NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: IJEB Vol.50(12) [December 2012]

Direct and indirect method of plant regeneration from root explants of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb.— A threatened medicinal plant of Western Ghats

Title: Direct and indirect method of plant regeneration from root explants of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb.— A threatened medicinal plant of Western Ghats

Authors: Kumar, S R Santosh; Krishna, V; Venkatesh; Pradeepa, K; Kumar, K Girish; Gnanesh, A U

Abstract: An in vitro regeneration protocol has been standardized via direct and indirect methods from excised root explants of C. bonduc, a threatened woody legume used for the treatment of contagious diseases, inflammation, leprosy, antiperiodic, febrifuge, anthelmenthic, urinary disorders, leucorrhoea, piles and to heal wounds. MS medium supplemented with 17.75 µmol BAP and 2.46 µmol IBA, induced a mean of 3.40 ± 1.07 shoots directly from the surface of excised root explant. Subsequently, the shoots rooted readily on MS half strength medium with out growth regulators. In indirect organogenesis, callogenic frequency was optimized (96.66%) at the concentration of 9.04 µmol 2, 4-D and 0.88 µmol BAP. An average, 15.30 ± 5.25 shoots were differentiated from the root callus at the concentration of 17.57 µmol BAP and 2.85 µmol IAA. Shoots regenerated through callus were rooted well on MS half strength medium with growth regulators at 2.95 µmol IBA. Rooted plantlets were transferred to the pots containing sterilized soil and were successfully hardened at greenhouse condition for three weeks then exposed to the natural environment. Survival rate was more (95%) in plantlets derived through direct organogenesis than (60%) the plantlets regenerated through root calli.

Page(s): 910-917

Induction of somatic embryogenesis in endangered butterfly ginger Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig

Title: Induction of somatic embryogenesis in endangered butterfly ginger Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig

Authors: Verma, Manju; Bansal, Y K

Abstract: An efficient protocol has been developed for regeneration of complete plants through somatic embryogenesis in H. coronarium. Creamish white, pale yellow and brown calli were obtained on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of auxins [2, 4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D), Indole-3 acetic acid (IAA) and 1-Naphthylacetic acid (NAA)] after 4 weeks. Creamy white calli developed on 0.5 mg L^-1 2, 4-D turned embryogenic when subcultured on basal medium and produced small globular somatic embryos after 6 weeks. Further growth of somatic embryos required their transfer to medium containing 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) or kinetin (KN). BAP was more effective than KN in promoting shoot proliferation. Maximum shoot length was obtained with 0.5 mg L^-1 BAP whereas maximum shoot number was obtained with 1.0 mg L^-1 BAP. The plantlets thus formed were successfully hardened, and transferred to sand-soil and farm yard manure (1:1:1) with 95% survival.

Page(s): 904-909

Protective effect of Spirulina and tamarind fruit pulp diet supplement in fish (Gambusia affinis Baird & Girard) exposed to sublethal concentration of fluoride, aluminum and aluminum fluoride

Title: Protective effect of Spirulina and tamarind fruit pulp diet supplement in fish (Gambusia affinis Baird & Girard) exposed to sublethal concentration of fluoride, aluminum and aluminum fluoride

Authors: Sharma, K P; Upreti, N; Sharma, Shweta; Sharma, S

Abstract: Protective role of diet supplements (Spirulina, tamarind fruit pulp and their combination) on a freshwater fish G. affinis exposed at sublethal concentration of fluoride (F^-) (10 ppm), Al⁺³ (3 ppm) and aluminum fluoride (AlF₃) (35.4 ppm) in the microcosms (15 L sized) for 30-60 days in winter (90 days in summer) has been reported. Toxic effects of chemicals were manifested as higher fish mortality (4-50%) and acid (≈-30%) and alkaline phosphatase (25-50%) contents, but reduction in RBC counts (5-55%) and protein content (≈-29%) compared with controls. Alterations in values of these parameters were found maximum in aluminum exposed fish suggesting it as the most toxic among the tested chemicals. Diet supplements reduced toxicity of tested chemicals, especially when Spirulina and tamarind were given together.

Page(s): 897-903

Microwave radiation induced oxidative stress, cognitive impairment and inflammation in brain of Fischer rats

Title: Microwave radiation induced oxidative stress, cognitive impairment and inflammation in brain of Fischer rats

Authors: Megha, Kanu; Deshmukh, Pravin Suryakantrao; Banerjee, Basu Dev; Tripathi, Ashok Kumar; Abegaonkar, Mahesh Pandurang

Abstract: Public concerns over possible adverse effects of microwave radiation emitted by mobile phones on health are increasing. To evaluate the intensity of oxidative stress, cognitive impairment and inflammation in brain of Fischer rats exposed to microwave radiation, male Fischer-344 rats were exposed to 900 MHz microwave radiation (SAR = 5.953×10^-4W/kg) and 1800 MHz microwave radiation (SAR = 5.835×10^-4W/kg) for 30 days (2 h/day). Significant impairment in cognitive function and induction of oxidative stress in brain tissues of microwave exposed rats were observed in comparison with sham exposed groups. Further, significant increase in level of cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-) was also observed following microwave exposure. Results of the present study indicated that increased oxidative stress due to microwave exposure may contribute to cognitive impairment and inflammation in brain.

Page(s): 889-896