GB886341A - Improvements in the production of latex - Google Patents

Abstract

In tapping rubber trees, contamination of the latex with bacteria is prevented by contacting it as it emerges with a suitable anti-bacterial composition. Preferably the residual infected coagulum from the previous tapping is removed, or a fresh 1/5 inch cut made in the bark, and the cut and surrounding surface treated with a bactericidal composition, the exposed ends of the latex vessels injected with an antibiotic solution and the tapping cut after cessation of flow sealed with a further dressing. A suitable first dressing which is bactericidal and for bacteriostatic, detergent and alkaline comprises sodium hydroxide 10% w/v, chlorinated xylenols 6% w/v, 2, 4, 5, 6, tetrachlor-m-cresol 0,5% w/v, rosinamine D/ethylene oxide 3% w/v and dihydro streptomycin sulphate or phytomycin 0,5% w/v, with distilled water as solvent medium. For injection of the latex vessels a 1% w/v aqueous solution of auromycin, "Terramycin" (Registered Trade Mark), neomycin sulphate, dihydrostreptomycin sulphate, "Crystamycin" (Registered Trade Mark), or sulphonamide or other sulphur drug may be used, and, as final dressing either a solution comprising 0,2% w/v sulphanilamide and 1% w/v phosphoric or sulphuric acid solution, or 1% w/v aqueous quaternary type compound, e.g. trimethyl ammonium bromide, cetyl pyridinium bromide or rosinamine D acetate. Specification 839,758 is referred to.