EFFECT OF PARAQUAT ON MICROBIAL ACTIVITIES IN SOILS*

Summary. When paraquat was added to four different soils, nitrification was not appreciably affected but ammonification of soil organic-matter nitrogen was slightly retarded. Carbon dioxide evolution as well as oxygen consumption was used as an index of metabolic activity of soil micro-organisms and paraquat had a stimulatory effect at higher concentrations. Oxidation of added sulphur was slightly depressed. Paraquat decreased both the total mould and bacterial populations in Chehalis silt loam. After 30 days incubation the percentages of Streptomyces and Penicillia were markedly increased by most treatments but were little affected in Chehalis silt clay and Woodburn soils. Except for the temporary suppression of nitrification, paraquat had no significant influence on general microbial activities of importance to soil fertility. Some bimodal effects or toxicity inversions were observed with intermediate concentrations. Effet du paraquat sur les activités microbiennes dans les sols     

Cardioaccelerator release in Periplaneta americana (L)

Focal electrical stimulation of the brain of Periplaneta americana evokes the release of a factor with high cardioaccelerator activity. Results of extirpation of components of the retrocerebral complex from an isolated head preparation imply that the corpus cardiacum is the critical component of this system. The cardioaccelerator is a heat-stable proteinaceous compound.     

Codex alimentarius approach to pesticide residue standards

To protect consumers' health, most countries have maximum legal limits for pesticide residues in foods. Trade difficulties can arise when limits differ between countries. The Codex Alimentarius Commission was established in 1962 to implement the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, the purpose of which is to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in international food trade. The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR), an intergovernmental body which advises the Commission on matters related to pesticide residues, is responsible for establishing maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides in foods and feeds that move in international trade. Codex MRLs are based on residue data obtained mainly from supervised trials that reflect approved pesticide use in accordance with "good agricultural practice." MRLs must be toxicologically acceptable in terms of estimated pesticide intake by consumers. CCPR Working Groups examine problems related to establishing and implementing MRLs, including sampling and methods of analysis. Despite time and effort expended, acceptance and application of Codex MRLs face many problems in international trade.