The influence of the epidermis on the drying rate of red clover leaflets, leaf petioles and stems at low water contents

An apparatus is described which enables excised pieces of plant material lo be weighed al frequent intervals as they dry in controlled conditions of temperature, humidity and air-speed. The effect of removing the epidermis on the drying rate of red clover ( Trifolium pratense ) leaflets, leaf petioles and stems is examined. Initially this treatment caused a very large increase in the drying rate of leaflets. Although the effect declined as water content fell, leaflets from which the epidermis had been removed still dried more rapidly than the controls at a water content equivalent to 50% of the dry weight. Removing the epidermis had a greater effect on the drying rate of leaf petioles and stems at low water contents than it did on the drying rate of leaflets.
Slow drying at low water contents is a major factor responsible for the undesirably long periods for which hay may lie in the field. Slow drying occurs even though swath microclimate becomes more favourable for drying as water content falls. The results presented here suggest that treatments which reduce cuticular resistance have the potential to reduce field drying time.     

The effect of plant-induced changes of pH upon the adsorption and phytotoxicity of s-triazlne herbicides

The effect of plant-induced changes of soluiion pH upon the adsorpiion of s-lriazme herbicides in either K-monimorillonite or Na - bentonite ciay-nutrieni suspensions and iheir phyioioxi- city in soil was studied. ln clay-NO₃^? suspensions (wiih NO₃- as the nitrogen source) maize planls (Zea may L.) caused a marked rise in solution pH and this resulted in a rapid descrp- tion of bound atrazine or simazine. in clay-NHa ⁺ suspensions (with NH4 ⁺ as the nitrogen source) the lowering of solution pH through plant aclivity resulted in jnereased adsorption of these herbicides. In soil, changes of rhizosphere pH were also found when either KNO₃ or (NH₄) ₂SO₄ were supplied as fertilizers, bul it was nol established whether ihis had a direct effeci upon the significant increase in weight of (NH₄)₂SO₄ treated wheat (Tri- ticum aestivum L.) planls at low herbicide concentrations compared with KNO₃ treated wheat plants.     

The fisheries statistics system of Java, Indonesia: operational realities in a developing country

Abstract. The system for reporting fishery statistics in Indonesia, a developing country with a large marine fishery, provides an example of the problems of using fishery statistics as the basis for stock assessment and other fishery management work. The statistical system now used was first instituted in 1976. In spite of the millions of pieces of information processed by the system annually, provincial and national reports are produced on a reasonably timely basis. A field review on parts of the island of Java revealed, however, that data from the system are of limited use to the cautious analyst. Significant inaccuracies are present. A brief review of the system, its general accuracy and possible sources of inaccuracies arc given.     

Supplementation with Phaseolus vulgaris Leaves Improves Metabolic Alterations Induced by High-Fat/Fructose Diet in Rats Under Time-Restricted Feeding

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition - Time-restricted feeding and food enriched in polyphenols are strategies to prevent or reduce metabolic disorders. Bean leaves (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are a...     

The prevalence and anatomical distribution of equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS) in 201 horses in Denmark

Reasons for performing study: The prevalence (up to 93% in Thoroughbred racehorses) and severity of equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS) have been correlated with the type of training and associated management practices. However, there have been few reports to confirm these findings in nonracehorses in Europe. Objectives: To describe the prevalence, anatomical distribution, severity and number of gastric ulceration lesions in a population of Danish pleasure horses; and to investigate differences for groups based on age, breed type and workload. Methods: A total of 201 horses not in active race‐training, age 7 months‐27 years, were evaluated, representing 23 different stables from all 5 regions of Denmark. These horses were considered to be healthy by the owner and not on veterinary treatment for EGUS. Endoscopically observed ulcer lesion scores were based on the number present (0–4) and severity (0–5). The presence or absence of ulcers in the glandular and/or nonglandular regions of the stomach was recorded and which site the most severe ulcers were found. Results: The prevalence of EGUS severity score ≥2 was 53%. The most severe lesions were commonly observed at the margo plicatus. Although older horses were not more likely to be affected by clinically significant EGUS they were more likely to have lesions in both the glandular and nonglandular regions. Differences in location of EGUS lesions were identified in different age groups, breed types and in horses exposed to different levels of work. Conclusion and potential relevance: This study confirms that gastric ulceration can be prevalent in a group of apparently clinically normal horses, not in intensive work. Further investigation of reasons for differences in EGUS location between different populations may aid toward the development of novel preventive measures.