Further observations on the bacteriology of jute retting

Bacteria capable of retting jute are present in pond water, in the soil of jute fields, and on the surface of jute plants. They probably enter stems over the whole surface through stomata, as well as through cut ends and leaf scars, after immersion for retting. Under laboratory conditions the shortest period of retting, three days, was achieved withBacillus polymyxaat a temperature of 40°. Retting in a tank was appreciably hastened by using the same water for successive batches of jute. Prolonged immersion involves the risk of over-retting, probably because of the action of cellulolytic bacteria. For natural retting, still the most appropriate process in East Pakistan, large clean ponds are thought to provide the most suitable conditions.