Further observations on the bacteriology of jute retting

Bacteria capable of retting jute are present in pond water, in the soil of jute fields, and on the surface of jute plants. They probably enter stems over the whole surface through stomata, as well as through cut ends and leaf scars, after immersion for retting. Under laboratory conditions the shortest period of retting, three days, was achieved withBacillus polymyxa at a temperature of 40°. Retting in a tank was appreciably hastened by using the same water for successive batches of jute. Prolonged immersion involves the risk of over-retting, probably because of the action of cellulolytic bacteria. For natural retting, still the most appropriate process in East Pakistan, large clean ponds are thought to provide the most suitable conditions.     

Further observations on Vexillarius cancellifer Jordan & Chamberlain

A single specimen of an unusual dimorphic coccosphere was encountered in the subtropical North Atlantic. Despite its poor condition, it was formally described in 1993 as a new lower photic zone species, Vexillarius cancellifer Jordan & Chamberlain. Since then, the species has only been reported twice, with little or no additional information to the original diagnosis. In 2005, a new specimen was found in the Java upwelling system in the southeastern Indian Ocean, and like the type specimen, it was collected from the lower photic zone. The distal portions of the tubular coccoliths are far more complete in the new specimen. We therefore provide an emended diagnosis for this rare genus and species.     

Further observations on phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in fungi

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) has been detected in an Ascomycete, Nectria cinnabarina. Growth in light increases levels of PAL in some but not all Basidiomycetes.