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Formic acid as a desiccant for grass leaves

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

R. Thaine  and
C. E. Harris
R. Thaine
Affiliation:
Grassland Research InstituteHurley, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 5LR
C. E. Harris
Affiliation:
Grassland Research InstituteHurley, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 5LR
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Summary

Detached, fully turgid leaves of S. 24 perennial ryegrass were sprayed with 1, 3 and 5 mg of a solution of 85% formic acid per leaf and dried in controlled conditions (temperature 28 ± 1 °C, relative humidity 22 and 64%, air speed 40 cm/s). The lowest rate of application increased the rate of leaf drying approximately four times when the relative humidity was 64%. Increasing the rate of formic acid or reducing the relative humidity to 22% did not enhance the drying further. The mode of action of formic acid is discussed. It is suggested that formic acid might be utilized to obtain quicker drying of grass for hay, and further investigations are called for.

Type
Short Note
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 80 , Issue 2 , April 1973 , pp. 349 - 351
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1973

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References

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