Rapeseed and mustard cultivars aro morphologically determinate but the growth of the raceme, which is a corymbose type, is indeterminate. On the raceme flower opening proceeds acropetally in a sequential manner with one or two flowers opening each day. Thus there is a considerable time lag between first and last flower opening within the same raceme. In these oil-seed crops, besides leaves both pod wall and stems are photosynthetically active and the share of assimilates contributed by these three organs to the growing seeds has been estimated to be 37, 32 and 31%, respectively (Brar & Thies, 1977). A rapid decline in leaf area during pod filling in rapeseed and mustard (Chauhan & Bhargava, 1984) and rape (Allen & Morgan, 1972) cultivars has been observed. The assimilate supply to the pods developing at different periods may, therefore, differ owing to a decline in the leaf source as well as increasing intornal competition between pods. In winter oil-seed rape (Brassica napus), both mutual competition for assimilates and shading resulting from excessive pod production have been reported to cause heavy seed and pod losses (Mendham, Shipway & Scott, 1981). No information is available for rapeseed and mustard cultivars on how different components of the pod, such as its weight, seed weight, number of seeds and seed oil percentage, change according to their position on the terminal raceme. This information may be useful in deciding the appropriate number of pods on a raceme for optimum yield.

1. Data on the crude-protein content and crudeprotein production of five grass species (each sown with white clover) over the period 1954–56, at six levels of compound fertilizer application, are reported. Perennial rye-grass (S. 101), meadow fescue (S. 215), timothy (S. 48), cocksfoot (S. 26) and bent (N.Z. Browntop) were sown in 1953 at appropriate seed rates, each with 2 lb./acre S. 100 white clover. The fertilizer treatments were 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 cwt./ acre of a compound of composition 10% N, 4%P2O5, 9·5% K2O applied in the early spring of each of the years 1954–56. The swards were cut three times a year in 1954 and 1956, but only two cuts were possible in 1955.

2. Bent mixtures had a higher crude-protein content than any other mixture in all years and (with one exception) at every cut within years. Differences between other mixtures were smaller and often erratic, though timothy invariably had the lowest crude-protein content at the second cut and cocksfoot at the third. Application of the fertilizer raised the crude-protein level of the herbage at the first cut, but depressed it in subsequent cuts.

3. The bent mixture gave the highest yield of crude-protein per acre followed by the timothy mixture, while the lowest yield was produced by the perennial rye-grass mixture. The bent mixture differed from all others in its distribution of crudeprotein production over the season, producing less at the first cuts and more at the second and third cuts. This reflects its pattern of production of dry-matter. Response to spring application of fertilizer in terms of crude-protein yield declined rapidly from cut to cut. Over the whole period of the experiment 1 cwt./acre/ annum of fertilizer containing 10% N gave a response of about 0·5 cwt. crude-protein/annum.

One of the most widely used methods of root study involves obtaining soil cores and washing the roots contained free of soil (Wellbank & Williams, 1968; Ellis & Barnes, 1971; Kolesnikov, 1971; Schuurman & Geodewaagen, 1971; Bohm, Maduakor & Taylor, 1977). However, the process of root washing is time consuming and laborious. Some of the washing assemblies elsewhere (Peyev, 1952; Schuurman & Goedewaagen, 1971; Wellbank et al. 1974) have not gained popularity with researchers in developing countries because of the high costs involved or the sophisticated facilities needed. There is therefore a need for a low-cost root washing apparatus which can be fabricated with locally available materials. This note reports the development of such an apparatus.

1. A series of experiments, involving the use of three hundred and forty Rhode Island Red x Light Sussex day-old cockerels, was carried out to determine (a) the influence of floor type on the incidence of perosis, and (b) a method of lowering the high incidence of perosis which may occur when chicks are fed the experimental diet no. 124 originally described by Dam et al. (1951).

2. It was found that the incidence of perosis was about 60% higher in groups of chicks raised on wiremesh floors than in groups of chicks similarly raised on wooden floors.

3. Neither the area of the floor space nor the level of manganese in the diet influenced the incidence of perosis.

4. When the calculated choline content of the diet was 500 mg./kg. the incidence of perosis was 60% but when it was raised to above 800 mg./kg. the incidence fell to about 15%. This could not be reduced further by further increasing the choline content.

5. Since the rate of body-weight gain increased as the choline content of the diet was raised to 1400 mg./kg. it is suggested that diet no. 124 may be improved from both the points of view of perosis prevention and of growth rate if the choline content is raised to 1500 mg./kg. of diet.

Previous attempts to study the effect of virus infection on nitrogen-fixing ability of some legumes (Tu, Ford & Grau, 1970; Singh & Mall, 1974; Gupta & Joshi, 1976; Tu & Holmes, 1980) concentrated mainly on the effect of virus infection on the extent of nodulation or on the amount of nitrogen fixed by diseased plants or both. The effect of virus infection on the bacterial population and the physiological status of virus-infected nodules has received little attention.

This paper is a record of the composition of the milk of an abnormal cow, during a period extending over three lactations. Although this cow was found eventually to be suffering from tuberculosis of the udder and lungs, no signs of the disease were apparent during the first two lactations recorded.

The milk produced by this cow was abnormal during the whole period under review. Fat percentages were very variable, but the solids not fat content was consistently low, only 2 per cent. of the total number of samples analysed exceeding 8·5 per cent. in this constituent. Protein and lactose percentages were much below the averages for normal milk, but in the case of total ash the mean figures were normal. Of the ash constituents, the soluble portion was very high and the insoluble portion correspondingly low, the former presumably indicating a high chloride content. The percentages of phosphoric acid and lime were considerably below the mean figures for normal milk.

Lactose and soluble ash percentages show a marked negative correlation, and moreover support the contention of Porcher and others that a definite lactose-chlorine ratio exists in milk.

It is suggested that an abnormally low solids not fat content (i.e. low protein and lactose) and abnormal percentages of the individual ash constituents may be a sign of incipient disease affecting the organs involved in the secretion of milk.

In the process of manufacture of sugar from sugar beet, the sugar is first extracted from the beet by appropriate means, and the wet residue or pulp is then dried and sold for cattle feeding. The composition of the dried pulp or slices differs somewhat according to the nature of the process used in the extraction of the sugar. In the “diffusion” process, in which water is used, the extraction is very efficient, with the result that the sugar content of the dried pulp is low. In the Steffen process, in which press methods are used, a fair amount of sugar is left in the dried residues. In the de Vecchi process the sliced beets are dried before the extraction of the sugar takes place, and a certain proportion of these slices is occasionally marketed on the Continent as cattle food. The characteristic differences between these three types of pulp are shown by analyses given by Fangauf and Waldow(1).

Experiments to determine the effects of a range of applied lime and phosphate treatments on the establishment of species and the subsequent herbage production in the first and second seasons following sowing on four sites in the Falkland Islands are described and the results discussed.

Festuca rubra, Dactylis glomerata, Phleum pratense and Poa pratensis established, successfully yielding up to 4·5 t D.M./ha per year with inputs of 55 kg N, 50 kg P and 20 kg K/ha. Applied P increased the yield of herbage and produced a small, though significant, increase in P status of the soil.

The lowest level of applied lime (0·63 t/ha) increased the soil pH to 5·0 and although this did not affect the yield or botanical composition of the grass component of the sward it did affect the presence and nodulation of white clover.

The problems of establishing white clover are presented in view of the severe limitations on the use of lime and fertilizer in the Islands. The implications of grazing this improved pasture are discussed in relation to increased pasture production and improved soil fertility.

A 2-year field study indicated that pearl millet yielded more when sown after fallow, cow pea and green gram than after maize. Preceding fallow, cow pea and green gram reduced the nitrogen requirement of pearl millet by 40 kg/ha compared with maize. Pearl millet responded linearly up to the highest rate of nitrogen (80 kg/ha). N applied to millet had no residual effect on the subsequent crop of chickpea. The chickpea yield followed the order fallow > green gram ≥ cow pea > maize. Chickpea responded to phosphorus up to 40 kg/ha. Green gram-pearl millet-chickpea proved the most profitable cropping sequence. Continuous cropping and application of nitrogen and phosphorus improved the organic carbon and available phosphorus but decreased the available potassium status of the soil.

The effect of different cutting practices on the carbohydrate root reserves of Finnish red clover was studied. Cutting causes a rapid decrease in the insoluble sugars. The minimum is reached in about 12–15 days, independently of the time of cutting. However, the initial carbohydrate level is reached much more quickly in autumn than in June-July. The carbohydrate content of the roots in autumn is higher the later the second cut.

Cutting does not significantly affect the content of sucrose and other soluble sugars, the values for which are very low during June-August, but rise towards autumn.

In a field study, the effect of N, P, K and their combinations on the growth, yield and nutrient uptake pattern by mesta (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) was studied. No effect of N, P, K on growth characteristics like plant height and base diameter occurred up to 60 days. Effect of fertilizer treatments on plant growth was observed only after 90 days. The effect of N was more pronounced than P and K. Initially, growth of leaves was higher than both the bark and the wood. Nutrient concentration was at a maximum in the early stages of growth but declined with age and became steady at about 60 days. The quality of fibre obtained after 120 days of growth was assessed and the effect of nutrients on quality is discussed.

In the official methods of soil analysis followed in this country, the available phosphate is determined by Dyer's (1) method. This consists in determining the amount of phosphoric acid, which becomes soluble, when 200 gm. of soil are shaken continuously for 24 hours with 2 litres of water, containing 20 gm. of citric acid. The result is expressed as a percentage of the weight of soil. It is usual to infer lack of available phosphate if less than 0·01 per cent. P2O5 becomes soluble under these conditions. Hall (2) has suggested the necessity for a revision of this limit.

From a mixed group of cross-bred steers slaughtered at the same age, up to 12 carcasses of similar weight from each of the five conformation classes were chosen using the European Economic Community (EEC) scale for the classification of carcasses of adult bovine animals. In the hindquarter of carcasses with better conformation the ratio of muscle to bone was higher with less internal fat and more subcutaneous fat, muscles were heavier and blockier, both the carcass and leg length were shorter. Short-thick muscles were associated with short-thick bones. The results indicate that the EEC scale is a useful method to discriminate between carcasses differing in composition. It is suggested that differences in muscle: bone ratio in cattle could reflect differences in the structure and shape of bones. The conclusions remain tentative until they are confirmed on a larger number of carcasses.

(1) Animals on a calcium-deficient diet suffer periodically from loss of appetite though the ration is in every other respect satisfactory.

(2) The results of twenty-two digestion trials show no enhanced effect on the digestibility of the organic constituents of the food on adding calcium carbonate to a lime-deficient ration.

In conclusion, I wish to express my thanks to Prof. T. B. Wood, F.R.S., for giving me the necessary facilities to carry out the work; to Mr H. R. Davidson, M.A., for placing the experimental animals at my disposal and also to Dr H. E. Woodman for his active interest and supervision at all stages of the work.

An experiment, involving 68 female pigs, was undertaken to measure the effects of two diets differing in protein content, and of two patterns of feeding. The animals were housed in an enclosed building. The experiment extended through several parities; culled sows were replaced by gilts during the experiment, the whole course of which lasted 5 years.

The diets were given at the rate of 1–8 or 2–3 kg per day throughout gestation, but the rate was reversed during the 5-week lactation so that, for litters of eight to nine pigs sows in each treatment group received the same quantity of food per parity. As a result of unsatisfactory performance, dietary composition was changed after 2 years so that for the last 3 years the digestible energy contents were higher.

Treatments significantly influenced gestation live-weight gain, lactation weight loss and gestation backfat gain. The lower rate of gestation feeding was associated with low or negative gestation weight increases after the third to fourth litters, and a greater apparent rate of decline with increasing age in birth and 3-week weight per piglet. The high gestation, low lactation, rates of feeding led to slightly greater litter size and lower weaning weights per pig. A daily intake of 208 g crude protein and 8'3 g lysine appeared to meet the sow's requirements throughout gestation.

In the pregnant sow feeding area, winter air temperatures were on average 16 °C below those in the summer, but were rarely below freezing point. Winter backfat gain was lower than, and gestation gain only half that in the summer. Litter size was also greater following summer pregnancies and 3-week weight per pig was greater following winter pregnancies. Independent of litter size, birth and 3-week weight per pig were positively correlated with gestation gain within treatment and season. The apparent positive correlation of litter size at 3 weeks with gestation backfat and weight gain was not found at birth. Litter size at birth was negatively correlated with gestation gain within season. The percentage of fertile matingswas less for matings between 1 September and 31 January. This coincided approximately with the reduced litter size (alive) which occurred following winter gestations.

Lactation weight loss and 3-week weight per pig declined with increasing age of sow and the degree of weight loss was unrelated to subsequent litter size.

The apparent effect of seasons and treatments on litter size at birth appeared not to be an obvious function of changes in live weight, which were also marked between seasons and treatments, but level of food intake in early gestation may have affected litter size independently. It was concluded that birth weight especially in the older sows, was associated with the rate of food intake in gestation, and possibly also in lactation, and with gestation empty weight gain.

Among the four varieties of rice tested, the leaves of short varieties had much chlorophyll per unit leaf area and slow chlorophyll degradation, while those of tall ones showed less chlorophyll content and its rapid degradation.

Estimates of inbreeding effects in a landrace are necessary in order to acquire information on the presence of different types of gene action for important traits. Twelve lines with different levels of inbreeding coefficients (F=0, 0·25, 0·50 or 0·75) were developed from three phenotypically selected families of a winter squash landrace (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) between 2000 and 2002 in the area of Thermi-Thessaloniki, Greece. During 2003, a field experiment was established at this location to evaluate the lines. The agronomical characters measured were: the number and weight of total commercial fruits, days to first female blossom, seed weight, size of pollen grains and water-stress tolerance. Comparisons were also made of morphological characters, the dry matter, the total soluble solids and the pH of fruits. Lines with inbreeding coefficient F=0·50 were found to have the highest values for most of the measured characteristics. Significant family×inbreeding interactions were found, revealing different trends for the linear, quadratic and cubic components of each family with inbreeding coefficients. Three F=0·50 lines selected from within each representative family were evaluated along with four winter squash landraces from the C. moschata collection of the Greek Gene Bank, during 2004 in the area of Thermi. These F=0·50 lines showed a superior performance of three components contributing to yield, indicating that one generation of selfing improved the agronomic performance maintaining concurrently the substantial characteristics of the landrace.

Six field experiments were carried out in eastern England between 2003 and 2005 to test the effect of sulphur (S) fertilizer on the yield of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). The experiments were undertaken at sites where there had previously been a positive response to S in other crops or where no S-containing materials had been applied for more than 20 years. No individual experiment produced a significant positive response to S application, but the treatments that received no S fertilizer produced the smallest yield in five of the six experiments. Analysis across years using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedures showed that there was a positive and significant sugar yield response in beet of 0·56 t/ha where positive responses had previously been recorded in other crops grown on these loamy sand soils. Beet crops grown in soils of this type should receive S fertilizer that can be applied conveniently as sufficient ammonium sulphate to supply the first dressing of N.