SynopsisThe uptake of copper by excised wheat roots was inhibited by the presence of low concentrations of aluminum in the substrate. No evidence was obtained to indicate that copper and aluminum were competing for a common ion carrier involved in active accumulation. The inhibition tended to be overcome by higher levels of copper concentrations, suggesting that aluminum and copper were competing for common binding sites at or near the root surface.

SynopsisGrain samples from wheat plants infected by soil-borne-mosaic or wheat-streak-mosaic virus had milling properties that were inferior to, protein quality and mixing properties that were equal to, and water absorption, protein content, and “as received” leaf volume that were distinctly superior to those of the corresponding controls. Forage samples of winter wheat varieties susceptible to and infected by wheat-streak-mosaic virus were significantly higher (0.1% level) in protein content than those of healthy controls.

SynopsisSome fertilizers placed in soil near wheat seeds reduced and delayed germination. The amount of delay and reduction varied with fertilizers, temperature, moisture, and distance from seed to fertilizer.

A series of field trials involving the use of urea was carried out on a 70-year-old cultivation in the Pampas district of the Darling Downs in south-eastern Queensland. It was shown that the use of urea resulted in a higher level of soil nitrate, improved grain yields, improved grain protein, and to a lesse1· extent improved baking quality. Furthermore, the number of mottled grains was reduced with increasing rates of application of urea. An inverse correlation between protein content 1and grain mottling was shown to exist. Residual effects of the 1urea application were demonstrated in succeeding years. The economic aspect of this use of nitrogen fertilizer was investigated.

Abstract: A 1963 United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Research Group technical report described a study in which wheat was irradiated with 20,000 rads and 200,000 rads and was fed to albino rats to assess effects on organ weights relative to non-irradiated food. No differences in organ development were found between the irradiated and non-irradiated diets.

SynopsisFive wheat variesties exhibited like responses to seven N and P fertilizer treatments.

SynopsisNitrogen fertilization caused increases in the grain yield, number of culms per plot, plant height, and straw weight of all varieties. None of the varieties showed an effect on the calculated number of kernels per head. The effects of fertilization on 100-kernel weight, heading date, test weight, and straw-grain ratio were variable.