RECENT WORK IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE. 



AGRICULTUEAL CHEMISTRY— AGROTECHNY. 



The constituents of asparagus and asparagus roots, J. L. Wickers and B. 

 ToLLENs (Jour. Landw.. 58 {1910), No. 2, pp. 101-112). — This work was con- 

 ducted for the purpose of determining certain physiological factors which 

 have to do with the reserve substances in the asparagus plant. 



The results showed that during the month of April more carbohydrates, easily 

 hydrolyzable to glucose, were present in the main root and side roots than 

 during the month of July. More nitrogen-free extractive substances, contain- 

 ing the easily hydrolyzable hemicellulose and sugars (E. S. R., 22, p. Ill), 

 were present in the side roots in April than in July, but in the main roots no 

 difference could be determined in this respect for the different months. Crude 

 fiber and pentosans were present in greater amount in the main roots, but in both 

 kinds of roots the crude fiber and pentosan content was highest during July. 

 On subtracting the easily hydrolyzable carbohydrates and pentosans the re- 

 maining nitrogen-free extractive substances contained in the main roots were 

 found to be greater than those contained in the side roots. 



The fat content of the asparagus root is small, and its amount has the same 

 time relation as that of both crude fiber and pentosans. The largest amount of 

 nitrogen was present in the side roots, where it was greatest in July. In the 

 main roots the nitrogen content was about the same in April and July. The 

 ash content was greatest in the main roots at all periods, and reached its 

 maximum in April. The side roots contained less mineral matter in April than 

 in July. The potassium in the main roots was found to be diminished in July, 

 while that of the side roots was greatest at that time. Phosphoric acid was 

 present to a greater extent in the side roots and the largest amount was found 

 in July. 



The carbohydrates of the asparagus plant, J. L. Wickers and B. Tollens 

 {Jour. Landw., 58 {1910), No. 2, pp. 113-116). — The results of an examination 

 of the roots and buds showed that the roots probably contain glucose in the 

 free state or as a part of another carbohydrate. Fructose was also present, 

 but lactose could not be detected. The authors were in doubt in regard to sac- 

 charose. The juice from the buds was also found to contain glucoses but no 

 polysaccharids. Mannit was probably present. See also the work of Tanret 

 (E. S. R., 22, p. 112). 



The soluble carbohydrates in asparagus roots, F. W. Morse {Jour. Amer. 

 Chem. Soc, S3 {1911), No. 2, pp. 211-215). — The material utilized for this work 

 consisted of finely powdered samples of the individual root systems freed from 

 dirt and dried at 50° C. They were secured during the month of November, 

 the second year after setting, and when the translocation from the tops was be- 

 lieved to be complete. The average proximate composition of the dry substance 

 in 16 roots was as follows: Protein 11.03, fat 1, fiber 15.39, nitrogen-free extract 

 66.34, and ash 6.24 per cent. These results show that the soluble nonnitroge- 

 nous matter included most of the reserve material of the roots, 



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