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GLOSSARY
Anti-rice-blast agent: Blasticidin-S
The S component of Blasticidin has proved to be a most effective agricultural chemical for the prevention of rice blast, a serious fungal plant disease. Blasticidin-S successfully controls the growth of mycelia,which form spores and propagate the disease. Its concentration is 100 times greater than that of mercury-based fungicides.
Blasticidin-S is a colourless needle crystal with a melting point of 236 Celsius and molecular weight of 300 to 450; molecular structure has yet to be determined. The crystals dissolve in water and acetic acid but not in organic solvents. Blasticidin-S is stable against heat and ultraviolet light and is of low toxicity to human and aquatic life.