Current issue -Volume 31 : Numbers 1 & 2, January - December  2009

Taxonomic studies on  Gracilaria  species (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) of Chilka lake, a brackish water lagoon, India…1 - 6
M. UMAMAHESWARA RAO (1) , M.JAIKUMAR (1), B.R.SUBRAMANIAN2  AND A.V.RAMAN (1)
1. Marine Biological Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Andhra University, Waltair - 530 003, Andhra Pradesh, India
2.  ICMAM Directorate, Ministry of Earth Sciences, NIOT Campus, Chennai - 601 302, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
Morphological and anatomical characters of two varieties of Gracilaria  tenuistipitata, namely var. tenuistipitata Chang et Xia and var. liui Zhang et Xia and an unidentified Gracilaria species, occurring in the Chilka Lake were studied.  Detailed descriptions of these algae are given.

Two new brown algal species from the Family Ralfsiaceae (Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae) from Kerala, India…7 - 10
P. SOPHIAMMAL NETTAR(1) AND  M.V.N. PANIKKAR (2)
1. Department of Botany, F.M.N. College, Kollam - 691 001, Kerala, India
2. Centre for Biodiversity of Microflora, S.N. College, Kollam - 691 001, Kerala, India
ABSTRACT
Two new species from the Family Ralfsiaceae , Hapalospongidion thirumullavaramensis and Pseudolithoderma thangasseriensis , collected from the coast of Kerala are described and illustrated. The  genus Pseudolithoderma is  new to India . The important characters of the common genera of the family are also discussed in detail.

Species of Feldmannia Hamel (Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae) from Kerala, India……11 - 16
P. SOPHIAMMAL NETTAR (1) AND  M.V.N. PANIKKAR(2)
1. Department of Botany, F.M.N. College, Kollam - 691 001, Kerala, India
2. Centre for Biodiversity of Micro Flora, S.N. College, Kollam - 691 001, Kerala, India
ABSTRACT
The taxonomy of four species of Feldmannia collected from different parts of Kerala is
presented. The species includes F. collumellaris, F. irregularis and two new species:
F.sahnienii and F. renienii. All the four species are described in detail with the help of
suitable  illustrations.

Species diversity of Hincksia Gray (Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae) from the Kerala coast of India.....17 - 23
P. SOPHIAMMAL NETTAR(1) AND  M.V.N. PANIKKAR(2)
1. Department of Botany, F.M.N. College, Kollam - 691 001, Kerala, India
2. Centre for Biodiversity of Microflora, S.N. College, Kollam - 691 001, Kerala, India
ABSTRACT
Five species  of Hincksia were collected from different parts of Kerala and these include,
H.clavata ( Krishnamurthy and Baluswami) Silva, H. rallsiae (Vickers) Silva, H. sandriana
(Zanardini) Silva, H. mitchelliae (Harvey) Silva and H. turbinariae (Jaasund) Silva. Among
these, H. rallsiae is a new report to the Indian marine flora. All the species are described
with the help of suitable illustrations.

Phaeophyceae of South India-V. Hecatonema  Sauvageau (Chordariales, Phaeophyceae)...25 - 28
P. SOPHIAMMAL NETTAR
Department of Botany, F.M.N. College, Kollam - 691 001, Kerala, India
ABSTRACT
The taxonomic investigations of Hecatonema:  H. sargassicola Boergesen and H. terminale
(Kuetzing) Kylin, collected from Kerala and Tamil Nadu are described in detail and properly
illustrated.

Avrainvillea amadelpha  (Montagne) A.Gepp & E.Gepp - A new addition to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India......29 - 31
M. PALANISAMY
Botanical Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Campus, Coimbatore - 641 003, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
Avrainvillea amadelpha (Montagne) A.Gepp & E.Gepp is reported for the first time from
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Andaman. Brief description of the alga is given in
this paper.

A general survey of the common agarophytes in the Gulf of Mannar in relation to agar ecology…. 33 - 46
C.P. BALAKRISHNAN,  VENKATARAMAN KUMAR,  V.R. MOHAN,  L. LOUIS JESUDASS1 AND  T. ATHIPERUMALSAM(I)
Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology, Botany Research Laboratory
V.O. Chidambaram College, Tuticorin - 628 008, Tamil Nadu, India
1. P.G. and Botany Research Centre, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT
The agarophytes recorded in all the five stations in the Gulf of Mannar, South east Coast of
India were three species of Gracilaria, Gelidiella acerosa and Gelidium pusillum. Among
them, Gracilaria edulis, Gelidiella acerosa and Gelidium pusillum showed a yield of agar
above 60% from many of the stations which exceeded the values reported earlier.

A general survey of the common carrageenophytes in the Gulf of Mannar in relation to carrageenan ecology.... 47 - 54
C.P. BALAKRISHNAN,  VENKATARAMAN KUMAR,  V.R. MOHAN,  L. LOUIS JESUDASS1 AND  T. ATHIPERUMALSAMI
Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology, Botany Research Laboratory
V.O. Chidambaram College, Tuticorin - 628 008, Tamil Nadu, India
1. P.G. and Botany Research Centre, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous) Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
Hypnea musciformis and H. valentiae occurred in the all five stations during the survey for
carrageenophytes in the Gulf of Mannar region. Among the 8 species of carragenophytes,
Sarconema filiforme, Laurencia papillosa and the two species of Hypnea yielded carrageenan
above 60% from most of the stations. The carrageenan content recorded in Hypnea and
Laurencia exceeded over the values reported earlier from other coasts of India

A general survey of the common alginophytes in the Gulf of Mannar in relation to algin ecology…55 - 65
C.P. BALAKRISHNAN,  VENKATARAMAN KUMAR,  V.R. MOHAN,  L. LOUIS JESUDASS(1) AND  T. ATHIPERUMALSAMI
Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology, Botany Research Laboratory
V.O. Chidambaram College, Tuticorin - 628 008, Tamil Nadu, India
1. P.G. and Botany Research Centre, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
Five stations in the Gulf of Mannar region were selected and surveyed for alginophytes and
algin yield. The alginophytes recorded at all the five stations were Padina tetrastromatica,
three species of Sargassum, Stoechospermum marginatum, three species of Turbinaria and
two species of Dictyota. The brown seaweed Stoechospermum marginatum recorded the
richest source of alginic acid closely followed by the species of Sargassum and Turbinaria.

Effect of light intensity and salinity on the growth of Gracilaria corticata… 67 - 73
V. VEERAGURUNATHAN
PG Studies and Research Centre in Botany, J.J. College of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai - 622 422, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
Apical fragments of Gracilaria corticata were cultured at three light intensities (9, 18 and 28 µEm-2 s-1) with five different salinities (25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 ppt) under laboratory conditions (20o C, 7.8 pH and 16:8  L:D periods) for seven weeks. High extension growth
rate (5.35%) and specific growth rate (4.57%) were observed at 28 µEm-2s-1 light intensity with 30 and 35 ppt salinities respectively. Minimum growth rate was observed at 9 µEm-2 s-1  light intensity with high salinity levels of 40 and 45 ppt. Both EGR and SGR increased gradually and attained maximum level in the third week of culture and thereafter growth rates decreased. Tissue degeneration occurred at high salinity levels from the fifth week of culture. The above findings confirm that Gracilaria corticata has the ability to grow at wide range of light intensity and salinity levels.

Effect of salinity and desiccation on carpospore liberation of Gracilaria foliifera…75 - 79
V. VEERAGURUNATHAN
PG Studies and Research Centre in Botany, J.J. College of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai - 622 422, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
Carpospore liberation was investigated in Gracilaria foliifera at different salinities and
desiccation periods. Maximum spore liberation was found at 35 ppt salinity. At higher
salinity level (from 40 to 60 ppt), the spore liberation was highly decreased. In desiccation
experiments, spore liberation was more in 30 minutes desiccation treatment and reduced
afterwards than zero desiccation. Both salinity and desiccation exhibited significant negative
correlation with spore liberation (p<0.05). The present study clearly indicates that both
salinity and desiccation influence the carpospore liberation of Gracilaria foliifera. This alga
is more tolerant to salinity than desiccation in spore liberation.

Effect of heavy metal copper on growth and biochemicals of some seaweeds of Tuticorin coast…81 - 84
V. SORNALAKSHMI,  K. JEBAANANTHI,  T. ATHIPERUMALSAMI  AND VENKATARAMAN KUMAR
P.G. and Research Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Botany Research Laboratory, V.O. Chidambaram College, Tuticorin - 628 008, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
Effect of the heavy metal copper was studied on daily growth rate (DGR), chlorophyll,
carotenoid, protein and carbohydrate contents of Ulva lactuca, Padina tetrastromatica, Gracilaria corticata and Acanthophora spicifera.  Ulva and Padina showed reduction in the afore said parameters at almost all the concentrations(100-1000 mgL-1) of copper,whereas the two red seaweeds Gracilaria and Acanthophora exhibited a hike in these parameters at some concentrations of copper.

Electron microscopic studies and X-Ray microanalysis of Sargassum  species….. 85 - 94
J. SUNDARI  AND  R. SELVARAJ
Department of Botany, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar - 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
The external features and internal anatomy of blade of Sargassum wightii, S.ilicifolium and
S. myriocystum and electron microscopic analysis of these three species with reference to
cell structure and cell wall composition were studied. Tissue differentiations were very
marked in  S. wightii, S. ilicifolium and S. myriocystum. The present investigation made with
SEM – EDAX on the vegetative thallus of S. wightii, S. ilicifolium and   S. myriocystum
showed  the occurrence of different chemical elements in terms of quality and quantity. The
cell wall of  S. wightii showed the presence of five elements in the following order - O > Mg
> Ca > Cl > S with 74.85 % of Oxides, whereas S. ilicifolium showed the presence of ten
elements in the following order - Ca > Mg > P > Zr > Zn > S > Cl > Fe > Na > Si with 32.98
% of Calcium and S. myriocystum showed the presence of  nine elements in the following
order - Ca > Zr > Mg > Cl > Na > Si > Zn > Al > Fe with 40.41 % of Calcium. Thus, in all
three taxa the amount of Calcium was high showing the phylogenetic similarity. Further, the
presence of Oxides proved more accumulation of storage materials in S. wightii. The presence of Phosphorous in S. ilicifolium is unique and it is one of the necessary elements for growth and development. In S. myriocystum the presence of Aluminium has a distinct character and acts in phytoremediation. Thus, all the three species of Sargassum are phylogenetically different from one another and species specific.

Histochemical studies on Codium tomentosum Stackhouse... 95 - 104
R. THAYUMANAVAN(1) AND  K. SIVAKUMAR(2)
1. Srinivasa Higher Secondary School, Melaiyur, Poombukar - 609 107, Tamil Nadu, India
2. Department of Botany, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar - 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
The green alga Codium tomentosum Stackhouse was collected from Mandapam area, southeast cost of Tamil Nadu.  The plants have cylindrical axis, branched dichotomously and fixed to the asubstratum by means of disk like structure. The axis is constructed by interwoven coenocytic filaments.  The anatomical studies reveal that the central region called medulla, consists of interwoven filaments from which utricles are arising as lateral branches.  The utricles form palisade like layer around the central filament and constitute the cortex region. Utricles born the gametangia and hairs. Thus the coenocytic thallus shows differentiation of central filamentous structure, lateral swallon utricles from which elongated hairs, club shaped propagules and ovoid gametangia are produced. The histochemical studies revealed the presenceof pectic compounds and mannan in the cell-wall. The amount of the pectic substances appeared to be more, when compared to mannan. Cellulose is absent in the cell-wall. The number of nuclei are more in utricles when compared to the central filaments. The contents of calcium pectate, proteins and RNA are more near the apical region of the utricles than the other parts of plant body. The outermost layer of the cell-wall of utricle region contains lipid substances. Chloroplast are small and distributed throughout the thallus especially more in the region of utricles.

Infrared spectral studies of petroleum ether extract of some marine macro algae...... 105 - 108
R. JOTHIBAI MARGRET(1) AND  S. KUMARESAN(2)
1. Department of Chemistry, Pope’s College, Sawyerpuram - 628 251, Tamil Nadu, India
2. Department of Chemistry, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli - 627 012, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
Five marine macro algae namely  Caulerpa scalpelliformis, Ulva lactuca, Padina tetrastromatica, Stoechospermum marginatum and Acanthophora spicifera were extracted with petroleum ether. These extracts were subjected to infrared (IR) spectral study to identify the various functional groups.  All these extracts display a band in the region 2922 cm-1 - 2858 cm-1
 characteristic for C-H stretching vibration which gives evidence for the presence of aliphatic chain in the sample.  These extracts also display a band in the region 1725 cm-1  - 1639 cm-1 exhibiting the presence of carbonyl group.

Chemical deterrence in the red seaweed Gracilaria verrucosa from Tuticorin coast of Gulf of Mannar….. 109 - 115
P. RAJA,  K. KARUNAKARAN,  R. SANKAR,  S. KATHIRESAN  AND  A. MURUGAN
Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, 44-Beach Road, Tuticorin - 628 001, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
The seaweed Gracilaria verrucosa (Hudson) distributed along Tuticorin coast of Gulf of
Mannar possesses chemical deterrence against foulers and herbivores. The higher activity in
crude diethyl ether and that of partitioned ethyl acetate extracts against biofilm bacteria
indicated the non-polar nature of the active substance. The crude diethyl ether extract also
inhibited the byssus thread formation and attachment in the brown mussel Perna indica at
270±25 µg/ml. The EC50  and LC50  values were 125±10 µg/ml and 148 ±12.58 µg/ml respectively. Though the range of variation between EC50  and LC50  values was narrow,
100% recovery was observed in toxicity assay, indicating the inhibitory nature of the active
substance. The seaweed showed 95% feeding deterrence against the fish Monodactylus
kottelati at 75 µg level. The pronounced activity in feeding deterrent assay indicated that the
defense is more focused towards herbivores and the activity against micro and macro foulers
indicated the presence of multiple defense strategy.

Optimization of pigment extraction from Spirulina platensis var.lonor biomass…. 117 - 125
P. PRABUTHAS,  P.P. SRIVASTAV  AND  H.N. MISHRA
Agricultural and Food Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur - 721 302,  West Bengal,  India
ABSTRACT
Spirulina is well known for its natural pigment phycocyanin, which is an important
constituent of its photosynthetic apparatus. Optimization of this phycocyanin extraction
from Spirulina platensis var. lonor biomass with ultrasound assistance was performed. The
statistical tool Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used with three independent
variables (time of exposure to ultrasound, volume of solvent used and sonicator amplitude)
with 5 levels each. Two different solvents, 10 mM Sodium phosphate buffer pH 7.0 and
0.15 M NaCl were used. The experimental design and response analysis were done using
Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) with the help of a statistical software design
expert 7.0. The optimized results show that out of two solvents used, 0.15M NaCl gave the
maximum yield of phycocyanin of 0.206 mg/ml , whereas 10 mM Sodium phosphate buffer
solvent yielded 0.192mg/ml. The purity of phycocyanin was also tested and 10 mM Sodium
phosphate buffer extracted phycocyanin showed the highest purity (1.0) when compared
with NaCl extracted sample (0.9). Thus this experiment gives an easy, fast and optimized
method for extraction of phycocyanin using ultra-sound assistance.

Effect of environmental factors on variations in distribution of photosynthetic pigments of macro algae of Visakhapatnam coast....127 - 134
Y. SAROJINI  AND  K. LAKSHMINARAYANA
Department of Botany, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam - 530 003, Andhra Pradesh, India
ABSTRACT
The photosynthetic pigments of 17 macro algae were analysed for their seasonal variation
and their interaction with environmental factors. The environmental variations influenced
the distribution of photosynthetic pigments of the seaweeds.  Of all the pigments, the
carotenoids were observed in higher concentration than the chlorophylls in all the seaweeds
analysed.  The higher concentration of total chlorophyll and chlorophyll-b were observed in
Chlorophyceae, Chlorophyll-a in Phaeophyceae and Rhodophyceae. The carotenoids were
observed high in Phaeophyceae and Rhodophyceae than in Chlorophyceae.  The chlorophyll
maxima were observed in rainy season for majority of plants, but  for some species like
Spongomorpha, Sargassum. Gracilaria, Gelidium and Hypnea, it was observed high in
winter. Summer maxima of chlorophylls were rare in algae.  The carotenoids were maximum
in summer for many algae, but for a few it was in winter.  A positive correlation was
observed between photosynthetic pigments and environmental factors at significant levels.

Protein content of some marine macroalgae from Kattumavadi Coast,  Tamil Nadu.....135 - 138
M. ARUMUGAM1,  S.P. SUDHA,  M.C. RAJALAKSHMI  AND  R. TAMILSELVAN
PG and Research Department of Botany, H.H. The Rajah’s College, Pudukkottai - 622 001, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
The present study was carried out to determine the protein content of three species of green
macroalgae and four species of red algae collected from Kattumavadi Coast (Palk Bay), Tamil Nadu during September 2007 to February 2008. The protein content varied from 5.20% to 14.70% with highest value in the red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii.

Seasonal variation in the yield and quality of agars in selected members of Rhodymeniales...... 139 - 143
N. RAJASULOCHANA
Department of Plant Biology & Plant Biotechnology, Presidency College, Chennai - 600 005, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
The red algae Rhodymenia dissecta and Champia parvula Rhodymeniales) were collected
from south east coast of Tamil Nadu during summer and winter season. Phycocolloids were
extracted and their yield and physico-chemical properties determined. The gel strength of
agar was dependent on higher 3,6 anhydrogalactose content and inversely related to the
sulphate. The properties of agar reflecting the degrees of substitution differ in general with
generic type and depend on various environmental and physiological factors. Seasonal
variations were compared.

Mineral contents in some green seaweeds of Visakhapatnam coast.... 145 - 150
Y. SAROJINI  AND  K. LAKSHMINARAYANA
Department of Botany, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam - 530 003, Andhra Pradesh, India
ABSTRACT
Mineral content of some green seaweeds of Visakhapatnam coast showed variations among
different genera analysed. Of the five minerals analysed, the concentration of magnesium
was highest followed by the Na, K, Ca and Fe in decreasing order. The maximum concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium and also iron were observed in Caulerpa racemosa (5864.6, 3396.2, 1043.9 and 213.9 mg/100g respectively). Magnesium was high in Enteromorpha compressa (8539.7 mg/100 g) and iron in Caulerpa sertularioides (261.8
mg/ 100g). Ulva fasciata also had good concentration of calcium and magnesium.    The ratios of K: Na and Ca: Mg  were less than one except for C. racemosa.  The K: Na  was high in Enteromorpha and Ulva and  Ca : Mg in Caulerpa spp. The seaweed C. racemosa was rich
in the minerals except for magnesium. Hence, it could be used as a rich source of minerals in food and feed. The variations in mineral content of various species may be attributed to
accumulation capacity of minerals by the seaweeds from the surrounding seawater and also
to the seasons, changes in physiological and environmental factors, various growth phases
of  the seaweeds.

Screening for antimicrobial activity of marine algae from Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu.... 151 - 155
V. VEERAGURUNATHAN  AND  T. GEETHA
PG Studies and Research Centre in Botany, J.J. College of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai - 622 422, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
Ethanol extract of nine species of marine algae were screened for their antimicrobial property
against eight bacterial strains.  Significant activity was recorded in seven algal extracts
assayed.  Acanthophora spicifera and Chaetomorpha antennina had not shown antibacterial
activity against the screened bacterial pathogens. Brown alga Padina tetrastromatica showed
maximum zone of inhibition (22 mm) against Staphylococcus aureus. Brown algae have
broad spectrum of antibacterial activity when compared to red and green algae.

Effect of commercial fertilizer (Urea) and LSFof Enteromorpha intestinalis on the growth of Capsicum annum L…...157 - 163
V. VEERAGURUNATHAN
PG Studies and Research Centre in Botany, J.J. College of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai - 622 422, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
The fertilizing efficiency of commercial fertilizer (Urea) and Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer of
Enteromorpha intestinalis was compared on the growth and biochemical characters of
Capsicum annum up to 60 days growth at interval of 20 days. Percentage of seed germination, shoot length, leaf length, root length, extension growth rate, number of leaves and flower numbers were enhanced in LSF and Urea treated plants compared to control. At 1% LSF and urea treated plants, the germination was higher and it was reduced at higher concentration, while pigment content such as total chlorophyll and chlorophyll-a were maximum at 5% LSF and 1% urea treated plants. A comparison between LSF and urea treated plants indicated that most of the growth and biochemical characters were equal for their efficiency.

Effect of Liquid Seaweed Fertilizer from Grateloupia filicina (Lamouroux) C.A. Agardh on Brassica juncea (L) Czern and Coss...... 165 - 170
J. ANUJA  AND  S. CHANDRA
P.G. Department of Botany, Queen Mary’s College, Chennai - 600 004, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
Grateloupia filicina (Lamouroux) C.Agardh was used for the extraction of Liquid Seaweed
Fertilizer (LSF). The extract was carried out following the procedures of boiling and extraction at low temperature. Amount of nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc were estimated for the LSF. The effect of LSF on the experimental plant Brassica juncea (L) Czern and Coss was studied on growth of seedlings and on field grown plants. Growth parameters like shoot length, root length, fresh weight, dry weight, plant height, day of flower initiation and number of flowers per plant were observed. The preferable method for extraction is by boiling at high temperature. LSF at 5% dilution showed positive effect on both growth and yield.

Effect of Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer from Ulva lactuca on Abelmoschus esculentus.....171 - 175
N. JOTHINAYAGI  AND  C. ANBAZHAGAN
Department of Botany, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar - 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
Seeds of Abelmoschus esculentus were treated in different concentrations such as 20, 40, 60, 80 and100% of Ulva lactuca SLF. The plants raised from seeds treated with 40% Ulva lactuca SLF showed an increase in fresh weight, dry weight, root and shoot length, leaf area, total chlorophyll, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, protein and amino acid.

Effect of region specific Rhizobium in combination with Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer on vegetative growth and yield of Arachis hypogaea  and Vigna mungo….. 177 - 184
S.K. SETHI  AND  S.P. ADHIKARY(1)
P.G. Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar - 751 004, Orissa, India
1. Present Address : Centre for Biotechnology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan - 731 235, West Bengal, India
ABSTRACT
Effect of region specific Rhizobium  strains in combination with SLF (Seaweed Liquid
Fertilizer) from Chaetomorpha linum on the vegetative growth and yield of Arachis hypogea
and Vigna mungo was studied. Inoculation of crop specific rhizobial strains alone and in
combination with SLF as seed treatment increased the height of plant, leaf number, nodule
number and flower number of both the crops. The yield of Vigna mungo increased up to
27.5%, 25% and 31% in the treatment with Rhizobium, SLF and consortium of Rhizobium
and SLF respectively over control. In case of Arachis hypogea the yield of crop was 12.6%,
9.7% and 19.4% higher than control in the respective treatments. The period of flowering
and fruiting considerably shortened in both the crops in the treatment with Rhizobium and
in combination with SLF.

Effect of Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer on the bioprofile of the biodiesel plant Jatropha curcas L..... 185 - 190
F. UTHYAKUMARI  KALAVATHY
Research Department of Botany, St. Mary’s College, Thoothukudi - 628 001, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
The effects of crude liquid extracts of two seaweeds (Caulerpa scalpelliformis and Pocockiella
variegata) on seed germination and seedling growth of Jatropha curcas L. was studied. The
Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer (SLF) had a negative impact on germination percentage. The SLF
treatments promoted seedling length, seedling biomass, seedling vigour index, chlorophyll
content and protein content at low levels. At high levels the effect was inhibitive. The
impact of Caulerpa extract was highly significant than Pocockiella extract.

Effect of soaking - drying with seaweed extracts on vigour and viability in bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus L.).......191 - 197
G. VETHANAYAGI,  K. SUJATHA  AND  K. RAMAMOORTHY
Seed Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641 003, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
Studies were initiated to identify the effect of seaweed extracts on the ageing of bhendi seeds in terms of certain bio-chemical parameters. The treatment was given through soaking in seaweed extracts of Padina spp., Turbinaria conoides and Sargassum myriocystum at 1% concentration for 2h followed by dehydration. The seeds were subjected to accelerated
ageing. Treated seeds exhibited lower electrical conductivity and lipid peroxidation with an
enhancement in germination percentage and dry matter production.

Seed treatment and foliar spray with seaweed extracts for enhancing yield in bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) var. Arka Anamika.... 199 - 204
G. VETHANAYAGI,  K. SUJATHA  AND  K. RAMAMOORTHY
Seed Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641 003, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
The effect of three seaweed extracts was assessed on the growth and yield in Bhendi cv. Arka Anamika through seed soaking at 1% for 2 h followed by foliar spray at 2.5% at vegetative and flowering stage. Sargassum myriocystum was very effective as evidenced by increase in dry weight, leaf area index and fruit yield per plant.

Effect of Dictyota dichotoma liquid fertilizer growth and yield in Arachis hypogaea Var. Co1....... 205 - 212
D. DHAKSHANAMOORTHY  AND  R. SELVARAJ
Department of Botany, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar - 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
The effect of Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer (SLF) from the brown algae Dictyota dichotoma on
the germination, growth, yield and biochemical constituents of Arachis hypogaea Var. Co1
was studied.  The plants of D. dichotoma were collected from Rameswaram coast for the
present study. The seeds of Arachis hypogaea Var. Co1 were treated for 5 hours with
different concentrations (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) of D. dichotoma liquid
fertilizer and for the control experiment distilled water was used. The maximum germination
percentage, growth and yield parameters, pigments and biochemical constituents were observed in 25% concentration of SLF. The low values for seed germination, growth and yield parameters, pigments and biochemical constituents were recorded at 100 % concentration of seaweed liquid fertilizer.