Pertanika Vol. 8 No. 3 December 1985
PERT-0314-1985
Chemical and Mineralogical Characteristics of an Organic Soil (Troposaprist) from Sg. Burong,
Tg. Karang, Selangor
J. Shamshuddin, Nik Mokhtar and A.J. Kamal
Keywords
Organic soils; minerals; charges; soil buffering
Abstract
At bulk density of 0.97 g/cm 3 and pH (top soil) of around 5 reflects that the soil has improved after
undergoing an ameliorating programme and more than a decade of cultivation. But at depth, pH
is still low where AI is present in large quantities. A high water table leads to the accumulation of
bases, especially Ca and Na in the lower horizons. Low pH and high CEC is the reflection of high
amounts of organic matter and mica-vemiculite-smectite mineralogy.
PERT-0315-1985
The Lead Tetra-acetate Oxidations of Some N-Arylaminofumarates in the Presence of
Trifluoroacetic Acid
Mohd Aspollah Sukari
Keywords
Lead tetra-acetate; oxidative cleavage
Abstract
p-Chloroanilino-, p-acetylanilino-and p-toluidino-fumarates are oxidized by lead tetraacetate in
low yields to give oxanilate. Similar oxidation of p-acetylanilinofumarate in the presence of
trifluoroacetic acid affords only oxanilate. p-Toluidino and p-chloroanilino-fumarates with lead
tetra acetate/ trifluoroacetic acid give mixtures of oxazin, azobenzene and anilide.
PERT-0316-1985
Tolerance of Soybean Rhizobia to Soil Acidity
R.A.Jones and J.E. Giddens
Keywords
Nitrogenfixation; Rhizobium japonicum; legume inoculation
Abstract
Some nodule bacteria do not tolerate acid soils. A study was initiated to determine if Rhizobium
japonicum could adapt to soil acidity and therefore become more effective N -fixers in association
with soybeans (Glycine max L. Merr.) grown in acidic soils. Nodules were obtained from
soybeans grown in fields where the crop had been planted for at least 5 years in soil with pH near
5, 6 or 7. The nodular material was used for inoculation of soybeans in a factorial experiment
grown in methyl bromide fumigated soil obtained from the same fields as the inoculum.
Nitrogenase activity (C2H2 — C2H4 reduction) and plant weight were used for evaluating the
treatment effects. The results seem to indicate that the nodular bacteria did not adapt to a given
soil pH. Soybeans grown in soil at pH 6 grew best regardless of whether inoculum was from
plants grown at pH 5, 6 or 7. In acid soil, inoculum from soils at pH 5 was no better than those
from pH 6 or 7.
PERT-0317-1985
Accumulation and Migration of Phosphate Applied as Rock Phosphate in an Oil Palm Plantation
A.R. Zaharah, J. Hawa and H A H. Sharifuddin
Keywords
Total P; P fractionation; extractable P
Abstract
An experiment was conducted to study the accumulation and migration of P applied as Christmas
Island Rock Phosphate (15% P) to an oil palm crop grown on Kuala Brang soil series (Typic
Paleudult). These oil palm trees were fertilized for 17 consecutive years at the rate of 0, 44 and
88 kg P/ha/year. Most of the P was found to accumulate mainly in the top 10 cm of the soil and
were present in the order of Ca-P > Fe-P > Al-P. Olsen extractable P, total P, inorganic P
fractions, soil CEC and pH were found to increase with increasing rates of P applied.
PERT-0318-1985
Characterisation of Bidor Kaolinite and Illite
K.Y. Liew, L.E. Khoo and K. T. Bong
Keywords
Kaolinite; Illite; Characterisation
Abstract
Two types of commercial clay minerals from the Bidor region of Perak were studied. From the Xray diffraction study, these clays were identified as disordered kaolinite and 2 M polymorph of
illite. The morphologies, the surface properties, the pore structures and the infrared absorption
properties were examined. The basis for the identification of these clays is discussed.
PERT-0319-1985
Soil Fusaria from Oil Palm Habitats in Malaysia
Y.W. Ho and G. Varghese
Keywords
Fusarium; soil; oil palm
Abstract
Fusarium species were isolated from 22 sampling sites in 4 oil palm plantations located in
different regions of Peninsular Malaysia using Peptone-PCNB medium. Eight species and two
varieties of Fusarium viz., F. solani, F. oxysporum, F. oxysporum var. redolens, F. semitectum, F.
moniliforme, F. moniliforme var. subglutinans, F. equiseti, F. longipes, F. lateritium and F.
heterosporum were isolated. Among these, F. solani and F. oxysporum were the most prevalent
species followed by F. semitectum and F. moniliforme. The other 5 species and 2 varieties of
Fusarium were of sporadic occurrence. Generally, soils from areas with young palms had larger
number and greater variety of Fusarium species when compared to soils from mature and old
palm areas. The rhizosphere soil contained a greater variety of Fusarium species than soils in the
avenue of palms (non-rhizosphere soil).
PERT-0320-1985
The Effects of Sorbed Alkali Metal Ions on the Conductance of Activated Carbon
M. Badri, Karen Anne Crouse and Harun Awang
Keywords
Conductance; activated carbon; pores; sorption; viscosity; mobility of alkali metal ions
Abstract
The rate of increase of the conductance of activated carbon immersed in NaCl solutions was
found to be lower when the concentration of the salt was increased. This was probably due to the
increase in the viscosity of the solutions which prevented the filling of the pores to the same
extent as in the case of pure water. In addition, the final conductance of the sample was also
lowered. The opposite effect was however observed in HCl solution. Measurements in the
presence of Li + and K + suggested that the mobility of the ions determined the final value.
PERT-0321-1985
The Effect of Temperature on the Destruction of Salmonellas in Activated Sludge
M. I. Yaziz
Keywords
Activated sludge; Salmonella; temperature effects of wastewater treatment
Abstract
The effect of temperature on the survival of salmonellas in activated sludge was examined. The
results showed that the Salmonella destruction rates increased in line with increasing
temperature of the mixed liquor from 5° to 25 °C, whereas at 30 °C the rate declined markedly.
This is most probably due to inactivation of ciliate protozoa at the higher temperature resulting in
increased survival of the pathogens. The slow reduction in the number of salmonellas at 30°C
may be the result of nutrient starvation, in addition to other possible mechanisms such as the lytic
action of bacterial viruses.
PERT-0322-1985
A Contribution to the Phytochemical Survey of Peninsular Malaysia
Mawardi Bin Rahmani, Ruth Kiew, Nordin Hj. Lajis, Rahim Othman and Robert F. Toia
Keywords
Phytochemical screening; alkaloid, triterpene/steroids, saponin survey of Malaysian plants
Abstract
Specimens of 216 plants representing 150 genera and 50 families were collected from four areas
in the western and central parts of Peninsular Malaysia. The leaves of each species were
screened for alkaloids, steroids and triterpenes, and for saponins. 28 species (13%) gave a
positive test for alkaloids, 86 (40%) for saponins and 55 (25%) for triterpenes/steroids.
PERT-0323-1985
Prey Selection by Larval Micromus tasmaniae Walker (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae)
M Y. Hussein
Keywords
Micromus tasmaniae; hemerobiidae; predation
Abstract
The brown lacewing, Micromus tasmaniae, is the most common predator of potato aphids in
South Australia. The probability of capture and prey preference of larval M. tasmaniae were
measured for each in star of Myzus persicae Sulzer (the green peach aphid) at constant 15°C,
20° and 25°C. The probability of capture of M. persicae by larval M. tasmaniae increased after
each moult and declined just before moulting, especially at 15°C. Except for very small and
young larvae, the predator larvae were able to capture efficiently both small and large prey.
Young larval predators showed some preference for smaller prey, whereas older larvae exhibited
little or no preference. The effectiveness of M. tasmaniae larvae may vary considerably between
seasons and climates.
PERT-0324-1985
A Study of the Bacterial Population Fluctuations During Poultry Processing
M. I. Yaziz and R. Awang
Keywords
Salmonella; poultry processing; bacterial contamination of poultry carcasses
Abstract
The microbial assessment of skin-washed water samples taken from 39 poultry carcasses and
the wash water from a poultry processing unit revealed cumulative increases in the number of
micro-flora at each stage of processing. A comparison of the bacterial population densities on the
skin at the start and at the end of processing showed that the levels of E. coli and coliforms
increased by 231.1% and 263.1% respectively whereas the Salmonella concentrations decreased
by about 9%. A positive correlation was obtained between the occurrence of bacteria and
parameters such as wash water pH and temperature, and suspended solids concentration. An
examination of the storage tank effluent which was used to store the poultry carcasses prior to
packaging showed that E. coli and Salmonella were able to thrive in the liquid. During the 4 h
incubation period, the levels of both organisms declined rapidly during the initial half hour, but
quickly became adapted and multiplied in the subsequent hours. The implications of both, the
field and laboratory studies are discussed with a view of reducing the level of contamination
during processing.
PERT-0325-1985
A Comparative Study of Leaf Litter Decomposition Rates in a Hill Forest and a Forest Plantation
in Peninsular Malaysia
Lee Su See and Yong Teng Koon
Keywords
Leaf litter decomposition; hill forest; forest plantation; litter bag studies
Abstract
A comparison of seraya (Shorea curtisii Dyer ex. King) and pine (Pinus caribaea var.
Hondurensis) leaf litter was made over a period of 16 weeks in a Hill Dipterocarp Forest (HDF)
and in a pine plantation (PP). At both sites, seraya leaves decomposed at a faster rate than pine
needles. Weight losses after 16 weeks from seraya leaves varied from 19.5% (PP) to 39.0%
(HDF) while pine needles showed weight losses varying from 10.3% (PP) to 13.6% (HDF). Soil
microarthopods were suspected to play a more important role in seraya leaf litter decomposition
in the HDF than in the PP. The significance of these findings on forest management is discussed.
PERT-0326-1985
The Effects of Temperature on the Development of Hemispherical Scale, Saissetia Coffeae
(Walker)
Abdul Ghani Ibrahim
Keywords
Saissetia coffeae; temperature; growth rate, regression
Abstract
The rate of growth and size of Saissetia coffeae (Walker) (Homoptera: Coccidae) were studied
under seven different constant temperature: 18°C, 20°C, 22°C, 24°C, 26°C, 28°C and 30°C.
Results showed that an increase in temperature within limits would accelerate the rate of
development for all the stages of S. coffeae. Thus, the development from egg to adult at 18°C
and 28°C were 95.2 and 51.2 days respectively. Continuous rearing of nymphal scales at 30°C
failed to produce adults indicating lethal effects at this temperature. There was a higher
correlation between temperature and growth rate for all the stages of scale using polynomial
regression.
PERT-0327-1985
Effects of Packing Densities in Plastic Bags on Survival of Larvae and Fry of Helostoma
temmincki (C&V)
S.S. Siraj, S.H. Cheah and Z.A. Aizam
Keywords
Packing density; larvae; fry; water quality parameters; Helostoma temmincki
Abstract
Helostoma temmincki (C&V) larvae measuring 4.6 ± 0.6 mm total length were packed in plastic
bags with oxygen at stocking densities of 0, 250, 500, 1000 and 1500/litre. Fry measuring 2.0 cm
± 0.2 were similarly packed at densities of 0, 125, 250, 500 and 750/litre. The fish were observed
for mortality 10 minutes, 24 hours and 48 hours after packing. The water quality parameters —
temperature, dissolved oxygen, ammonia-N, dissolved carbon dioxide, pH and alkalinity — were
determined at 0 hours for control bags only and for all bags at 48 hours after packing. There was
no mortality in all bags 10 minutes after packing. After 24 hours, mortality of larvae packed at
500, 1000 and 1500/litre was less than 2% whereas no mortality was observed in the bags with
fry. At 48 hours, mortalities of larvae were similar (P > 0.05) in all bags and were less than 2%.
Mortalities of fry packed at 125, 250 and 500/litre were similar (P > 0.05) and less than 2%,
whereas mortality of fry packed at 750/litre was significantly different (P < 0.05).
PERT-0328-1985
Keperluan Latihan Pegawai-Pegawai Barisan Hadapan RISDA
Maimunah Ismail dan Asma Ahmad
Keywords
Keperluan latihan; pegawai-pegawai barisan hadapan; RISDA
Abstract
Satu kajian telah dijalankan di kalangan 194 orang pegawai-pegawai barisan hadapan RISDA
dari seluruh Semenanjung Malaysia. Tujuan kajian ialah untuk mengenalpasti keperluan latihan
pegawai-pegawai pengembangan ini dalam bidang teknik dan bukan teknik. Penemuan kajian
adalah penting untuk merangkakan kurikulum latihan dalam perkhidmatan bagi kategori pegawai
RISDA tersebut. Kajian telah mendapati pegawai-pegawai barisan hadapan RISDA memerlukan
latihan dalam perkhidmatan dalam bidang-bidang yang berkaitan dengan program modenisasi
untuk memperbagaikan punca pendapatan pekebun kecil iaitu ternakan kambing, lembu dan
kerbau (76 peratus), ternakan ikan air tawar (73.65 peratus), ekoi*omipertanian (73.4 peratus)
dan ternakan ayam (73.28 peratus). Pegawai-pegawai tersebut mempunyai kecekapan yang
rendah dalam bidang-bidang tersebut kerana ia merupakan program baru yang diberi tumpuan
oleh RISDA di samping program-program pengeluaran getah.
PERT-0329-1985
Differential Pulse Polarography and Voltammetry with an Automated Microprocessor-based
Polarograph and a Static Mercury Drop Electrode
W. T. Tan and G.S. Tan
Keywords
Analytical evaluation; pulse; stripping; precision
Abstract
Differential pulse polarography using an automated, microprocessor-based polarographic
analyzer equipped with a static mercury drop electrode has been evaluated with respect to pulse
amplitude, scan rate, drop time (t), and drop area. Variation of peak current, ip with drop area and
t1/2, with some pulse amplitudes agree reasonably well with theory. However, dependence of ip
and E on scan rate and on pulse amplitude at very large and very small amplitudes was found to
deviate from theory. Similar trends were also found for anodic stripping voltammetry when
differential pulse stripping was used. The precision attainable by both techniques was good.
Copper peaks demonstrated good precision only when copper was plated out individually during
anodic stripping voltammetry.
PERT-0330-1985
Chemical Forms of Cu, Zn, Ni and Co in Soil and Sediment of Ranau, Sabah
Marcus Jopony
Keywords
Chemical forms; sequential extraction; soil; sediment available
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the distribution of the chemical forms of Cu, Zn, Ni and
Co in the soil and sediment samples obtained from Lohan area in Ranau, Sabah. The samples
were sequentially extracted with 0.5 M KNO3 to remove soluble plus exchangeable metals, with
0.5 M NaOH to remove organically bound metals, 0.05 M Na2 EDTA to dissolve metals in oxide
or carbonate form, and with 4 M HNO3 at 80°C to dissolve metals in sulphide minerals. Most of
the metals analysed were present as sulphide minerals with the exchangeable plus soluble
fractions being very low.
PERT-0331-1985
Histological Changes in the Pregnant, Lactating and Involuting Mammary Gland of the Guinea
Pig
W. Nordin and C.S. Lee
Keywords
Histology; mammary gland; leucocytes; guinea pigs
Abstract
The histological changes of mammary glands of guinea pigs during mid and late pregnancy, 1
day after parturition, peak lactation and 2, 3, 4, 8 and 12 days after weaning were studied. Rapid
growth of the glandular tissue occurred towards late pregnancy and was completed by peak
lactation. Plasma cells occurred in large numbers in the interalveolar connective tissue during the
period between mid-pregnancy and lactation. Mammary involution was an autolytic process aided
by the action of macrophages accompanied by shrunken alveoli and increased interalveolar
connective tissue. This feature was evident at 3 days after weaning which began from the
periphery of the glands. The number of macrophages were abundant in the connective tissue and
alveolar and ductal lumina. By day 8, the alveoli were no longer recognisable and at 12 days after
weaning only remnants of ductules and alveoli were present.
PERT-0332-1985
Communication I: Ganoderma boninense Pat. from Basal Stem Rot of Oil Palm (Elaeis
guineensis) in Peninsular Malaysia
Y.W. Ho
Abstract
Several hundred sporophores of Ganoderma were collected from 5-40 years old palm trees
infected with basal stem rot in 5 oil palm estates in Peninsular Malaysia. Based on the
morphometric studies of the pores, dessepiments and basidiospores dimensions and other
morphological characteristics, the sporophores were identified as belonging to a single species,
G. boninense Pat.