THE LOWLY PEANUT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 June 1942, Page 4

THE LOWLY PEANUT

FACTOR IN WAR ECONOMY. AMERICAN OIL-BEARING CROPS. It is a scientific fact, the “Christian Science Monitor” reported not long ago, that peanuts are going to help knock' off enemy tanks. Peanuts make glycerine for explosives and the American peanut crop this year will be increased 255 per cent, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, south-west-ern division, was told by Arthur W. Young and Earl T. Duke of Texas Technological College. Peanuts will show the largest increase of all the American crops which produce seed oils. The war demands on oil bearing seed crops this year are 11,000,000,600 pounds, which includes not only explosives but the fats and oils essential for many uses both in war machines and industry.

The present reserve stocks, the report stated, are only enough for six weeks. Last year, 7,000,000,000 pounds of domestic seed oils were produced. Argentine flax and Brazilian castor beans are the main import sources left and the rest of the shortage is to be made up, if possible, with cottonseed, American flax, soyabeans and peanuts, with the latter showing the largest percentage increase. Sunflower seeds will help win the war, also the less familiar seeds such as castor beans, sunflour and perprilla, all of which can be grown in the United States.

The scientists suggested that farmers look into the possibilities, for while not many will be able to raise these seeds, those in favourable localities can help. In another war phase, red milo maize bread has possibilities as a healthful war food, as reported by Mina Wolf Lamb and Lottie Reed, also of Texas Technological College. They are testing this whole wheat for vitamin B. It is likewise a source of vitamin A, but the tests do not yet show exactly how good.