Leafy Portions Research Articles

Nutritional composition of the wild variety of edible vegetables consumed by the tribal community of Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

Humans established relations with food with their existence on earth. In various parts of the world, different types of vegetation are used as food material. Chhattisgarh, where numbers of tribes exist and used a leafy portion of various plants as a food material. The present study evaluated the total protein, total carbohydrate, and total free amino acid content in leafy vegetables used in Chhattisgarh. Total protein was estimated by Lowry method, while total carbohydrate and free amino acid content by Anthrone method and spectrophotometric method. The result showed highest protein contained in Tamarindus indica (103.98 ± 2.34 μg/mg) followed by Moringa olerifera (99.86 ± 2.32 μg/mg), Cicer arietinum (95.53 ± 2.78 μg/mg). The highest carbohydrate content was observed in the leaf of Amaranthus viridis (116.26 ± 2.33 μg/mg of plant tissue) followed by Marsilea vestita with carbohydrate content (82.35 ± 1.55 μg/mg), Chorchorus olitorius with carbohydrate content (50.46 ± 2.23 μg/mg), and highest free amino acid content was recorded in the leaves of (232.33 ± 2.05 μg/mg of plant tissue) followed by Brassica oleracea (204.94 ± 1.25 μg/mg), Cucurbita maxima (85.67 ± 2.35μg/mg). The study’s finding confirmed that wild leafy vegetables utilized by the special community of this area play a significant role in their livelihood as those vegetables contain higher nutrient level compared to conventional crops. As per the data reported, more than one million people of this region suffer from malnutrition so present study is an approach to overcome the health issue of people of this region in a sustainable manner

Artesunate suppresses the viability and mobility of prostate cancer cells through UCA1, the sponge of miR-184.

Artesunate (ART) is a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the leafy portions of the Chinese herb Artemisia annua. Here, we evaluated the effect of ART on the prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines DU145 and LNCaP and explored its potential mechanisms. ART inhibited the viability and mobility of DU145 and LNCaP cells. Mechanistically, we found that UCA1, one of the most important lncRNAs in malignancies of the urinary system, may be a potential mediator contributing to the tumor suppressor function of ART. First, the UCA1 level was reduced significantly after being exposed to ART. In addition, UCA1 was up-regulated in prostate cancer tissues compared to hyperplastic prostatic tissues, and a higher UCA1 level predicted poor prognosis in PCa patients. Furthermore, reintroduction of UCA1 into PCa cells reversed the effect of ART on apoptosis and metastatic ability. Then we determined that the miR-184/Bcl-2 axis might be the downstream signaling pathway of UCA1 upon ART treatment. UCA1 binds to miR-184 through its seed sequences and may function as a sponge for miR-184.

Detection of viruses using discarded plants from wild mountain gorillas and golden monkeys

Infectious diseases pose one of the most significant threats to the survival of great apes in the wild. The critically endangered mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) is at high risk for contracting human pathogens because approximately 60% of the population is habituated to humans to support a thriving ecotourism program. Disease surveillance for human and non-human primate pathogens is important for population health and management of protected primate species. Here, we evaluate discarded plants from mountain gorillas and sympatric golden monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis kandti), as a novel biological sample to detect viruses that are shed orally. Discarded plant samples were tested for the presence of mammalian-specific genetic material and two ubiquitous DNA and RNA primate viruses, herpesviruses, and simian foamy virus. We collected discarded plant samples from 383 wild human-habituated mountain gorillas and from 18 habituated golden monkeys. Mammalian-specific genetic material was recovered from all plant species and portions of plant bitten or chewed by gorillas and golden monkeys. Gorilla herpesviral DNA was most consistently recovered from plants in which leafy portions were eaten by gorillas. Simian foamy virus nucleic acid was recovered from plants discarded by golden monkeys, indicating that it is also possible to detect RNA viruses from bitten or chewed plants. Our findings show that discarded plants are a useful non-invasive sampling method for detection of viruses that are shed orally in mountain gorillas, sympatric golden monkeys, and potentially other species. This method of collecting specimens from discarded plants is a new non-invasive sampling protocol that can be combined with collection of feces and urine to evaluate the most common routes of viral shedding in wild primates. Am. J. Primatol. 78:1222-1234, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) Leaves: Nutrient Composition and Physiological Effects on Healthy Rats

Several studies have shown that fruits and vegetables contribute to protect against degenerative pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, mainly due to the presence of dietary fiber (DF) and polyphenols. Taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) is an edible aroid widely grown in many parts of Africa, America, and Asia. The tubers portions of taioba are widely consumed; however, the leafy portions are generally discarded, despite their high nutritive value. In this study, we have partly characterized the DF of lyophiized taioba leaf (LTL), and assessed the possible protective effects on biochemical parameters and on bile acid (BA) production in colon and cecum, when fed to healthy rats for 4 wk. Forty-five Wistar rats were assigned to either of 5 groups: group 1 received AIN 93G diet (CG: Control); group 2 received AIN 93G containing 2.5% of cellulose + 2.5% inulin (CEIN_5%); group 3 received AIN 93G containing 2.5% of cellulose + 2.5% taioba fiber (CETA_5%); group 4 received AIN 93G containing 5% cellulose + 2.5% taioba fiber (CETA_7.5%); group 5 received AIN 93G containing 5% cellulose + 2.5% of inulin (CEIN_7.5%). LTL showed high contents of total fiber, predominantly comprising insoluble DF with glucose as the major monomer. Rats receiving LTL had increased fecal mass and fat excretion, and improved BA profiles by diminishing the proportion of secondary acids, thus suggesting that consumption of taioba leaf may have the property of lowering the risk of colon cancer.

Cholesterol reducing and bile-acid binding properties of taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) leaf in rats fed a high-fat diet

The consumption of vegetables has been correlated with reduced risk of chronic non-communicable diseases due to the high fiber content and bioactive compounds found in vegetables. The arrowleaf elephant ear (Xanthosoma sagittifolium), which is known in Brazil as taioba, is a common plant in tropical America. Although its leafy portion possesses a high nutritional value, it is not widely consumed and has not been well studied. This study assessed the effect of lyophilised taioba leaf (LTL) as a hypolipidemic and prebiotic agent. Thirty-two Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: group 1 was fed a high-fat diet containing 3.67% (w/w) cellulose (low cellulose — LCEL); group 2 received a high-fat diet supplemented with 10% (w/w) cellulose (CEL); group 3 received a high-fat diet supplemented with 10% (w/w) inulin (INU); and group 4 was fed a high-fat diet supplemented with 28.4% LTL (TAI) to provide 10% (w/w) taioba fiber. The groups were fed their respective diets for 4weeks. The addition of LTL to the diet resulted in reduced weight gain, reduced liver fat, and increased fecal mass and lipid, in addition to higher fecal short chain fatty acid and bile salt concentrations, compared to the LCEL group. Additionally, only the TAI group exhibited a lower serum cholesterol concentration and a higher body ash content (p<0.05) than the LCEL group. Both the high bile salt binding capacity and high fermentability of LTL suggest that this plant may have a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases and bowel cancer.

Effect of a Botanical Acaricide onIxodes scapularis(Acari: Ixodidae) and Nontarget Arthropods

We tested the effectiveness of the rosemary oil-based insecticide, Eco-Exempt IC2, to control all stages of Ixodes scapularis (Say) in southern Maine. We selected plots in oak-pine forest where I. scapularis is endemic and recorded the abundance of ticks and nontarget arthropods before and after applications of IC2, bifenthrin (a synthetic pyrethroid), and water (reference treatment). Licensed applicators applied high-pressure spray treatments during the summer nymphal and fall adult seasonal peaks. Both acaricides sprayed during the summer nymphal season reduced nymphal I. scapularis/hour to zero. IC2 was as effective as bifenthrin in controlling nymphs through the rest of the nymphal season and also controlled adult ticks 9 mo postspray compared with 16 mo for bifenthrin, and both acaricides reduced larvae through 14 mo postspray. Both acaricides sprayed during the fall adult season reduced adult I. scapularis/hour to zero; IC2 controlled adult ticks 6 mo postspray compared with 1 yr for bifenthrin. Both fall-applied acaricides controlled nymphs 9 mo postspray and reduced larvae up to 10 mo postspray. Impacts on some nontarget arthropods was assessed. Colleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Collembola declined 1 wk postspray in acaricide-treated plots, and in IC2 plots all numbers rebounded by 20 d postspray. For bees and other flower-visiting insects there were no detectable reductions in nests produced, number emerged from nests, or number of foraging visits to flowering plants in IC2 or bifenthrin plots. IC2 was phytotoxic to the leafy portions of select understory plants that appeared to recover by the next growing season.

Population dynamics of Escherichia coli inoculated by irrigation into the phyllosphere of spinach grown under commercial production conditions

Recent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses associated with the consumption of fresh produce have increased attention on irrigation water as a potential source of pathogen contamination. A better understanding of the behaviour of enteric pathogens introduced into agricultural systems during irrigation will aid in risk assessments and support the development of appropriate farm-level water management practices. For this reason, the survival dynamics of two nalidixic acid resistant strains of Escherichia coli after their spray inoculation into the phyllosphere and soil of field spinach were examined over two growing seasons. E. coli strains NAR, an environmental isolate, and DM3n, a non-pathogenic serotype O157:H7, were applied at rates of 10 4 to 10 7 cfu/100 ml to the fully developed spinach plants that arose subsequent to the harvesting of their upper leafy portions for commercial purposes (secondary-growth plants). After 72 h, E. coli on spinach were reduced by 3–5 logs. Culturable E. coli were recovered from plants up to 6 days post-inoculation. Survival in soil was greater than in the phyllosphere. Under ambient conditions, the mean 72 h first order decay constant computed by Chick's Law was 0.1 h −1. Although light reduction studies indicated UV irradiation negatively influenced the persistence of E. coli, a simple relationship between UV exposure and phyllosphere E. coli densities could not be established. E. coli introduced to the leafy portions of spinach via spray irrigation displayed rapid declines in their culturability under the open environmental conditions experienced during this study. A 6 day period between the last irrigation and harvest would minimize the risks of E. coli survival in the spinach phyllosphere. E. coli NAR was identified as a possible surrogate for the O157:H7 strain, DM3n.

Mechanisms of plant adaptation/memory in rice seedlings under arsenic and heat stress: expression of heat-shock protein gene HSP70

Plants can withstand many abiotic stresses. Stress adaptation through retention of imprints of previous stress exposure has also been described in plants. We have characterized the imprint or memory of adaptive stress responses of rice seedlings to arsenic (As) and heat stress. Two-week-old rice seedlings (both with and without As) were given a 45 °C heat shock for 3 h. While under heat shock, the leafy portion of the seedlings was harvested at regular intervals. Subsequently, the seedlings were kept at room temperature for recovery and sampling continued over 3 h. Total RNA and protein were extracted from the leafy portion of the seedlings and complementary DNA (cDNA) was prepared from total RNA. The cDNA was used as a template for the polymerase chain reaction to identify the transcription level of HSP70. Protein extracted from the seedlings was western-blotted. HSP70 and actin (loading control) antibodies were used to recognize the proteins on the same blot. Our studies reveal that HSP70, a cellular chaperone gene, is over-expressed at the mRNA and protein levels when rice seedlings are exposed to As and heat. The effect is cumulative and increases with the duration of stress for 3 h. During 3 h recovery from heat stress at ambient temperatures for 3 h, the chaperone remains expressed at higher levels in plants pre-exposed to As. Our findings demonstrate a retention of the imprint of previous stress exposure, perhaps through sustained activation of the signalling pathways upstream of over-expression of HSP70. Furthermore, stress-induced HSP70 expression was additive/cumulative for continued exposure to similar or different kinds of stress, indicating that a commonality of signal transduction networks is adopted when plants experience more than one stress.

Growth and productivity potential of Dalbergia sissoo in short rotation coppice system on sodic soil

Performance of five year old coppice plants of Dalbergia sissoo was evaluated for biomass production on a sub-standard soil site. Initially coppice plants showed emergence of 4.59 + 1.65 sprouts per stump followed by dominance of 2.2 + 1.00 shoots per stump after five year of growth. Dominant shoot attained an average height of 535.21+26.25 cm and a diameter of 4.52+1.88 cm at 130 cm from ground level. Accordingly, the basal area per shoot was 16.57 cm2. Different regression models were developed with various growth parameters to predict biomass of coppice shoots. Linear regression equation ‘y = a + b (d2h) (height and diameter of coppice shoot) was found to be the best predictor of biomass followed by diameter (d2) and height alone because of high value of correlation coefficient (p&gt;0.001, p&lt;0.01). At the age of 5 years, coppice shoots produced a total of 13.52 Mg ha-1 aboveground biomass with maximum stem wood (9.84 Mg ha-1), followed by branch wood (2.92 Mg ha-1) and leaf (0.781 Mg ha-1) respectively at the density of 2406 coppice stems ha-1. Accordingly, biomass allocation to different plant components revealed high proportion of woody biomass (94.3%) and marginal contribution of leafy portion (5.7%). Mean annual increment (MAI) on the basis of total above biomass was 2.70 Mg ha-1 whereas the current annual increment was 5.75 Mg ha-1. The usable energy content in woody biomass was 263.6 GJ ha-1 after five years of growth with acceptable heating value (20.66 + 1.25 kJ g-1) and reasonably good fuel value index (958.91 + 171.8). Morphologically superior plants “Plus trees” were retained as standards for a good seed source adaptable to such fragile sites. Thus our study revealed potential of short rotation coppice system in D. sissoo for obtaining biomass energy and minor timber on sub-standard soil sites.

HPTLC ANALYSIS OF TISSUE AND BLOOD OF BIOMPHALARIA GLABRATA SNAILS TO ASSESS THE EFFECTS OF A DIET OF ROMAINE LETTUCE LEAF VERSUS MIDRIB ON THE CONCENTRATIONS OF LIPIDS, PIGMENTS,AND CARBOHYDRATES

HPTLC analysis was used to determine the concentrations of lipids, lipophilic pigments, and carbohydrates in the blood and tissues of Biomphalaria glabrata snails fed the leafy versus midrib portion of Romaine lettuce. HPTLC analysis was also used to analyze the concentrations of these analytes in the two diets. The concentrations of certain neutral lipids, phospholipids, lipophilic pigments, and carbohydrates were significantly higher in snails fed the leafy rather than the midrib diet. Correspondingly, the concentrations of these analytes were significantly greater in the leafy versus midrib portion of the lettuce. Snail growth was significantly greater when fed the leafy versus midrib portion. In a chemoattraction bioassay, in which snails were allowed to choose between the two diets, snails were significantly attracted to the leaf rather than the midrib portion. For optimal growth and chemical composition of B. glabrata maintained in the laboratory, we suggest that the midrib portion of Romaine lettuce be removed and discarded prior to feeding the snails.

Annona warmingiana Mello-Silva &amp; Pirani, a New Name for Annona pygmaea (Warm.) Warm. (Annonaceae)

The species here discussed is one of the most notable plants found by Warming at the classical locality of Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is characterized by its soboles, long subterranean shoots that bear a leafy aerial portion (Rizzini & Heringer 1962: 241) and by its relatively large flowers. It is a typical cerrado species and occurs sporadically from central Minas Gerais to Brasilia. This taxon was first described by Warming (1873: 151) as a variety (A. coriacea Mart. var. pygmaea Warm.). The same author later changed its status to that of species, maintaining the same epithet (Warming 1892: 210211). However, A.

Nutrient content of selected indigenous leafy vegetables consumed by the Kekchi people of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala

Nutrient composition data is presented for 13 species of indigenous leafy vegetables currently consumed by the Kekchi-speaking people of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. Data from the leafy portions of at least five species, Cnidoscolus chayamansa, Dahlia imperialis (bell tree dahlia), Tinantia erecta Jacq., Vigna sesquipedalis Fruwirth (cowpea), and Xanthosoma violaceum Schott. (malanga), have not been reported previously. Proximate composition including moisture, total fat, crude fiber, and protein, with calculated carbohydrate content, and the minerals calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, and magnesium, were determined for both raw and cooked samples. Total carotene content was determined for both raw and cooked samples, using open-column chromatography. β-Carotene was also measured by HPLC in five species. Amaranthus caudatus L. (amaranth) in the raw form had the highest observed total carotene content and overall mineral content of the raw samples, whereas Sechium edule Sw. (chayote) had the lowest.

The use of sewage sludge as basal dressing for vegetable cultivation

Digested municipal sludge was found applicable as basal dressing for growing four Chinese varieties of leafy vegetables: lettuce, Lactuca sativa cv. local, Chinese flowering cabbage, Brassica parachinensis cv. 70-days, Chinese kale, Brassica alboglabra cv. late-flower, and Chinese white cabbage, Brassica chinensis cv. Kwei Sin Pak. Moderate loading rate of 50, 100, and 200 Mg/ha dewatered sludge did not cause increased plant mortality, metal toxicity symptoms, significant decrease in yield, or enhanced susceptibility to the attack of viruses, bacteria, or insect pests in the vegetables. Significant yield increase was detected (Anova, 5% confidence level) in the Chinese white cabbage between control and sludge-amended plants. The metal uptake response in the leafy portion of the vegetables demonstrated distinct species difference, with lettuce as a sensitive metal accumulator, and Chinese kale a metal excluder (non-accumulator), whereas the Chinese flowering cabbage and Chinese white cabbage were intermediates. Cu, Ni, and Zn (5.6–10.5, 0.3–8.9, 125.8–239.4 mg/kg dry wt., respectively) in the sludge-amended vegetables did not reach phytotoxic levels; Cr (except Chinese white cabbage) and Pb (0.3–2.7, 0.5–5.9 mg/kg dry wt., respectively) were generally lower than the background levels of soil. The highest Cd concentration of 1.5 mg/kg (dry wt.) found in lettuce did not exceed the WHO/FAO safety limit to a cause a health hazard for human consumers. However, it is necessary to screen for more metal non-accumulating crops for safe sludge farming.

Notes on the Fan-Leaflet Group of Moonworts in North America with Descriptions of Two New Members

This paper deals with the Lunaria Group of moonworts, in particular the taxa that cluster around the Mingan moonwort, Botrychium minganense Victorin. We define the Lunaria Group as those moonworts with fan-shaped leaflets that more or less resemble B. lunaria (L.) Sw. The pinnae of the trophophore (leafy portion) may be fan-shaped, wedge-shaped, and/or spoonshaped, the veins dichotomous and lacking a distinct midrib, in contrast to the Lanceolatum Group in which the pinnae are linear, lanceolate, or ovate, the veins pinnately arranged and having a midrib. Whether or not these are truly natural groups is not yet known. It is possible that the flabellate pinna structure may result from homoplasy, rather than similarity by descent from a common ancestor. For example, the American winter grapefern, Botrychium lunarioides (Michx.) Sw., belongs to a very distinct section (Sceptridium) of the genus Botrychium but its pinnae have the same structure as B. lunaria. Frere Marie Victorin's (1927) publication of his new species, B. minganense, met with prolonged disagreement. By some it was associated with B. onondagense Underw., which is now considered to be a mere deep shade form of B. lunaria. Clausen (1938) believed that B. minganense freely intergraded with B. lunaria, and Morton (1952) wrote that the two taxa were scarcely distinguishable. Fernald (1950) reduced B. minganense to the status of a barely separable form. In 1952, W. Wagner & Lord (1956) studied the plants involved, in their natural habitats, and concluded that Victorin had actually been correct, and that B. minganense differs from B. lunaria in no less than 14 characters, including the chromosomes which number n = 90 rather than n = 45. Our more recent investigations confirm that, although widespread, B. minganense is endemic in North America, but B. lunaria is not only circumboreal, but occurs also in the southern hemisphere. Except for one species, B. boreale Sim, endemism in moonworts is practically unknown in the Old World. There are, however, only a few species. In North America, on the other hand, there is a remarkably diverse assortment of moonworts, including 14 endemics already published plus two more to be described here. The members of the Lunaria Group of moonworts now known in the United States and Canada include B. lunaria, B. minganense, B. crenulatum W. Wagner (Wagner & Wagner, 1981), and B. ascendens W. Wagner (Wagner & Wagner, 1986). The distinctness of the new ones discussed below has been solidly documented in only the past three years although it had been suspected earlier. A brief key to mature plants of this group is given here in the hope of promoting general interest and efforts by field workers to discover new populations of these rare and usually local plants.

Effects of aluminum chelates in nutrient solution on the growth and composition of ryegrass

Abstract Two experiments were conducted in nutrient solution to investigate effects of Al chelates on the growth and mineral composition of ryegrass. Results indicated that plants were more tolerant of Al‐citrate and Al‐NTA and accumulated Al from these chelates. Aluminum treatments resulted in decreased P and increased K concentrations in the leafy portion of the plants. Magnesium concentration was not affected whereas Ca was reduced slightly.

Qinghaosu (artemisinin): an antimalarial drug from China.

The herb Artemisia annua has been used for many centuries in Chinese traditional medicine as a treatment for fever and malaria. In 1971, Chinese chemists isolated from the leafy portions of the plant the substance responsible for its reputed medicinal action. This compound, called qinghaosu (QHS, artemisinin), is a sesquiterpene lactone that bears a peroxide grouping and, unlike most other antimalarials, lacks a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring system. The compound has been used successfully in several thousand malaria patients in China, including those with both chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Derivatives of QHS, such as dihydroqinghaosu, artemether, and the water-soluble sodium artesunate, appear to be more potent than QHS itself. Sodium artesunate acts rapidly in restoring to consciousness comatose patients with cerebral malaria. Thus QHS and its derivatives offer promise as a totally new class of antimalarials.

Wind Drag Within Simulated Forest Canopies

Abstract The local drag coefficients, aerodynamic roughness and wind velocity profiles were studied for a simulated tree-forest canopy. Furthermore, a brushy canopy was investigated which simulated the leafy portion of a forest without the tree trunks present. Based on the information obtained, it is feasible to establish the relation between model and prototype canopies for flow characteristics. In the course of this study a shear plate was developed which reliably measures a drag force of from 0.1 to 2000 gm. The function of this plate was successfully validated by force calibration and by testing it in a turbulent flow over a smooth surface. The plate was then used to measure directly the drag forces within the canopies.

Nutrient Distribution During Development of Three Market Types of Peanuts. I. P, K, Ca, and Mg Contents1

AbstractSix plant portions of each of three peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) cultivars representing the three market types were sampled on four dates. Many interactions occurred for each nutrient among the 'cultivars, plant portions, and sampling dates.The highest P(0.35%) and K(3.7%) contents in the cultivars were in the July 12 and October 10 leaf‐samples, respectively, of the first lateral branches of ‘Virginia 61R’. Also, similar portions of Virginia 61R sampled in July and August were high in K. Highest Ca (1.8%) and Mg (0.7%) contents were in the June 16 and October 10 samples of the second lateral branch‐leaves and upper main stem (principally leaves) portions, respectively, of ‘Starr’. Nutrient contents in the ‘Early Runner’ portions generally were intermediate or similar to the cultivar having the lowest average contents.P, K, Ca, and Mg contents in the July main stem portion were statistically similar to or only slightly lower than in other leafy portions sampled on June 10, August 31, or October 10. Contents of the nutrients except Mg in June in the first and second lateral branch‐stems usually were lower than in the leafy portions, but higher than in the hypocotyl‐crown portion. P contents of the fruit samples were considerably higher, whereas K and Ca levels were markedly lower than in the other portions sampled on similar dates.

Nutrient Distribution During Development of Three Market Types of Peanuts. II. B, Cu, Mn, and Zn Contents1

AbstractThe B, Cu, Mn, and Zn contents of portions of ‘Virginia 61R,’ ‘Early Runner,’ and ‘start’ peanuts (Arachis hypogea L.) were determined at various sampling dates during the 1966 growing season. The main stem of the three cultivars generally contained higher amounts of B and Mn than the hypocotyl‐crown, the stemmy and leafy portions of the first and second lateral branches, or the fruit. The highest Cu contents were usually present in the fruit and hypocotyl‐crown and the highest Zn contents in the fruit and main stem. Significant differences among cultivars in B, Mn, and Zn contents of similar plant portions occurred on one or more sampling dates. Similar differences were not obtained for Cu. All plant portions sampled decreased in one or more micronutrients during the growing season, except the stemmy portion of the first and second lateral branches and the fruit.

The Inorganic Bromide Content of Foodstuffs Due to Soil Treatment with Fumigants

SUMMARY—Inorganic bromides may be present in food and raw agricultural commodities, in part as a result of soil treatments with bromine containing organic compounds, and in part as natural bromides from soil. Studies by various workers have shown that the organic bromide is not taken up by plants from the soil, but the compounds are readily degraded to liberate the inorganic bromide to the soil. Hence, any increase in bromide content of plants grown on treated soil can be considered to be due to treatment. The inorganic bromide ion is expected to be in solution in the cellular makeup of plants, and thus available to an extraction procedure. Experiments have shown this to be true.The data presented summarize three seasons of measurements of the bromide content of various crops. The effect of soil treatment is compared to the bromide levels occurring in these crops as the result of normal levels in soil. A further comparison is shown for the type of soil fumigant used. Data are given for ethylene dibromide, 1,2‐dibromo‐3‐chloropro‐pane, and trimethylene‐chlorobromide.It is apparent, in general, that leafy portions of the plants studied contain the greatest levels of bromide on the basis of weight. Edible parts of certain other crops have a significant uptake ot bromides from the soil.