FLOWERING CHARACTERISTICS AND SEED PRODUCTION OF PANICUM MAXIMUM IN MALAYSIA
WONG CHOI CHEE
SUMMARY
Flowering and seed production characteristic of Panicum maximum cv. Coloniao were studied in Serdang. Panicle production was prolonged and echibited a peak under favourable rainfall condition but was suppressed by low rainfall . Estimated seed yield was generally low with less than 10%, of the total spikelets on a panicle harvested as filled seed. A considerable amount was lost through spikelet shedding. Seed yield was significantly correlated with panicle density and varied with harvest date within a seed crop and between crops. Panicles of 2 to 3 weeks old were favourable for maximal seed collection. Freshly , harvested seed exhibited dormancy but germination increased to 31% after 4 months storage. Reasons for low seed yields and problems in determining the optimal harvest date were discussed.
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ADAPTATIONAL STUDIES ON HEREFORD CATTLE IN MALAYSIA I. HEAT TOLERANCE
(M. PATHMASINGHAM, M. MURUGAIYAH and MOHD. NASIR ABDUL)
SUMMARY
This paper reports on the initial adaptability of imported Hereford cattle to the Malaysian environment. It also compares the effects that three management treatments have on their adaptability. For the trial, 25 females and 3 males, were used. These were split into 3 management treatments, consisting of total shade, optional shade, and day shade and night grazing. The adaptability was assessed by rectal temperature, Rhoad's Heat Tolerance Coefficient, respiration rate, Benezra's Index of Adaptability, and pulser ate. The rectal temperature and Rhoad's Coefficient obtained were 4 0.62°C and 58.52 respectively for all animals throughout the day. These were comparable to Jerseys in Malaysia. Males were found to adapt less well than the females. In the treatment comparisons, animals given the day shade and night grazing were found to adapt and respond best to the Malaysian environment. In terms of respiration rate and Benezra's Index, the overall figures were 126.8 and 6.56 respectively. These were again found to be similar to the imported Jersey. Again the animals in the day shade and night grazing group responded better significantly than those in the other two treatments. However, in this comparison the males shorved up better than females, probably due to their temperament. In the pulse rate comparisons, again the third groups of animals responded significantly better than those in the other groups. The significance of using rectal temperature and respiration rate, and the need to use these to complement adaptability studies is discussed. Recommendations regarding the management of imported Herefords into Malaysia is made
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CONTROL OF SHEATH BLIGHT DISEASE OF RICE BY ACMEZIN
B.L. HO
SUMMARY
Fungicide acmezin controlled sheath blight disease of rice with two rounds of spray (at 0.0065% a.i.) and increased yield up to 36%
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MARCRO NUTRIENT REQUIREMENT OF CHINESE CABBAGE (Brassicap ekinensis) AND CAULIFLOWER (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)
VIMALA PURUSHOTHAMAN, K.T. JOSEPH and S. THAMBOO
SUMMARY
Nutrient contents and removal by chinese cabbage and cauliflower were investigated. Chinese cabbage removed 88, 16, 134, 45 and 7 kg/ha of N, P, K, Ca and Mg respectively while corresponding values for cauliflower were 131, 24, 167,53 and 7. About 50% of the nutrients were distributed in the nonedible outer leaves. Positive correlations were obtained between nutrient uptake and yields. The regression lines presented could be used to predict nutrient removals (and hence amounts to be apptied) at various levels of production. About 500% of the nutrients absorbed, occurred in the last 3 - 4 weeks before hanvest. Result so obtained are discussedin relation to fertiliser application programmes.
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