Thirty samples each of wheat and rice and 22 of maize were screened qualitatively and quantitatively for the presence of mycotoxins out of which 13, 15 and 7 samples respectively were found to be contaminated with different mycotoxins. Aflatoxin was present in 37.4% samples and besides aflatoxin, ochratoxin A, sterigmatocystin, citrinin, rubratoxin and zearalenone were also present in the cereals. The quantity of aflatoxin was highest in rice samples in comparison to wheat and maize. During the preliminary bioassay no external changes were observed in the mice except for slight weight loss when fed with grain samples, while a high rate of mortality was observed when treated with lethal doses of mycotoxins.
The bryophytic vegetation associated with Platanus orientalis trees were studied and compared with other important tree species of Nainital. In total 27 mosses and liverworts belonging to 14 families with three morphological groups formed the principle component of Platanus orientalis tree bark. Based on IVI (Important Value Index), Regmatodon orthostegius together with Brachymenium capitulatum formed the pioneer community, while Herpetineuron toccoae formed the climax community on the Platanus orientalis stems. Comparison of the bryoflora of P. orientalis with other dominant trees of this locality indicated that 15 species were common, while 12 species viz., Didymodon vinealis (Brid.) R.H., Bryoerythrophyllum dentatum (Mitt.) Chen, Gemmabryum apiculatum (Schwägr.), Ditrichum heteromallum (Hedw.) Britt., Entodon chloropus Ren. & Card., Cylindrothecium laetum (Griff.) Paris, Fabronia schensiana C. Muell., Lejeunea tuberculosa Stephani, Levierella neckeroides (Griff.), Regmatodon orthostegius Mont., Rhynchostegiella menadensis (Lac.) Bartr. and Stereophyllum fulvum (Harv.) Jaeg. were confined to the tree barks of P. orientalis.
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