Analysis,sorption and residues of a homologous series of isothiocyanates on wheat

A series of isothiocyanates (R-NCS, R, 1–6 carbon atoms) was applied in the vapour phase to wheat in sealed containers. The speed of sorption, as measured by the rate of loss from the intergranular air space, was inversely proportional to molecular weight; e.g. the time for 50% sorption of hexyl isothiocyanate was over 100 times longer than for the methyl analogue. Despite extensive sorption, most of the applied chemicals was recovered from the fumigated wheat seven days after dosing, indicating that sorption did not lead to extensive degradation. Purge and trap techniques proved suitable for recovery of low-boiling, but not high-boiling chemicals.     

Economic Analysis of Japanese Household Demand for Salmon

The recent glut of both wild and farmed salmon in world markets has forced producers to become aware of the need to expand their marketing efforts to ensure that demand is not outpaced by supply resulting in a further decline in prices. Japan has been a major market for wild salmon, particularly sockeye salmon from North America, since the introduction of the 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone. As farmed supplies have continued to increase, exporters such as Norway and Chile have turned their attention to this market as well. Up until now, most of the farmed salmon exported to Japan has been targeted to the restaurant market. If exporters wish to expand their market in Japan, they may focus also on the retail market. Prior to any assessment of the potential of the retail market for fresh farmed salmon, it is useful to understand the role that salmon plays in Japanese household seafood consumption.
This paper examines household consumption patterns of salmon in Japan. An econometric model is presented which estimates household demand for fresh and salted salmon focusing specifically on the effects of seasonality, regional location, and prices of other seafood products. Two systems of demand equations, one for each of two regions of Japan, are specified and estimated using monthly data on prices and expenditures to capture the effects on household demand for 12 seafood products. Results indicate that seasonality plays a significant role in the demand for many seafood products, particularly fresh and salted salmon. In addition, these seasonal effects are not necessarily the same between regions of Japan. Salmon competes with different seafood products during different times of the year. A rich variety of factors should be considered when marketing fresh aquacultured salmon in the Japanese retail market.     

A survey of sheep dip usage in Scotland in 1978

A survey of sheep dipping in Scotland in 1978 showed that about 42 tonnes of organophosphorus and 17 tonnes of organochlorine insecticides were used to control ectoparasites. Information is presented about their pattern of use and about the disposal of surplus sheep dip and the empty containers. Six river pollution incidents involving sheep dips in 1978 are recorded. The main geographical areas affected by headfly (Hydrotaea irritans Fall.) and the measures taken against them are noted.     

Determination of bromide ion content of cereals and other foodstuffs by specific ion electrode

A method is presented which determines the bromide ion content of foodstuffs using a bromide specific ion electrode. For low levels of bromide (< 10 mg/kg) or for accurate work, bromide was extracted from the ground commodity with water and then separated from interfering compounds by ion-exchange chromatography before estimation. Alternatively, bromide ion can be estimated approximately by direct measurement on the aqueous extracts after heating to denature proteins. The method was checked against three standard methods of bromide estimation in foods, using wheat that had been repeatedly fumigated with methyl bromide. The equipment required is inexpensive and can be adapted for field use. The method has been used to determine the bromide and chloride contents that occur naturally in wheat, maize, copra, soya beans and sorghum.     

Pesticide usage on bananas with special references to fungicides

Bananas (including plantains) are widely grown throughout the tropics both for local consumption and for export. Pesticide usage is confined largely to the export crop because of its value and the susceptibility to diseases of varieties suitable for the export market. Most of the bananas grown for export are produced in Latin America and the Caribbean. Weed control with herbicides is particularly valuable in young banana plantations before a mature canopy is produced and when weeds compete with the shallow rooting system. Insecticides are used to control high populations of the banana weevil and may be used against fruit thrips. Nematicides are used extensively to control the banana root nematode and granular applications are now replacing soil injections. Fungicidal control of Sigatoka leaf diseases and fruit diseases has been practised for many years and is essential for the production of high quality, exportgrade fruit. Changes in the chemicals used and in application techniques have brought important benefits in recent years and genetic resistance is likely to play a large part in disease control in the future.