Leucaena seed extract could cut paper-making costs

Article Abstract:

Researchers at the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (Los Banos,Philippines) have produced a guar gum substitute from ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala) seeds to replace costly chemical imports. Gum additives are used together with the paper pulp during the paper-making process. A paper mill producing 100 tons of paper a day can save around 600,000 pesos (US$30,000) a year utilizing 400 kilos of ipil-ipil gum. The wood can also be utilized as building material, fuel and charcoal. The leaves can be used as animal fodder and the fruit as food for man.

Author: Banoun, Fay
Papermaking, Lead tree

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Rat-killer extraordinaire

Article Abstract:

The leguminous tree known as Gliricida sepium has herbicidal properties which can be used to kill rats. The plant produces coumarin, a substance which can be converted to diacoumerol when combined with bacteria produced in fermentation. Diacoumerol is an anticoagulant which suppresses the production of the protein prothrombin, subsequently causing death due to internal hemorrhage. Farmers have been been putting Gliricida branches in their ricefields to serve as a rat repellant.

Author: Banoun, Fay
Usage, Legumes, Coumarins, Rat baits and repellents

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Making the most of rice

Article Abstract:

Efforts to increase rice production in Asia is currently being undertaken by scientists in the region. The idea is to form partnerships among national agricultural research systems. The International Rice Research Institute spearheads this move which will center on the production of upland rice and rain-fed lowland rice. The consortia aim to increase the harvest without the need to increase the agricultural area.

Author: Banoun, Fay
Management, Rice, Agricultural research

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Subjects list: Research
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