Pertanika Vol. 11 No. 2, August 1988
PERT-0477-1988
Genetic Control of Root Weight, Root Volume and Root to Shoot Weight Ratio in Peas
Ghizan B. Saleh and Earl T. Gritton
Keywords
Pisum sativum L.; inheritance; heritability; gene effects; root characteristics; root system.
Abstract
The genetic control of root weight, root volume and root to shoot weight ratio was studied in peas
pisum sativum L.) at flowering. The four populations used were developed from crosses between
lines and cultivars differing in size of the root systems. Plants of the Flt F2, backcross and
parental generations were evaluated in pots filled with soil: sand mixture, in a completely
randomized design. A generation means analysis was used to determine the inheritance of the
root characteristics. Root weight and volume exhibited moderate to high broad-sense heritability
(0.41 - 0.81 for root weight, and 0.44 - 0.77 for root volume). Additive and dominance effects were
important in the inheritance of root weight and volume in all populations, while epistatic effects
were important only in two populations. The importance of the genetic parameters in the
inheritance of root to shoot weight ratio was unclear. With the presence of large additive effects
and high heritability, estimates for root weight and volume, selection for superior pure lines with
large root systems should be effective.
PERT-0478-1988
Evaluation of Potential Sources of Allelochemicals in Lalang (Imperata cylindrica)
S.G. Tan, Rita Muhamad, Y.Y. Gan and S. Rit
Keywords
Allelopathy, Imperata cylindrica; lalang.
Abstract
Aqueous leachates from fragmented lalang (I. cylindrica (L) Raeuschel var. major,/ dead leaves in
situ, caused delayed germination in biossays of all six species of pasture legumes tested, while
radical and shoot growth were inhibited in two of the test species. Phytotoxicity was dependent on
the quantity of plant residues available in the proximity of germinating phytometer species.
Leachates from rhizome and root fragments exhibited strong inhibitory activity even at the 5%
(w/v) level while leaf leachates were inhibitory at the 10% level and higher. In pot experiments
with soil containing living lalang tillers or incorporated with rhizome or root fragments,
phytotoxicity development in the soil extracts was evident at four weeks of growth or decay. In
soils with decaying roots or rhizomes there was a sub-sequent loss in activity over the eight week
incubation period Extracts of soils with living tillers showed loss of activity at six weeks of growth
followed by a significant stimulatory response at eight weeks. The use of two controls (control-soil
extract and distilled water control) enabled detection of inherent stimulatory activity in the control
soil Comparison with both controls to eliminate such influences showed only living tillers, and
decaying rhizomes and roots as major potential sources of inhibitory substances. The common
soil organism, Bacillus cereus (Frankland & Frankland), Alcaligenes faecalis Castellani &
Chalmers} and a Trichoderma sp. were found to be associated with the decay of rhizomes
resulting in an initial stimulatory growth reponse in the phytometer species followed by inhibition
and subsequent loss in activity. The nature of these organisms suggest that the release of phy to
toxins through decay of rhizomes as a common, natural phenomenon in most soils. The dead
leaves accumulating as litter in mature lalang vegetation may serve as an additional source of
water teachable allelochemicah if sufficient quantities were available in contact with the soil.
PERT-0479-1988
Effect of Aquathol K on Hydrilla verticillata (L.F.) Royle
Mashhor Mansor, Joseph Joyce and Dan Thyer
Keywords
Hydrilla verticillata; Aquathol K. herbicide.
Abstract
A recently synthesized herbicide Aquathol K was tested on the water weed Hydrilla verticillata.
Results from the laboraoty tests indicated that Aquathol K with concentrations ranging from 1.0
mg/1 to 2.0 mg/1 can kill this weed. Evidently, 100% injury was achieved within 10 days for the
plants treated with the highest concentration. 2.0 mg/1 of Aquathol K. The rate of 100% injury
was recorded much slower with 1.0 mg/1. With lower concentration 0.5'mg/1 and 0.1 mg/1, 100%
injury was never achieved within 25 days. Therefore, the herbicide was not very effective at lower
concentrations.
PERT-0480-1988
Ketoksikan Lima Racun Serangga terhadap Larva Kupu-kupu Beras, Coreyra cephalonica St.
Noorma Osman dan Au Wai Fong
Keywords
Corcyra cephalonica; kupu-kupu beras; klorpirifos; diklorvos, malathion; permethrin
fos-metii.
Abstract
The effects of five insecticides namely chlorpyrifos, dichiorvos, malathion, permethrin and
pirimiphos- methyl was tested in vitro on the six larval instars of Corcyra cephalonica St Based on
the LC50 values, the order of susceptibility of the different larval instars was 2 > 1 >3>4>5 >6 while
for dichiorvos it was 1 > 2 > 5 > 4 > 5 > 6 . The order for malathion, permethrin and pirimiphosmethyl was 1 >2>3>4> 6 >5. The order of relative toxicity of the five insecticides was dichiorvos
>chlorpyrifos > permethrin > pirimiphos-methyl > malathion for the second to the fifth instar, while
for the first and sixth instar it was dichiorvos > pirimiphos-methyl > malathion for the second to the
fifth instar, while for the first and sixth instar it was dichiorvos > pirimiphos-methyl > permethrin >
chlorpyrifos > malathion, and dichiorvos > permethrin > chlorpyrifos > pirimiphos-methyl >
malathion, respectively. Dichiorvos is recommended to replace malathion for the control of certain
species of storedproduct pests.
PERT-0481-1988
Physico-Chemical Changes in Muskmelons (Cucumis melo, L.) during Storage
M.A. Augustin, Azizah Osman, Mohd. Nasir Azudin and Suhaila Mohamed
Keywords
Muskmelon, Cucumis melo L., physico-chemical characteristics; storage.
Abstract
Fruits of muskmelon /'Cucumis melo, L cv. Asuka) grown under hydrophonic condition were
harvested 37 days after anthesis and stored at room temperature (25 - 2SPC) and at 6 - SPC.
The physicochemical characteristics of the fruits during storage were evaluated. The major
limiting deteriorative change during storage at room temperature was softening of the fruits. Fruits
stored at room temperature had a shelf-life of about 5 days while those stored at 6 - SPc were
acceptable for 3 weeks. The pH and titratable acidity did not change much during storage. There
was a slight decrease in total soluble solids and total soluble sugars during storage.
PERT-0482-1988
Composition of Rambutan Seeds.
M.A. Augustin and B.C. Chua
Keywords
Rambutan seed; proximate analysis; amino acid profile; fatty acid composition.
Abstract
The seeds of three rambutan clones (R4y R7 and R169) were analysed. Proximate analysis of
the seeds showed that they contained 11.9-14.1% protein, 37.1-38.9% crude fat (peroleum ether
extract), 2.8-6.6% crude fibre and 2.6-2.9% ash on a dry weight basis. The seeds contained 34.134.6% moisture. The amino acid profile of the seed protein showed that the protein was of good
quality. The major fatty acids in rambutan seed fat were C16.0 (4.36-4.86%); C18:0 (5.93-7.49%);
C18:l (37.91-40.15%); C20:0 (36.14-36.77%) and C20:l (6.92-727%).
PERT-0483-1988
Effect of Packaging and Modified Atmosphere on the Shelf Life of Rambutan (Nephelium
lappaceum) I
Suhaila Mohamed and Eshah Othman
Keywords
Rambutans; low temperature storage; modified atmosphere storage and packaging.
Abstract
Rambutans undergo rapid darkening and dehydration of the skin in 72 hours or less when stored
unwrapped at ambient temperature. Skin colour, firmness and weight of rambutans could be
effectively preserved by low temperature storage, packagings and modifying the storage
atmosphere. Low temperature storage at 8° C prolonged the shelf life of fresh unwrapped
rambutans to 6 days. Low permeability packaging (polyethylene rigid containers) together with
low temperature storage extended the shelf life further to 18 days. Increasing the initial
concentration of carbon dioxide to an optimum level of 7% at £°C effectively suppressed
respiration of fresh rambutan and prolonged the shelf life to nearly a month. Total absence of
oxygen (as with vacuum packages) was detrimental to the shelf life of fresh rambutan, since the
fruit was unable to respire normally. A good correlationship was found between weight loss of
rambutan, darkening of skin and frimness of the fruit. The post harvest deterioration of rambutans
was found to be mostly physiological.
PERT-0484-1988
Quantitative Studies of the Lung of the Domestic Fowl (Gallus gallus var, domesticus)
M.K. Vidyadaran, A.S. King and H. Kassim
Keywords
Domestic fowl; quantitative studies; morphometry; lung
Abstract
Comprehensive quantitative studies on the lung of the domestic fow, (Gallus gallur var.
domesticus). have been made. The data obtained were VL/W 14.65 ±3.17 cm3/kg; Sa/W 18.08 ±
2.51 cm2/g; rht 0.322 ± 0.01 um; Dto/W 12.79 ± 2.20 mlo/min/mmHg/kg; dan DLo/W 1.39 ± 0.36
mlo/min/mmHg/kg. These values are compared with those reported by other authors, and
possible reasons for the differences are discussed. The mean values for many of the parameters
have been calculated so that the values so obtained may form a basis for further investigations.
PERT-0485-1988
Composition of the Steam Volatile Oil from Hyptis suaveolens Poit
Laily Bin Din, Zuriati Zakaria and Mohd Wahid Samsudin
Keywords: Hyptis suaveolens; essential oil; j3- caryophyllene
Abstract
The steam volatile oil from the aerial parts of Hyptis suaveolens has been examined by combined
GC-MS. Of the 70 components detected, 38 have been identified accounting for approximately
86% of the oil fi-Caryophyllene was present to 41% and l,8<incolet terpinen-4-o 1, abergamotene, sabinene and a -copaene were the other major components. This oil appears to be
chemically distinct from the one reported from H. suaveolens collected in South America.
PERT-0486-1988
Chemical Conversion of the Oil Palm Wastes
Nordin H. Lajis, Mohd. Aspollah H. Sukari, Atan M. Sharif and Abu Jalil Hassan
Keywords
2-furaldehyde; oil palm waste; mesocarp fibre; sludge.
Abstract
The production of a 2-furaldehyde (furfural) from mesocarp fibre waste and oil palm sludge from a
palm oil mill using protic acids was investigated. The effect of immersion of fibre in acid prior to
heating was also studied. Production of furfural was completed in 3-4 hours when hydrochloric
(HCl) or sulfuric (H2SO4) acids were used as the catalyst whereas a longer reaction time was
required in the case of phosphoric (H3PO4) or oxalic (H2C2O4) acids. The experiment showed
that the rates of furfural production were increased when higher acid concentrations were applied.
Immersion of fibre in the acids for 24 hours prior to reaction increased the furfural yield. The
chemical conversion of sludge from the palm oil mill was also investigated. A similar acid
concentration effect on the rate was observed.
PERT-0487-1988
Biological Activity of Some Malaysian Plant Extracts
Mohd Aspollah Sukari and Shozo Takahashi
Keywords
Biological activity; plant extracts, antifungal activity; insecticidal activity; Ocimum sanctum;
Mentha arvensis\ bioassay
Abstract
Extracts obtained from three Malaysian Labiatae plants, including Ocimum sanctum, Mentha
arvensis and Orthoshiophon staminea, were investigated for their biological activity. The volatile
fraction of each plant was isolated and the major components were characterized by gas
chromatography (GC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and nuclear magnetic
resonance (NMR). The antibacterial and antifungal activity, insecticidal activity and inhibition of
the germination of seeds of the volatile fraction and residue were studied.
PERT-0488-1988
Preparation of a Poly (Hydroxamic Acid) Ion-Exchange Resin from Poly (Ethyl Acrylate-Divinyl
Benzene) Beads and its Properties.
Wan Md Zin Bin Wan Yunus and Zaharuddin Bin Ahmad
Keywords
Poly (hydroxamic acid) ion-exchange resin; preparation; properties
Abstract
A method to synthesize a poly (hydroxamic acid) chelating ion-exchange resin from poly (ethyl
acrylate-divinyl benzene) and its behaviour towards some metal ions are described. The resin
was prepared from this copolymer by treatment with hydroxylamine in the presence of sodium
hydroxide. The hydroxamic acid capacity of the product is 2.29 mmol/g and its sorption rate,
based on sorption of copper ion at pH 4, is rapid. Sorption capacities of Fe(III), Cu, Co, Ni and Zn
ions are pH dependent and its selectively towards these metal ions is in the following order:
Fe(III) > Cu > M >Cb >Zn. The ability of this resin to extract and to separate these metal ions are
also reported.
PERT-0489-1988
A Systematic Approach to Solving Problems in Structure Analysis
Rehan Hj.Mohd.Nor
Keywords
Organic chemistry problems; problem solving; problem solving strategies.
Abstract
An investigation of students' unsuccessful attempts to solve problems in structure analysis, even
though they possessed all the prerequisite knowledge, is described. The proposed teaching
strategies given to these students to help them develop confidence and skills in problem-solving
and the evaluation of these strategies are discussed.
PERT-0490-1988
Water Quality Profile of Sg. Langat
Anhar Suki, Mohd Kamil Yusoff and Mok Thean Poe
Keywords
Water quality; Sg. Langat.
Abstract
This study was conducted between August and December 1985 in order to assess polluting
effects from different landuse patterns. Nine sampling sites were chosen over a distance of 60
km. A number of physical and chemical parameters were analysed. Statistical tests and Water
Quality Index were used to evaluate the water quality variation. The result shows that relatively
high BOD, suspended solids, electrical conductivity and turbidity occurred after Hulu Langat town.
The statistical test indicated that the water quality variation is significantly different (p < 0.05); the
Water Quality Index shows that the water quality near Kajang town has deteriorated compared to
other stations.
PERT-0491-1988
Drying and Milling Cost Functions of Paddy: Empirical Estimates for Government Processing
Complexes in Malaysia
Roslan A. Ghaffar, T.A. Chew and Azman Hassan
Keywords
Paddy/rice processing; government mills; drying cost functions; milling cost functions; cost
economies..
Abstract
In this paper, the statistical cost function approach was used to model the drying and milling cost
for government paddy/rice processing complexes in Malaysia. The quadratic and inverse costs
Junctions were estimated. The results suggest that there exists a cost economy at relatively high
output levels for both the drying and milling operations. Examination of output data indicates that
a large number of government paddy mills operate at low outputs, with cost economies
unexploited.
PERT-0492-1988
Microwave Drying of Hevea Rubber Latex and Total Solid Content (TSC) Determination
Kaida Bin Khalid, Zaidan B. A Wahab and Abd. Rahman Kasmani
Keywords
Microwave drying; Hevea rubber latex; Total Solid Content (TSC)
Abstract
This paper deals with the microwave drying of the hevea rubber latex. It outlines the theoretical
and experimental aspects on the effect of sample weight (5 gm to 15 gm)f microwave power
levels (3W/ cm3 to 10.6W/cm*) and initial TSC (25% to 60%) to the drying rate and final drying
time. A series of drying curves (mass versus drying times) was generated and optimum
conditions for drying were determined. A close relationship between theory and experiment has
been found. The drying rate and final drying time for 5 to 15 gm samples with TSC = 39.2% at 9.3
W/cm* is approximately 0.07 gm/sec and 4 minutes respectively. A large amount of sample > 20
gm is avoided to prevent any explosion and sputtering of the sample during drying process. It is
suggested that the optimal mass and power level are 10 gm and 9.3 W/cm3 respectively. The
experimental results clearly showed that microwere drying is very efficient for drying of fresh
hevea latex as the conventional drying method needs 1 to 2 hours.
PERT-0493-1988
Automorphisms of Surface Groups of Genus Two
M.T.Abu Osman
Keywords
Automorphism; surface group; mapping class group; Seifert fibre group
Abstract
The mapping class group of a surface is a quotient of the automorphism group Aut*Yofthe
surface group by its normal subgroup of inner automorphism The determination ofAut^Ymay be
looked upon as an extension problem This paper will give a presentation ofAut Y where Y is a
surface group of genus two. The extension to Seifert fibre group will be given.
PERT-0494-1988
Peranan Paras-paras 3Po dan
Townsend
W.Mahmood Bin Mat Yunus
3P
2
terhadap Pekali Pengionan Sekunder dalam Nyahcas
Keywords
3P dan 3P dan Pekali Pengionan Sekunder.
o
2
Abstract
The contribution of the PQ and PQ levels to the secondary ionization coefficient in a Townsend
discharge are discussed. In the case of a research grade krypton gas sample, the theoretical
values of 8 / a (the dominant process in the range E/p < 50 volt cm1 torr1 ) are in good
agreement with the experimental values of co / a . However, in the case of purified research
grade krypton gas samples, it seems likely that only atoms in the PQ level contributed to the
secondary ionazation coefficient
PERT-0495-1988
COMMUNICATION I
Cultural Variants of Fusaria from Oil Palm Habitats
Abstract
Variation in cultural and morphological characteristics existed in both the parent isolates and
subcultures of 8 species of Fusarium isolated from oil palm soils. Based on pigmentation,
mycelial characters and conidial measurements, different "morphological types" from parent
isolates within a species were distinguished. Constant subculturing of the parent isolates gave
rise to various cultural variants. The variants were the slimy-pionnotal, mycelial and ropy types or
were in the form of patches or sections which differed in pigmentation from the parent colony.
PERT-0496-1988
The Behaviour of the Solutions of the Forced Van der Pol Equation with Small Parameters
Mat Rofa Bin Ismail
Key words: Van der Pol equation, small parameters, confining domain.
Abstract
Theforced Van der Pol equation x+ µ(x2 - l) x + x = p (t), µ> 0,| p(t)≤k where µand k are small
parameters, is investigated in the phase plane, It is shown that the solutions of the equation are
eventually confined in an annulas as t increases for certain values of µ and k.
PERT-0497-1988
COMMUNICATION II
Effect of Air-Flow Rates on Laboratory Measurement of NH3 Volatilization
Abstract
The effect of air-flow rates on the volatilization loss of NH^ from urea was studied on two soil
types. In both soils, the volatilization loss increased with increasing air flow rates up to 14
volume/min. Further increase in air-flow rate to more than 14 volume/min. did not significantly
increase volatilization loss of NH3 It is suggested that volatilization loss should be measured at an
air flow rate of 14 volume/ min.
PERT-0498-1988
COMMUNICATION III
Formation of Protein Film from Chickpea Dhal
The optimum conditions for the formation of chickpea dhal protein film and the characteristics of
the films were studied. Optimum yield of protein films was obtained form chickpea dhal at bean:
water ratios of 1:5 to 1:7 and in the pH range of 9.0 to 10.0. The chickpea protein films were
darker and more brittle than soybean protein films.