bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of sowing depth, seed dressings, a press wheel, cultivars and trifluralin on the establishment of barley
Authors: Radford BJ , Wildermuth GB
Published: March 2005

A factorial field experiment was carried out to determine the effects on barley establishment of 3 depths of sowing (45, 65 and 85 mm), 2 fungicide seed dressings (carboxin and triadimefon), a press wheel compared with a chain harrow, 2 cultivars (Prior and Grimmett), and the pre-emergence herbicide trifluralin incorporated prior to sowing. A laboratory experiment was also conducted to determine the effect of the 2 seed dressings on the coleoptile length of Prior and Grimmett at 20�C. The press wheel increased seedling establishment from 74 to 88% at a sowing depth of 45 mm, but from 55 to 89% at 85 mm. Carboxin seed dressing increased coleoptile length by 10-17 mm and triadimefon reduced it by 13-1 8 mm. Carboxin also gave better establishment than triadimefon when seed was sown deep. The cultivar Grimmett had shorter coleoptiles than Prior but slightly faster seedling emergence. The shortstatured cultivars now being bred for lodging resistance may also have short coleoptiles and hence poor establishment from deep sowings. The use of a press wheel improved establishment from a depth of 85 mm on a black earth soil. Incorporation of the herbicide trifluralin in the black earth soil 1 week before sowing did not affect establishment. A general lack of significant interactions meant that the main effects were usually additive, establishment increasing from 38% in the worst treatment (85 mm, triadimefon, chain harrow, Grimmett, no trifluralin) to 98% in the best (65 mm, carboxin, press wheel, Grimmett, trifluralin).
Effects of frequency of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cropping on some properties of krasnozem and euchrozem soils in the South Burnett area, Queensland
Authors: Loch RJ , Coughlan KJ , Mulder JC
Published: March 2005

We examined relationships between peanut (Arachis hypogae L.) cropping frequency and some properties of the tilled layer of krasnozem and euchrozem soils of the South Burnett area of southeastern Queensland. The average period of cultivation for the sites studied was 22 years. Organic carbon (OC) was not significantly correlated (P<0.05) with the period under cultivation, indicating that OC had reached equilibrium with the cropping pattern imposed. Frequency of peanut cropping in the 10 years before sampling was correlated negatively with OC (r = 0.49 1, P < 0.001), percentage of dry aggregates 0.5-5 mm (r= -0.385, P<0.01) and water stability of dry aggregates 2-5 mm (r = - 0.499, P< 0.001), and positively with percentage dry aggregates < 0.5 mm (r=0.313, P<0.05). Both OC and mean-weight-diameter of water-stable aggregates were approximately halved as frequency of peanut cropping increased from 0 to 10 crops in the 10 years before sampling. Estimated return of dry matter to the soil is consistent with differences in OC, as peanuts produce approximately half the dry matter of alternative crops. However, apparent rates of loss of OC due to peanut cropping are high for soils that are not newly cultivated, and intensive tillage associated with peanut cropping may increase rates of loss of OC due to increased disruption of aggregates.
The distribution of grape phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vitifolii (Fitch), in central and north-eastern Victoria
Authors: Buchanan GA
Published: March 2005

All known vineyards in the North Central and Geelonq Vine Disease Districts of Victoria were systematically surveyed for grape phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vztlfoliz (Fitch) (Hemiptera, Phylloxeridae). Forty-one of the 28 1 vineyards surveyed were found to be infested. The infested vineyards were located near Nagambie, Ardmona, Glenrowan, Milawa and Rutherglen. There were significant relationships ( �2 , Plt; 0.001) between the infestation of vineyards and the age of the grapevines, the source of planting material, and the use of rootstocks. There was no apparent relationship between phylloxera infestation and soil type. Comparison with a previous survey reported in 1902 indicates a reduction in the number (from 69 to 41), but an increase in the area (from 275 to 653 ha) of infested vineyards. Differences in the distribution of phylloxera were small. There was evidence of spread of phylloxera within districts already infested, but only the Glenrowan- Milawa district contained infestations not previously recorded. Some previously infested areas were found to be free of phylloxera, owing to changing land use. The survey provided a basis for redefining quarantine areas according to the current distribution of grape phylloxera.
A review of the factors influencing the aggressive and agonistic behaviour of the domestic pig
Authors: Petherick JC , Blackshaw JK
Published: March 2005

The literature describing aggressive and agonistic interactions between domestic pigs is reviewed. This is followed by a review of the effects of fighting in pigs and the environmental factors which affect levels of aggression in groups of pigs. We conclude that the mixing of unacquainted pigs should be kept to a minimum as this results in high levels of aggression, leading to physical injury and physiological changes. There have been contradictory results from mixing evenly and unevenly weighted pigs. The size of the mixed groups seems to have little effect on levels of agression; however, in the studies that have been carried out, group sizes have not been very different. Tranquillisers appear to be effective in reducing aggression, but they would be expensive to use on a regular basis. The pheromone 5a-androst- 16-en-3-one reduces aggression and acts as a growth promotant, but it has only been used experimentally. Competition for feed and space leads to increased aggression, but the provision of barriers between feeding animals and secure areas, into which pigs can escape, appear to reduce aggression. It is suggested that further work should be carried out into pen design as this seems to be a simple method of reducing aggression between animals.
Effects of water stress on glucosinolate and oil concentrations in the seeds of rape (Brassica napus L.) and turnip rape (Brassica rapa L. var. silvestris [Lam.] Briggs)
Authors: Mailer RJ , Cornish PS
Published: March 2005

Growing-season conditions influence the concentration of glucosinolates in the meal of rapeseed, but the reasons for this are unknown. We studied the effect of water stress on glucosinolate concentration in the seed meal of Brassica napus cv. Wesbrook and Brassica rapa cv. Bunyip. Plants were either wellwatered or given a reduced supply of water which was managed to produce a desired degree of plant water stress either throughout growth or only after flowering. Glucosinolate concentration in seeds increased (P<0.01) in both cultivars from an average 18.2 �mol/g in unstressed plants to 35.0 �mol/g under the influence of water stress. There was no significant difference between the 2 stressed treatments. Water stress also decreased (P < 0.0 1) seed oil concentrations (from 36.9 to 31.4%), yields (from 5.3 to 0.9 g/plant) and 1000-grain weights (from 4.1 to 3.0 g).
Effect of cincturing on growth and flowering of lychee over several seasons in subtropical Queensland
Authors: Menzel CM , Simpson DR
Published: March 2005

The effects of autumn cincturing on vegetative flushing and incidence of flowering of 2 lychee (Litchi chinensis) cultivars (Bengal and Tai So) were investigated over 1-3 years at 8 sites in subtropical southern Queensland. Cultivars at these sites varied in the level of natural vegetative dormancy in winter (3-100% of terminal branches) and flowering in spring (0- 100% of terminal branches). There was a strong correlation between percentage flowering (y) and the level of dormancy (x) in the 1-2 months prior to floral initiation (y= 8.8 + 0.83~; r=0.89, P<.001). Cincturing increased flowering by 40-800% in trees that would have flowered poorly in spring (< 70�/o), but had no significant effect (P> 0.05) on flowering in trees that would have bloomed profusely (70-100%), provided trees were adequately fertilised and actively flushing after harvest. This was shown by the relationship, y= 899 - 23.0x+ 0.14x2; r= -0.96, P<0.001), where y is the percentage change in flowering after cincturing and x is the percentage flowering in control trees. Cincturing reduced or delayed flowering if nutrition was not maintained. It is concluded that trees to be cinctured should be adequately fertilised and complete a significant vegetative flush after harvest.
Reliability of extrusa samples collected from steers fistulated at the oesophagus to estimate the diet of resident animals in grazing experiments
Authors: Coates DB , Schachenmann P , Jones RJ
Published: March 2005

The legume content of the diet of groups of resident cattle (LDR) continuously grazing a number of grass-stylo pastures was determined by the faecal carbon isotope ratio (�13C) technique on various occasions. At the same time the pastures were sampled by non-resident steers fistulated at the oesophagus (OF steers) and the legume content of their extrusa (LEO) was determined. Overall, the linear relationship between LEO and LDR had a coefficient of determination (r2) of only 0.127, indicating that LDR could not be reliably predicted from LEO. The LEO of morning samples was often markedly different from LEO of afternoon samples. The implications of the results for diet selection work on grass-legume pastures using OF animals are discussed. Researchers need to recognise that quality attributes of extrusa collected from OF animals do not necessarily reflect those of the diet of resident test animals.
Effects of implants of oestradiol plus progesterone on the growth rate and intramuscular fat composition of steers raised in southern Australia
Authors: Kennett AM , Siebert BD
Published: March 2005

At 3 experimental sites in South Australia and Victoria beef steers at pasture received subcutaneous implants of oestradiol (20 mg) plus progesterone (200 mg) in the ear and were raised with untreated animals for about 100 days. Implanted animals showed responses in liveweight gain 10-23% greater than untreated animals. The least response (0.10 kg/ steer.day) was recorded at Roseworthy Agricultural College in South Australia, which has the shortest growing season (7 months). The maximum response (0.19 kg/steer.day) was recorded near Mt Pleasant in South Australia which has a more temperate climate than Roseworthy, but a shorter growing season than a site in Victoria (near Molesworth) where untreated animals had the highest growth rates (1.07 kg/ steer.day). Analysis of intramuscular lipid showed that the ratio of saturated to polyunsaturated fatty acids was significantly correlated (P< 0.01) with the final liveweight of both the treated and untreated steers (r = 0.82). Our results demonstrated that oestrogenic implants were effective in steers in southern Australia. They were most effective in older animals that weighed more than 180 kg at implantation and were entering the fattening phase of their development. Oestrogenic hormone treatment increased growth rate but did not increase (nor decrease) fat deposition in animals of the same weight (P> 0.01).
Fostering in sheep: experiences with the use of neatsfoot oil
Authors: Alexander G , Stevens D , Bradley LR
Published: March 2005

This paper reports the results of 3 studies on variables associated with the use of neatsfoot oil for substitutive or additive fostering of lambs. In the first study, neatsfoot oil was applied at the rate of 60 mL/kg of liveweight to 3-day-old lambs from Merino and Border Leicester x Merino ewes, and the lambs were exchanged between pairs of ewes of the same breed 3.5, 7 or 24 h later. The proportion of ewes accepting the alien lamb from the other ewe of the pair within 17 h generally increased with the period from application to exchange. Crossbred ewes accepted the foster lambs more readily than did the Merinos. Acceptance rates with batches of neatsfoot oil produced by different methods were similar. We found no advantage in smearing the ewe's nose with neatsfoot oil at the time the oil was applied to the lamb. Additive fostering in 20 ewes that accepted the alien lambs and were left with their own lambs was 95% successful and appeared permanent. In the second study using similar methods, with lambs of 28 crossbred ewes anointed 24 h prior to exchange, no advantage was found in presenting the foster lamb to the ewe at night over presentation during the day. Most foster lambs were accepted within 12 h, and all ewes reaccepted their own lambs after a 13 h absence. The acceptance rate of foster lambs by the crossbred ewes ranged from 70 to 83%. In the third study, 27 Merino ewes whose lambs were anointed with neatsfoot oil 7-40 h after birth, were presented with freshly anointed foster lambs 24 h later. The rate of acceptance of the foster lambs within the next 24 h was 74%,but many ewes required prolonged restraint before reaccepting their own lambs after 5-26 h separation. The results show that most ewes can be induced to accept foster lambs 1-2 days post partum, if their offspring have been liberally coated with neatsfoot oil for 24 h, and then substituted with neatsfoot-treated foster lambs. For additive fostering, the ewes' offspring should be returned within a few hours.
Seasonal variations in the chemical composition and nutritive value of five pasture species in south-western Victoria
Authors: Walsh GL , Birrell HA
Published: March 2005

The dry matter digestibility (DMD), grinding energy, and the concentration of neutral detergent fibre, crude protein, soluble carbohydrate, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus in 5 pasture species were monitored over 2 years from pasture which was grazed at 14.8 sheep/ha in south-western Victoria. The species were: perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. cv. Victorian), phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L. cv. Australian), Yorkshire fog grass (Holcus lanatus), subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum cv. Mount Barker), and capeweed (Arctotheca calendula). Perennial ryegrass and subterranean clover were the dominant species and contributed 50 and 20% DM, respectively, to the sward in winter and the opposite in spring. The DMD of the 5 pasture species did not vary greatly throughout the vegetative phase of growth (autumn-mid spring). In winter, fog grass was slightly less digestible (70-74% DMD), while the other grasses were similar (76-79% DMD). Subterranean clover was not digested (72-75% DMD) as thoroughly as the other species until after late spring; then it retained its digestibility while the digestibility of the others fell. None of the species provided digestible herbage above 65% DMD in the summer. The energy required for grinding herbage was lowest in the autumn-winter, and increased with a corresponding increase in neutral detergent fibre content as pastures matured in late spring. The crude protein content of all species declined from 27-30% in autumn to 18-20% in spring, while the soluble carbohydrate contents increased from about 54% in autumn to 10-13% by spring. The implications on animal production of these seasonal changes in nutritive value are discussed. Higher soluble carbohydrate contents in spring herbage than in autumn herbage possibly explain the better performance of animals when grazing spring pasture. The levels of magnesium, sodium and potassium were adequate for the dietary requirements of ruminants; however, on grass dominant pasture, shortages of calcium (0.14-0.25% DM) and phosphorus (0.11-0.24% DM) were likely in the summer when energy and protein were also deficient. The problem of a calcium deficiency is greatly reduced by the presence of legumes. Capeweed is an accumulator of minerals, but it is only occasionally eaten and is rarely present in summer; hence its presence is of marginal benefit to stock.
Effects of temperature and humidity on disease caused by Phoma medicaginis, resistance in some Medicago cultivars and the incidence of seed-borne inoculum
Authors: Barbetti MJ
Published: March 2005

The effects of temperature and humidity on the development of Phoma blackstem disease (caused by Phoma medicagrnis) on Medicago spp. were investigated. Disease was greatest at 21/16� (12-h photoperiod), followed by 18/13�C, and least at 15/10�. Extending the period of post-inoculation high humidity increased disease severity and the rate of symptom development. Although no Medicago species or cultivars tested were highly resistant, there were large differences among both different species and cultivars of the same species, with several showing moderate resistance. Results show there is potential for control of Phoma blackstem through breeding and/or selecting resistant cultivars. Phoma medicaginis was associated with all but 1 of the 16 seed lines tested and the incidence of seed-borne contamination ranged from 0 to 38%.
Effect of boiling water treatment on hardseededness and germination in some Stylosanthes species
Authors: McIvor JG , Gardener CJ
Published: March 2005

Levels of hardseededness in commercial seed lots of Stylosanthes species were determined. Levels varied from 0 to 98%, but there were substantial proportions of hard seed in some seed lots of all species. Median values were 40, 55, 63 and 72% for S. guianensis, S. hamata, S. scabra and S. humilis, respectively. Immersion of seed pods in boiling water for 1 min resulted in almost complete breakdown of hardseededness in all species. In S. hamata this generally resulted in reasonable germination, but in S. guianensis, S. scabra and S. humilis it was accompanied by death of many seeds. Longer periods of immersion killed an increasing proportion of seed. Treatment in boiling water could be used to reduce hard-seed levels in S. hamata (but not other species) but prior testing of a small sample would be necessary as many seeds were killed in 1 S. hamata seed lot (of 7 tested).
Fertility of a red earth soil of Mid-Cape York Peninsula
Authors: Gilbert MA , Shaw KA
Published: March 2005

The nutrient status and fertiliser requirements of a red earth soil (Gn 2.14) were examined in glasshouse and field experiments in northern Queensland. From soil analyses and glasshouse experiments, deficiencies of phosphorus, potassium, sulfur and zinc were expected. However, the only nutrients limiting growth of Stylosanthes scabra cv. Seca pastures under field conditions were phosphorus and sulfur. In the first 2 years of the field experiments, applications of 20 kg/ha of phosphorus and sulfur (equivalent to 220 kg/ha of single superphosphate) gave near maximum response in DM yield of Seca. Fine elemental sulfur was as effective as gypsum as a sulfur source.
Effect of time of sowing on grain yield, and nutrient uptake of wheats with contrasting phenology
Authors: Batten GD , Khan MA
Published: March 2005

Four wheat genotypes with varying vernalisation and daylength requirements were sown in the field on 5 occasions between early April and late June at Wagga Wagga and Temora, New South Wales, in 1974 and 1975. The period between sowing and heading decreased from 1068-1 324 degree-days (base temperature = 4�C) for crops sown in April to 660-841 degree-days for crops sown in late May. The genotype with the largest vernalisation response in this study (WW33G) produced the highest yields when crops were sown in early April. The cultivar Oxley, which has a small vernalisation response, produced the highest yields at almost all other sowing times. Shoot nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) uptake did not vary consistently in relation to the time of sowing. Grain protein concentration was higher at 3 of 4 sites with early sowing and grain P concentration was always significantly higher with early sowing dates. Higher concentrations of P were associated with higher concentrations of phytate. The concentrations of N and P were negatively correlated with yield and harvest index.
Growth and yield of indeterminate soybeans. 1. Effect of defoliation
Authors: Banks LW , Bernardi AL
Published: March 2005

Indeterminate soybeans (Glycine max, varieties Chaffey and Farrer) were subjected to defoliation treatments in the field over 3 years to determine their ability to recover from leaf damage from foliage feeding pests. Defoliation treatments were imposed in years 1 and 2 by clipping all leaflets in half mechanically (50%) or by removing all leaves leaving the petioles on the plant (1 00%) to simulate 2 severe levels of sudden defoliation. The variety Chaffey was defoliated early in vegetative growth (V2), at the beginning of flowering (Fl), at full flowering (F100) or at the end of flowering (EF100) as single treatments in years 1 and 2. In year 3, only the top 4 leaves of each plant were clipped in half to simulate levels of defoliation experienced in commercial crops. In that year the variety Farrer was treated at stages V3 (early vegetative), F1 or F100 as single treatments or at V3 + F1, F1 + F100 or weekly from V3 to EF100 as repeated treatments. Severe defoliation (100%) at EF100 hastened maturity (95% of pods dry) by 24 days (year 1) and 22 days (year 2), which reduced seed size by 34 and 41%, seed number by 38 and 32% and seed yield by 58 and 60%, respectively. Seed yield was also reduced by a single 100% defoliation at F1 due to reductions in seed number rather than to seed size. The repeated defoliations in year 3 reduced leaf area index, plant height, seed number and .seed yield. Weekly defoliations reduced yield by 20% by reducing seed size by 8% and seed number by 13%. We conclude that, prior to flowering, 50% defoliation is unlikely to reduce yield, but repeated damage will reduce yield significantly. Also, indeterminate soybeans can withstand an initial 50% loss over the top 4 leaves at F1, but repeated defoliations reduce seed yields.
Growth and yield of indeterminate soybeans. 2. Effect of removal of the mainstem apex
Authors: Banks LW , Bernardi AL
Published: March 2005

The mainstem apex was removed from indeterminate soybeans (Glycine max, varieties Chaffey and Farrer) in the field over 3 years to estimate their ability to recover from damage to terminal buds by foliage feeding and stem boring pests. In years 1 and 2, the growing tip was plucked off the main stem of 50 or 100% of plants (variety Chaffey) early in vegetative growth (V2), at the beginning of flowering (Fl), at full flowering (F100) or at the end of flowering (EF100) as single treatments. In year 3, tips were removed from 20, 33 or 50% ofplants (variety Farrer) at V3, F1 or F100 as single treatments or as repeated treatments starting at those times and repeated twice at weekly intervals thereafter. Tip removal at V2 or V3 delayed flowering (F50) and pod set (R3) by up to 10 days but did not delay maturity (P95), whereas tip removal at EF100 hastened P95 by 5-8 days. Damage during flowering did not affect phenological development. Indeterminate soybeans have the ability to compensate vegetatively for damage to the mainstem apex. Tip removal at V2, F1 or F100 significantly reduced the number of nodes on the main stem, increased branching and did not reduce the total number of nodes per plant at maturity. Tip removal at V2 increased the number of nodes per plant by increasing the number of nodes per branch. Repeated tip removal prior to flowering and single or repeated treatments during flowering reduced final plant height. Tip removal from all plants reduced yield by around 10% irrespective of the time of damage. Fifty per cent damage prior to flowering or after full flowering did not affect yield but, at the beginning of flowering, removal of tips from as few as 20% of plants reduced yield by at least 10%. The most severe yield reduction was 24% following repeated tip removal from 50% of plants starting at V3. Repeated damage to 50% of plants starting at F1 reduced yield by 18%. Seed size was not affected by any treatment. We conclude that pests in indeterminate soybean crops should be controlled if they have removed the growing tip from the main stem of 50% of plants before flowering or 20% of plants at the start of flowering and are continuing to cause damage.
Relationship between temperature and flowering in almond: effect of location
Authors: Rattigan K , Hill SJ
Published: March 2005

A model for the prediction of flowering date in almond requires estimates of the chilling and heat sum requirements. We estimated hourly temperatures from daily minimum and maximum temperatures. A continuous function relating hourly temperature to rate of chilling was used to calculate daily chill unit accumulations. Heat sums were measured as growing-degree-hours: the linear accumulation of hourly temperatures above a threshold temperature. Our model was tested with estimates derived from data obtained at 1 French and 2 Australian locations. The results indicate that estimates derived from data at a single location can be successfully used for other locations with different climates. The accuracy of flowering date prediction generally improves as the number of locations and years of data on which it is based increase. The predictions for the cultivars Mission and Nonpareil were within 5 days of the observed dates in 73 and 88% respectively of the locations-years examined. We concluded that the chilling requirement in almond is (mean � s.e.) 284 � 33 chill units and 3 groups of cultivars can be identified with respect to heat sum requirement in the ranges 5300-6300; 6800-7700 and 8200-8900 degree hours above 4.5�C.
Response of apple trees to soil applications of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium
Authors: Cripps JEL
Published: March 2005

An experiment was conducted at Manjimup Research Station in Western Australia from 1973 to 1982 to determine the optimum rates of fertilizer applications for apple trees (Granny Smith/MM.104 and Hi Early Red Delicious/MM.104) growing in a P-deficient soil (about 6 mg/g bicarbonate-extractable P). The trees were planted at 6.1 multiply 6.1 m spacings. Superphosphate at 5 or 8 kg/tree consistently increased fruit set, but the increase varied from year to year from 8 to 91%. Weight of prunings increased by 24-29% and tree height multiply width by 11-16%. When results were averaged over both cultivars, weight of fruits harvested from 1973 to 1982 was increased from 853 to 1226 kg/tree by superphosphate application at 5 kg/tree. Ammonium nitrate applied at up to 4 kg/tree gave small non-significant increases in growth and no increase in weight of fruits harvested for Granny Smith, but the weight of the Red Delicious crop rose by 11%. No response to potassium chloride at 1 kg/tree was found. P fertilizer application increased P concentration in the first fully mature leaves of Granny Smith trees from approximately 0.14% to 0.17-0.19% and in Red Delicious leaves from 0.17 to 0.20-0.21%. N fertilizer application increased N concentration in Granny Smith leaves from approximately 2.3 to 2.5%. Lack of P was the main limiting factor on growth and cropping and it is suggested that the importance of P nutrition in Western Australian apple orchards has been underestimated.
Evaluation of systemic and protectant fungicides for the control of Sigatoka leaf spot (Mycosphaerella musicola Leach) of bananas in North Queensland
Authors: Ramsey MD , Vawdrey LL , Schipke LG
Published: March 2005

Ten fungicides were evaluated in 3 experiments over 3 years for control of Sigatoka leaf spot, which is the major foliar disease of bananas in North Queensland. Benomyl(150 g a.i./ha), bitertanol(126 g a.i./ha), carbendazim (1 50 g a.i./ha), DPX H6573 (100 g a.i./ha), mancozeb (1760 g a.i./ha), nuarimol (60 g a.i./ha), propiconazole (50 g a.i./ha), RH3866 (250 g a d h a ) and triademenol (100 g a.i./ha), all applied with mineral oil (4 L/ha), and chlorothalonil (1300 g and 900 g a.i./ha) and propiconazole (100 g a.i./ ha), applied alone, all reduced the severity of leaf spot (P < 0.05). Bunch weights were increased by all fungicides compared with untreated plants during 1984 (P < 0.05). Effective disease control reduced the problem of premature fruit ripening from 100% of bunches in untreated plots to 0% in propiconazole (50 g a.i./ ha + oil and 100 g a.i./ha alone) treatments. Propiconazole was the most effective fungicide, applied either continuously (50 g a.i./ha + oil, or 100 g a.i./ha alone) or alternated (50 g a.i./ha + oil) with mancozeb + oil in a spray program. Propiconazole, bitertanol and nuarimol significantly reduced the size of Sigatoka lesions (P=0.05). An experimental fungicide DPXH6573 gave good disease control in 1985 and warrants further investigation.
Effects of weaning and supplementation on performance of Brahman cross cows and their progeny
Authors: Holroyd RG , Mason GWJ , Loxton ID , Knights PT , O'Rourke PK
Published: March 2005

In a 3-year study in the dry tropics, 2 management practices of dry season supplementation of cows and early weaning of calves were concurrently examined as possible techniques for improving reproductive, liveweight and survival performance of Brahman cross cows (phenotypically 1/2 - 3/4 Bos indicus) grazing native pastures. Cows were either supplemented with a drylick mixture of salt, urea and sulfur (DL) commencing in July for 4-6 months; supplemented with a crisis mixture of salt, urea, grain, molasses, meatmeal and monoammonium phosphate (CM) in the latter part of the dry season; or were not supplemented (C). Mating commenced in January, and calves were either early weaned (EW) at the end of mating in April (mean age of 5 months) or late weaned (LW) in July (mean age of 8 months). Supplements and weaning treatments had little effect on cow liveweight, except between early weaning and late weaning when EW cows gained more or lost less weight (mean advantage of 30.8 kg) than LW cows and were heavier (mean advantage of 44.8 kg) than LW cows at late weaning time. Across all years, 1.4, 2.1 and 4.2% of cows in DL, CM and C groups respectively died from malnutrition or required survival feeding; whereas, in the second and third years, mortality rates due to malnutrition were 0.7 and 2.1% in EW and LW groups respectively. Neither supplement nor weaning treatments had any significant effect on lactating cow pregnancy rates, although data pooled across treatments showed that liveweights at various stages pre-mating were correlated with pregnancy rate. Supplementation or weaning treatments did not influence calving date or birth weight, but LW calves grew significantly faster (mean advantage of 0.52 kg/day) between early weaning and late weaning and were significantly heavier (mean advantage of 57.4 kg) at late weaning than EW calves.
Control of oestrus and ovulation in beef cattle in central Australia
Authors: Munro RK , Bertram J
Published: March 2005

Hormonal treatments were used to control the time of oestrus and ovulation in cattle in central Australia and to observe the efficacy of several luteolytic regimes under these conditions. All animals received intravaginal progesterone (PRID) for 7-14 days with 10 mg oestradiol benzoate (ODB) in a gelatin capsule attached to each PRID and 750 i.u. pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) by intramuscular injection 24 h before PRID removal. In addition half the animals received 25 mg dinoprost (PGF2�) at either 0 or 24 h before PRID removal. Differences in luteolytic treatments had no significant effects on calving rates to a single fixed-time insemination of acyclic animals (52%) or cyclic animals treated with PRID for 14 days (48%). In contrast the calving rate of cyclic animals treated with PRID for 7 days was depressed in all groups except that which received PGF2, 24 h before PRID removal (18 v. 56%, P<0.025). Independent of treatment effects lactating cows had a higher calving rate than non-lacting animals (50 v. 35%, 0.05 <P<0.10). These results indicate the importance of using effective luteolytic treatments in cyclic animals where short PRID treatments are used. The most appropriate regimes for use in extensive environments would appear to be based on a 14-day PRID treatment which eliminates the need for an injection of PGF2� before PRID removal while still producing acceptable fertility.
Palatability to sheep of the Eragrostis curvula complex. 1. Methods of assessing palatability
Authors: Johnston WH
Published: March 2005

This paper evaluates a method of judging palatability to sheep of accessions of Eragrostu curvula. Scores of from 0 (not grazed) to 10 (completely grazed) are compared with measured herbage consumption and percentage consumption values on 5 occasions at Orange and on 3 occasions in each of 2 trials at Wagga Wagga, N.S.W. Allowing for differences in initial herbage availability, regressions of score ranks pooled over all assessments of the 3 trials explained 65, 62 and 66%, respectively, of the variation in leaf, stem and total herbage consumption ranks. Most of the variation in stem consumption, however, was due its availability rather than palatability. It was concluded that palatability could meaningfully be predicted from score ranks alone. Comparison of different observers' scores allocated after several grazings showed that observers were consistent in their ranking. The results demonstrate the usefulness and merits of the different methods of assessing palatability.
Palatability to sheep of the Eragrostis curvula complex. 2. Selection of palatable taxa
Authors: Johnston WH
Published: March 2005

Relative palatability of 12 previously selected taxa of Eragrostis curvula complex was assessed using a visual rating scale of 0 (not grazed) to 10 (completely grazed). Visual ratings were converted to ranks and the most and least palatable lines were compared over 19 grazing assessments in trials at Wagga Wagga, Temora and Orange, New South Wales. Three highly palatable and 2 acceptably palatable accessions were identified. The importance of palatability in the E. curvula complex is discussed.
Palatability to sheep of the Eragrostis curvula complex. 3. A comparison of naturalised and selected taxa
Authors: Johnston WH
Published: March 2005

The palatability of 20 accessions of E. curvula collected from naturalised populations in New South Wales was compared on 7 occasions with 2 selected accessions previously found to be highly palatable. The experiment was conducted at Wagga Wagga, N.S.W., between January 198 1 and July 1983. The relative palatability of most accessions was substantially similar from rating to rating, despite differences in the extent to which the trial was grazed. Palatability was related to the agronomic group to which the accessions belonged. For the naturalised taxa, Curvula was ranked equal to Tall Chloromelas. but both were more palatable than Short Chloromelas. The naturalised accessions were all less palatable than the selected accessions. It was concluded that the selected accessions were sufficiently palatable to be well utilised in pastures by stock grazing at commercial stocking rates.
Effects of height and frequency of defoliation on the productivity of irrigated oats (Avena strigosa cv. Saia) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne cv. Kangaroo Valley), grown alone or with barrel medic (Medicago truncatula cv. Jemalong)
Authors: Lowe KF , Bowdler TM
Published: March 2005

The effects of varying the height (5- 10 cm) and frequency (2-6 weeks) of defoliation on the dry matter yield, numbers of plants and tillers, and forage quality of Avena strigosa cv. Saia (oats) and Lolium perenne cv. Kangaroo Valley (perennial ryegrass), grown both in pure swards and in combination with Medicago truncatula cv. Jemalong (barrel medic) were evaluated in irrigated pastures at Gatton in southeastern Queensland in 3 experiments over 2 years. In pure swards, defoliation every 6 weeks at the lowest cutting height (5 cm) gave the highest yields of both oats (10 t DM/ha) and ryegrass (12.6 t DM/ha). There were fewer live tillers per m2 of both oats and ryegrass cut at 6-week intervals compared with more frequent defoliations. However, tiller numbers of both were unaffected by cutting height. Lengthening the regrowth period from 2 to 6 weeks reduced nitrogen concentration by 23% (from 4, 75%) for ryegrass and by 16% (from 4.22%) for oats but increased cell wall content of oats from 38 to 45% and ryegrass from 36 to 41%. In vitro digestibility of oats fell from 82.4 to 79.9%, but the digestibility of ryegrass was unaffected. Cutting height had no effect on these measurements for either forage. In mixtures, ryegrass DM yield was highest (3.6 t/ha) when cut every 3 weeks and at the lowest defoliation height (5 cm) whereas cutting at 6-week intervals gave the highest yields of oats (5.2 t/ha). Legume yield was usually highest with defoliations every 3 or 4 weeks and at the lowest cutting height (5 cm), and was higher when grown with ryegrass (4.4 t/ha) than with oats (4.0 t/ha).
Effect of rootstocks on berry weight and pH, mineral content and organic acid concentrations of grape juice of some wine varieties
Authors: Ruhl EH , Clingeleffer PR , Nicholas PR , Cirami RM , McCarthy MG , Whiting JR
Published: March 2005

The effects of rootstocks (Schwarzmann, Ramsey, Dog Ridge, Harmony, Freedom, K51-40, K51-32, 11OR, 140R, 101-14,1202, 1616, 1613, ARG1, 420A, S04, 5BB, 5A and Rupestris du Lot) on the pH and mineral and organic acid concentrations in grape berry juice of the scion varieties Riesling, Ruby Cabernet, Shiraz and Chardonnay were investigated by sampling mature berries from rootstock-scion trials situated at Loxton (South Australia), Nuriootpa (South Australia) and Rutherglen (Victoria). Ungrafted vines of Riesling, Ruby Cabernet and Shiraz had low to medium juice pH (3.03, 3.43, 3.56) while ungrafted vines of Chardonnay had high juice pH (3.74, 4.01). Harmony, Dog Ridge, Freedom and Rupestris du Lot rootstocks generally caused a high juice pH, whereas 140R, 1202,5A, SO4 and 101-14 rootstocks gave a low juice pH. Positive correlations were found between juice pH and juice potassium, malate and, in some cases, sodium concentrations. Tartrate concentration and the tartrate/malate ratio of juice and sometimes juice chloride concentration were negatively correlated with juice pH. The rootstocks' effects on juice pH could be attributed to changes in potassium and sodium concentrations or in the tartrate/malate ratio.
Fresh market tomatoes for production on raised beds in New South Wales
Authors: Nguyen VQ , Hermus R , McGlasson WB , Meldrum SK , Trethowan ME
Published: March 2005

The aim of the experiments described in this paper was to identify determinate cultivars suited to production of fresh market tomatoes on raised beds in the inland irrigation areas of the south-west area of New South Wales from January to April. Cultivars that produce high yields of first-grade medium to large fruit, and are smooth, nearly round, firm and an even bright red when ripe are required. The plants should have good leaf coverage to prevent sunburn, and jointless pedicels to facilitate harvesting. The period of maturation of the fruit should be short to permit recovery of the crop with a maximum of 3 harvests. Ten lines including Sunny, a .reference cultivar with jointed pedicels, were evaluated at Richmond in the Sydney Greater Metropolitan Area and at Leeton in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, 1984-86. The lines were trickle-irrigated and mulched with black polyethylene film except at Leeton in 1985-86 when a trickle-irrigated, no mulch treatment and a furrow-irrigated treatment were included. The experiments showed that it is possible to produce yields of 50-100 t ha-1 of first-grade fruit with trickle irrigation. No significant advantage was obtained at Leeton in 1985-86 by using polyethylene mulch; however, the mulch largely eliminated the need for hand-chipping of weeds from among the plants. The visual quality of fruit grown at Leeton was excellent but total soluble solids levels were low, ripe fruit were unexpectedly soft, and sensory scores for flavour and general acceptability were only satisfactory. Overall, 2 cultivars that have jointless pedicels, Red Chief and Delta Contender, showed promise. A jointless hybrid line, HARU 83-148, which was bred at Richmond, warrants further evaluation. Some signs of incipient field chilling of fruit were observed at Leeton in fruit harvested after the first week in April.
Carcass composition of the South Australian Merino and its crosses with the Booroola and Trangie Fertility Merino
Authors: Kleemann DO , Ponzoni RW , Stafford JE , Grimson RJ
Published: March 2005

South Australian medium-wool (M), non- Peppin medium-wool Booroola (B) and Peppin medium-wool Trangie Fertility (TF) Merino rams were joined to M ewes at Turretfield Research Centre, South Australia, in 2 years. Carcass composition was assessed in the ewe and wether progeny at 2 mean slaughter liveweights, viz. 24 and 38 kg. When adjusted to the same carcass weight, B x M had 13% more carcass chemical fat, 15% more subcutaneous fat, 6% less bone and the same lean tissue as M. The same result was observed for TF x M in relation to M in year 2. However, TF x M had more lean and the same amount of subcutaneous and chemical fat as M in year 1. Within the Booroola strain, there were no differences between offspring from 3 sires with genotype FF and the 1 sire with + + for any of 5 variables analysed. We conclude that crossing the Booroola with the South Australian Merino produces carcasses with the same amount of lean tissue, less bone and more fat when compared at the same carcass weight. The rank of TF x M with the other strains for the major carcass components remains obscure owing to a strain x year interaction.
Effects of defaunation of the rumen and supplementation with amino acids on the wool production of housed Saxon Merinos. 1. Lupins and extruded lupins
Authors: Cottle DJ
Published: March 2005

Six groups, each comprising 10 superfine Merino wethers ('Sharlea'), were individually penned indoors and hand-fed oats and wheat straw, either alone or with 10% (w/w) crushed lupins or extruded lupins. The rations were fed at maintenance level and were offered 3 times a week. Half of the sheep were defaunated by drenching with Alkanate 3SL3. Wool growth rates and wool quality were measured during a 5-month trial period. Defaunation resulted in a 6.5% increase in clean wool production, with a 3% higher sulfur content. The quality of the wool grown was unaffected by defaunation. Inclusion of lupins or extruded lupins in the ration resulted in a 10% increase in clean wool growth. Wool quality was largely unaffected, though a lower resistance to compression was apparent. It was concluded that a reasonable diet for 'Sharlea' production was 500g oats, 50g wheat straw, 50g lupins, 10.5g vitamin, mineral mix per sheep per day. This diet may be further improved by additional ingredients and defaunation of the sheep.
Influence of quadrat sampling intensity on precision of grain sorghum yield data
Authors: Wade LJ , Ladewig JH
Published: March 2005

Variation in grain yield was studied within 3 contour bays of commercial grain sorghum. The objective was to determine the optimal quadrat sampling strategy for estimating mean grain yield of the whole bay, and of positions within the bay. A series of strategies were identified for attaining coefficients of variation (c.v.) of 5, 10 and 15%, using 9-m2 quadrat samples. For estimating the bay mean at a c.v. of 10%, the outcome preferred was to collect 1 quadrat sample at each of 6 positions (plots) within the bay. To estimate the plot mean at the same precision as the bay mean, 4 quadrat samples would be required at each position. In subsequent crops, a high correlation (r2=0.93) was obtained between estimates of mean grain yield from the chosen strategy and total bay yield from header harvesting. Alternative strategies to suit individual purposes may be identified from the data presented.
Growth and yield of rice cultivars under sprinkler irrigation in south-eastern Queensland. 3. Water extraction and plant water relations dash comparison with maize and grain sorghum
Authors: Fukai S , Inthapan P
Published: March 2005

Several physiological responses were compared, under irrigated and water-stressed conditions, in an attempt to explain the reasons for the greater reduction in dry matter production of rice compared with maize and sorghum in a water-limiting environment. Leaf water potential and leaf rolling were determined weekly, soil water profiles and root length density twice, and leaf osmotic potential once during a long dry period. Root length density of rice was at least as high as that of maize and sorghum in the top 0.6 m layer of soil in both the wet and dry trials. There was no difference in water extraction among the 3 species from this layer, while rice extracted less water than did the other species from below 0.6 m. High variability among replicates precluded any conclusion being drawn regarding root length in the deeper layer. Leaf water potential, measured in the early afternoon, was consistently lower in rice than in maize and sorghum, even when soil water content was high, indicating high internal resistance to the flow of water in the rice plants. The low leaf water potential in rice was accompanied by low osmotic potential, and this assisted in maintenance of turgor and dry matter growth when soil water content was relatively high. As soil water content decreased, however, leaf water potential became very low (less than - 2.5 MPa) and, for rice, leaves rolled tightly.
Emergence of wheat may be reduced by seed weather damage and azole fungicides and is related to coleoptile length
Authors: Murray GM , Kuiper J
Published: March 2005

Seed germination, seedling emergence and coleoptile length of sound and weather-damaged seed of 8 wheat cultivars, which had been treated with twice the recommended rates of the seed dressings Le-san E11, Pano-ram 25, Vitavax 750L, Baytan and Erex, were studied in a sand-perlite substrate at 13�C and in 2 field experiments. Germination was not affected by the dressings. Baytan and Erex delayed and reduced the emergence of all cultivars at 13�C, but in the field only some cultivars had emergence reduced by seed dressings. Weather damage reduced the germination of some cultivars but the results were not consistent. The emergence of damaged seed of some cultivars was further reduced by Baytan and Erex when sown deeply in dry soil. In the cvv. Banks and Osprey, weather damage and Erex shortened coleoptiles of seed that was germinated on moist soil in darkness at 13�C. Emergence was positively related with coleoptile length, and, in the controlled environment test, it declined markedly when coleoptiles were less than 5 cm.
Insecticide-retentive carriers. 2. Fenitrothion-impregnated clays
Authors: Desmarchelier JM , Ahern CM
Published: March 2005

Fenitrothion as a spray or in 1 of 12 claybased carriers was admixed with wheat of 11.5% moisture and held for 142 weeks at 25�C for chemical determination and assays against added adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). The period of protection correlated with the retention of fenitrothion in the carrier; i.e. correlated with the ratio of fenitrothion in carrier to that in wheat plus carrier. Fenitrothion, applied at 6 mg/kg in retentive carriers such as bentonites or halloysites, gave at least 117 weeks of complete protection against T. castaneum and against Sitophilus oryzae (L.) for 142 weeks. Minimum effective dose of fenitrothion to give 3 months of pro- tection against S. oryzae, S. granarius (L.), T. castaneum and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) was determined as 4 mg/kg in bentonites, 8 mg/kg in halloysites compared with more than 20 mg/kg of fenitrothion applied as a spray. Some insight into the mode ofaction of retentive carriers was obtained by exposing adult T. castaneum to wheat coated with carriers containing either 0 or 1% w/w fenitrothion. In the former case, insects kept themselves free of carrier by preening. In the latter case, however, the insects became coated with fenitrothion-impregnated carriers, with a heavy concentration in and near mouthparts, suggesting lack of coordination in preening.