bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies of spray deposits. IV.—Polyvinyl acetate as a sticker for copper fungicides
Authors: Somers E.
Published: November 2006

The influence of polyvinyl acetate (PVA) latex on the tenacity of cuprous oxide and Burgundy mixture on the upper surface of daffodil, potato and tomato leaves has been determined in laboratory tests. PVA improved the tenacity of the fungicides on the leaf surfaces : the optimum concentration of the supplement was 1% (v/v). PVA was also found to improve the dispersion of the cuprous oxide suspension. There was no evidence that PVA reduced the fungitoxicity of cuprous oxide when assayed in vitro against Alternaria tenuis.

In field trials on potato foliage, although PVA improved the tenacity of the fungicide deposits, the effect was not sufficiently marked to recommend PVA as a practical spray supplement, and its use did not significantly improve the protection of the foliage against potato blight.
Pre‐emergent herbicidal activity of some substituted amides and related compounds
Authors: Pizey J. S. , Wain R. L.
Published: November 2006

A number of series of related aliphatic and aromatic amides have been examined as pre‐emergent herbicides in both laboratory and greenhouse tests using wheat, cabbage and rye‐grass as test plants.

Some of these compounds were found to show specific activities at low dosage rates. Rates of hydrolysis of certain of the compounds were determined and the activity of the parent acids in standard tests for plant growth regulating activity was assessed. No general relationship could be drawn between pre‐emergent herbicidal activity and chemical structure although the importance of ortho substitution in the benzamide and phenylacetamide series was established.

In some cases selectivity was found to be greatly affected by slight structural modifications. o‐Chlorophenylacetamide, for example, was markedly effective against cabbage at 10 lb./acre but not against wheat, whereas the opposite type of selectivity was shown by its NN‐dimethyl‐analogue. These two compounds and o‐chlorobenzamide and o‐toluamide were further examined elsewhere using a wider range of crop plants and weeds and useful selective herbicidal properties were found. It is suggested that some of the compounds might well be examined further under field conditions.
Effect of rate of application of superphosphate on growth and yield of potatoes
Authors: Simpson K. , Verma R. D. , Dainty J.
Published: November 2006

The effect of various rates of application of superphosphate between 0 and 4 cwt. P2O5 per acre on the yield and growth of potatoes was studied in a very wet season (1954) and a dry one (1955). Although shoot yield was stimulated by dressings up to 2 cwt. of P2O5 per acre on the ‘low P’ soils, root and tuber dry matter were not further increased by dressings above 0.66 cwt. of P2O5 per acre. on ‘high P’ soils superphosphate applications had little effect on shoot yield but delayed tuber development and depressed the final yield of tuber dry matter.

There was a positive correlation between P uptake and yield of tuber dry matter on the low‐P soils and a negative one on high‐P soils. It is suggested uptake of P2O5 per acre at the 12‐week stage for optimum tuber production was 30‐35 lb. per acre and that phosphorus toxicity occurs at higher levels of uptake.
Mycological formation of fat. VII.—Formation of fat from molasses by Aspergillus nidulans and by Penicillium Soppii in surface culture and in shaken culture
Authors: Gad A. M. , Murray Sheilah , Walker T. K.
Published: November 2006

Experiments have been made with cane molasses and with beet molasses as substrates for the cultivation of the fat‐producing moulds Aspergillus nidulans and Penicillium soppii. Satisfactory yields of fat up to 16 g./l. on a cane molasses medium supplemented with salts and up to 11.8 g./l. on an unsupplemented beet molasses medium were obtained with A. nidulans in static culture, but in shaken cultures prepared with molasses media this mould produced little fat in static and in shaken cultures prepared with sucrose‐salts media P. soppii produced 21.6 g. of fat/l. and 8.1 g. of fat/l. respectively. in static cultures on supplemented and unsupplemented cane‐molasses media P. soppii produced about 18 g. of fat/l., while in static cultures on beet molasses media, whether fortified by salts or not, the yield was 22 g./l. When P. soppii was grown in beet molasses media with agitation the highest yield of fat was 6.2 g./l.
Studies on egg shells. XII.—Some changes in the shell during incubation
Authors: Tyler C. , Simkiss K.
Published: November 2006

The changes taking place in egg shells during the course of incubation have been studied, using histochemical tests and plastic embedding techniques. It has been confirmed that the membrane comes off all the shell, apart from that over the air space, by about the 15th or 16th day. the membrane does not come away cleanly from the shell but carries with it the ends of the mammillary knobs, including the mammillary cores. At the end of incubation there is still a great deal of calcium carbonate present on the membrane. These results are discussed in relation to those of previous workers on the subject.
Kinetics of phosphate‐buffered, Ribose‐amino reactions at 40° and 70% relative humidity: Systems related to the ‘Browning’of dehydrated and salt cod
Authors: Jones N. R.
Published: November 2006

The development of brown pigmentation, the disappearance of reactants and changes in the fluorescence of reaction mixtures of ribose with individual compounds present in cod muscle extractives have been measured. These data are discussed, together with chromatographic evidence, in relation to general ‘browning’theory. By reference to the known composition of the extractives of fresh and of chill‐stored muscle, the relative importance of the different nitrogenous compounds in the early stages of the ‘browning’of dehydrated and of salt cod is postulated.
Nutrition problems in forest nurseries
Authors: Benzian B.
Published: November 2006

Investigations commenced in 1945 by Crowther, in co‐operation with members of the Research Branch of the Forestry Commission, to analyse problems of soil fertility and plant nutrition in forest nurseries, are described. the investigations still continue.

Results from many small‐plot experiments in several nurseries and seasons, with Sitka spruce as the main test crop, have shown that it is safe to use commercial fertilisers (such as ‘Nitro‐Chalk’, ammonium sulphate, superphosphate and potassium chloride) in seedbeds and transplant beds.

In short‐term experiments, which tested a range of composts and uncomposted organic manures with and without additional fertiliser, the effects were related to the major plant nutrients present. Interim results for two long‐term rotation experiments, in which continuous conifer cropping was compared with conifer cropping interrupted by fallow or green crops, have up to now shown no benefit from the green crops. In the same experiments, averaging results of eight seasons, seedlings grown with fertiliser were slightly taller than those grown with compost.

A symptom of needle tip‐burn, which occurs every season in a heathland nursery on a highly leached acid sandy soil, has been recognised as being due to copper deficiency and has been cured by a foliar application of Bordeaux mixture.

In some older nurseries, often with soil of neutral or near neutral reaction, Sitka spruce and some other conifers remain stunted even with ample manuring. Although the cause of the failure is not yet understood, it has been possible to obtain good growth after soil acidification, and after application of steam, formalin and chloropicrin.
Differential media for sulphur bacteria
Authors: Postgate J. R.
Published: November 2006

Sulphur bacteria in general are readily obtained as a crude ‘sulphuretum’ in Winogradsky's columns which consist of a slurry of powdered cellulose and gypsum beneath a mineral salt solution. Sulphate‐reducing bacteria are best detected in fluid media incubated anaerobically, containing lactate, sulphate, mineral salts and ferrous ammonium sulphate. Blackening due to FeS indicates sulphate reduction. A nutrient agar containing sodium sulphite and iron citrate has been used for Clostridium nigrificans. These media do not have appropriate Eh values for optimum growth of the organisms and only detect them if large numbers are present. Quantitative procedures are only available for Desulphovibrio desulphuricans. Sulphur‐oxidising bacteria are best detected by the pH changes they induce in media of mineral salts and either elemental sulphur or sodium thiosulphate. Anaerobic sulphide‐oxidising bacteria are best obtained in illuminated media of mineral salts and H2S, incubated anaerobically. the initial pH value and sulphide concentration determine the type obtained. Aerobic sulphide‐oxidising bacteria are sometimes found in Winogradsky's columns, but effective differential media are not available.
Inactivity of the carotene‐oxidising system in iris leaf
Authors: Booth V. H.
Published: November 2006

When green leaves were severely damaged by grinding to pulp, a quarter of the carotene was lost by enzymic activity in about 13 min. at room temperature. The enzyme was found in 20 species of leaves; also in pods, green fruits, stems and other chlorophyll‐containing parts of plants. (Some of the species treated have nutritional value.) The enzyme was not found in most of the chlorophyll‐free materials that were tested.

Carotene was stable in macerated leaf of iris. The iris was the only exception found to the rule that chlorophyll in higher plants is accompanied by the carotene‐destroying enzymic system. Other respects in which iris differed from other species are discussed.
Rǒle of polysaccharides in soil aggregation
Authors: Mehta N. C. , Streuli H. , Müller M. , Deuel H.
Published: November 2006

Natural aggregates of a Swiss Braunerde and synthetic soil aggregates produced with several polysaccharides were subjected to various chemical treatments designed to destroy polysaccharides or other soil constituents. The water stability of the aggregates was determined before and after the treatment to evaluate the rǒle of the constituent destroyed.

The properties of the agent responsible for the aggregation of soil are discussed. The contrasting behaviour of natural and synthetic aggregates provides evidence against polysaccharides being the agents responsible for the natural aggregation and it appears that more than one agent may be involved in this.
The amino‐acid composition of processed bones and meat
Authors: Eastoe J. E. , Long Joan E.
Published: November 2006

Quantitative amino‐acid analyses were made by ion‐exchange chromatography on two samples of commercial feeding meals containing high contents of meat and bone, respectively, after processing in an Iwel cooker and acid hydrolysis. The processed bones had an amino‐acid composition close to that of collagen with slightly larger amounts of most essential amino‐acids. The meat material contained significantly higher amounts of essential amino‐acids than the processed bones and had an overall composition intermediate between whole muscle protein and collagen.

The hydroxyproline contents, supported by values for other amino‐acids, indicated that the protein from processed bones contained about 83%, and the meat protein some 58%, of collagen, and that in commercial meat and meat‐and‐bone meals 50 to 65% of the total protein was collagen. Since collagen is deficient in several essential amino‐acids, its presence in large amounts may be expected significantly to reduce the nutritional value of the total protein of feeding meal. It is suggested that the determination of hydroxyproline could form the basis of a simple method for the assessment of protein quality in meat and bone meals.
Effect of some mono‐haloacetates on the biosynthesis of fat and of citric acid in submerged cultures of penicillium spinulosum
Authors: Shimi Ibrahim R.
Published: November 2006

A study is made of the formation of fat and of citric acid by preformed pellets of P. spinulosum suspended in either sucrose or citric acid solutions supplemented with monoiodo‐, monobromo‐ or monochloro‐acetates. The weights of felts, their fat contents and the concentrations of citric acid and of sucrose were all determined.
The pC value of soils and its effect on the tomato crop
Authors: Butters R. E.
Published: November 2006

The percentage of blotchy ripening of tomato fruit decreases as the soil pC value becomes lower, but total yield and size are reduced at pC values below 3.0 (measured on the 1: 2 1/2 extract).

Gypsum showed only very slight, if any, effect on plants from applications sufficient to saturate the 1: 2 1/2 extract. The conductivity of the soil solution and of the saturation extract (which closely resembles it) gave good correlation with the fresh weight of the plants, regardless of the gypsum content of the soil. There was, however, no correlation between the 1: 2 1/2 extract values and plant weight, because of the soils with a high gypsum content.

It is suggested that there should be a change to the use of an extract more closely resembling the soil solution and that the direct conductivity value should be used in place of the pC figure.
On the antioxidant activities of the tocopherols II.—Influence of substrate, temperature and level of oxidation
Authors: Lea C. H.
Published: November 2006

The antioxidant activities of the tocopherols have been compared at 60° and at 37° in distilled methyl esters of cottonseed, linseed and cod liver oil fatty acids containing small additions of oxidised ester as “starter”.

In the linoleate (cottonseed) system the γ‐ and δ‐compounds were the most and the α‐, ζ‐ and ϵ‐compounds the least effective in extending the induction period. In the polyunsaturated (linseed and cod liver oil) systems the γ‐ was still good, but the δ‐ was at the bottom of the series and the α‐ and ζ‐compounds near the top.

Factors, in addition to the presence of polyunsaturated fatty esters in the substrate, which tended to favour a relatively high activity of the α‐compound were (a) comparison of activities at a low peroxide value, still within the induction period and (b) a not too high temperature of oxidation. Under suitable conditions α‐tocopherol could be shown to exert the highest and δ‐ the lowest in vitro antioxidant activity, in agreement with their known in vivo vitamin‐E potencies.

The antioxidant activities of the tocopherols are considered in relation to their structure.
Leaf analysis as a guide to the nutrition of fruit crops. I.—general principles, sampling techniques and analytical methods
Authors: Bould C. , Bradfield E. G. , Clarke G. M.
Published: November 2006

The general principles of leaf analysis and the factors influencing leaf composition are reviewed briefly. Methods of leaf sampling, including a statistical analysis of the method used at Long Ashton, are described. The overall sampling error, expressed as the coefficient of variation, is of the order of 6%, of which about I‐2 occurs at the analytical stage. Analytical methods are given for determining total N, P, K, Ca and Mg in leaf dry matter.
Composition and amino‐acid content of high‐grade whale meat meal
Authors: Pritchard H. , Smith Patricia A.
Published: November 2006

To establish the average composition of whale meat meal particularly with reference to its vitamin and amino‐acid content, average samples of whale meat meal, produced during one season and representing the products both of floating factories and land stations, were examined. The overall composition did not vary widely, but there is a suggestion that meal produced on the land station contains more vitamin B12 than that produced on the floating factory but it is poorer in pantothenic acid.

Comparison is made of the amino‐acids present in the proteins of whale meat meal of meat‐and‐bone meal and of white fish meal.

The length of time elapsing between the death of the whale and the processing of the carcass does not appear to influence the nutritive value of the whale meat meal produced; but the free fatty acid content of the oil in the meal increases rapidly with post mortem time.
The influence of oil content on the susceptibility of seeds to fumigation with methyl bromide
Authors: Blackith R. E. , Lubatti O. F.
Published: November 2006

Evidence for the greater susceptibility of seeds of higher oil content to methyl bromide is reviewed. Oils increase the sensitivity of seeds to the fumigant at higher moisture contents by making the water more readily available, probably by blocking sorptive substrates. The oil may also act as a reservoir for methyl bromide, so that oily seeds are subject to more severe delays during germination than are less oily seeds. The conditions of moisture content and dosage under which the oily seeds, carrot, rape, cabbage and radish, may be treated, are established, as is the range of oil contents in lucerne, a seed not subject to selection for this character.
Metallic components of fruit juices. III.—Oxidation and stability of ascorbic acid in model systems resembling blackcurrant juice
Authors: Timberlake C. F.
Published: November 2006

Oxygen uptakes and ascorbic acid losses occurring in model systems resembling blackcurrant juice have been studied using the Warburg technique. Oxidation of ascorbic acid in the presence of copper was significantly increased by additions of small amounts of iron although iron alone had little effect. Of blackcurrant juice components examined, anthocyanins increased, while glucose reduced, the metal‐catalysed oxidation of ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid losses at pH 2·9 increased according to buffer in the order malonate, citrate, malate, quinate, phthalate, formate and phosphate. The effects of some metal chelating agents are described.
Nature and mode of weathering of soil‐potassium reserves
Authors: Arnold P. W.
Published: November 2006

In most partially weathered mineral soils only a small part of the total potassium is readily exchangeable to other ions; the bulk occurs in non‐exchangeable (or difficultly‐exchangeable) forms in potash feldspars, micas and micaceous clays, all of which are potential sources of potassium for plants.

Some of the principles underlying the weathering processes in feldspars, trioctahedral and dioctahedral micas are discussed. The ease with which freshly cleaved potash feldspar releases potassium to water cannot be taken to indicate that the feldspar weathers easily; in soil the feldspar is protected by a surface covering of its own decomposition products. Trioctahedral micas are less stable to weathering than dioctahedral micas, particularly during the early stages of potassium depletion; the stabilities of these two main groups of micas differ more than can be accounted for in terms of ferrous iron contents. For micas and micaceous clays the relationships between parent lattices and weathering products must depend very largely on the extent to which layer‐charges have decreased on weathering. As more becomes known about the potassium‐containing minerals which occur in soils, we should be better able to understand the factors which influence the long‐term ability of soils to supply potassium to crops.
Determination of moisture content in cereals. II.—Errors in the determination by oven drying of known changes in moisture content
Authors: Oxley T. A. , Pixton S. W.
Published: November 2006

Water added to a soft wheat, whether as vapour (humid atmosphere) or liquid, was accurately assessed by the oven method (heating 4 h. at 113°), but water added to a hard wheat by either method was over‐assessed proportionately to the amount added. The over‐assessment amounted to 1% when the moisture content was increased from 9% to 25%, on the dry weight basis.

The amount of water removed from both varieties of wheat by drying in a warm air current was over‐assessed. That from the hard wheat was over‐assessed proportionately to the amount removed (but only to the extent of about 0.25% on drying from 25% to 9% on the dry weight basis), whilst the over‐assessment was inversely proportional in the case of the soft wheat.

It is concluded generally that the ability of an oven‐drying method to measure known quantities of water in wheat is related to the type of wheat. This is consistent with results obtained in the first paper in this series.
Effects of salt and other fertilisers on yield and mineral composition of forage crops. I.—Turnips
Authors: Hemingway R. G.
Published: November 2006

The literature concerning the influence of sodium on phosphorus utilisation by plants has been reviewed together with the frequent suggestions that sodium may be able partially to replace potassium in the nutrition of Brassica crops. It has been found that salt increased the yield of turnips in each of four experiments by greater amounts than did muriate of potash. There were consistent negative interactions between salt and potassium. Muriate of potash greatly depressed sodium uptake and salt increased it by about 50%. Salt was shown to improve phosphorus uptake and there were negative interactions of importance between salt and superphosphate for both the yield and phosphorus content of the roots.
Variation in the nitrogen content of tea leaves
Authors: Barua D. N. , Deb S. B.
Published: November 2006

Data are presented showing the relationship of the nitrogen content of tea leaves to the level of nitrogenous manuring, to the position in plucked and unplucked shoots, and to various genetic and environmental factors. In carrying out comparative studies of the chemical constituents of tea leaves it is suggested that sampling should be confined to a particular leaf in a specified position on the stem. Samples drawn from plucked shoots should consist of the second leaves of comparable shoots taken from bushes growing in the inner rows of a plot.
Bone‐taint in beef.—II. Bacteria in ischiatic lymph nodes
Authors: Nottingham P. M.
Published: November 2006

In a survey of the bacteria in ischiatic lymph nodes taken from freshly‐killed cattle, a number of types of both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative organisms were isolated. The average number of aerobic bacteria per lymph node appears to be related to the mean rainfall for the two months preceding slaughter.

Two outbreaks of bone‐taint involving six sides of beef were studied. Potential taint‐producing bacteria isolated from the tainted meat included bacilli, coliforms, pseudomonads and clostridia. In the second outbreak the spoilage was mainly due to anaerobes.

The bacterial flora of lymph nodes and tainted meat were found to have much in common. This is considered to be further evidence for the view that the infection which causes bonetaint may be present in the lymph nodes during life, and spread to the surrounding tissues after death.
Kaffircorn malting and brewing studies. V.—Occurrence of β‐amylase in kaffircorn malts
Authors: Novellie L.
Published: November 2006

Contrary to commonly accepted views, sorghum (kaffircorn) malts have been found to contain β‐amylase in considerably more than traces, 18–39% of the saccharifying activity being due to the β‐amylase. The α‐ and β‐amylases have been found to develop at approximately the same rate during germination. Sorghum β‐amylase has been prepared free from the α‐enzyme and its properties studied for the first time. Since the β‐amylase of sorghum closely resembles those of barley malt and wheat, the low diastatic power of kaffircorn malts compared with those of wheat and barley is attributed only to the lower proportion of β‐amylase and not to any fundamental difference in its properties.
Selection of a pyrethrum‐resistant strain of the grain weevil, Calandra granaria L.
Authors: Parkin E. A. , Lloyd C. J.
Published: November 2006

Adults of a field strain of the grain weevil, Calandra granaria L., initially twice as resistant to pyrethrins in oil solution as a laboratory standard strain, have been exposed to selection pressure with pyrethrins in 17 out of 22 generations in the course of five years. The strain has steadily increased in resistance to pyrethrins and is now 18 times as resistant as the standard. There has been a simultaneous increase in resistance to pyrethrins synergised with piperonyl butoxide of only X2.

In the course of selection the beetles of the resistant strain became heavier in weight but not sufficiently to account for the resistance. They also became darker in colour but this change was shown to be physiologically unconnected with the increase in resistance to pyrethrins.
Rendzinas and red‐brown soils on limestone: Genetic inter‐relationship
Authors: Khan D. H.
Published: November 2006

A study of the chemistry of rendzinas and red‐brown soils and the insoluble silicate residue of the underlying limestone rocks was carried out to ascertain any genetic interrelationship on the basis of Robinson's hypothetical conjecture. Rendzinas and red‐brown soils are fairly correlated with the insoluble silicate residue of the corresponding underlying limestone rocks, and it is not necessary to postulate that the red‐brown soils are formed by decalcification and desilicification of rendzinas.
Study of some mineral mixtures designed for dairy cows
Authors: Noble R. C. , Thomas Brynmor
Published: November 2006

Analyses have been made of the important major and trace elements in mineral mixtures designed as supplements for milking cows. The results are considered with regard to the probable efficacy of the mixtures in the light of the cow's mineral requirements. No mixture was completely unsatisfactory although in all cases the sodium content was below that regarded as optimum. It is suggested that the data available (by no means complete) concerning the mineral requirements of dairy cows is not used to the best advantage in the design of mineral supplements.
Factors affecting the estimation of phosphate esters in soil
Authors: Anderson G.
Published: November 2006

Methods available for the determination of organic phosphate in soils are critically reviewed. Differences between the behaviour of an acid and a calcareous soil are shown. The procedure of Mehta et al.2 is modified by use of a mild alkaline extraction before the acid extraction to obviate the hydrolysis of inositol hexaphosphate, glycerophosphate, glucose‐1‐phosphate and nucleic acids.
Determination of NN′‐diphenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine (DPPD) in fat and other biological materials
Authors: Budowski P. , Ascarelli I. , Bondi A.
Published: November 2006

A general method is presented for the determination of DPPD in a variety of biological materials such as feeds, chicken fat and organs, serum and egg yolk, based on extraction with light petroleum, purification of the extract and measurement of the red colour formed with 72% sulphuric acid containing a little nitric acid.

A study has also been made of some relevant properties of DPPD and its quinoid oxidation product, NN′‐diphenyl‐p‐quinonediimine (“quinone‐dianil”, QDA).
Deposition of NN′‐diphenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine (DPPD) in chicks and eggs
Authors: Ascarelli I. , Budowski P. , Bornstein S. , Bondi A.
Published: November 2006

In order to contribute to a better assessment of the danger to man involved in the use of the antioxidant DPPD as a feed‐additive to poultry mashes, its content has been determined in eggs and in the organs of chickens and laying hens fed different levels of this compound. DPPD is accumulated mainly in the liver and in body fat. The maximum DPPD level of eggs and organs seems to be reached after feeding for 2 weeks, while practically all stored DPPD disappears in 2 weeks after the feeding of DPPD has been stopped.

The absolute amount of DPPD deposited in eggs and in the carcass of birds fed the usual amount (0·0125%) of antioxidant seems to be very small.
Mineral composition of clonal tea leaf from North‐East India
Authors: Gokhale N. G. , Bhattacharyya N. G.
Published: November 2006

Data are presented for the inorganic chemical constituents of tea leaf collected from four different clones grown in Assam. Samples were collected on three different dates during the period July to September, 1956. Analyses were made separately of bud, 1st leaf, etc. The data presented show that chemical composition of tea leaf varies not only with physiological age and date of sampling but also with the clones.
Studies on egg shells. XIII.—Influence of individuality, breed, season and age on certain characteristics of egg shells
Authors: Tyler C. , Geake F. H.
Published: November 2006

Samples of eggs covering three laying seasons from three birds, each of four breeds (White Leghorn, Black Leghorn, Rhode Island Red and Light Sussex) have been examined. This study included percentage of cracked eggs, shell thickness and porosity, membrane thickness, total, insoluble and soluble shell‐N. There were marked individual and breed differences but certain generalisations were possible. Shells were thinner in summer, but not all birds were equally influenced by the season. Membrane thickness was lowest in spring and also diminished with age. The soluble N fraction had a far greater influence on the total shell‐N than had the insoluble fraction and total shell‐N increased with age. The winter months gave the lowest values for cracked eggs and cracking appeared to be associated with thinner shells and also with a higher total shell‐N, but it was evident that these were not the only factors involved.
Contamination problems in soil and plant analysis
Authors: Mitchell R. L.
Published: November 2006

The problems arising from contamination in soil and plant analysis are important chiefly in trace element work and originate either during the sampling and preparative stages or in the laboratory. With soils the chief danger occurs during transport in unsuitable containers or during drying and sieving. Plants are liable to be contaminated by soil, and means of assessing its severity and its possible effect on analytical results by determination of the apparent Ti content of the plant material are described. Contamination arising in the laboratory can be minimised by stringent precautions at all stages of the work, and by the use of carefully selected and, if necessary, purified reagents.
Chemical studies on the herring (Clupea harengus). IV.—Creatine in herring flesh, and its behaviour during heat processing
Authors: Hughes R. B.
Published: November 2006

British herring contained 350–420 mg. of creatine and 5–10 mg. of creatinine per 100 g. of flesh. During heat processing at 115° about one‐quarter of the creatine is converted into creatinine, but an overall loss of total creatine plus creatinine also occurs. This is shown to be due to physical binding on the flesh proteins during thermal coagulation. These changes are not considered of importance in the development of the cooked flavour.
Instability in potable spirits. I.—Scotch whisky
Authors: Warwicker L. A.
Published: November 2006

Instability in spirits is partly inherent, partly caused by contamination during maturation and partly due to bad filtration techniques. Instability occurs as deposition with metallic contamination and alteration of the pH to critical values. It is distinct from the formation of “inks”. Chill‐proofing is not sufficient in itself to provide a stable product if sufficient contamination occurs afterwards. Ion‐exchange in the H+ form removes an instability factor.
Estimation of potassium in soils by determination of 40K content
Authors: Rodriguez J. , Mattingly G. E. G.
Published: November 2006

The potassium contents of 38 soils from Great Britain and Spain were estimated by determining their count rates in a cylindrical Geiger‐Müller tube. The count rate was converted to % K from a calibration curve obtained with mixtures of powdered quartz and minerals of known potassium content and density.

The mean amount of potassium in 26 soils from Central, Eastern and Southern England was 0.19% higher by counting than by chemical analysis, because they contained other radioactive elements. The radioactivity in these soils, other than that from potassium, was equivalent to approximately U 2.5 p.p.m. and Th 18 p.p.m. Results by chemical analysis and by counting differed more with 12 soils from Scotland, Wales and Spain than with soils from England.

The standard error of the mean of duplicate estimations of the potassium content of soils was about ±0.075% K for the radiochemical method and ±0.023 to ±0.026% K for two chemical methods.
The contamination of flour by insecticidal lacquers containing endrin and dieldrin
Authors: Dyte C. E. , Tyler P. S.
Published: November 2006

Insecticidal lacquers containing dieldrin emit a toxic vapour which passses through jute sacking and kraft paper, and is readily absorbed by flour. Dieldrin contamination can persist in flour stored in open‐topped containers for 18 months, and can be produced by as little as 3 h. contact with the lacquer. Samples of flour which had been in contact with an endrin lacquer in one flour mill contained up to 323 p.p.m. of endrin, which is more than twice the concentration known to cause symptoms of acute toxic poisoning in man.
Insect control by gamma‐irradiation: An appraisal of the potentialities and problems involved
Authors: Cornwell P. B. , Bull J. O.
Published: November 2006

Experimental sources of cobalt‐60, made radioactive by neutron irradiation, have been used during recent years for investigating the radiation susceptibility of insect pests. Lethal and sterilising effects have been examined on species, strains and developmental stages to evaluate the dose levels required for commercial treatment. The technical feasibility of using radiation as an insecticide is now established.

Results of research and problems of application are examined in relation to the two potential methods of controlling insect pests by irradiation; indirect control by the release of sterilised adults and the direct treatment of infested products. Application of the first method, exemplified by work on screw‐worm fly, is limited to very few species by a number of biological requirements. Direct treatment could have wider application for the control of all species infesting stored products. The most favourable products for radiation dis‐infestation are those handled in bulk at particular centres, and for this reason radiation treatment of grain has been examined in detail. The fundamental and applied problems of using γ‐radiation for this purpose are discussed and the relative merits of fumigation and radiation sterilisation are compared.

It is concluded that among factors which may influence the success of radiation disinfestation, bulk handling and the incorporation of treatment into established handling procedures must receive primary consideration. γ‐Irradiation may eventually take its place as a useful means of insect control, but it is unlikely to displace conventional methods.
The large‐scale production of protein from leaf extracts
Authors: Morrison J. E. , Pirie N. W.
Published: November 2006

Juice from fresh, pulped, leaves is freed from most of the starch grains, fibre and detritus and coagulated quickly with steam. The protein coagulum is filtered off, washed with water at pH 4 and pressed into blocks with 30–40% dry matter. In this form it keeps under refrigeration.

Texture, colour and nutritive value of the final product are determined by the conditions of drying. The precautions needed during drying, especially freeze‐drying, are described. The products are fairly stable at room temperature but lipids have to be removed before the protein will keep permanently. The conditions for doing this by acetone extraction are described.

The composition of the protein and the uses to which it can be put are described briefly.
Acetone‐soluble lipids of grasses and other forage plants. I.–galactolipids of red clover (Trifolium pratense) leaves
Authors: Weenink R. O.
Published: November 2006

The acetone‐soluble lipids of red clover (T. pratense) consist largely of the galactolipids, galactosyl‐1‐glycerol and digalactosyl‐1‐glycerol linolenate. The fatty acids from the galactolipids, expressed in moles, were shown by gas‐liquid chromatography to consist of 95.8% linolenic, 1.9% linoleic and 2.3% palmitic acid. Oleic, stearic and palmitoleic acids were not detected. No indication was obtained of the presence of triglycerides in the acetone‐soluble lipids.
Preservation of peeled potato. II.–uptake of sulphite by peeled and chipped potato treated with sodium metabisulphite
Authors: Furlong C. R.
Published: November 2006

The uptake of sulphur dioxide by peeled potato tissue when treated in various ways with a solution of sodium metabisulphite has been determined.
The oxidation of cysteine, glutathione and thioglycollate by iodate, bromate, persulphate and air
Authors: Hird F. J. R. , Yates J. R.
Published: November 2006

The oxidation of cysteine, glutathione and thioglycollate by bromate, iodate, persulphate and air has been studied at 28° and at near‐neutral pH values. The oxidations have been followed by a combination of methods—by reaction with p‐chloromercuribenzoate (spectrophotometric), methylmercuric iodide (polarographic) and, in the case of cysteine, chromatographically and manometrically.

The oxidation is rapid by iodate, slow with bromate and persulphate and slower still with air. The major product in the case of cysteine is the disulphide cystine, but up to 10% of the higher oxidation products, cysteinesulphinic and cysteinesulphonic acids, are formed.

The oxidation of thiol groups is discussed in relationship with the action of the improvers used in the bread industry.
Vegetable oils. IX.—application of reversed‐phase chromatography to the analysis of seed oils
Authors: Gunstone F. D. , Sykes P. J.
Published: November 2006

A method of determining the composition of mixtures of saturated, unsaturated and oxygenated acids by application of reversed‐phase chromatography has been applied to four seed oils: Gmelina asiatica (Linn.), Cephalocroton peuschelli (Pax.), Vernonia camporum (A. Cheval), and Jatropha curcas (Linn.).
Effects of fertilisers on the yield of potatoes in S.E. Scotland
Authors: Simpson K. , Crooks P.
Published: November 2006

A series of field experiments was made on maincrop potatoes grown for seed with farmyard manure. The optimum rates of application of ammonium sulphate, superphosphate and potassium chloride were considerably lower than those at present practised in the area.

Use of 120 lb. of N per acre, consistently depressed yield of both ware and seed. Moderate applications of superphosphate (60 lb. of P2O5 per acre) increased seed yield generally but had little effect with soils high in easily soluble phosphorus. Potassium chloride increased the ware/seed ratio considerably. Interactions between the effects of the fertilisers on yield were very small.
Chemical investigation of seeds of selected tropical plants. I.—component acids of the fats or oils
Authors: Mackie A. , Mieras D. G.
Published: November 2006

The component acids of the fats or oils of Pinang mabuk, Monodora myristica, Xylopia aethiopica, Celosia argentea, Anogeissus schimperi, Mangifera indica and Carapa procera were investigated. The acids were determined qualitatively and quantitatively by gas chromatography. The results are compared with those obtained for seeds of other plants of the same families.
The shrinkage of cherries in jelly
Authors: Anthistle Margaret J.
Published: November 2006

It is demonstrated that cherries gradually shrink if set in a gelatin jelly and that the main factor governing the extent of the shrinkage is the gel pH. The pH of minimum shrinkage depends on the isoelectric pH of the gel and the results are discussed in the light of Donnan's theory of membrane equilibrium.
The α‐Tocopherol content of leaves as affected by growth rate
Authors: Booth V. H. , Hobson‐Frohock A.
Published: November 2006

α‐Tocopherol was quickly extracted from small samples of leaf with acetone, transferred to petrol, purified by two‐dimensional paper chromatography, and determined by the Emmerie–Engel test.

Fast‐growing leaves of Lepidium sativum (cress), Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and other plants had tocopherol contents of about 70 p.p.m. based on dry matter (7 p.p.m. fresh weight); while evergreen and other slow‐growing leaves had up to 1400 p.p.m. (450 p.p.m. fresh). In long leaves of grass, iris, narcissus and other plants the α‐tocopherol content was low near the base where growth is fast and maximal near the apex where growth is slow. In young short leaves of narcissus the gradient was only slight. Tocopherol contents of leaves increased during summer and reached maxima in autumn or winter. In leaves of two conifers the maximum concentration was reached in the third winter. In evergreen leaves the values fell in spring. Dying and fallen leaves had higher contents than green leaves. In blooms of narcissus the α‐tocopherol contents diminished considerably during development.

It is concluded that α‐tocopherol content of leaves is inversely related to growth rate.
Studies on dried Bombay duck (Harpoden nehereus). I.—denaturation of proteins and texture changes during drying
Authors: Sawant P. L. , Magar N. G.
Published: November 2006

The effect of drying of Bombay duck under and without vacuum was studied as regards the denaturation of the proteins and the texture changes. Denaturation of proteins during drying was not only restricted to the actomyosin fraction but it was also extended to the sarcoplasmic fraction of the proteins. Decrease in apyrase activity and contractility of muscle fibre was observed after drying but such decrease was not related to the protein denaturation. The solubility behaviour of the dried product in urea solvents suggested the formation of hydrogen‐bond and disulphide cross‐linkages during drying. Rehydration and microstructural studies revealed that a compact and less fibrous product was formed after drying.
Studies on dried Bombay duck (Harpoden nehereus). II.—changes in the nutritive value during processing
Authors: Sawant P. L. , Magar N. G.
Published: November 2006

The effects of boiling, steaming, autoclaving and then drying under vacuum and without vacuum on the nutritive value of Bombay duck has been studied. An increase in the release of amino‐acids during pepsin digestion and in the Pepsin Digest Residue (P.D.R.) Index was observed after pretreatments, the release of amino‐acids and the P.D.R. Index being decreased by drying, to a lower degree in the vacuum‐dried product. The retention of amino‐acids was higher during vacuum drying.
Transformation, leaching and uptake of fertilizer nitrogen applied in autumn and spring to winter wheat on a heavy soil
Authors: Gasser J. K. R.
Published: November 2006

The concentrations of ammonium and nitrate in the surface layer (0–6 in.) of a heavy soil with and without fertilizer N were measured from October 1957 to September 1958 on plots growing winter wheat and in bare soil. Ammonium sulphate or ‘calcium nitrate’ supplying 100 lb. of N/acre was applied in the autumn, in the spring, or half in autumn + half in spring. Both forms of fertilizer applied in the autumn were lost from the surface soil by the following March. Autumn‐applied nitrogen was not taken up by the wheat during the autumn or winter. Nitrogen applied in the spring was rapidly taken up by the crop, but remained in the surface soil of the bare plots until June, when prolonged and heavy rain leached the nitrate into the lower soil layer.

At the time the ears emerged, much more mineral nitrogen had been lost from the soil top‐dressed with fertilizer in the spring than was accounted for by the increase in nitrogen uptake by the above‐ground parts of the wheat.

The yields of grain and straw at harvest were not increased by the nitrogen fertilizers, whenever applied. The nitrogen contents of both grain and straw were increased by applying fertilizers, and there were consistent but small increases in the total nitrogen uptake by the wheat on the fertilized plots. The uptake of the fertilizer nitrogen had its greatest value in the samples taken at ear emergence when on average 27 lb. of N/acre of the 100 lb. applied was recovered. At harvest, wheat from the fertilized plots contained 18 lb. of N/acre less than at ear emergence.
Treatment of meats with ionising radiations. VI.—changes in quality during storage of sterilised raw beef and pork
Authors: Coleby B. , Ingram M. , Shepherd H. J.
Published: November 2006

Radiation‐sterilised raw beef and pork were stored at temperatures from −20° to + 37°, and changes in appearance, odour, texture and flavour, during several months, were assessed by a panel using ranking and hedonic scores.

The changes in appearance were deleterious, but of minor importance save at the highest temperatures. There was a softening of texture and loss of fluid, presumed due to autolytic changes, also greater at the higher temperatures; but, even after several months at 37°, the fibrous texture of the meat remained intact during cooking. The initial ‘irradiation’ odour and flavour gradually changed to stale and bitter flavours and, though there were minor fluctuations, the general trend was a marked deterioration, again more rapid the higher the temperature.

Meat irradiated with 5 Mrads at −75° was preferred to that with 2 Mrads at 18°, confirming the protective effect of freezing; but, on storage under similar conditions, the former deteriorated like the latter. Occasional samples, in both series, were not sterilised.

It is concluded that for the radiation‐preservation of raw meat at normal temperatures, the storage changes represent as serious an obstacle as the initial effect of irradiation.
Kaffircorn malting and brewing studies. IX.—amino‐acid composition of kaffircorn grain and malt
Authors: Horn P. J. , Schwartz H. M.
Published: November 2006

The amino‐acid compositions of three varieties of kaffircorn and of one sample of kaffircorn malt were determined. Proline was present in relatively large amounts. From the point of view of human nutrition, lysine was deficient, while methionine was the second limiting amino‐acid.
Fertiliser responses of maincrop potatoes: A re‐examination of the experimental evidence
Authors: Boyd D. A.
Published: November 2006

The results of recent manurial experiments on maincrop potatoes were re‐examined to determine (i) what general changes in level of response had occurred since the summary of Crowther & Yates in 1940, and (ii) the nature of the interactions between nutrients and their influence on the form of the fertiliser response curve and on optimal fertiliser dressings.

Average responses to N 0.8 cwt., P2O5 1.0 cwt. and K2O 1.5 cwt. per acre in over 100 experiments done since 1940 were 1.8, 1.4 and 2.0 tons per acre respectively, and these do not differ by more than 0.2 ton per acre from the figures of Crowther & Yates.

Most of the recent experiments on mineral soils showed large interactions between nutrients which affected both the magnitude of the response to a given dressing and the degree to which the response fell off with increasing levels of dressing. The concept of a ‘standard’ response curve of exponential form did not adequately describe the response surface revealed in these experiments. Evidence is presented that, for any nutrient, the response curve rises to a maximum and then begins to fall, and that the level of dressing at which the fall begins depends on the amounts of the nutrient present in the soil, on the supply of the other plant nutrients both by the soil and from fertilisers and farmyard manure, and on other factors such as the method of fertiliser application.

For fertiliser applied over the ridges at planting, optimal dressings were estimated to be N and P2O5 1.0–1.2 cwt. per acre and K2O 1.5–2.0 cwt. per acre, but the optima were ill determined because the fertiliser rates tested in most of the experiments were too low.