In vitro morphogenesis in zygotic embryo cultures of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.).

Immature zygotic embryo cultures of neem yielded highly regenerative cultures, with the response varying with the embryo stage at culture. Early dicotyledonous stage embryos were the most responsive followed by torpedo stage embryos. The embryo cultures differentiated three types of regenerants: somatic embryos (SEs), shoot buds and neomorphs. SEs exhibited morphological abnormalities such as pluricotyledony, fusion of cotyledons and absence of cotyledons. Although these SEs showed secondary embryogenesis, the occurrence of normal dicotyledonous embryos was extremely rare. On MS basal medium 3% of SEs developed a long tap root but a plumular shoot did not appear. However, it was possible to regenerate plantlets from immature zygotic embryo cultures of neem via neomorph formation and adventitious shoot bud formation. The transplantation survival of these plants was more than 80%.

Production of haploids of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) by anther culture.

Androgenic haploids of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) were produced by anther culture at the early- to late-uninucleate stage of pollen. Haploid formation occurred via callusing. The best medium for inducing callusing in the anther cultures was Murashige and Skoog's basal medium (MS) (9% sucrose) supplemented with 1 microM 2,4-D, 1 microM NAA and 5 microM BAP, while anther callus multiplied best on MS medium supplemented with 1 microM 2,4-D and 10 microM Kn. These calli differentiated shoots when transferred to a medium containing BAP; 5 microM BAP was optimum for young calli (75% cultures differentiated shoots), but older calli showed the best regeneration with 7.5 microM BAP. Shoots elongated at a lower concentration of BAP-0.5 microM. These shoots were multiplied by forced axillary branching and rooted in vitro. The plants were subsequently established in soil. Of the plants that regenerated from anther callus 60% were haploid, 20% were diploid and 20% were aneuploid.

Antifertility effect and some pharmacological actions of Butea frondosa seed extracts.

PIP: The antifertility effects and pharmacological actions of Betea fronosa seed extracts are reported. An alcoholic extract, chloroform extract, and an aqueous extract were tested. Drugs were administered in 6 female mice 5 days after mating. Laparotomy was performed on the 10th day of pregnancy to observe the implants and delivery by Cesarean section was made at 20 days. Female rats were similarly treated. Female rats were studied as well for estreus cycle and mating behavior under the influence of the drug. Antiestrogenic activity was tested in mature mice and androgenic activity was tested in immature male mice at 6 different extract doses. Decidual cell reaction was tested in rats with pseudopregnancy given different doses of the extract daily. Abortifacient and teratogenic actions were studied. Pharmacological studies included antiinflammatory studies, isolated tissues, blood pressure and respiration, diuretic action, and acute toxicity. Results indicate only the alcohol extract to be active. It has a distinct antifertility effect in rats but without a clearcut dose-response relationship. There was an incomplete suppression of fertility at 100 mg/kg. Estreus cycle was uneffected by the extracts although there was delayed mating in half the animals and a significant reduction in offspring. There was some inhibition of ovulation produced by the extract. Differences between controls and treated groups were insignificant regarding antiestrogenic activity and androgenic activity. There was a partial blocking of the decidual cell reaction. Complete resorption of implants was seen in 4 out of 5 mice when the extract was given at 1 gm/kg. The only other pharmacological action noted was inhibition of the action of acetylcholine and histamine on the guinea pig ileum. Pharamcodynamic and toxic effects are probably unrelated to the antifertility action of the extract.^ieng