bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of nitrogen on growth, quality and nutrient uptake of cabbages grown in sand culture
Authors: Huett DO , Dettmann EB
Published: March 2005

The effect of nitrogen (N) application level on head yield and quality, growth and nutrient uptake of cabbages (cv. Rampo) was investigated in a sand culture experiment. Plants were harvested at a minimum of 2-week intervals over a 13-week period and N levels (2, 7, 14, 29 and 43 mmol/L as nitrate) were applied each day in a complete nutrient solution which was formulated to provide a stable and balanced nutrient supply. A gamma cubic response surface model fitted actual growth and nutrient uptake data quite precisely (R2 > 0.99) over the range 2-43 mmolb N. This model was used to derive the predicted plant growth and nutrient uptake rates. Head maturity occurred 12 weeks after transplanting when increases in the level of applied N, up to 14 mmol/L, increased the dry weight of roots, stem, leaf and head, and the fresh weight of head. Higher N levels reduced the weight of plant parts. Heads with the lowest percentage of dry matter were produced over the 7-14 mmol/L N application range. Growth rate of tops was low during the 4-week period after transplanting. It then increased rapidly to the maximum predicted value of 43 g/plant.week which was calculated to occur 9 weeks after transplanting at an N application level of 21 mmo/L. Similar growth rates were recorded over the 14-29 mmol/L N application range. Growth rates declined slightly at higher N levels and declined at later growth stages. Predicted nutrient uptake rates followed a similar response pattern to growth rates. The maximum uptake rates (g/plant.week), calculated to occur 8 weeks after transplanting at an N application level of 21 mmol/L, were: N, 1.30; potassium, 2.50; phosphorus, 0.23; calcium, 0.71; magnesium, 0.14; and sulfur, 0.60. We conclude that on low fertility soils, in order to achieve optimum nutrition and hence maximum growth rates and quality of cabbages under field conditions, the application rates of N and K fertilisers need to be flexible to meet the high nutrient demand which occurs after head formation and before final harvest.
Field calibration of a neutron-gamma probe in three agriculturally important soils of the Lower Macquarie Valley
Authors: McKenzie DC , Hucker KW , Morthorpe LJ , Baker PJ
Published: March 2005

A neutron-gamma probe was field calibrated in a grey clay, a grey-brown clay and a red-brown earth near Trangie, New South Wales. These are the main soils used for irrigated agriculture in this region. Accurate but simple calibrations and sampling procedure\ are required by commercial irrigators and researchers. Bias in the estimation of soil water content was minimised by using separate calibrations for each soil and depth where equations were significantly different. Precision tended to be higher where an equation combining all depths and soils was used. but the introduction of large bias at some depths suggests that soil-specific equations should be used where possible. Calibration error generally was a smaller component of total error than location error, particularly where the combination equation was used. The errors associated with commercial sampling methods are discussed. The relationship between gamma count rate ratio and soil wet bulk density was poor, particularly in the grey and grey-brown clays, and this technique was considered to be inadequate for the measurement of bulk density in the field.
Effect of paclobutrazol on growth and flowering of lychee (Litchi chinensis)
Authors: Menzel CM , Simpson DR
Published: March 2005

The effects of either foliar (1.00-4.00 g/L) or soil applications (0.25-1.00 g/m2 tree ground cover) of paclobutrazol, during autumn, on vegetative flushing and flowering of 3 lychee (Litchi chiriensis) cultivars (Bengal, Kwai May Pink and Tai So) were investigated over 3 years at 8 sites in subtropical southern Queensland. Cultivars at these sites varied in the level of vegetative flushing prior to panicle emergence in May-August and flowering in spring. Paclobutrazol reduced flushing and increased flowering in 5 out of 8 orchards, maintained dormancy and reduced flowering in 1 orchard, and had variable effects in 2 orchards, depending on the method of application. The maximum level of flowering in paclobutrazol treated trees occurred when the control trees bloomed moderately (40-60% of terminal branches). The responses were sometimes weak when the trees were very vigorous (<30% bloom). Paclobutrazol had no significant effect or reduced flowering of heavily blooming (70-100% bloom) trees. Paclobutrazol had only a small effect on panicle development, fruit set and fruit quality at most sites. Yield reflected the flowering response to paclobutrazol, except when yields were lowered by excessive male flowering or bird damage to the fruit.
The effect of carrier and rate of nitrogen application on the growth and oil production of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) in the Ord Irrigation Area, Western Australia
Authors: Beech DF
Published: March 2005

Lemongrass (Cymhopogon citrarus) was grown under irrigation in the Ord River Irrigation Area, Western Australia, on a sandy clay loam, to investigate its response to nitrogen (N) applications ranging from 0 to 1200 kg N/ha.year. Urea and ammonium sulphate were compared and they were not significantly different as N carriers. Six harvests were taken over a 390-day period, after an initial harvest 7 months after planting out. A curvilinear response was obtained over all N treatments with a linear response up to 600 kg/ha. At this level, fresh herbage, dry matter and oil yields for the 390 days were 115 t/ha, 28.4 t/ha and 433 L/ha, respectively. Higher N applications also increased tiller number and leaf area index, while depressing specific leaf area and oil content. The unharvested portion of lemongrass (i.e. stools, rhizomes and roots) decreased from 44 to 27% of total dry matter with additional N. The amount of N, P and K in the harvested herbage increased from 51, 8 and 121 kg/ha to 276, 30 and 357 kg/ha, respectively, for the 0 and 900 kg N/ha.year treatments. The N, P and K content of the unharvested portion was considerably less with 28, 6 and 27 kg/ha for 0 kg N/ha.year and 75, 9 and 32 kg/ha at the 900 kg N/ha.year level, respectively. The highest apparent N recovery was 31% at 600 kg N/ha.year and decreased with higher N applications. Considerable seasonal variation occurred within the 6 harvests for all components measured.
Estimating loss in grain yield due to suboptimal plant density and non-uniformity in plant spacing
Authors: Wade LJ
Published: March 2005

The percentage loss in grain yield for a crop of raingrown sunflower was quantified, using a multiple regression technique, for 9 combinations of plant density and uniformity in plant spacing. For each combination, partitioning loss in grain yield involved the reduction in grain yield (g/m2), the number of plants involved and the effective area of crop which those plants represented (m2). Relative to an achievable yield potential of 692 kg/ha, any reduction in grain yield was mainly due to the lack of plants at a density less than 5.00/m2 (7.4% yield reduction) and to non-uniformity in plant spacing at a density greater than 5.001m2 (5.6% yield reduction). The multiple regression technique is considered more valuable than other methods because it provides quantitative estimates of per cent loss in grain yield attributable to suboptimal plant density and non-uniformity in plant spacing. The technique should be of value in assessing the effect of poor crop establishment at a site or in evaluating improved crop establishment. A more general relationship capable of predicting per cent loss in grain yield based on data taken at the time of establishment is still required.
Composting based on moderately thermophilic and aerobic conditions for the production of commercial mushroom growing compost
Authors: Miller FC , Harper ER , Macauley BJ , Gulliver A
Published: March 2005

Mushroom compost was prepared using an enclosed, environmentally controlled composting (ECC) method, designed to promote rapid substrate decomposition and subsequent establishment of ecological conditions favourable to mushroom culture. Composting aerobically. usually at 54�C early in processing followed by 47�C for the majority of processing. produced a compost ready for spawning in 6-8 days. Final compost had a bulk density of 486 kg/m3 (range 440-510 kg/m3) at 70.4% moisture (range 66-75%) and produced average fresh mushroom yields of 19.4 kg per bed m2 (range 22.7-17.3/m2), or 0.66 kg per kg dry compost, in a 3 flush cropping cycle. Disease, or growth of competitive fungi, was not observed. Composting odours were greatly reduced compared to traditional methods. The processing control and uniformity of the ECC method offer much potential for detailed investigation into compost production and ecological and chemical factors in mushroom nutrition.
Effects of dietary calcium:available phosphorus ratio on calcium tolerance of broiler chickens
Authors: Shafey TM , McDonald MW
Published: March 2005

The effects of dietary levels of available phosphorus (AP) on calcium (Ca) tolerance of growing chickens were investigated in 3 experiments. In the first experiment, increasing dietary Ca to 21.2 g/kg with AP at 5 g/kg significantly reduced tibia P, plasma P and increased plasma total Ca concentration without any significant effect on performance. With dietary Ca at 25.7 g/kg and AP at 5 g/kg, growth and plasma P were reduced and plasma total Ca was increased, whilst Ca at 30 g/kg diet reduced growth, plasma P, tibia P and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) and plasma total Ca. Increasing dietary AP to 10 g/kg diet with Ca level at 10.6 g/kg reduced growth and increased FCR without affecting any of the other parameters. Experiment 2 was a 3-dimensional composite design with a central basal diet having Ca and AP concentrations of 12.7 and 4.6 g/kg, The first dimension was 4 dietary concentrations of Ca from 15 to 30 g/kg; the second dimension was 4 dietary concentrations of AP from 6.3 to 12.4 g/kg; and the third dimension was 4 dietary Ca : AP combinations spanning the above ranges but with the Ca: AP ratio maintained at approximately 2.5 (i.e. 15.8 and 6.3; 20.5 and 8.2; 25.5 and 10.2; 30 and 12.1 g/kg for Ca and AP, respectively). A dietary Ca concentration of 25.4 g/kg increased FCR, whilst 30 g Ca/kg reduced growth and increased FCR. Dietary AP of 12.4 g/kg reduced growth and increased FCR. Growth and FCR were less affected when dietary Ca:AP ratio was kept constant at approximately 2.5 than when the ratio was altered by increasing either mineral alone. This relationship was used to develop a linear regression relationship between chicken growth and dietary Ca: AP ratio. In experiment 3, the effects of excessive dietary levels of Ca (12.7, 25.5 and 33.1 g/kg) and AP (9 and 13 g/kg) were investigated in sexed chickens in a factorial design. Ca at 33.1 g/kg significantly reduced growth, tibia P and plasma P, whilst FCR, plasma total Ca and excreta moisture were significantly increased. Dietary Ca at 25.5 g/kg reduced tibia P and increased excreta Ca. High dietary AP significantly reduced growth and tibia Ca and increased tibia ash, excreta moisture and excreta Ca. Significant interactions between dietary levels of Ca and AP were found for growth, tibia ash, excreta moisture and excreta Ca, and for tibia P and plasma total Ca. Significant interactions between sex and either dietary Ca or AP for tibia ash were found. A Ca x sex interaction was found for tibia P, excreta moisture and excreta P. It was concluded that high dietary levels of Ca (up to 21.2 g/kg) can be tolerated by growing chickens without any significant effect on performance, providing the corresponding level of AP is also high.
Effect of stage of lactation and feeding level on milk yield response by stall-fed dairy cows to change in pasture intake
Authors: Grainger C
Published: March 2005

Three separate experiments were carried out to determine the effects of stage of lactation and feeding level on marginal production response by dairy cows to change in feeding level. In each experiment cows were individually offered cut pasture in stalls, ad libitum initially for 10 days, and for a further 28-day period when feeding treatments were imposed. In experiment 1, a total of 37 cows in early or late lactation were offered the same high quality pasture diet either ad libitum or at 0.60 x ad libitum intake. In experiments 2 and 3, 35 and 31 cows which were in early (experiment 2) or late lactation (experiment 3) were offered pasture at 1 of 3 feeding levels: ad libitum, 0.75 x ad libitum. 0.50 x ad libitum intake. In experiment 1 the marginal response was similar, 23.5 and 25.0 g milk fat/kg change in dry matter intake, for cows offered the same diet in early or late lactation. In experiment 2, cows in early lactation showed marginal responses which ranged from 0 to 80 g milk fat/kg dry matter intake and were greater at lower feeding levels and for cows with greater initial milk production. In experiment 3, the marginal response for cows in late lactation was similar to that in experiment 1 (24.4 g milk fat/kg change in DM intake) and was not significantly affected by the level of feeding or by the initial milk production of the cow. Reduced levels of feeding in late lactation appeared to accelerate the changes in milk composition which occur normally in late lactation: increases in the concentration of milk fat and protein; a decrease in lactose concentration. It is concluded that in early lactation, much of the published variation in marginal response can be explained by differences between experiments in levels of feeding studied and in the initial milk yield of the cows. In late lactation there was much less variation in the reported magnitude of the marginal response, and the variation which did exist can be explained by experimental error.
Yield response of barley germplasm to field variation in salinity quantified using the EM-38
Authors: Slavich PG , Read BJ , Cullis BR
Published: March 2005

Five field trials to screen a range of barley germplasm for tolerance to saline soil conditions were conducted on irrigation farms in southern New South Wales, in areas affected by secondary salinisation from shallow watertables. Three trials were located on heavy grey clay soils and 2 on red-brown earth soils. An electromagnetic soil conductivity meter (EM-38) was used to quantify the salinity of individual field plots. Cultivars were compared in terms of their grain yield response to soil salinity. Yields were significantly reduced by soil salinity at all sites except 1 on red-brown earth. Both genetic and site differences in salinity response were identified. The reduction in yield per unit increase in electrical conductivity of the saturated paste (EC,), averaged across sites, varied from 4.7% for Forrest to 6.6% for Schooner. However, the yield reduction per unit increase in EC,, averaged across cultivars, varied from 4.1% in a red-brown earth to 6.4% in heavy clays.
Field evaluation of tissue-cultured bananas in south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Drew RA , Smith MK
Published: March 2005

Field performance is described for tissue cultured plants and conventional propagules of planting material of banana cultivar 'New Guinea Cavendish' (Musa sp., AAA group, Cavendish subgroup). Tissuecultured plants were produced by either regeneration of plants from callus culture or by micropropagation of plants following the release of dormant buds at the leaf axils of explants. The conventional material consisted of suckers and 'bits' (lateral buds and associated corm material). Tissue-cultured plants established more quickly, were taller, and had a shorter time to bunch emergence and harvest of plant crop than conventional planting material. They had significantly (P<0.05) higher yields in terms of bunch weight, which was a function of greater numbers of fingers and hands. These advantages did not extend to the ratoon crop. Sucker production on tissue-cultured plants was significantly (P<0.01) higher up to 8 months after planting, equal to conventional material from 8 months to harvest, and then significantly lower. Twenty-two per cent of the plants derived from callus were off-types compared with 3% in the line produced by axillary bud proliferation. No off-types were observed in conventional planting material.
Growth and yield characteristics of dwarf off-types recovered from tissue-cultured bananas
Authors: Smith MK , Drew RA
Published: March 2005

Dwarf off-types recovered from a tissue cultured line of banana cultivar New Guinea Cavendish (Mum sp., AAA Group, Cavendish subgroup) were used to quantify some of the changes associated with dwarfism, the most common off-type associated with tissue-cultured Cavendish bananas, and to determine the relative stability of the trait. The off-types were significantly (P<0.01) shorter than true-to-type plants and retained their dwarf stature over 5 generations. The dwarfs were characterised by small fruit with closer packing of the hands on the bunch. Choking, when the bunch fails to emerge fully from the plant, was a characteristic of the dwarfs but not observed in true-to-type plants. Dwarfism appears to be a relatively stable genetic trait and not a transient (epigenetic) change produced in vitro. By contrast, a thin-leafed off-type reverted to normal morphological characteristics 3-4 months after field establishment.
Effect of bearing and rearing lambs on Merino wool production
Authors: Charlick AJ , Arnold GW
Published: March 2005

Over a 15-year period, the greasy fleece weights of medium-wooled Merino ewes lambing in June in a 625 mm winter rainfall area in south-western Australia were examined in relation to the numbers of lambs born and reared. The ewes were set stocked at 6.7 ewes/ha on annual pasture. During this period selection for increased wool production was undertaken. A generalised linear model was used to assess the effects of bearing and rearing lambs. There was a significant (P<0.05) year x lambing interaction because of a different response over years 1-7 from that over years 8-15. Over years 1-7 when dry ewes cut an average of 4250 g greasy wool, ewes raising single lambs cut 185 g less wool (P<0.001); the few that raised twins cut a similar amount of wool to dry ewes. In years 8-15, wool production of dry ewes increased to an average of 5524 g. Ewes that lambed but lost their lambs cut 386 g less wool, those raising single lambs 652 g less wool, and those raising twins 846 g less wool. Over years 8-15, a second flock in which some ewes lambed twice a year was examined. These ewes received supplementary feed for out of season lambing. Those that raised 2 single lambs in a year cut 1120 g less wool than dry ewes.
Effect of soil nitrate on the growth and nodulation of winter crop legumes
Authors: Cowie AL , Jessop RS , MacLeod DA
Published: March 2005

The relative effect of increasing external nitrate supply on the nodulation of 3 winter crop legumes was examined in a controlled environment experiment. Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius cvv. Chittick, Wandoo), chickpea (Cicer arietinum cvv. Tyson, Amethyst) and field pea (Pisum sativum cvv. Maitland, Dundale) were grown at 2 nitrate (NO-3) concentrations of 2 and 8 mmol/L for 40 days.Shoot and root growth were not affected by NO-3 concentration. Increased NO-3 concentration significantly (P<0.05) reduced nodule number and nodule weight in all species. The inhibition of nodulation by increased NO-3 was greatest in peas, followed by chickpeas, and least in lupins.
The performance of Brahman-Shorthorn and Sahiwal-Shorthorn beef cattle in the dry tropics of northern Queensland. 1. Reproductive rates and liveweights of F1 and backcross females
Authors: Holroyd RG , James TA , Doogan VJ , Fordyce G , O'Rourke PK
Published: March 2005

A breeding program was established at Swan's Lagoon Beef Cattle Research Station in the dry tropics of northern Queensland to evaluate the productivity of cattle which were genotypically at least one-half Bos indicus. Brahman or Sahiwal bulls were initially mated to B. taurus cows (predominantly Shorthorn) to produce the first filial generation (F1 1/2 Brahman and F1 1/2 Sahiwal). First backcross 314 Brahman and first backcross 314 Sahiwal were derived from crossing F1 1/2 Brahman or F1 1/2 Sahiwal cows to their respective sire breeds. This paper reports on the female reproductive rates and liveweight performance in 2 data sets: 1972-79, F1 1/2 Brahman v. F1 1/2 Sahiwal; 1975-83, first backcross 3/4 Brahman v. first backcross 3/4 Sahiwal. In both data sets, significant differences in fertility (pregnancy rate and calving date) between F1 or first backcross groups were infrequent, and where differences did occur, they were often inconsistent due to cross x year interactions. The difference between weaning rates and pregnancy rates (representing foetal and calf wastage) was 5 percentage units higher in Sahiwal crosses than Brahman crosses for lactating cows Year effects significantly (P<0.05) influencd both fertility and liveweight, demonstrating the extent of seasonal influences on cattle production in the dry tropics. Generally Brahman-cross cows were heavier throughout than their Sahiwal counterparts. Among lactating cows, F1 1/2 Brahman were 21 kg heavier at start of mating than F1 1/2 Sahiwal, while first backcross 3/4 Brahman were 29 kg heavier than first backcross 3/4 Sahiwal.
Effects of genotype and environment on wool production of Merinos at pasture at two locations in semi-arid tropical Queensland
Authors: Eady SJ , Pritchard DA , O'Rourke PK
Published: March 2005

The problem of low wool production in central- western and north- western Queensland led to a study of the relative wool production of different genotypes of Merino sheep in these 2 regions. A number of the bloodlines of sheep introduced to central western and north-western Queensland attained a higher mature liveweight (P<0.01) and produced more wool (P<0.05) than the locally bred sheep. Annual wool production was closely related to mature liveweight, and the strong wool South Australian Merinos were consistently the heaviest and produced the most wool. Ranking on fleece characteristics and liveweight was consistent for both locations. Under severe nutritional stress, the sheep introduced to north-western Queensland showed a significantly (P<0.05) greater drop in tensile strength of their wool than locally bred sheep. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between productivity levels of the sheep at each location, with the environment in central-western Queensland being more suited to wool production. The results of this experiment suggest that some bloodlines of Merinos offer the potential to improve the wool production of sheep bred in central- western and northwestern Queensland; however, the effect of rearing environment may also be important.
Grazing management studies with Australian cashmere goats. 3. Effect of season on the selection of diet by cattle, sheep and goats from two tropical grass-legume pastures
Authors: Norton BW , Kennedy PJ , Hales JW
Published: March 2005

Oesophageally fistulated cattle, sheep and I goats were grazed together to study species diet preferences from 2 different tropical grass-legume pastures during 3 seasons (summer, autumn, winter). In one pasture, Brachiaria decumbens (signal grass) was the dominant grass and in the other pasture, Paspalum plicatulum. Each pasture had a common suite of tropical legumes, mainly Desmodium intortum (greenleaf desmodium), Macroptilium atropurpureum (siratro) and Macrotyloma axillaris (axillaris). Axillaris was the major legume available in summer and autumn and greenleaf desmodium was the major legume in winter. There was no significant effect in any season of the basal grass available on the composition of the diet selected by the different species. Both goats and cattle had a high preference for legume leaf during summer and autumn, with goats having a higher preference (34-75% of diet) than cattle (1245%). Sheep selected against legume (5-19% of diet) and had a high preference for grass leaf (58-74% of diet) in all seasons. Cattle selected grass in preference to legume (greenleaf desmodium) in winter. Goats showed the greatest discrimination against both grass and legume stem. In summer sheep selected a higher quality (in vitro digestibility) diet (62.7%) than did cattle (53.4%) and goats (51.2%). In both autumn and winter cattle and sheep selected diets of similar digestibility (range 58.6-63.6%). In vitro digestibility of the extrusa samples was significantly (P<0.05) correlated (r = 0.74) with the proportion of grass selected. It was concluded that in their grazing preferences, goats were more like cattle than sheep. The different preferences of sheep and goats for tropical legume leaf was associated with location of these legumes in the sward, goats browsing from the top down and sheep grazing from the bottom of the sward.
The influence of breed and type of feed on the cholesterol content of the M. longissimus dorsi of steers
Authors: Taylor DG , Smith LW
Published: March 2005

The cholesterol content of muscle from pasture-fed Hereford (n = 21) and Brahman (n = 12) steers, and from grain-fed Hereford (n = 20) steers was determined. No significant differences (P>0.05) were detected in the cholesterol content of muscle between breeds or between types of feed. Small, non-significant correlation coefficients were detected between cholesterol content of muscle and carcass fat thickness, while the association between cholesterol content of muscle and intramuscular fat content was stronger but only significant (P<0.05) for the Brahman group. Thus, breed, feed type and possibly carcass fatness were not variables that could be used to reduce the cholesterol content of muscle.
Effects of drought rations offered to lactating beef heifers on liveweight changes, milk production and composition, calf carcasses and cow fertility
Authors: Hamilton D , Seirer RC , Cook JP
Published: March 2005

Thirty-two early-summer-calving Angus heifers received 4 rations in early lactation for the last 92 days of drought and then grazed pasture. The aim was to produce calves suitable for slaughter at weaning (i.e. at about 11 months of age) and to maintain the usual calving rate of about 85% at the next calving. Variations on the control ration of 83% cracked wheat and 17% long oaten hay, plus minerals and vitamins, were 44% hay or additions of urea or sodium bicarbonate. The calves received 0.33 kg and later 0.66 kg of pasture hay/head.day. The nitrogen content of the respective rations was 19.3, 17.5, 24.3 and 19.3 g/kg of dry matter. The apparent digestibilities of the organic matter were 66, 68 and 88% for the pasture hay, oaten hay and cracked wheat, respectively. There was no acidosis, but the heifers would only consume at 80% of the intended level of 6.0 kg/head.day for the control ration. Heifer condition score, weight change and milk composition, and calf growth and milk consumption, did not differ (P>0.05) between treatments. The average daily liveweight changes during drought feeding were -0.51 kg for the heifers and +0.64 kg for the calves. There was a tendency to slower eating and fewer calves at the next calving with the urea and bicarbonate rations. The calves were all of slaughter condition at weaning, and on average 84% of the heifers calved at the next calving. The control ration appeared to contain adequate roughage and nitrogen for milk production. The heifers' energy requirement in relation to milk production and liveweight performance was as predicted by the common feeding standards. Feed consumption, although lower than intended and probably constrained by the mineral content of the diet, was adequate in heifers that were initially fat enough to tolerate prolonged weight loss.
Molinate (S-ethyl hexahydro-1H-azepine-1-carbothioate) controls red rice (Oryza sativa) in the Burdekin Valley of North Queensland
Authors: Barnes JE
Published: March 2005

Molinate controlled red rice (Oryza sativa) in commercial rice (O. sativa cv. Starbonnet) giving an increasing response at rates of 3.6, 4.3, 5.0, 5.7, 6.4, 7.2, 7.9 kg a.i./ha in 1 summer and 2 winter crops. No crop injury was observed at any rate of molinate, and grain yield, grain moisture, 1000-grain weight, head counts, grain number per head, germination counts, percentage bran and head yield were not affected. In 2 experiments, the percentage of whole grain was not affected by the chemical but in 1 experiment percentage whole grain increased with the rate of chemical used. Molinate provides a substantial level of control of red rice in commercial rice but the response to the herbicide is variable. In some crops weed suppression up to about 50% control is all that can be achieved, but in other crops controls of >90% are achievable. With the low levels of infestation that usually occur in North Queensland these levels of control are acceptable.
Subclinical selenium insufficiency. 1. Selenium status and the response in liveweight and wool production of grazing ewes supplemented with selenium
Authors: Langlands JP , Donald GE , Bowles JE , Smith AJ
Published: March 2005

Fine wool Merino and Border Leicester x Merino ewes grazed improved pastures low in selenium (Se) for 4 years at 6.3 and 12.5 sheep/ha; half of the ewes were supplemented with Se given as an intra-ruminal pellet. Selenium status of the ewes was monitored from Se concentrations in whole blood and plasma, and wool production, fibre diameter and liveweight were recorded. The unsupplemented ewes showed no overt signs of Se insufficiency; Se status was consistently low; and Se supplementation increased wool production and fibre diameter. Selenium status was lower in unsupplemented ewes grazed at the higher stocking rate and in ewes supporting a lamb; it showed seasonal trends and was negatively correlated with rainfall. Selenium concentrations in whole blood but not in plasma were lower in Merino than in Border Leicester x Merino ewes. Data relating to reproductive performance and the productivity of the lambs are presented in accompanying reports.
Effects of ethephon on ripening and quality of freshmarket pineapples
Authors: Smith LG
Published: March 2005

The potential benefits of ethephon (2-chloroethyl phosponic acid) on freshmarket pineapples (Ananas comosus L.) growing in subtropical Queensland were examined in 2 experiments. Fruit harvested from treated plots and stored for up to 20 days had less (1-2%) soluble solids, varied more in percentage soluble solids and reached full yellow colour 2-3 days earlier than untreated fruits. The effect on eating quality was variable. Treated fruits had superior eating quality to untreated controls 10 days after harvest, while treated fruit left on the plant for 23 days had inferior eating quality to controls. Harvested, treated fruits 'coloured' (degreened) more evenly and, thus, presented better in the carton but had shorter shelf life due to accelerated skin senescence. It was concluded that any important advantages for the freshmarket industry remain to be demonstrated.
Zinc supplementation of lactating ewes and weaned lambs grazing improved mediterranean pastures
Authors: White CL , Chandler BS , Peter DW
Published: March 2005

The effects of post-partum supplements of zinc (Zn) on the Zn status and growth of 40 ewes and their newborn lambs grazing grass-clover pastures were studied. A control group received no supplemental Zn; supplemented ewes received Zn as an intra-ruminal Zn pellet and lambs received a Zn pellet at weaning followed by an oral Zn drench. Zinc concentrations in pastures ranged from 10 mg/kg in autumn to >20 mg/kg in winter. Zinc supplementation increased the concentration of Zn in milk but had no effect on Zn in plasma or wool of ewes or lambs and no effect on weight gain or wool production. Zinc supplements had no adverse effects on the copper concentration of tissues or milk. Zinc supplied as pellets increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase in blood. The results indicate that, at least when pasture quality and quantity is too poor for sheep to gain weight, Zn requirements for growth and wool production of lactating ewes and lambs can be met on pastures containing 10-20 mg Zn/kg.
Soil pH is a major determinant of the numbers of naturally occurring Rhizobium meliloti in non-cultivated soils in central New South Wales
Authors: Brockwell J , Pilka A , Holliday RA
Published: March 2005

Measurements were made of soil pH, frequency of occurrence of annual species of Medicago (medics) and populations of Rhizobium meliloti at 84 sites on 7 dominant soil groups of the Macquarie region of central-western New South Wales. Over all sites, soil pH (0-10 cm; 1:5 soil: water) ranged from 5.26 to 8.07, medic frequency from 0 to 100% and most probable numbers of R. meliloti from undetectable to 675 000/g soil. There was a highly significant (P<0.001) relationship between soil pH and number of R. meliloti. Above pH 7.0, the mean soil population of R. meliloti was 89000/g; below pH 6.0, it was 37/g. Medics occurred most frequently on the more alkaline soils and with least frequency on the more acid soils, but the relationship between soil pH and medic frequency was weaker than between pH and R. meliloti number. Medics were more tolerant of low soil pH than their rhizobia were; at 2 sites, of pH 5.49 and 5.35, medics occurred at 100% frequency but R. meliloti was undetected. There was an indication of some acidification in these soils over a period of 35 years but this remains to be confirmed.
Herbage and seed yield losses in six varieties of subterranean clover from rust (Uromyces trifolii-repentis)
Authors: Barbetti MJ , Nichols PGH
Published: March 2005

Studies were conducted to determine the herbage and seed yield losses caused by rust (Uromyces trifolii-repentis Liro) in field plots of 6 subterranean clover varieties. By early October (mid spring), rust caused large reductions in herbage production in varieties Green Range (25.9%), Mount Barker (24.8%), Woogenellup (20.3%), Mulwala (18.7%) and Karridale (15.2%). By the beginning of November (late spring), herbage yield losses were greater in Mulwala (50.5%), Green Range (49.4%), Woogenellup (36.9%) and Mount Barker (34.1%). Rust also caused large reductions in seed yield in Green Range (89.4%), Mulwala (84.8%), Karridale (70.2%), Woogenellup (67.2%) and Mount Barker (39.5%). The variety Larisa was highly resistant to rust, with no significant (P>0.05) reduction in herbage or seed yield.
Tolerance of Phalaris aquatica to spraytopping rates of glyphosate or paraquat
Authors: Campbell MH , Nicol HI
Published: March 2005

The tolerance of a 7-year-old stand of Phalaris aquatica to spraytopping rates of paraquat (0.09, 0.14, 0.28 kg a.i./ha) and glyphosate (0.11, 0.16, 0.32 kg a.i./ha) applied on 17 October and 8 November 1988 was assessed over the following 9 months. In the first 28 days after spraying, the herbicides browned out most green leaf of P. aquatica; thereafter, plants fully or partially recovered. Nine months after spraying, ground cover of P. aquatica was reduced by all treatments (from 26 to 66%, relative to the controls) except the 3 rates of paraquat and the lowest rate of glyphosate applied in October. The greater effect of herbicides in November than in October was assessed as being due to more green leaf on P. aquatica at spraying and better growing conditions in November.
Control of Phytophthora root rot in processing tomatoes by metalaxyl and fosetyl-Al
Authors: Flett SP , Ashcroft WJ , Jerie PH , Taylor PA
Published: March 2005

The efficacies of metalaxyl and fosetyl-A1 were evaluated for the control of root rot in tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) caused by Phytophthora nicotianae var. nicotianae in a greenhouse and in the field. In greenhouse experiments, disease severity was significantly (P<0.05) reduced with metalaxyl applied at rates of 1.5-25 g a.i./L as a soil drench and with fosetyl-A1 applied as a foliar spray at 3.2 g a.i./L. In the field, disease severity was reduced by applications of metalaxyl at rates up to 3 kg a.i./ha banded below the fertiliser at sowing and with additional applications to the bed shoulders at regular intervals for a period of 10 weeks after sowing. Metalaxyl treatments applied at sowing significantly reduced root rot severity for the first 12 weeks of crop development but failed to provide season-long protection. Yield of tomatoes at harvest was not significantly increased by the fungicide treatments, The use of metalaxyl granules in the field to control P. nicotianae root rot is not recommended.
Lifetime productivity of crossbred cows. 1. Experimental design, growth and carcass characteristics of progeny
Authors: Deland MP , Newman S
Published: March 2005

First crosses of Hereford with large and small dairy type (Friesian and Jersey), British beef type (Shorthorn), Bos indicus dairy and beef type (Sahiwal and Brahman), and European beef and dual-purpose type (Charolais and Simmental) females were reared on different properties and joined with Hereford bulls, to produce backcross calves under semi-arid conditions in southern Australia from 1976 to 1984. Parity x breed effects were important for all traits studied. In general, calves out of European cross dams were heaviest at weaning and slaughter and yielded higher carcass weights than other types, but calves out of dairy cross cows (especially Friesian cross) had fatter carcasses. Calves out of zebu cross dams expressed lower carcass weights in spite of relatively high dressing percentages. Calves out of Shorthorn cross cows were lightest at all ages and expressed the lowest dressing percentages.
Ash alkalinity of animal and plant products
Authors: Slattery WJ , Ridley AM , Windsor SM
Published: March 2005

The export of farm produce from farming systems results in the removal of excess cations over anions from the soil. This removal of bases from the soil will eventually cause an increase in the acidity of the soil. Ash alkalinity data for a range of farm products are presented in this paper and lime replacement values calculated. Of produce from mixed farming enterprises in north-eastern Victoria, hay required the greatest amount of lime (270-1260 kg CaCO3/ha.year) to replace lost alkali from the soil. By comparison, removal of cereal produce required much less lime (7-20 kg CaCO3/ha.year) to replace lost alkali, as did removal of wool and lamb (0.8 and 6.0 kg CaCO3/ha.year respectively). Management strategies that include a lime replacement value for exported farm produce should be considered in overall farm management strategies to reduce soil acidification.
Tolerances of canola, field pea, lupin and faba bean cultivars to herbicides
Authors: Lemerle D , Hinkley RB
Published: March 2005

The grain yield responses of cultivars of canola, field pea, lupin and faba bean to the recommended rates and twice the recommended rates of pre- and post-emergence herbicides were examined in field trials conducted at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, from 1986 to 1989. Significant (P<0.05) reductions in grain yield of some field pea cultivars resulted from the recommended rate of registered post-emergence herbicides: Cressy Blue (22%), Derrimut (20%) and Dundale (13%) with metribuzin (0.23 kg a.i./ha); Wirrega (26%) with cyanazine (1.0 kg a.i./ha); Wirrega (15%) and Maitland (13%) with methabenzthiazuron (0.6 kg a.i./ha). The canola lines Hyola 30 and BLC 198-82 also had significant reductions in yield (16-19%) from the recommended rate of clopyralid (0.09 kg a.i./ha). There were differences in cultivar (or advanced line) tolerance to other herbicides at twice the recommended rate: clopyralid (0.18 kg a.i./ha) applied post-emergence in canola; diflufenican (0.2 kg a.i./ha) and MCPA (0.75 kg a.i./ha) applied post-emergence in field pea; preemergence treatments of metribuzin (0.46 kg a.i./ha), cyanazine (3.0 kg a.i./ha) and simazine (3.0 kg a,i./ha), and post-emergence treatments of simazine (2.0 kg a.i./ha) and diflufenican (0.2 kg a.i./ha), in lupin. Faba bean cv. Fiord tolerated pre-emergence treatments of terbutryne (2.0 kg a.i./ha), prometryne (3.0 kg a.i./ha) and triallate (1.6 kg a.i./ha), and there was seasonal variation in faba bean tolerance to pre-emergence treatment with cyanazine (3 kg a.i./ha), metribuzin (0.42 kg a.i./ha) and simazine (2.0 kg a.i./ha). The crops tolerated the early post-emergence grass herbicides: clethodim (0.48 kg a.i./ha), diclofop-methyl (1.5 kg a.i./ha), fluazifop-P (0.21 kg a.i./ha), haloxyfop (0.156 kg a.i./ha), quizalofop (0.28 kg a.i./ha), sethoxydim (0.372 kg a.i./ha). Herbicides that were tested in field pea and found to have only marginal selectivity at the recommended rate (even though some cultivars were tolerant) were terbutryne + MCPA (0.4 + 0.15 kg a.i./ha), diuron (0.4 kg a.i./ha) and pyridate (1.35 kg a.i./ha). Pyridate was non-selective in canola, lupin and faba bean. Faba bean tolerance to glyphosate (0.18 kg a.i./ha) was achieved in 1989 if application was delayed from 11 to 15 weeks after sowing.
A grower survey of weeds and herbicide use in the New South Wales cotton industry
Authors: Charles GW
Published: March 2005

In 1989, 52 cotton growers from the 7 major cotton areas of New South Wales were surveyed regarding their weed-control costs, major weed problems and herbicide use. This paper presents and discusses the major results from this survey. On average, weed control costs the cotton grower $A187/ha annually, the major components being $76/ha for cotton herbicides and $67/ha for hand chipping. The major cotton weeds are Xanthium occidentale, X. spinosum, Cyperus spp., Physalis spp. and Ipomoea lonchophylla. Although these weeds affect a large proportion of the cotton-growing area, their incidence is generally stable or declining under the current management systems. However, Cyperus spp., which presently affect 15% of the cotton area, are escaping the weed management practices and rapidly becoming the major weed problem in many fields. Diplachne fusca is a major weed on irrigation channels and is not controlled by the registered herbicides. Trifluralin, diuron and fluometuron herbicides are used in cotton by over 60% of cotton growers. Glyphosate is used by 59% of growers in fallows prior to cotton, and atrazine, diuron and glyphosate are used on irrigation channels by over 60% of growers. Generally, cotton growers are dissatisfied with t h e high cost of weed control and the ineffectiveness of control of some problem weeds such as Cyperus spp.
Comparison of total tuber yields from inner and guard rows used in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) fertiliser experiments
Authors: Maier NA , Frensham AB , Chapman KSR , Williams CMJ
Published: March 2005

Total tuber yields were compared for inner and outer (guard) rows from 4 phosphorus (P) and 3 nitrogen (N) field experiments conducted during 1985-86 in South Australia, and from 5 N and 2 potassium (K) field experiments conducted during 1985-86 and 1987-88 in Tasmania. All fertiliser treatments were banded along the rows, either at planting or part at planting and the remainder sidedressed after emergence. The inter-row spacings were in the range 76-86 cm and the cultivars used were Kennebec, Coliban and Russet Burbank. Analysis showed that at only 1 of the 14 sites (site 6 in South Australia) was the mean total tuber yield for the inner 2 rows significantly (P<0.01) less than the mean total tuber yield for all 4 rows. However, the difference was small (0.8 t/ha or 1.9%) and of little practical importance. The relationships between mean (� s.e.) total tuber yield and rate (kg/ha) of applied nutrient (0-240 P, 0-320 N, 0-400 K) for inner and guard rows showed that differences between means were small and usually within standard error ranges at all sites. There were no consistent differences in the magnitudes of the standard errors of the means for inner and guard rows for all rates and types of nutrient applied. No significant cross-feeding occurred in these fertiliser experiments, which suggests that omission of guard rows from experiments where the fertiliser treatments are applied along the rows should not result in serious errors of interpretation of tuber yield response.
The use of physical measurements in live cattle to predict carcass composition
Authors: Johnson ER , Davis CB
Published: March 2005

Of 13 physical measurements made on live cattle, anal fold fat thickness measured with a hand caliper and fasted liveweight were the most accurate predictors of carcass composition, particularly when used together. Anal fold fat thickness plus fasted liveweight predicted the percentages (mean � s.e. of estimate) of side muscle (59.62 � 1.80), side bone (14.23 � 0.81) and side fat (23.58 � 2.18). Scanoprobe measurements made on live animals were correlated (P<0.01) with the actual carcass measurements as follows: fat thickness at the 10th rib, 0.50; fat thickness at the 12th rib, 0.69; muscle depth at the 10th rib, 0.56; muscle depth at the 12th rib, 0.66. Anal fold fat thickness, with a standard error of estimate of 2.22%, was a better predictor of percentage side muscle than the live Scanoprobe measurements, depth of M. longissimus at the 12th rib (3.44%) and depth of M. gluteus medius (3.61%). When used to measure the fat depth over M. longissimus at the 12th rib in live cattle, the standard errors of estimate of the Scanoprobe in predicting percentage side muscle and percentage side fat were not significantly different from those of anal fold fat thickness determined with the caliper. For the prediction of percentage side muscle the errors for Scanoprobe and caliper were 3.44 and 2.22, respectively; for the prediction of percentage side fat they were 3.79 and 3.12, respectively. Tuber coxae width, the most accurate of the linear skeletal measurements in predicting side bone percentage, was not as accurate as anal fold fat thickness (s.e. of estimate, 1.02 v. 0.89%).
Cultural practices in the control of bean root rot
Authors: O'Brien RG , O'Hare PJ , Glass RJ
Published: March 2005

Bean root rot (a complex of Apharwmyces spp., Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli, Pythium spp. and Rhizoctonia solani) affects winter-grown fresh beans at Gympie, Queensland. In 5 trials conducted in 1986-88, cultural practices (depth of planting, depth of cultivation, hilling) and a fungicide treatment were examined as methods of control of the disease. The experiments were sited on a clay-loam soil, and under these conditions, shallow planting (25 mm) was the most effective treatment, significantly (P<0.05) reducing the severity of root rot relative to the standard depth of 50 mm.
Differences in surface soil aggregation under six different crops
Authors: Chan KY , Heenan DP
Published: March 2005

The effects of lupin, field pea, barley, canola, linseed and lentil crops on the surface (0-0.10 m) aggregation of a red earth at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, were investigated in the field under identical cultivation and agronomic practices. Soil friability after cropping was in the order lupin > lentil > canola > field pea = linseed > barley. Both lupin and canola cropping produced significantly stronger aggregates (measured as tensile strength of the aggregates) than barley, lentil and field pea. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in water-stable macro-aggregation after growing the different crops. However, there was a significant (P<0.05) correlation between the tensile strength of the aggregates and amount of dispersed clay released from moist soil (-10 kPa), possibly indicating different abilities of crops to modify soil bondings affecting aggregate strength.
Register of Australian Winter Cereal Cultivars: Triticum aestivum ssp. vulgare (Bread Wheat) cv. Shrike
Authors: Martin RH
Published: March 2005

No abstract available.