From NALINM@AOL.COM Sun Dec  5 15:05:42 2004
Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 16:46:18 EST
From: NALINM@AOL.COM
To: nathistory-india@Princeton.EDU
Subject: Japanese Pesticides patent from Sunderbans Tree


    [ Part 1, Text/PLAIN  29 lines. ]
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Kolkata, Nov 23 : Scientists of Japan's Hiroshima University have
isolated a chemical from Sunderban's 'Geonwa' tree which has been used to
develop a larvicide for pest control, specially mosquitoes.

''The scientists of Hiroshima University have developed a larvicide from
a chemical isolated from the Geonwa tree of Sunderbans,'' Dr Abhijit
Mitra, faculty member, Department of Marine Sciences, Calcutta
University, said here today.

He said Calcutta University was trying to approach the Japanese
university for details of the findings, but ''Japanese researchers are
unwilling to reveal the name of the chemical as they have applied for a
patent.'' The larvicide, he said, would be used for control of pests like
mosquitoes.

Meanwhile, CU researchers have identified three varieties of mangrove in
the Sunderbans, which could be widely used as absorbents for harmful
elements and pollutants.

''We have identified three varieties - Avicennia Alba, Avicennia Marina
(both are varieties of the Byne tree) and Sonneratia Apetata (Keora),
which are very good absorbents for zinc, copper and mercury,'' Mitra
said.

Speaking at a seminar on 'Role of Indian Army in Conservation of
Wetlands,' organised by the Eastern Command headquarters, he said the
natural resources available in the world's largest mangrove, Sunderbans,
had immense potential in pharmaceutical and industrial sectors. PTI

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