Crop production functions and the allocation and use of irrigation water

The economically optimal depth of irrigation water to apply depends on the relationship between crop yield and water use. Past research efforts to formulate and to explain the factors influencing irrigated crop production functions have therefore been briefly reviewed. Although it is not possible to obtain a unique relationship, by considering a possible range of functions, and by understanding the factors causing variations in the form of these functions, valuable conclusions can be drawn relating to the optimal depth of water application and the relative magnitude of benefits derived from efficient water management.     

Effects of pre- and post-harvest anti-transpirant applications on vase life of leatherleaf fern

Post-harvest water use of leatherleaf fern (Rumohra adiantiformis [G. Forst] Ching) was not affected when Cloud Cover, Vapor Gard or Wilt Pruf¹ were applied 3–28 days prior to harvest. However, post-harvest anti-transpirant dips reduced water use during the first 24 h. The shortest vase life occurred in fronds dipped in water. The incidence of frond curl was not influenced by anti-transpirant applications.     

Purification and initial characterisation of koala immunoglobulins

The production of koala immunoglobulins (Ig) was elicited by the immunisation of a koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) with bovine serum albumin. This Ig was then purified using the highly specific techniques of affinity chromatography. The purified protein was compared with a "potential" koala Ig protein which was subsequently purified by Protein G chromatography and both proteins were further characterised by agarose/SDS-PAGE and immunoelectrophoresis. Results indicate that koalas do produce Ig in response to antigen challenge, koala Ig has a higher net negative charge than that seen in most other mammals and possibly two subclasses of IgG and IgM are present in normal koala serum.