SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 March 1939, Page 11

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

SOLUTIONS TO INDUSTRIAL PROBLEMS. BENEFITS FOR THE CONSUMER. OTTAWA. Scientific researches in Canada in 1938 have done much to solve industrial problems and, by making possible the production of improved products at lower costs, have greatly benefited the consumer. The National Research Council, a semi-governmen-tal organisation, the personnel of which is composed of men prominent in scientific work in Canadian universities and Canadian industry, has conducted researches in the production of a number of foodstuffs for domestic and foreign consumption. As a result of research in the curing and transportation of Wiltshire bacon intended for the British market," it is expected that there will be a marked increase in the exports of Canadian bacon to this market. In an attempt to produce a barley which combined high yield with superior malting quality, Canadian plant breeders have produced 185 new lines representing crosses from 65 different parent bodies. From these it is expected that an ideal strain will be developed. Promising results have been , obtained in producing a hardy, large seeded perennial forage plant for use in drought areas by crossing wheats with wheat grasses. By using colchicine, an alkaloid, it has been possible to double the bloom and seed sie of the plant produced. Investigation on the practical applications of plant hormones has been pushed forward rapidly and as a result a commercial hormone powder is now on the market. Cost of production has been greatly reduced. Problems arising out of the storage and transportation of foods have been investigated, particularly in connection with the different methods of refrigeration.

Researches are being conducted in the growth of wheat under different temperatures and under different light intensities; the use of mercury derivates as seed disinfectants have been studied; and attempts are being made to improve existing baking practice by measuring ’the gas production of fermenting doughs. Co-operating with the Board of Grain Commissioners, efforts are being made to introduce Thatcher, a new rust-resisting wheat, into Great Britain and other European countries.