Effect of various aqueous extracts of weed plants, Hyptis sauveolens (L.), Ricinus communis (L.), Alternanthera sessilis (L.), Ipomoea carnea (Jacq), Malachra capitata (L.) and Cymbopogon citrutus (Stapf), on seed germination, of Triticum aestivum L. var k9 were studied. Extracts of1%, 2%, 3% & 5% concentrations of weed extracts were prepared. the seeds of Triticum aestivum L. var k9 were germinated in petridishes. Final germination percentage, weight of germinated seeds and their corresponding radicle and coleoptile length was recorded at the end of 7 days along with total chlorophyll and total proteins. Seedling vigor index was calculated (SVI) using the formula percent germination× by average radical length. A control was maintained by watering the seeds with water. Statistical analysis was done to compare the mean values using T Test. There was a significant reduction in all the parameters at high concentrations of the weed extracts in all the plant species under the study. The tolerance level of allelopathic activities of various weed extractsin terms of seed vigor index represented as Cymbopogon strictus>Ipomoea carnea>Hyptis saveolens >Malachracapitata> Ricinus communis> Alternanthera sessilis. All the weed extracts studied had a marked effect on all the parameters studied, suggesting sever allelopathic effects on seed germination of Wheat

Ipomoea carnea and Alternanthera sessilis are two common weeds in India which have shown to possess several medicinal properties. The present study pertains to assess the antioxidant and cytotoxicity activity of the leaf extracts of these plants. The extraction of leaf content of the plants was carried out by soxhlet method using methanol. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay was performed in vitro on vero cell line by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay method. In vitro antioxidant activity was carried out by DPPH radical scavenging method. The cytotoxicity activity for I. Carnea i.e. IC50 (50% growth inhibition) value was found to be 1mg/ml and the IC50 of A.sessilis was found to be 6.5mg/ml. The antioxidant activity of I. Carnea i.e. IC50 value was found to be 1200ug/ml whereas that of A. sessilis was found to be 400ug/ml. The cytotoxic activity was higher for Ipomoea extracts as compared to Alternanthera extracts. However, the DPPH free radical scavenging activity was higher for Alternanthera sessilis extracts as compared to Ipomoea carnea extracts. Both showed high in vitro activity, which indicates the therapeutic potential of these plants.

Industrial development and scientific advancement has contaminated the environment, as a result one of the major pollutants in the environment are heavy metals and their introduction in air, water and agricultural soil. In recent years, chromium has become a major environmental pollutant as it widely used in making alloys, electroplating of stainless steel, production of pigments. Many studies have been carried out on heavy metals to understand their detrimental effects in the ecosystem. In the present study, Chromium was selected to find out its harmful effects on seed germination and seedling growth of Vigna radiata L, Trigonella foenum-graceum L, Oryza sativa L, Sorghum vulgare L and Pennisetum glaucum L. Seeds of the selected plants were grown in petri dishes and treated with varying concentrations of Chromium solution. Each treatment was replicated in a randomised design and observed for 7 days. The developing seedlings were studied for their total rate of germination, seed vigour index, length of radicle, length of plumule and fresh weight compared to a set of seeds germinated using distilled water as control. It was observed that the harmful effects of chromium on all the parameters were directly proportional to the concentration of solution employed, with the inhibition of growth being pronounced from 50 ppm onwards. Based on the response of the plants the toxic effect of chromium was seen in the following order, Trigonella foenum-graceum L>Oryza sativa L>Pennisetum glaucum L>Sorghum vulgare L>Vigna radiata L.

SGNP embraces floral species possessing medicinal, food and commercial values. Owing to over–collection, they have been listed as either being endemic, rare or endangered in Red Data Book. For complete representation of floristic components, seasonal floristic surveys were conducted every fortnight and to understand their value as medicine, food and commercial, information was gained from the local communities and resources from Nature Information Center of the SGNP. The survey identified 84 tree species from 28 families, 17 species of Shrubs from 8 families, 37 species of Herbs from 19 families, 20 species of Climbers from 11 families, 3 species of Bamboos from 1 family, 1 species each of Epiphyte and Parasite and 4 species of Palms. Of 84 species of trees, 81 were known to have an intrinsic value as food, commercial, medicinal, religious or all. 66 of 79 species of plants recorded showed a high inherent value and used by local communities to generate natural income. Having known of the values of trees, 6 of the 84 species of trees were recorded as endangered, vulnerable, rare or endemic to the region. Similarly, atleast 6 species of wild plants belonged to one of the categories of the Red Data List. It is quite evident that the species of plants in SGNP provide mankind with large number of goods and services. Recognizing their exquisite properties as medicinal, commercial and food, the forests can be considered as a source worth millions to enhance human wellbeing.

ABSTRACT-Contamination of soil by heavy metals is an ecological problem on a global level, this contamination affects agricultural crops in the area concerned. In the present study, Copper, Zinc and Chromium being heavy metals have been assessed for their injurious effects on seed germination and seedling growth of Trigonella foenum-graceum L. solutions of the heavy metals were prepared in concentrations ranging from1,3,5,10,50,100,200,300,500ppm for irrigating the seeds of the crop to be germinated in Petri-dishes for seven days. The young seedlings were studied for their response based on seed vigour index, length of radicle, length of plumule and fresh weight against seeds germinated using distilled water as control. It was observed that toxic effect of heavy metals on fenugreek growth was as follows: Cr>Cu>Zn on the basis of a decrease in germination percentage and overall poor health of the seedling.