per plant which in turn particularly in tetra-locular pod forms seems to be the most important primary yield attribute.
K. M. HALASWAMY¹, K. M. CHANNAKRISHNAIAH AND R. S. KULKARNI [Combining ability in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 103-112 (2004). Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore-560 065 (Karnataka), India.

ABSTRACT

An investigation was undertaken to assess the magnitude and direction of combining ability of three cytoplasmic male sterile lines, five maintainer lines and four fertility restorer lines in sunflower. The study revealed that the parental lines Morden, CMS-851 B, RHA-R-856 and RHA-M-17R possessed genes for earliness. The three-way cross hybrid (CMS-17 A x CMS-851 B) x RHA-M-17 R was found to be the best combination for days to 50% flowering. The lines CMS-207 A, Morden, CMS-852 B, CMS-M-1 B, RHA-C-1 and RHA-6D-1 appeared to possess favourable genes for seed yield and hence they were suggested for utilization in hybridization programme to obtain better yields. The hybrids (CMS-207 A x CMS-852 B) x RHA-C-1 and (CMS-234 A x CMS-852 B) x RHA-6D-1 were found to be the best combinations for seed yield and oil content, respectively. All the characters were found to be under control of non-additive gene action.

B. S. PATIL AND P. M. SALIMATH [Evaluation of blackgram collections for pod and seed characters]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 113-117 (2004). Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005 (Karnataka), India.
ABSTRACT

An experiment was laid out at ARS Farm, Dharwad to evaluate a large collection of 196 blackgram genotypes for pod and seed characters. Significant genotypic differences were observed for all the characters considered. High variation and heritability estimates were observed for pod yield per plant, number of pods per plant and seed yield. All the pod and seed characters revealed positive and significant association with seed yield. Based on these observations, some of the genotypes were identified which performed better than check varieties. It is proposed to evaluate these genotypes further over locations to confirm their potentiality and to involve them in hybridization programme.
P. PAVADAI AND D. DHANAVEL [Effect of EMS, DES and colchicine treatment in soybean]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 118-120 (2004). Division of Cytogenetics & Plant Breeding Department of Botany Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608 002, India.

ABSTRACT

Using ethyl methane sulphonate, diethyl sulphate and colchicine on various morphological and yield parameters in M1 generation were studied in soybean. Morphological and yield characters recorded significant reduction. Significant variation among soybean cultivars was observed for lethality, days to first flower, root length, shoot length, number of branches per plant, number of seeds per plant, fresh weight per plant, dry weight per plant, 1000-seed weight and yield per plant showed variability for both concentration of mutagen as well as cultivars.
B. BISWAS, A. K. PAL AND J. TARAFDAR¹ [Effect of different fungicides and bio-product on the control of Fusarium disease of carnation var. Alcardio under field condition]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 121-124 (2004). Department of Floriculture & Landscaping Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741 252, Nadia (West Bengal), India.

ABSTRACT

A field trial was conducted on carnation var. Alcardio to study the effect of some fungicides and biological formulation in controlling Fusarium wilt disease in Horticultural Experimental Farm of BCKV, Mondouri, West Bengal. Amongst nine fungicides and bio-product with their different combinations tested, bordeaux mixture (1%) was found to be the most effective and controlled the disease to the extent of 11.11% followed by captaf® (0.2%) in combinations with benomyl (0.1%) and bavistin® (0.1%), where the disease appeared 12.83 and 13.33%, respectively. Highest disease intensity of 37.77% was recorded in control plots. Application of captaf®, benomyl and thirum alone did not show any significant reduction of wilt incidence in comparison to the combination of the above chemicals. The flower yield attributing factors like plant height, flower stem length, days taken to first flower and duration of flowering were also studied. Significantly increased plant height and flower stem length were recorded in all the fungicides and bio-product treated plots as compared to control plots. Application of benomyl showed highest plant height, flower stem length, flower diameter and yield of flower per plant compared to untreated plots. Early appearance flower buds and longer duration of flowering were noticed in thirum treated plots.
R. K. MAITI¹, E. S. ARREOLA AND V. P. SINGH² [Some research advances on ethnobotany and pharmacognosy of some medicinal plant species in Mexico–A review]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 125-134 (2004). Department of Chemistry and Biology Universidad de las Americas, Puebla
Santa Catarina Martir, Cholula, C. P. 72820, Puebla, Mexico.

ABSTRACT

Since remote times herbal medicines are the primary sources of health cure of the rural people throughout the world. The knowledge on the medicinal plants is inherited from generation to generation in the family of herbal doctors. Although significant advances have been made in modern allopathic medicine, medicinal plants are extensively used even in the cities specially in Mexico and Medicinal plants are largely sold both in the rural and urban markets. One of the reasons is due to the no-availability of good doctors in the rural areas, high confidence of the rural people and high cost of the allopathic medicine. In Mexico although several hundreds of medicinal plants are known to alleviate various types of diseases, still many species are not yet explored from the rural areas. There is a great necessity to formulate a systematic research starting from ethnobotany, botany and pharmacognosy including histochemistry and finally phytochemistry. With these objectives, some advances have been made on some medicinal plant species both in north-east and high land valleys of Mexico obtained mainly through research projects and thesis projects both in the bachelor and post-graduate levels. In the first step in the north-east of Mexico, through several visits in the rural areas and herbal shops and interviews a list of common species has been made, collected and preserved in the herbarium sheets. Then on the basis of a very careful analysis, most important and common medicinal species was selected for the studies on pharmacognosy, histochemistry and pharmacological tests on animals. An analysis of pharmacognosy showed the presence of distinct morphological, anatomical and histochemical characters in each species which can distinguish among species. In the high land valleys in Puebla and Tlaxcala, a more systematic interdisciplinary research has been undertaken including ethnobotany, pharmacognosy and some preliminary phytochemistry of several medicinal plant species. The efficacy of some medicinal plant species used by the herbal specialists has also been confirmed by a specialist of high recognition in the city. The species studied are : Artemisia absinthium, Chamaemelum nobile, Chenopodium ambrosoides, Ocimum sanctum, Origanum vulgare, Origanum majorana, Lavandula angostifolia, Marrubium vulgare, Mentha spicata, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Semipervivum tectorum, Thymus vulgaris and Turnera vulgaris. The medicinal herbs contained several secondary metabolites, among which alkaloids, saponins, triterpenes, flavonoids, cyanogenic and cardiotonic glucosides, the presence, absence and intensity of which vary among species. Although sufficient researches have been concentrated mostly on the phytochemistry in Mexico, no systematic research has been undertaken as planned. A catalogue of some medicinal plants has been made and some medicinal plant species are grown in the green house. Finally, a systematic research plant has been suggested on the medicinal plants. An interdisciplinary research including herbal specialists, botanists, agronomists and chemists is in progress.
A. JHA, S. JHA, V. SUHAG AND A. RAO [A preliminary survey of plants used as food by Lepchas of Dzongu area in Sikkim, India]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 135-137 (2004). Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology Majitar, Rangpo-737 132 (Sikkim), India.

ABSTRACT

Ecologists all over the world are worried over the food security for human population. Globalization has also meant that many a traditional foods are being lost at an alarming rate. For food today the entire world primarily depends upon just seven species of plants. This is dangerous because we are keeping all our eggs in one baket. Nature is unpredictable. Any ecological crisis affecting any one of these crops will result in starvation and subsequently death of millions of people. The only option to make our food prospects resilient is to broaden our food base by including many more plant species to it. Tribal communities all over the world have food knowledge systems which have evolved over thousands of years of experience and wisdom. Such time-tested systems need to be identified, enriched and shared. The Lepchas, a tribal population believed to be indigenous to the Sikkim Himalayas are renowned for their knowledge of plants and are known to use many a species as food. An ethno-botanical survey was conducted in between 2000-01 at Dzongu–a major Lepcha concentration area to identify the plants used by them as food. This paper provides the details of this survey.
A. JHA, S. JHA AND V. SUHAG [Ethnomedicinal plants of Lepchas of Dzongu area in Sikkim, India]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 138-141 (2004). Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology Majitar, Rangpo-737 132 (Sikkim), India.

ABSTRACT

As a result of massive deforestation, the floral wealth is being lost even before the plant has been recorded, much less studied, chemically or pharmacologically. The task of studying each and every plant is near impossible. Hence, we urgently require other ways to identify plants having important medicinal value. The traditional medicinal systems developed by indigenous people are significant in this respect. The Lepchas, a tribal population believed to be indigenous to the Sikkim Himalayas, are renowned for their knowledge of plants and are known to use many a species as food, medicine or other economic purpose. An ethno-botanical survey was conducted in between 2000-01at Dzongu–a major Lepcha concentration area to identify the plants used by them for medicinal purpose and record the current status of their medicinal practice and knowledge. This paper provides the details of this survey.
PARMIL SINGH, MANDEEP KAUR, JAGMEET KAUR, NEELIMA ARORA AND USHA PARMAR [Aspects of physiological regulation of flower senescence of Gladiolus and Narcissus]. Crop Res. 28 (1, 2&3) : 142-145 (2004). Department of Botany Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (Punjab), India.

ABSTRACT

Senescence refers to endogenously controlled deteriorative changes during vase life of ornamentals. Growth regulators viz., ethrel (ethylene releasing compound) and CoCl2 (co-acting as ethylene antagonist) were used to understand the process of senescence during post-harvest life. It can be safely postulated that Narcissus seems to be more responsive to ethrel as is depicted by contradictory results obtained with ethrel and CoCl2 floral sprays. Life of cut flowers can be extended by floral application of CoCl2 in Narcissus (3 days) and Gladiolus (2 days).

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