Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 May 2012
In 1954, the use of Methocel (methyl cellulose) as a sticker in laboratory studies of bacterial pathogens was described (1). Although satisfactory for laboratory use, Methocel is not practical for field use because of its solubility in water. In a field experiment 1½ inches of rain in two hours reduced by 80 per cent the residual count of bacteria applied as a suspension in Methocel. In a search for a more satisfactory sticker for field use, colloidal dispersions of vinyl chloride polymers and copolymers in water have been tested. These trials have been sufficiently encouraging to justify a preliminary report of the results.