Calag Archive

G. B. Jones, C.S.I.R.O., Division of Biochemistry and General Nutrition, University of Adelaide, participated in the studies on which the following article is based.

The gibberellins, chemical compounds exhibiting a variety of remarkable growth regulating properties, are metabolites—products of metabolism—of Gibberella fujikuroi, a fungus which causes a disease of rice characterized by pronounced stem elongation and, ultimately, death of the plant.

Greenhouse and field studies of a disease of lettuce that has caused considerable damage to commercial plantings in California revealed the relative toxicity to lettuce of several fertilizers.

Feeding trials——extending over two six-weeks periods—indicate that milo and corn are of equal value for laying hens, as measured by egg production, egg weight, mortality, culling, and feed efficiency. Although both grains are widely used, corn is usually more expensive than milo in California.

In a study carried out during the 1955-56 season near Lincoln, applications of superphosphate to a stand of rose clover increased forage production from 778 pounds per acre to 3,300 pounds per acre—over 300%—and improved forage quality by increasing the protein content 70%, from 8% up to 14%, and the phosphorus level in feed 66%, from 0.15% to 0.25%.

Nitrogenous fertilizers—in some form—are applied to most lemon orchards and in the majority of cases constitute the only fertilizers used. The growing of legume or other cover crops for the most part has been abandoned.