A. K. Dhar

Ontogenetic Variation in the Essential Oil Concentration and Its Constituents in the Five Genotypes of Cymbopogon jwarancusa (Jones) Schultz

Abstract Ontogenetic variation in the essential oil concentration and major components in the five genotypes of Cymbopogon jwarancusa (Khavi grass) was studied. Between 0.50% to 1.64% from stage 1 (green plants spikes initiated) to stage 9 (30–50% leaves brown), the oil content ranged from 0.50% to 1.64%. The main components of Khavi grass oil were piperitone, (44.9–66.8%), elemol (7.0–29.2%) and δ-2-carene (8.3-23–5%). The percentage composition of these constituents changes with the ontogenetic development. δ-2-Carene percentage declined sharply from pre-anthesis (19–8%) to anthesis (5–9%). The piperitone concentration (68.0%) at the time of seed formation, suggesting regulation of oil and oil constituents with the plant growth.

Production of β-β,Dimethylacrylshikonin in Callus Cultures of Onosma echioides Var hispidum Clarke

AbstractCallus tissues derived from leaf segments of Onosma echioides var hispidum on three basal media viz. Murashige & Skoog (MS), Gamborg et al (B5) and White’s containing 3% sucrose produce napthaquinone pigments in presence of and NAA. However, β-β,dimethylacrylshikonin synthesis was triggered in dark in undifferentiated parenchyma cells on B5 agar medium containing 1 x10−5 M Kn and 2×10−6 M IBA when proliferated calli after 16 weeks (4th generation) were transferred to it and incubated at 23 ± 1 °C. The pigment biosynthesis increased linearly from 4th to 6th week after a lag of first 3 weeks. Callus grew exponentially after a lag of 2 weeks and diminished from 6th week onward. During 8 weeks of growth, callus grew from 0.8 to 8.2 g and the β-β, dimethylacrylshikonin showed the highest level of 25.41 μg g−1 of fresh tissue. Light microscopic examination of semi-thin sections of pigmented tissue revealed pigment accumlation between the plasma membrane and cell wall and also in the intercellular spaces. Exposure of cultures to white fluorescent light for more than 2 h resulted in complete repression of pigment bosynthesis. The investigations suggest that the regulatory mechanism for the biosynthesis and accumulation of napthaquinone pigment(s) may be similar to that of Lithospermum erythrorhizon. Pigment producing capability of callus cultures of O. echioides var hispidum can be exploited as an alternative raw source for the production of shikonin derivatives.

Culinary and potherbs of Jammu and Kashmir.

ABSTRACT The state of Jammu and Kashmir in northern India is home to numerous herb species, including Coronopus didymus L., Eremurus persicus Boiss, Gagea spp., Lactuca serriola L., Lamium amplexicaule L., Melilotus spp., Scandix pectenvenaris L., Silene spp., Sisymbrium loeselii L., and Ranunculus spp. Because over-collection in the wild can reduce yields and genetic variability of the species, attempts are being made to cultivate several species as culinary herbs and potherbs. The market potential for culinary and potherbs in the US and parts of Europe would appear to support production.