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N. Kaushik , J. C. Kaushik , S. Nautiyall

Abstract

Genetic parameters in seed morphology, germination, seedling growth and biochemical contents of seed traits in Azadirachta indica collected from different parts of Haryana, India were assessed. The 'F' values for all the characters studied were significant (P<0.05), indicating the presence of ample genetic variation for all characters. The estimated coefficient of variance ranged from 1.93 to 8.73 per cent. The genetic advance, as percentage of means ranged from 21.29 per cent for seed breadth to 88.27 per cent for ischolar_main length. The other characters viz. collar diameter (73.56 %) and shoot length also showed high values for genetic advance as percentage of mean High heritability (99.00%) and genetic gain were recorded for 100-seed weight, seed germination, shoot length, palmitic acid and stearic acid indicating the additive gene action. Seed size (length and breadth) and 100-seed weight was significantly and positively correlated with oil content, positively correlated with azadirachtin content, palmitic acid and oleic acid, however negatively correlated with steric acid and myrstic acid. Considering seed morphology, germination, azairachtin content and quantitative and qualitative characters of oil, the best performing plus trees were,T6 (Kurukshetra) of the Karnal , T6 (Pinjore II) from Panchkula, (T6) from Premnagar of Bhiwani and tree (T4) from Jhatipur of Sonipat provenance.

Keywords

Azadirachta indica, Genotypic Coefficient of Variation(GCV), phenotypic Coefficient of Variation(PCV), Azadirachtin, Seed Morphology

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N. Kaushik , V. S. Geetha , K. Alice

Abstract

Plain betel leaf extract is reported to produce local anesthesia by surface and infiltration techniques. Objective: (1) to explore the effect of betel leaf extract on conduction of nerve impulse and (2) to evaluate its potency as compared to 2% xylocaine. Materials & Methods: The extract (12 to 15 ml) was prepared by squeezing ground betel leaf paste. An in situ gastrocnemius-sciatic nerve preparation was made on both the legs of a pithed frog and necessary electrical and kymograph connections were made. Xylocaine or betel leaf extract (0.2 ml) was applied on the sciatic nerve of one side and the other side served as control. The response to the electrical stimulus given proximal to the site of application alternatively on both sides was recorded on the same drum, until there was no response. Then the drug was washed off and recovery recorded. Results: Betel leaf extract produced statistically significant conduction block anesthesia of slow onset (25 min as against 2 min with xylocaine) and fast recovery (2 min as against 44 min with xylocaine) . The extract was found to possess 25% of the local anesthetic activity of xylocaine. Conclusions: Betel leaf extract produced a conduction block anesthesia of slow onset and quick recovery. It is less potent than xylocaine in this regard.

Keywords

Piper betel, Conduction Block Anesthesia and Modified Technique

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