bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on the determination of dead or diseased tissues. I. Investigations on dead plant tissues
Authors: Greenham CG , Cole DJ
Published: November 2004

To diagnose the vitality of portions of poisoned roots of skeleton weed (Chondrilla juncea L.) and bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) in the field, probe readings of equivalent parallel resistance (Rp) and capacitance (Cp) were made, and it was found that the lowest point of dead tissues was usually within one-quarter of an inch of the point at which the value of Rp was minimal. Values of Cp did not give any indication of the phase angle of the tissue under test, but gave a useful cross check on the location of the minimum for Rp. Probe readings at 100 kc/s. served to discriminate between living and dead portions of the one root having similar values for Rp at 1 kc/s. Readings at 100 kc/s. also served to distinguish some abnormally swollen poisoned roots.
Studies on the nutrition of pasture plants in the south-west of Western Australia. I. The effect of copper, zinc and potassium on the growth of Dwalganup strain of Trifolium subterraneum L. on sandy soils
Authors: Rossiter RC
Published: November 2004

The results of pot-culture experiments and field trials designed to examine the effects of copper, zinc, and potassium on the growth of Dwalganup subterranean clover on a number of Western Australian soils are presented and discussed. Highly significant yield increases from application of one or more nutrients were observed on all soils examined. The effects of applied copper were greater in the second year than in the seeding year under deficiency conditions in the field. Significant interaction effects were observed only with copper and potassium. Maximum yields in two of the field trials were low even with application of all three nutrients. Reasons for this are suggested. Data on leaf area changes indicated that, in contrast to the increasing severity of potassium deficiency with age of the plant, both copper and zinc deficiency tended to diminish after the commencement of the flowering stage. The importance of such time trends in the interpretation of interaction effects is emphasized. The economic significance of the potassium problem is stressed and a number of aspects requiring investigation are outlined.
Tomato root distribution under furrow irrigation
Authors: Spencer K
Published: November 2004

The root distribution of mature tomato plants in a sandy loam soil under furrow irrigation was studied by measuring the lengths of roots washed from soil samples. Nearly 76 per cent. of the roots measured were found in the top 40 cm. of soil, but appreciable amounts of roots were found in the deepest samples (90-100 cm.). There were more roots half-way between plants in the row than closer to the plant, which suggests that mature root systems overlap when plants are spaced 29 ft. apart in the row. Distribution was compared for plants which had received an application of superphosphate and those which had not. Added phosphorus greatly increased the total length of roots and slightly increased the median root depth without much change in the relative values for these two measures between different lateral positions. In addition, there was some evidence for a local concentration of roots around the band of superphosphate. The relevance of the findings to cultivation and fertilizer practices in tomato culture is briefly discussed.
Corrigendum - The inheritance of shank colour in single comb White Leghorn and Australorp fowls
Authors: Skaller F , Grigg GW
Published: November 2004

Evidence has been presented in the literature on the mode of inheritance of shank colour in various breeds of chickens, but little has hitherto been known about the same aspect in an Australian breed, the Black Australorp. Observations on the incidence of shank colour in different types of crosses between yellow-shanked White Leghorns and black-shanked Australorps are reported in this paper. According to the observations made by other workers on White Leghorn and other breeds, a hypothesis is advanced regarding the genes involved in determining shank colour in the White Leghorn and Australorp. A genetical analysis of the observations made by the authors on 847 single crosses, 71 backcrosses, and 31 zig-zag crosses is presented and shows close statistical agreement with the hypothesis. A genetical formula, including four autosomal and two sex-linked genes, is suggested which would explain the mode of inheritance of shank colour in White Leghorns and Australorps.
The effects of fertilizer treatments on the oestrogenic potency of Trifolium subterraneum L
Authors: Alexander G , Rossiter RC
Published: November 2004

The oestrogenic potency of subterranean clover from plots which received superphosphate together with several other fertilizers did not differ significantly from that of clover from a plot which had received superphosphate only. On the other hand, clover from plots which had received no fertilizer recently was significantly more potent than clover from plots which had received superphosphate.
Studies on the carbohydrate metabolism of sheep. 5. The effect of hyperglycaemia and of insulin on the rate of extrahepatic glucose assimilation
Authors: Reid RL
Published: November 2004

Significant increases in the arterio-venous glucose difference have not been observed constantly in sheep either during the hyperglycaemia which follows intravenous glucose injection or during the period in which the blood glucose is falling after insulin administration. It is suggested that the low rate of extrahepatic glucose assimilation at hyperglycaemic levels provides a partial explanation of the relatively slow rate of clearance of injected glucose from the general circulation of ruminants. Blood-glucose curves, obtained after direct administration of glucose into the abomasum, are discussed in the light of these findings, and it is concluded that the rate of glucose absorption from the intestine of the sheep is low compared with the rate in non-ruminants. It is suggested further that hexokinase activity in the extrahepatic tissues of the sheep is relatively low, and that the findings described are conditioned principally by the nature of carbohydrate digestion and metabolism in the ruminant.
The residual effect of superphosphate in soils cultivated for wheat in South Australia.
Authors: Woodroffe K , Williams CH
Published: November 2004

This paper presents further results of a study of phosphorus in the red-brown earths and solonized brown soils of South Australia. The investigation involved both field and pot-culture experiments in which different amounts of superphosphate were applied to soils which had received previous superphosphate applications ranging from 0 to nearly 30 cwt. per acre. Only a small part of the phosphorus applied has been removed in crops and the residual phosphorus has remained in the soil in fairly readily available inorganic forms. Where previous applications of superphosphate exceeded 15 cwt. per acre, little if any response in yield of wheat grain was obtained with current superphosphate dressings, although yields of straw were sometimes increased. The phosphorus content of wheat grown under South Australian conditions is lower than that of overseas crops and is dependent on the phosphorus status of the soil. It is only slightly increased by moderate applications of superphosphate. Evidence is presented of a relationship between response to superphosphate and the nitrogen status of the soil which suggests that no appreciable response to applied phosphate is likely with stubble-sown crops other than legumes on soils of improved phosphorus status.
Effect of soil moisture on transpiration.
Authors: West ES , Perkman O
Published: November 2004

The march of soil moisture content in an experimental citrus grove was determined by successive soil sampling. Following an irrigation the soil moisture content progressively falls owing to withdrawal of water by the plants. It was found that the soil moisture content could be expressed as an exponential function of the accumulated evaporation from a free water surface since the last irrigation. Curves of this type were constructed for the three kinds of cultural treatment studied. The rate of water withdrawal is a function of the soil moisture content.
Effects of skin coatings on the behaviour of apples in storage. III. Cool storage investigations.
Authors: Hall EG , Sykes SM , Trout SA
Published: November 2004

The effects of skin coatings on several varieties of apples during cool storage were studied in several seasons from 1941 to 1946. Most of the work was done with the Granny Smith and Jonathan varieties and coatings tested included alcoholic solutions of castor oil and shellac (C.O.S.), oil emulsions, and wax emulsions. With most varieties the more successful coatings, under favourable conditions of fruit maturity and of temperature before and after storage, reduced wastage and retarded loss of condition. The most successful coating, a 7-10 per cent. C.O.S. solution, increased commercial cold-storage life of a number of varieties by 25-30 per cent. C.O.S. and some oil coatings controlled superficial scald, but to a less degree than good oiled wraps. Most coatings controlled Jonathan spot and senescent disorders, but only the alcoholic solutions reduced mould wastage. Coatings at times caused direct injury to the fruit, but under favourable conditions this was usually not of commercial significance. Skin blemishes, internal disorders, and off-flavours were often severe in coated apples exposed to temperatures above 700°F either before or after cool storage. Wrapping in either plain or oiled wraps improved the out-turn of coated fruit.
Purple-top wilt, a disease of potato caused by tomato big-bud virus.
Authors: Norris DO
Published: November 2004

The symptoms of purple-top wilt on potato are described and illustrated and data on the tuber transmission of the virus are presented. The disease is caused by the tomato big-bud virus, although the symptoms differ markedly from those usually produced by this virus. Economic loss results both from the direct effect of current-season infection and from missing hills in the subsequent crop caused by the failure of affected tubers to sprout.
Manganese deficiency in subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.)
Authors: Tyson AG
Published: November 2004

Manganese deficiency of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) appeared in pots of a Kangaroo Island soil, the pH of which had been changed by the addition of small amounts of lime from 6.2 (the natural pH) to 6.3-6.5. As a result of this deficiency, yields were severely depressed. The symptoms of manganese deficiency in subterranean clover are described. Chemical analyses of healthy plants showed manganese contents, expressed on a dry matter basis, varying from 30 p.p.m. on a slightly acid soil to over 300 p.p.m. on a strongly acid soil. Plants in various stages of manganese deficiency showed only 4-25 p.p.m. It is suggested that, at the flowering stage, 25 parts of manganese per million parts of dry matter represents the minimum amount of manganese for healthy growth of subterranean clover. Applications of manganese sulphate to the soil at a rate of 56 lb/acre prevented the appearance of manganese deficiency symptoms, increased the manganese content of the clover to 35 p.p.m., and led to nearly a 20-fold increase in growth. Manganese deficiency in subterranean clover has also been seen in the field on Kangaroo Island and one sample examined showed only 9.4 p.p.m. of manganese on a dry matter basis.
The effect of certain inorganic salts on the nitrification rate of two South Australian soils.
Authors: Collins FM
Published: November 2004

The nitrifying capacities of two virgin soils, Urrbrae clay loam (Adelaide) and Seddon sandy gravelly loam (Kangaroo I.), were determined by the soil perfusion technique. Nitrification was low in both soils and a lag of 10-15 days was recorded before nitrate nitrogen accumulated in the Seddon soil perfusate. The addition of calcium carbonate, either alone or with phosphate and trace elements, increased the nitrifying capacity of both soils but phosphate or trace elements alone had little effect on the soil nitrification rate. Calcium carbonate, with or without phosphate and trace elements, reduced the lag in nitrification of the Seddon soil by up to 50 per cent. The addition of carbonate, phosphate, and trace elements was followed by maximum nitrification in both soils. A transient increase in nitrite nitrogen was recorded with soils enriched with calcium carbonate, and ammonia nitrogen was removed from the perfusate in a number of "stages".
The errors involved in pH determination in soils.
Authors: Raupach M
Published: November 2004

Errors of replication of pH values of 1: 5 soil-water suspensions are shown to differ significantly between routine observers and to be larger when duplicate determinations are made upon different days rather than on the same day. For the routine technique employed in these laboratories the 5 per cent. fiducial limits of a single determination do not rise above ±0.09 pH units due to the above causes. Errors due to soil variation over small distances in the field may show 5 per cent. limits as high as ±1.3 pH units. The causes of the errors which may arise within the measuring system are considered and details are given of errors in soil systems due to the suspension effect and to lack of equilibrium between the soil and aqueous phases. Absence of equilibrium may give differences as high as 1.0 unit when measurements are made upon sedimenting alkaline suspensions; no errors occur due to this cause below pH 5. The presence of salts does not modify the differences observed. The suspension effect is relatively small. It is recommended that where possible, pH measurements be made upon soil systems with the glass electrode in the suspension and the reference electrode in the dialysate or supernatant liquid. The description and use of a suitable electrode arrangement is given in an appendix. Generally pH measurements can be considered to no greater accuracy than ±0.1 unit and quite often circumstances do not justify this precision.
Air-tight storage of grain; its effects on insect pests. I. Calandra granaria L.(Coleoptera, Curculionidae).
Authors: Bailey SW
Published: November 2004

The responses of adult and immature Calandra granaria L. to high concentrations of carbon dioxide and low concentrations of oxygen have been determined. To bring about 100 per cent. mortality of all stages requires an increase of carbon dioxide to 40 per cent. or a decrease of oxygen to 2 per cent. The respiratory quotient of the species has been measured and it is shown that the death of the insects, under air-tight grain storage conditions, is due to the depletion of oxygen caused by the respiration of the insects and the grain and not to the accumulation of carbon dioxide. The adult insects are the most resistant stage and the first insects larvae the most susceptible. Estimates for the time required for the insects to die and for the amount of damage they cause before death are given.
Buffer systems in the rumen of sheep. I. pH and bicarbonate concentration in relationship to pCO2.
Authors: Turner AW , Hodgetts VE
Published: November 2004

Experiments are described which emphasize the importance of avoiding loss of carbon dioxide when estimating the pH or bicarbonate concentration of ruminal fluid. The high pCO2 of ruminal fluid is stressed; this may be 10 times or more as great as that of arterial blood. The relationship between pCO2, pH, and [HCO3-] was examined in terms of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation over a wide range of pCO2. From this, the pK1' of the carbonic acid system in four ruminal fluids was determined as 6.21-6.28, mean 6.25. The higher pH of saliva-free samples of ruminal fluid withdrawn by suction through a tube passed down the oesophagus, as compared with that of the bulk fluid obtained through a ruminal fistula, is considered to be due to loss of carbon dioxide during collection. A better estimate of intraruminal pH is obtained, even when salivary contamination occurs, if such samples are equilibrated with a sample of the animal's ruminal gas; if this is not practicable, an arbitrary gas mixture of high pCO2, e.g. 50 per cent. carbon dioxide and nitrogen, may be used.
The use of heaters for frost prevention in a pineapple plantation.
Authors: Angus DE
Published: November 2004

The degree of frost protection afforded by various concentrations of heaters of a simple design distributed over an area of 1 ac was investigated for a plantation of pineapples in southern Queensland. The area over which a temperature rise of a given amount was produced was found to increase linearly with the strength of the temperature inversion. The area also appeared to increase linearly with concentration of heaters over the range 53-188 per acre. This latter concentration produced a temperature rise of at least 30°F over about 1 ac, and at least 1°F over 2-1/4 ac. Tests with a combination of these heaters and a wind machine suggested that the areas of various temperature rises were equal to the sum of the areas produced by the two methods used separately.
Mutton qualities in Australian Merino sheep
Authors: Taneja GC
Published: November 2004

Measurements of body length, depth, and width, fore cannon length, mutton score, fold score, and body weight a t 5, 11, and 17 months are reported for Peppin Merino ewe lambs. Observations were made on two groups of lambs – 284 born in the spring of 1951 and 273 born in the autumn of 1952 – at the Trangie Agricultural Experiment Station of the New South Wales Department of Agriculture. Repeatability estimates are: body length, 0.61; body depth, 0.77; body width, 0.46; length of fore cannon, 0.63; mutton score, 0.64; and body weight, 0.71. On these data it is suggested that any additional measurement capacity is best exploited in other directions. With two exceptions, there is a significant positive correlation between all pairs of characters studied: fold score is negatively correlated with mutton score and has no correlation with other parameters; no significant correlation is apparent between mutton score and cannon length. Mean values for body characters are recorded. Weight at 11 months is recommended as the best of the measures tested of mutton quality in Merinos.
Trials of a wind machine for frost protection in citrus
Authors: Frith HJ
Published: November 2004

A horizontal axis wind machine for prevention of frost damage, built in Australia, has been tested under local conditions in a citrus grove. It was shown to be effective in raising orchard temperature by 2°F over an area of up to 10 acres at a power expenditure of 12 h.p. (electrical input) per acre, which is comparable to results obtained with similar machines in California and with the low speed Australian type of wind machine.
The reaction of primary and secondary wool fibres to changes in nutrition
Authors: Lockart LW
Published: November 2004

The responses of primary and secondary wool fibres to changes of nutrition are in proportion to their cross-sectional areas. No indication was found that primary fibres compete more effectively with secondary fibres at a low level of wool production than a t a high one.
Effects of progesterone and Pregnant Mare Serum (PMS) adminsitration in the anoestrous ewe. I. Oestrus, ovarian changes, and gonadotrophic potency of the pituitary gland
Authors: Raeside JI , Lamond DR
Published: November 2004

Observations were made on the effect of progesterone and pregnant mare serum (PMS) on the incidence of oestrus, the macroscopic changes in the ovaries, and the total content of gonadotrophins in each anterior pituitary gland of 105 anoestrous Romney ewes. When progesterone alone was administered for 4 days neither oestrus nor ovulation resulted. In the group receiving PMS alone, ovulation occurred in 6 of 10 ewes but none exhibited oestrus. All 10 ewes injected with both hormones ovulated; only 6 came on heat. No effect of progesterone or PMS on pituitary activity was apparent when the animals were killed 4-7 days after the last injection of hormone. Some evidence for an increase in numbers of small follicles over an 8-day period in January suggested perhaps a natural increase in ovarian activity with the approach of the normal breeding season, or a stimulatory effect of the introduction of the rams a t that time of year. Over the same period the gonadotrophic potency of the control sheep showed a slight increase. These observations are discussed in the light of current views of pituitary control of the breeding season in sheep.
The spelling of pasture in cattle tick control
Authors: Wilkinson PR
Published: November 2004

When two comparable herds of cattle were kept continuously in adjoining paddocks, frequent acaricidal treatment was necessary to control ticks (Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) ). Thereafter, one of the two herds was grazed alternately in its own and an adjacent paddock, the intervals between each transfer being sufficient to ensure that most of the ticks in the unoccupied paddock had died. Tick infestations on this herd were greatly reduced, and less frequent use of acaricides was necessary. The herd remaining in the continuously stocked pasture continued to need acaricidal treatment for recurring tick infestation. In a field trial with 350–400 cattle moved a t intervals to each of three formerly heavily infested paddocks, tick infestations remained very light, although the herd was dipped only In January, September, and the following January. A control herd on continuously stocked pasture, treated at the owner's discretion, required eight dippings in this period. This procedure of "pasture spelling" seems likely to be widely applicable in central Queensland.
Resistance to DDT in the catle trick, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini)
Authors: Stone BF
Published: November 2004

Difficulty was experienced in controlling the cattle tick, on a herd at Rockhampton in central Queensland, by dipping in 0.5 per cent. w/v pp'-DDT. When an animal artificially infested with this strain was sprayed with 1 per cent. w/v pp'-DDT, only 26 per cent. of the engorged females falling from the animal over the 48-hr period after spraying failed to lay viable eggs, as compared with 64 per cent. of susceptible ticks falling from a similarly treated aninial. Both strains were, however, equally susceptible to "Diazinon". Laboratory concentration-response tests with a culture of the Rockhampton ticks indicated that the larvae exhibited a resistance 22 times that of a susceptible strain, and the engorged adult females a degree of resistance probably of the same order. The Rockhampton strain showed no significant resistance to dieldrin or toxaphene. There was no difference in susceptibility to DDT between adults of an 'early-falling' and a "late-falling" substrain of the resistant strain after selection for three generations.
The aetiology of phalaris straggers in sheep. III. The preventive effect of various oral dose rates of cobalt
Authors: Lee HJ , Kuchel RE , Good BF , Trowbridge RF
Published: November 2004

The earlier finding that cobalt administered orally in adequate amounts completely prevents phalaris staggers from developing in sheep that graze pastures containing a preponderance of Phalaris tuberosa L. has been confirmed. Weekly doses of 7 mg cobalt did not always afford protection but supplements of 28 mg (or more) at weekly (or more frequent) intervals were invariably effective. Extremely small supplements (0.05 mg) were effective when administered twice daily, but when the interval between doses was 4 weeks even very large amounts (280 mg) did not prevent staggers. The principles that govern the preventive administration of cobalt are discussed and relevant analytical data are presented.
Air-tight storage of grain: its effects on insect pests. III. Calandra oryzae, (Large strain)
Authors: Bailey SW
Published: November 2004

Changes in the composition of air among grain infested with the large strain of Calandra oryzae (L.) were investigated. The effects of these changes on adult and immature insects were determined. It r a s found that insects were killed by the depletion of oxygen and not by the build up of carbon dioxide. In general the large strain responded in the same way as the small strain, but some differences in the respiratory quotient of the two strains were noticed.
Effect of volatile fatty acids, lactic acid and ammonia on rumen pH in sheep
Authors: Briggs PK , Hogan JP , Reid RL
Published: November 2004

Data are presented on pH, volatile fatty acid, lactic acid, and ammonia nitrogen levels in the rumen of sheep being hand-fed on a wide range of diets. It is concluded that the rumen pH rarely falls outside the range 5.0-7.5 on diets on which lactic acid never accumulates in the rumen after feeding. On such diets rumen pH is closely related to the volatile fatty acid level. Evidence is presented which indicates that the pH-volatile fatty acid relationship on different diets may be considerably modified by variations in salivary secretion and in the accumulation of ammonia nitrogen in the rumen after feeding. The contribution of ammonia nitrogen to the total buffering capacity of the rumen is discussed. Lactic acid only accumulated in the rumen on diets containing high levels of soluble carbohydrate or starch. Lactic acid levels above 20 mM were always associated with pH levels below 3.0, but although levels higher than 80 mM were often recorded, lumen pH levels never fell below 4.33. On these diets rumen pH was closely related to the level of volatile fatty acid or lactic acid or both in the rumen.
Studies on salt tolerance of sheep. I. The tolerance of sheep for sodium chloride in the drinking water
Authors: Peirce AW
Published: November 2004

Four groups, each of six sheep, were fed in pens for 15 months on an adequate diet of chaffed lucerne and wheaten hays. One group was offered rain-water to drink, whereas the others were offered similar water to which sufficient sodium chloride had been added to give concentrations of 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 per cent. sodium chloride. The intake of water increased with concentration of sodium chloride, the mean daily intakes for the entire experiment being 2.0, 3.0, 4.4, and 3.0 1. for the groups whose water contained 0, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 per cent. sodium chloride, respectively. It also increased in all groups with temperature, being 50-70 per cent. higher in the hottest months than in the coldest months. The intake of sodium chloride by some sheep was very high; four of them consumed over 115 g (0.25 lb) daily for more than half the experiment, and 170-230 g daily for periods of 1-10 weeks. A concentration of 1.0 per cent. sodium chloride in the drinking water had no adverse effects on the sheep, but 1.5 per cent. TI-as detrimental to a small proportion and 2.0 per cent. was detrimental to all of the sheep. There was a decline in food consumption and body weight of the affected ammals, and several receiving 2.0 per cent. sodium chloride became very emaciated and weak and two were killed in extrentis. The only other obvious sign was an occasional diarrhoea which occurred in most of the sheep receiving 2.0 per cent. sodium chloride. Sodium chloride in the drinking water had no effect on the concentration of sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium in the blood plasma. It did, however, affect the chloride concentration; this was significantly higher, throughout the experiment, in the group which received water containing 2.0 per cent. sodium chloride.
Effects of EDTA on the uptake of micronutrient metals by oats from an organic soil
Authors: Beckwith RS
Published: November 2004

It has been shown, in a pot, culture trial, that the addition of EDTA to a neutral, manganese-deficient, organic soil increased the uptake of native manganese by oats. However, manganese uptake from large additions of manganous sulphate was lowered in the presence of EDTX. EDTA increased the uptake of iron and copper from this soil by oats at all yield levels. No increase in uptake of iron, copper, or manganese occurred if EDTA was added to the same soil limed to pH 8. These results are discussed in relation to other reports of the effect of EDTA on plant uptake of micronutrient metals from solution and from soils. It is pointed out that aluminium may replace divalent metals in EDTA complexes added to soils. Such substitution might occur more rapidly at pH 8 than at pH 6-7 because of the larger amount of aluminium in solution at the higher pH. It is suggested that this reaction may explain the failure of EDTA to increase uptake of micronutrient metals from the limed soil in these experiments. Uptake of copper and iron from the untimed s oil, in both presence and absence of added EDTA, appears to be linearly related to total transpiration of the oats during their growth. It is thought that this may reflect the dependence of oats in this soil on soluble anionic metal complexes brought to the roots with soil moisture. In a second pot experiment, uptake of added manganese was increased by EDTA added 3-4 weeks after the manganous sulphate. In this case the manganous sulphate would have been mostly oxidized when the EDTA was added. It is suggested that EDTA may speed up the biological oxidation of manganous salts in neutral soils. If this were so, plants not treated with EDTA in the first experiment might have absorbed more added manganese early in their growth and maintained a higher manganese content throughout the season than plants treated with EDTA. In the second experiment, the effect of EDTA on manganese oxidation would be largely eliminated, and the effect in increasing water-soluble manganese in the soil mould become discernible. In this second experiment, EDTA prevented the occurrence of grey speck disease, whereas addition of hydroquinoue failed to do so. Nevertheless ,plants treated with hydroquinone contained as much manganese as, or more than, those treated with EDTX. This result is discussed in relation to the "manganese requirement," of oats.
The phosphate content of Australian soils
Authors: Wild A
Published: November 2004

A map compiled from existing data is presented to show t>he recorded distribution of total phosphate in Australian soils. The generally low content for Australian soils is confirmed. From examination of the data, losses by leaching, especially under poor drainage conditions, appear to be the cause of the low values. The effect of plants is important but has received little attention. The distribution of the phosphate contents is shown to be related to parent material in soils on the eastern and southern fringes of the continent and in Tasmania, though leaching has also taken place. In the central part of the continent t)here is evidence that loss of phosphate took place earlier than the Pleistocene and probably during the mid and late Tertiary period of lateritization. Loss of phosphate during this prolonged period is considered the cause of the difference between Australian soils and the soils of the United States, which are generally younger, and presumably those of northern Europe.
Studies on the sultana vine. VI. The morphology of the cane and its fruitfulness
Authors: Antcliff AJ , Webster WJ , May P
Published: November 2004

The relationship between the morphology of sultana canes and their fruit production was studied to determine the value of external cane characters for the selection of pruning wood. Canes were rated on the following as desirable characters : well-ripened appearance, good diameter throughout, internodes not too long, and presence of persistent laterals. Canes tended to be more productive the higher their rating. Productivity was not directly affected by the age of the wood from which the canes arose nor by their having borne fruit; any differences found could be explained by differences in average rating. In each season nodes with persistent laterals were superior to nodes with deciduous laterals, and these in turn were superior to nodes without laterals, but there were no changes in the proportions of node types from season to season corresponding to changes in fruitfulness. It is concluded that the appearance of the cane is the only factor worth taking into account when pruning. No simple visual method was found which could replace microscopical examination in estimating fruitfulness to forecast potential crop.
The interaction of calcium and hydrogen ions in the nodulation of subterranean clover
Authors: Loneragan JF , Dowling EJ
Published: November 2004

A study was made of the effects of calcium and hydrogen ions on the nodulation of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) in water culture. A compound interaction was found. At pH 4.0 or less no nodules were formed at any calcium concentration. At a 0.01mM calcium concentration no nodules were formed at any pH used. Above these critical values, almost maximum nodulation could be obtained by an increase in either calcium concentration or pH, so that each factor was to a large degree replaceable by the other. Calcium and hydrogen ions in the range of concentrations which produced these marked interactions on nodulation had no measurable effect on plant growth (nitrate was supplied in solution). The effects of calcium and hydrogen ions on the growth of the Rhizobium strain used were also markedly different from their effects on nodulation. Hydrogen ions had a dominating effect on Rhizobium growth, while calcium ions had no effect at any pH and were required at most in trace amounts. Hydrogen ions depressed calcium uptake by the plants. It is suggested that, in the range of concentrations where they were replaceable, the effects of calcium and hydrogen ions on nodulation were through their influence on the level of calcium in the plants. It is concluded that the calcium requirement for nodulation of subterranean clover is higher than for growth of the host plant or for growth of Rhizobium.
Accession of non-nitrogenous ions dissolved in rainwater to soils in Victoria
Authors: Hutton JT , Leslie TI
Published: November 2004

Analyses of rainwater samples from 24 stations in Victoria have shown that with increasing distance from the coast there is a sharp decrease in the influence of the ocean on the nature of the dissolved ions. About 150 miles inland the ionic ratio of sodium to potassium falls below 10, that of sodium to chloride exceeds unity, and calcium becomes the dominant cation. This is considered to reflect the influence of terrestrial material such as the dry surface of soils. As soils also contain sodium and chloride ions, the common assumption that all the chloride in the rain is derived from the ocean is unjustified, hence calculations of the net accession of salt are unwarranted. In southern Australia, sulphate ions are present in much smaller amounts than in other countries and this may contribute to the observed deficiencies of sulphur in plant nutrition. Details are given of the method of collecting the rainwater and of its analysis.
The effect on nitrogen availability of adding fragmented wood to the soil
Authors: McKenzie WM
Published: November 2004

Changes in nitrate content of incubated sawdust-soil mixtures were followed in order to investigate the effect of wood species, extraction of the sawdust, soil texture, addition of limestone, and form of nitrogen added on the time trend of nitrogen uptake and release. Wood species had the greatest effect on the maximum amount of nitrogen taken up. For mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell.), red ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon A. Cunn.), and radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don), the average maximum amounts of nitrogen taken up were respectively 1.6, 1.4, and 1.0 per cent. of the oven-dry wood present. It is suggested that these amounts are inversely related to the degree of lignification of the wood. Maximum uptake was reached in a period varying from 5 weeks (mountain ash) to 11 weeks (other species), which suggested that under temperate conditions in the field nitrogen additions should be spread over a period of 6-12 months or more to avoid losses. Addition of calcium carbonato caused increases in the rate of nitrogen uptake and the maximum value reached. When a nitrogen salt only was supplied, there was evidence of deficiency of some other element. The other factors investigated had little or no effect on nitrogen uptake. Nitrogen was released very slowly, which indicated that under temperate conditions in the field the rate of release would be too slow to be useful for many crops. Because of the slow rate of release, it is expected that the experimental results for maximum uptake would apply to field conditions favouring a reasonable rate of decay. Mycological examination revealed mainly Ascomycetes and Fungi Imperfecti, no Basidiomycetes being observed.
Growth, yield, and fruit quality in a factorial field experiment with citrus in relation to changes in phosphorus nutrition
Authors: Bouma D
Published: November 2004

Changes in growth, yield, and fruit quality of citrus in a factorial field experiment are presented. Nitrogen fertilization in the sod treatment had only limited effects on yield. After the application of superphosphate, yields at the higher nitrogen levels increased markedly. The initially superior yields from the bare surface treatment decreased gradually, and became at the highest nitrogen level even lower than in the tilled treatments. After application of superphosphate, yields improved in the plots receiving ample nitrogen and became even higher than in the tilled treatments. Yields in the tilled treatments remained good, and were not influenced by nitrogen fertilization. Fruit quality in the no-tillage treatments improved considerably after the application of superphosphate. Increasing nitrogen supply, however, had a depressing effect on fruit quality in all cultural treatment's, but within each nitrogen level the fruit was of similar quality. Nitrogen and phosphorus contents of leaves sampled in 1954 and 1957 are compared, and the changes in yield and quality that occurred during that period are discussed in relation to the modified phosphorus supply in the experiment.
Subterranean clover stunt, a virus disease of pasture legumes
Authors: Grylls NE , Butler FC
Published: November 2004

A study has been made of a recently recognized virus disease, subterranean clover stunt. Field observations of its occurrence, distribution, and symptoms, and experimental data on insect transmission are recorded. Attempts to transmit the disease by mechanical means and by leafhoppers were unsuccessful. It was transmitted by two species of aphids, efficiently by Aphis craccivora Koch and less efficiently by Myzus persicae (Sulz.), but not by four other species of aphids tested. The virus was transmitted to a series of indicator plants by aphids and, since it carried over a moult of A. cruccivora, it belongs to the "persistent" type. The host range covers a wide variety of legumes, including some subtropical species. The means by which the disease is carried over from season to season was not determined but the virus probably persists in summer-growing annual and perennial legumes.
Nutritional values for 17 subtropical grasses
Authors: Milford R
Published: November 2004

The nutritional values of 17 subtropical grasses have been compared with the use of crude protein content, crude protein digestibility, nitrogen balance, dry matter intake, and dry matter digestibility as criteria. Under the experimental conditions at the Cooper Laboratory, differences in nutritional values were obtained between individual subtropical grasses, the main differences being in digestible C.P. contents and in dry matter intakes. When mature and frost-affected grasses were fed to sheep, Paspalum plicatulum (C.P.I. 11826) and Cenchrus ciliaris (West Australian strain) had the highest nutritional values, and were superior to Panicum maximum var. trichoglume, Cenchrus ciliaris (C.P.I. 6934), Paspalum plicatulum (C.P.I. 2741), and Urochloa pullulans. These four were, in turn, better than Chloris gayana (commercial strain) and Paspalum commersonii. All grasses tested had higher nutritional values than mature natural pasture. All grasses which were fed to sheep at a young leafy stage of growth had high nutritional values. Those with the best performances at this stage were Paspalum plicatulum (C.P.I. 11826 and C.P.I. 2741), Panicum maximum var. trichoglume, and Paspahm commersonii. Limited data are presented on the nutritional values of Paspalum notatum (four strains), Paspalum malacophyllum, Panicum minus, Panicum coloratum, and Pennisetum purpureum.
Distribution of zinc in subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) during the onset of zinc deficicency, as determined by the use of the radioactive isotope 65Zn
Authors: Riceman DS , Jones GB
Published: November 2004

Young plants of subterranean clover (T. subterraneum L. var. Bacchus Marsh) were grown between day 20 and day 43 in culture solutions containing zinc labelled with the radioactive isotope 65Zn and were then transferred to zinc-free culture solution. The distribution of labelled zinc in the plant parts during the subsequent onset of zinc deficiency was determined by means of radioautographs. By similar means the distribution of labelled zinc was determined in plants transferred to culture solutions containing inactive zinc. The zinc present in fully expanded living leaves was largely retained there while they remained alive, even during the onset of zinc deficiency which progressed to the "little leaf" stage. Some zinc was transported out of these leaves when they became prematurely senescent as a result of the deficiency. During the onset of the deficiency some zinc was transported out of the roots and the main axis. After zinc deficiency had become acute and growth had practically ceased, the concentration of zinc in the youngest leaves at the growing points of the main axis and runners remained higher than that in the slightly older, fully expanded leaves.
Further studies on Eutypa armeniacae Hansf. & Carter
Authors: Carter MV
Published: November 2004

A study of the mode of penetration of the host by germinating ascospores of E. armeniacae has provided an explanation for the failure of fungicides to prevent infection of wounds. Experimental evidence indicates that the susceptibility of wounds made during the dormant period decreases during the subsequent growing season. Additional information concerning spore production is presented and some new hosts are listed.
Efficiency of conversion of food to wool in five Merino strains
Authors: Dunlop AA , Dolling CHS , Kennedy JF
Published: November 2004

Seventy-five wethers, 2 and 3 years old and representing five strains of Merino, were maintained at constant body weight for a period of 4 months on a ration of lucerne chaff and wheat. Their food consumption and wool production over this time were measured. There were differences among the strains in efficiency of conversion of protein or of energy to wool, the trend being from strong non-Peppin, as most efficient, to the fine non-Peppin as least, with the three medium-wool strains occupying intermediate positions.
Characterization of anomalous or "Doggy" wool
Authors: Glynn MV , Lang WR , Wardle BR
Published: November 2004

Several sets of normal and "doggy" wool from various sources have been examined for possible differences in fibre thickness and fibre length frequency distributions. A slight tendency for normal wool to be h e r than doggy wool from the same flock was observed, but no apparent difference in variability of fibre thickness. Fibre length evidence was inconclusive.
In normal and doggy wool from the same flock, higher wax and suint contents in the normal, significant at the 5 and 1 per cent. levels respectively, were recorded. No differences between normal and doggy wools in cystine and total sulphur contents were observed; but in cortical differentiation, there was evidence that in contrast with the bilateral segmentation in normal wool, the doggy samples included a greater percentage of fine fibres with central or fragmentary or ill-defined orthocortex or divided paracortex, though the number of these was not great.
Effect of temperature of storage and age of fowl eggs on hatchability and sex ratio, growth, and viability of the chickens
Authors: McDonald MW
Published: November 2004

Fertile White Leghorn eggs were stored for periods ranging from 24 hr to 7 days in environments controlled at 40, 60, or 80°F and 70 per cent. relative humidity. The eggs were then incubated, and observations on numbers of incubator clears and dead embryos at 10 days and again at 17 days, numbers of chickens hatched, weight at hatching, sex ratio, weight of pullets at 14 days of age, and mortalities were recorded. Eggs stored at 40 and 60°F showed no effect of age of egg on number of clears, dead embryos, or number of chickens hatched. Eggs stored at 80°F showed a rapid fall in number of chickens hatched with age of egg before incubation, this effect being produced by increases in number of clears and dead embryos. Storage at 40°F produced a lower number of chickens hatched than at 60°F, owing to a higher number of incubator clears. There was no difference in sex ratio between chickens hatched from eggs stored at 60 and 80°F, neither departing significantly from 50 per cent. pullets. However, storage at 40°F produced significantly more pullets than cockerels, 54.6 per cent. of the chickens being pullets. Storage temperature and age of egg did not affect the hatching weight of the chickens, but when 14 days old, pullets from the eggs stored at 80°F were significantly heavier than pullets from the other groups.
The availability of potassium in some Tasmanian soils. I. The variability of soil potassium in the field and its fractionation
Authors: Graley AM , Nicholls KD , Piper CS
Published: November 2004

The potassium status of Frodsley sandy loam and some associated soils from the Fingal district, north-eastern Tasmania, has been investigated. Regularly spaced sampling of surface soils on a rectilinear grid pattern disclosed a variability of exchangeable potassium values in the field much greater than recorded for soils elsewhere; even for 3-ft spacings there was a sevenfold range. The need for adequate sampling of experimental areas is stressed. The median value for exchangeable potassium in the A1 horizon of Frodsley sandy loam was 0.31 m-equiv./100 g for "developed" areas and 0.35 m-equiv./100 g for "undeveloped" areas. Values for the A2 horizon were closely correlated with those for the corresponding surface horizon, but only about one-third as high. The amounts in the B horizon tended to approximate to those in the A1 horizon except for soils with high values in the surface. The potassium-supplying capacity of the soils was assessed by fractionation of the potassium into water-soluble, exchangeable, difficultly exchangeable, hydrochloric acid-soluble, and total potassium. In Frodsley sandy loam approximately 35 per cent. of the exchangeable potassium appeared in the water-soluble form, which suggested that there may be moderate losses from this soil by leaching. Ten minutes' boiling with normal nitric acid released only about 90 per cent. more potassium than was present in the exchangeable fraction. Boiling normal nitric acid extracted much less potassium from some samples of this soil type than did cold normal ammonium chloride from others, because of the great variability of exchangeable potassium. Concentrated hydrochloric acid dissolved a further 0.60.7 m-equiv./100 g on the average. These low values for the two latter fractions are taken to indicate the poverty of this soil type in reserves of potassium and, with the relatively low values for the exchangeable fraction, explain the widespread responses to potassium reported in field experiments. Examination of the minerals of the clay fraction of Frodsley sandy loam supported the chemical data in regard to the poor potassium status of these soils. Separation of sand, silt, and clay from the B horizons of two profiles showed that much of the total potassium was present in the coarser fractions of the soil. Type A, a soil associated with Frodsley sandy loam on river terraces, had a similar potassium status. Soils formed on dolerite were significantly higher in all categories of potassium.