bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superphosphate and stocking rate effects on a native pasture oversown with Stylosanthes humilis in central coastal Queensland. 4. Phosphate and potassium sufficiency
Authors: Shaw NH , Andrew CS
Published: March 2005

Soil fertility was studied over the last 5 years of an 11 -year period in which a native pasture (Heteropogon contortus dominant) oversown with Stylosanthes humilis (TS) was fertilized annually with either 125 or 250 kg ha-1 superphosphate. A severe deficiency of potassium was found to have developed since the improved pasture was sown, and correction of the deficiency increased legume yield 2- to 3-fold and increased beef production by 24%.Pastures fertilized annually with 250 kg ha-1 of superphosphate gave no dry matter response to additional dressings of phosphorus, but those fertilized with 125 kg ha-1 annually responded slightly even after ten applications, indicating that this rate of superphosphate was close to the optimum. Three annual applications of 31 kg K ha-1 increased exchangeable soil potassium significantly and results indicate that a slightly lower rate would satisfy pasture requirements when combined with 125 kg ha-1 superphosphate. The practical implications of potassium fertilizer use are discussed in relation to the large increase in beef production possible and the need for potassium to ensure long-term maintenance of legume production. The decision to correct the deficiency would depend on local conditions and current conditions of beef production prices. Results are considered in relation to diagnosis of phosphorus and potassium deficiencies in TS in the field. For TS sampled at early flowering in March, it is concluded that fertilizer responses may be expected if phosphorus in whole plant tops is below 0.14%, or if potassium is below 0.4%, while responses are unlikely when these values are 0.17 and 0.7%, respectively. Satisfactory diagnosis would also have resulted from adoption of soil standards of 20 ppm P (extracted by 0.01 N H2SO4) or 0.20 m.equiv K 100 g-1.
Pollination of canning peaches cv. Golden Queen
Authors: Langridge DF , Goodman RD
Published: March 2005

The pollination requirements of Golden Queen peaches were studied in an orchard in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria. There was virtually no airborne pollen in the open orchard nor inside a cage placed around a peach tree. Flight activity of bees was related to ambient temperatures and honeybees accounted for 99.4% of insect visitors to the peach flowers. On trees to which bees had access there was a 1.2 times increase in the percentage of flowers that set fruit, but the weight of fruit harvested was not significantly different. Self-fertilization supplemented by honeybee pollination appears to be the normal mode of fruit set in this cultivar.
Plant nutrition studies on some yellow and red earth soils in northern Cape York Peninsula. 3. Effects of liming and placement on responses to applied phosphorus
Authors: Probert ME , Winter WH , Jones RK
Published: March 2005

The yellow earth soils in northern Cape York Peninsula are extremely low in both total and extractable P and require large additions of phosphorus for maximum pasture yields. The reasons for this high requirement and the results of various attempts to modify it are reported in this paper. Laboratory studies showed that the soils have a high capacity to sorb P and that exchangeable A1 was high, relative to the other cations. Various liming treatments were therefore tested to see what effect reducing the level of exchangeable Al in the soil had on the shape of the P response curves. In two pot experiments there were moderate responses in dry matter yield of Stylosanthes guianensis, cv. Cook, to low rates of lime (500 kg ha-1 on an area basis). The responses were larger where sodium rather than calcium phosphate was the source of the P. In the field, the response of this legume to liming was quite small and not significant by the second year. Only in one of the pot experiments was there evidence that liming reduced the requirement for P.As expected for a soil with a high sorption capacity, responses to placement of phosphate were found in pots; in the field, however, no worthwhile benefits were obtained from placement
Comparison of ethylene dibromide with non-volatile nematicides for control of root-knot of tobacco in north Queensland
Authors: Broadley RA
Published: March 2005

In a series of field trials, the non-volatile nematicides ethoprophos, fenamiphos, fensulfothion, oxamyl, aldicarb, UC21865, CGA12223, AC64475, triazphos and chlorpyrifos applied in a 0.6 m band at rates of 1.0 to 16.8 kg a.i. ha-1 were compared with EDB row treatment applied at 36 kg a.i, ha-1 for control of the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) in tobacco. None of the compounds was more consistently effective than ethylene dibromide. Seedbeds were also treated with fenamiphos granules at 120 kg a.i, ha-1 but this failed to give the seedlings any protection against nematode attack after transplanting into untreated soil. A controlled release polymer mixed with fenamiphos did not improve nematode control at the end of the season when compared with fenamiphos alone.
Effects of sowing depth on field emergence of soybeans
Authors: Banks LW , Gilmour AR
Published: March 2005

The effect of sowing depth on the field emergence of soybeans was studied at Trangie, New South Wales, in a grey self-mulching clay soil. Eight varieties were used in 1976 and six varieties (including 3 near-isogenic lines differing only in seed size) were used in 1977. Seeds were sown at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 cm depths and the number emerged was recorded daily. Field germination percentages and hypocotyl length were recorded 10 and 14 days after sowing. The results suggest that 4 to 6 cm is the most reliable sowing depth. Emergence was reduced and delayed by deeper sowings, and insufficient soil moisture reduced germination percentage at shallow sowings in 1976. Mean hypocotyl length increased with sowing depth, but only exceeded sowing depth at the shallowest sowings (2 and 4 cm). The varieties differed in emergence percentages, with Ruse being lowest and Forrest highest. Also, Ruse had shorter hypocotyls than the other varieties. Seed size did not influence emergence or hypocotyl length.
Response of nine genotypes of irrigated soybeans to planting pattern and sowing date
Authors: Constable GA , Rose IA
Published: March 2005

A three year study compared the response of promising breeding lines, new cultivars and commercial soybean cultivars to three planting patterns and two sowing dates. The planting patterns were: 25-45 cm rows on 200 cm wide beds, twin 15 cm rows on 100 cm hills, and single rows on 100 cm hills. In all planting patterns, the established plant populations were 20-25 m-2. The sowing dates were December 1 or 5 and January 15 or 22. There was a yield increase of up to 14% (433 kg ha-1) with narrow rows on wide beds and twin rows over 100 cm rows, the extent depending on cultivar and season, with an overall average increase of only 5 to 8%. In the two seasons where narrow rows yielded more than 100 cm rows, cv. Forrest yielded best in twin rows, while the other genotypes yielded best with narrow rows on wide beds. These effects were the same for both sowing dates. January sowings yielded 30% less than December sowings, but this decline in yield was least evident in cvv. Forrest and Ruse. Forrest was the highest yielding cultivar for both sowing dates in every season (3605 and 271 6 kg ha-1 respectively). We conclude that the small increase in yield with narrow rows may be worthwhile economically, as long as no extra costs are involved. The planting pattern and sowing date response of promising lines should be examined as part of a breeding program.
The influence of artificial windbreaks on loss of soil water from a continuously grazed pasture during a dry period
Authors: Lynch JJ , Elwin RL , Mottershead BE
Published: March 2005

Soil water was recorded in paddocks with artificial windbreaks and in unsheltered paddocks at each of two stocking rates over a dry period of 29 days after soil had drained to field capacity following heavy rain. Significantly less water (12.3 mm) was lost from the two sheltered paddocks compared with the two unsheltered paddocks, a large saving of water over a single drying period. Since the metabolizable energy intake by grazing animals was higher by an average of 18% in the sheltered paddocks at both stocking rates it is inferred that some of this water was used for plant production, resulting in a higher herbage availability over the dry period in the sheltered paddocks than in those without shelter. Windbreaks should be considered in environments where there are periods during which water stress is the only factor limiting plant growth and the occurrence of rainfall is uncertain. Windbreaks may be of particular use in paddocks with lambing or lactating ewes or paddocks used for fattening lambs.
Bunch rot of Rhine Riesling grapes in the lower south-west of Western Australia
Authors: Barbetti MJ
Published: March 2005

A bunch rot disorder of Rhine Riesling grapes was investigated during the 1976-77 and 1977-78 seasons in south-west of Western Australia. Fungi isolated from immature berries at or just after flowering were not identical to those isolated from rotting berries at harvest. A wide range of fungi, including Aureobasidium pullulans (de Bary) Arnaud, Botrytis cinerea Pers. ex Fr., Rhizopus, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Alternaria spp., was isolated from rotted berries at harvest. More than 98% of rotting berries showed berry splitting or cracking, or both, at the pedicel end of the grape. Berry thinning of bunches by hand resulted in the almost complete elimination of berry splitting and cracking and a corresponding decline in bunch rot levels. The yield of unrotted bunches from the thinned vines was more than twice that for the unthinned ones; however, thinning reduced overall total vine yields by 63% compared with yields from unthinned vines.
The influence of dietary protein and energy concentration on the growth of Merino weaner sheep
Authors: McGregor BA , McLaughlin JW
Published: March 2005

The influence of the dietary concentration of protein and energy on the growth of Merino wether weaners in pens, was studied in a factorial experiment. There were two digestible energy concentrations, (12.4 and 14.2 MJ DE kg-1 DM) x five protein concentrations (9-21% CP), three replicates (each of one animal). Diets were offered ad libitum, and nitrogen and energy retention were determined by the comparative slaughter technique. Initially, the mean weight of all treatment groups was 15.5 kg liveweight (12 weeks of age), and the experiment concluded 14 weeks later. Daily dry matter intake, liveweight gain, wool growth and total body nitrogen retention increased linearly as dietary crude protein concentration increased. Higher energy concentrations reduced dry matter intake and liveweight gain, and increased wool growth. Approximately 21 % of the digestible energy intake was retained. Regressions relating carcase and non-carcase composition to compartment weight, are presented. The fastest and most efficient gain in liveweight occurred with the ration containing 20% CP, at the lower energy concentration. It is suggested that for high levels of production with Merino weaners, rations should contain at least 18% CP.
Effects of high application rates of a dried sludge to a market garden soil - investigations in mini-plots
Authors: Vries MPCde , Merry RH
Published: March 2005

Oilseed plants, vegetables and forest trees were grown in succession on a market garden soil in mini-plots (concrete containers, 1 m x 1 m x 1 m, sunk in the ground). The soil was treated with 0, 8, 24 and 72 t ha-1 dried sludge with high concentrations of Cd, Cu and Ni. None of the plants developed metal toxicity symptoms. A high, single application of dried and heat-treated sludge is more likely to cause problems with N than with heavy metals. Rates of up to 24 t ha-1 sludge can be used for growing industrial crops such as oilseed plants or forest trees, but should not be used for growing leafy vegetables because of the high Cd content of the sludge. The sludge applications considerably increased the NaHCO3-extractable P in the soil and caused no problems due to soluble salt and chlorides.
The effect of method of application and presence of sulphate on phosphate fixation from three phosphate fertilizers applied to a krasnozem soil
Authors: Aitken RL , Hughes JD
Published: March 2005

Fixation of phosphate from monocalcium, monoammonium and diammonium phosphate in a krasnozem soil was investigated in two glasshouse trials. The extent of fixation was assessed from the dry matter yield and phosphorus uptake of tomato plants. Less phosphate was fixed from monocalcium phosphate than from the ammonium phosphates, which was attributed to the higher diffusion rates of the latter and to the precipitation of dicalcium phosphate at the site of monocalcium phosphate placement. Banding of sub-optimal quantities of phosphorus increased yields, although the results suggest that banding only temporarily reduces fixation of the ammonium phosphates. Sulphate significantly increased the uptake of phosphorus when added with each of the three P fertilizers. The effect was greater when the fertilizer was banded than when mixed with the soil.
Ethephon for fruit thinning of Imperial and Beauty of Glen Retreat mandarins in the Central Burnett district, Queensland
Authors: Chapman JC
Published: March 2005

Ethephon was tested as a fruit thinning agent for mandarins in three experiments in the Central Burnett district of Queensland. Ethephon at concentrations between 200 and 300 ppm successfully thinned fruit on the Glen Retreat cultivar. However, the excessive leaf fall that occurred at 300 ppm indicates some risk. Therefore, further experiments are desirable to confirm its commercial potential. The Imperial cultivar was thinned by ethephon at concentrations within a range of 200 ppm to 500 ppm without excessive leaf fall. A concentration of 250 ppm is suggested for commercial use. Ethephon was most effective when applied before the completion of the natural period of fruit drop in November/December.
Nutrient problems in sown pasture on an acid soil. 2. Role of lime and superphosphate
Authors: McLachlan KD
Published: March 2005

A study was made of the role of superphosphate and lime on subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) production on an infertile acid soil in pot culture. Both fertilizers increased the exchangeable calcium in this deficient soil. Lime and superphosphate were involved in nodulation of the clover plants. There was no evidence of the direct involvement of either of them in the nitrogen fixation process, but they did increase nitrogen uptake by the plants. Once the legume functioned adequately, full expression of the yield response to phosphorus on this deficient soil followed. Most efficient phosphorus use occurred at the lime 1255, superphosphate 2000 kg ha-1 level (lime 1/2, P 16). Heavy lime dressing reduced exchangeable magnesium and the phosphorus available to the plant. Aluminium and pH were involved in the effects observed. Lime reduced CaCl2-extractable aluminium and the titratable acidity in the soil. Phosphate increased the CaCl2-extractable aluminium and apparently reduced the titratable aluminium. The combined treatments reduced these three attributes and promoted increased plant growth. Increased plant growth was associated with increased aluminium uptake by the plants, which suggests that the real effect of aluminium may have been on the calcium and phosphorus uptake by the plants, rather than on the toxic nature of the element itself.
Influence of suckling by Friesian cows on milk production and anoestrus
Authors: Thomas GW , Spiker SA , Mickan FJ
Published: March 2005

The effect of time (morning or afternoon), intensity (three or four calves per cow), frequency Once or twice daily) and duration (1, 2, 4 or 8 weeks) of suckling on the performance of multiparous Friesian cows in early lactation was studied in four experiments. In each experiment there was a group of cows that were machine milked twice daily from calving. Milk production from sucked cows was greater during the suckling period than from machine-milked cows in the same period, but in no case was there any significant difference between suckling treatments. Increases in production during the 8-week suckling period ranged from 7.1 (P > 0.05) to 19.4% (P< 0.05), or from 75-21 8 kg. The extra milk produced by the cows sucked once daily went to the calves, and similar (P > 0.05) quantities or significantly less milk (P< 0.05) was produced at the alternate machine milkings compared with non-sucked cows in the same period. Regardless of suckling treatment in early lactation, the cows failed to show any carryover benefit. Lactation length and liveweight change in cows was unaffected by suckling treatment. The interval of post-partum anoestrus increased by about 6 days for each additional week of suckling. The average increase due to 8 weeks suckling in the four experiments ranged from 41-66 days. Teat damage increased with duration of twice-daily suckling, but had no effect on yields after sucking stopped. Teat damage of cows sucked once or twice daily to 8 weeks was similar. The incidence of mastitis was low in both sucked and machine-milked cows, and was not related to suckling treatment. Multiple sucking of Friesian cows in early lactation is a means of obtaining more milk from individual cows without incurring penalties in liveweight and body condition loss; it has no effect on post-weaning milk production.
Genetic changes in the performance of egg laying strains of hens in Australia
Authors: Polkinghorne RW
Published: March 2005

Results from the South Australian Random Sample Tests in the period 1966 to 1978 were analyzed to determine if there had been any changes in the average performance of commercially available egg production strains. Average age at sexual maturity was found to have declined by about 0.5 days per year, and eggs per hen housed to have increased by about 1.7 eggs per year during the period analyzed. Non-linear trends were detected for feed consumption, feed conversion efficiency and income over feed and chick costs. For hen-day egg production, a non-linear upward trend was apparent with the most rapid progress having been made in the latter part of the period analyzed.
Content of 5-alkyl resorcinols in selection lines of triticale grown in South Australia
Authors: Radcliffe BC , Driscoll CJ , Egan AR
Published: March 2005

Nine advanced lines of triticale were grown at seven sites in South Australia. The alkyl resorcinol content of samples from each site was negatively correlated (r = - 0.62) with yield at that site, indicating an environmental influence on resorcinol content. A small, but significant, correlation between resorcinol content and neutral detergent fibre was found. Eight of the nine lines had mean resorcinol contents significantly higher than wheat grown at the same sites. One line, T507, was not significantly different from Warimba wheat, and also resembled that of wheat in its uniformity of resorcinol content across the range of environments.
Pineapple slip production using the morphactin Multi-prop applied after flower induction with different chemicals
Authors: Glennie JD
Published: March 2005

Multi-prop applied at 6 or 12 mg a.i. per plant after induction produced from 7-35 slips per plant compared with the usual 0-3. Treatment times ranged from 0-8 weeks with maximum slip numbers at 4 and 6 weeks, Individual slip mass decreased as slip numbers increased. Many slips were too small for field planting, mainly from the later treatment times and higher Multi-prop rate. The slips were borne on the fruit, especially for the later treatment times, and on the fruit peduncle. Slip production was more consistent after flower induction with ethephon or SNA (sodium salt of naphthalene acetic acid) than with BOH (beta hydroxyethyl hydrazine) or ethylene gas. Multi-prop at 12 mg a.i. per plant applied 1 week after induction gave in excess of 12 slips suitable for field planting. Use of Multi-prop for commercial slip production is discussed.
Performance of some Phalaris accessions under irigation in south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Lowe KF , Bowdler TM
Published: March 2005

The productivity and seasonal growth pattern of sixteen accessions of Phalaris (including introductions, breeding lines and cultivars of Phalaris aquatica, and hybrids between P. aquatica and either P. arundinacea or P. canariensis) was assessed under irrigation in two field cutting experiments in south-eastern Queensland. The quantity and quality of forage produced was measured when grasses were fertilized with 300 kg N ha-1 year-1 or grown in association with white clover (Trifolium repens cv. Ladino) over 2-year periods. Siro 1146 was the highest yielding accession, producing 13.25 and 17.20 t ha-1 year-1 over 2-year periods in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. It outyielded cv. Australian in summer and autumn and matched it in winter and spring. No other line had higher total yields over the 2-year periods than cv. Australian, but P. aquatica CPI 14279 and P aquatica x P. arundinacea (allopolyploid) were more productive in summer, and an American synthetic accession (API) was more productive in spring. Grass yields were higher when fertilized with nitrogen than when grown in association with white clover. White clover yields were negatively correlated with associated grass yields. Combined grass and legume yields of the mixtures were equivalent to those of the nitrogen-fertilized monoculture treatments in only 1 year from each experiment. All lines maintained levels of nitrogen above 1.0% throughout the experimental periods, with Australian having the highest levels.
Responses of four soybean varieties to foliar zinc fertilizer
Authors: Rose IA , Felton WL , Banks LW
Published: March 2005

The soybean varieties Lee, Forrest, Bragg and Dodds were studied in zinc fertilization experiments at three sites in central and north-west New South Wales. At each site foliar sprays of ZnSO47H2O were applied before flowering. At Narrabri one spray of 4 kg ha-1 gave a yield increase of 13%. At Trangie and Breeza, two sprays each of 4 kg ha-1 increased yield by 57% and 208%, respectively. Lee was the least responsive variety at each site and Dodds or Forrest the most responsive to applied zinc. Zinc fertilizer increased plant height, foliar zinc concentration, oil content (at two sites) but decreased leaf phosphorus content. Leaf concentrations of phosphorus in untreated plots were indicative of varietal sensitivity to zinc deficiency both within and between sites. The yield increases at Narrabri were obtained even though no visual symptoms were observed. Improvement of soybean yields with zinc fertilizer in seemingly healthy crops is worthy of further investigation.
Residual effects of sulfur fertilizers on cut swards of a Stylosanthes guianensis and native grass pasture on a euchrozem soil in north Queensland
Authors: Gilbert MA , Shaw KA
Published: March 2005

A field experiment was undertaken at Meadowbank Station between 1974 and 1980 to assess the residual effects of sulfur application, as gypsum and coarse elemental sulfur, on yields and composition of an established Stylosanthes guianensis cv. Graham and Themeda australis pasture. Sulfur rates ranged from 0-20 kg S ha-1 in years 2 and 3 and from 0-80 kg S ha-1 in year 4. The fertilizer was applied as a single dressing at the beginning of the growing seasons of 1975 (year 2), 1976 and 1977. Dry matter yield and concentrations of nitrogen and sulfur in the legume generally decreased to levels of unfertilized plots after two growing seasons when up to 20 kg S ha-1 was applied. With a rate of 80 kg S ha-1 at the beginning of the 1977 growing season, a response to residual sulfur was still evident in 1980. In each year when a sulfur application was made, there was a strong response by the legume component in terms of yield, legume content and concentrations of nitrogen and sulfur. Coarse elemental sulfur was generally not as effective as gypsum. Phosphate-extractable sulfur in the surface soil (0-10 cm) was low (1 -4 �g g-1) and did not change greatly as a result of sulfur applications up to 20 kg S ha-1. There was evidence of movement of sulfur down the soil profile in plots that received 80 kg S ha-1 as gypsum, but it was not so marked with elemental sulfur. It is suggested that an application of 40 kg S ha-1 as elemental sulfur or gypsum is sufficient to establish and maintain the legume component of the pasture for a period of 4 years.
Seasonal changes in the concentrations of copper, molybdenum and sulfur in pasture plants
Authors: Reddy GD , Alston AM , Tiller KG
Published: March 2005

Seasonal changes in the concentrations of copper, molybdenum and sulfur in subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), silver grass (Vulpia sp.), Wimmera ryegrass (Lolium rigidum), and capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) growing on lateritic podzolic soils were measured in glasshouse and field studies. The effects of varying soil temperature and water content on the concentrations of copper, molybdenum and sulfur in subterranean clover on a lateritic podzolic soil and a calcareous sand were also investigated. Similar seasonal patterns in plant composition were observed in the glasshouse and the field. The concentration of molybdenum tended to remain constant throughout the season, but that of copper and sulfur declined from autumn to spring; the decline was more rapid in the grasses than in subterranean clover and capeweed. Subterranean clover had higher concentrations of copper and sulfur but lower molybdenum than silver grass or Wimmera ryegrass. Capeweed contained more copper and molybdenum but less sulfur than subterranean clover. The concentrations of molybdenum and sulfur were similar in capeweed and the grasses. lncreasing soil temperature from 12 to 22�C increased the dry matter production and the concentrations of copper and molybdenum (but not sulfur) in subterranean clover on both soils. lncreasing soil water content slightly increased dry matter production and the concentration of molybdenum but had no effect on the concentration of copper and sulfur in subterranean clover. The results are discussed in relation to the health of grazing animals.
Heritabilities of five wheat quality traits for early generation selection
Authors: Pearson DC , Rosielle AA , Boyd WJR
Published: March 2005

Variance-component and standard-unit heritabilities were examined for five micro-prediction tests of wheat quality in the early segregating generations (F3 and F4) of a genetically diverse wheat population. Pearling resistance, Pelshenke time and 1000 kernel weight had high standard-unit heritabilities (72- 80%) as measured by correlation of F3 single plant data on F4 progeny row data. Flour yield (measured on a Brabender Quadrumat Junior mill) had an intermediate heritability (57%) while grain protein content had a low heritability (19%). Variance-component heritabilities were improved by selecting on a between-controls basis, but standard-unit heritabilities were reduced by the expression of results as a percentage of adjacent controls.
Influence of cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae) on wheat yields in South Australia
Authors: Rovira AD , Brisbane PG , Simon A , Whitehead DG , Correll RL
Published: March 2005

Significant yield responses of up to 0.9 t/ha were obtained with the nematicides aldicarb and dibromochloropropane in seven of eleven field trials with the wheat variety, Condor. Both nematicides reduced the numbers of white cysts of Heterodera avenae on the roots of wheat. With aldicarb the increase in wheat yields varied directly as the decrease in white cysts: dibromochloropropane gave similar increases in yield as aldicarb with a greater reduction in cyst numbers. There was no yield increase with either nematicide when cereal cyst nematode was not present. An analysis of covariance indicated that over all the sites 64% of the increase in yield due to aldicarb could be explained in terms of cysts of cereal cyst nematode.
Effects of transporting cows various distances on liveweight, carcase traits and muscle pH
Authors: Wythes JR , Arthur RJ , Thompson PJM , Williams GE , Bond JH
Published: March 2005

Two experiments in Queensland in 1979 examined the ettect on liveweight, carcase weight, bruising and muscle pH of transporting cows 460,870 or 2055 km to three abattoirs for slaughter. Resting, feeding and watering procedures at the abattoirs were based on commercial practices in experiment 1, but were standardized in experiment 2. The effect of transportation alone was studied in experiment 1, by holding additional cattle at the nearest abattoir and slaughtering them on the same day as the group transported 2055 km. All cows came from the same property. The greatest losses in liveweight occurred before cows reached the first abattoir. In experiment 1, mean initial liveweight decreased from 439 to 398 kg for cows travelling 460 km and to 390 kg after 2055 km. In experiment 2, the decreases were 434 to 389 and 375 kg, respectively. It was concluded that time between mustering and slaughter had a greater effect on carcase weight than distance travelled. Between three and eight days after mustering in experiment 1, carcase weight decreased from 230 to 225 kg, whether cows were travelling or held at an abattoir. Between 4.5 and 11 d in experiment 2, the decrease was from 226 to 21 9 kg. Carcase bruising increased when travelling distance exceeded 460 km, but the increase was small relative to losses in carcase weiaht. The DH of M. longissimus dorsi 24 h post-mortem did not increase necessarily with distance travelled.
Role of plasma progesterone concentration in early pregnancy of the ewe
Authors: Brien FD , Cumming IA , Clarke IJ , Cocks CS
Published: March 2005

Eighty-eight maiden and 125 mature Merino ewes were grazed on green irrigated pasture or given dry hay on a fallow area with or without a lupin grain supplement just before and during mating. Progesterone concentrations in peripheral plasma were measured at 12 d after coitus. Progesterone concentration was lower (2.27 vs 2.87 ng/ml, P < 0.001 ) when lupins were fed, and maiden ewes had higher progesterone concentrations than mature ewes (2.75 vs 2.36 ng/ml, P < 0.05). Pregnant ewes had higher progesterone concentrations than non-pregnant ewes (2.77 vs 2.36 ng/ml, P < 0.05), and ewes with two ovulations had higher progesterone concentrations than ewes with a single ovulation (3.13 vs 2.08 ng/ml, P < 0.001). There was an interaction between pasture type and lupin supplement, with lupins depressing progesterone level more on green irrigated pasture (lupins 2.11 ng/ml, no lupins 3.00 ng/ml, P < 0.05) than on dry pasture (lupins 2.45 ng/ml, no lupins 2.74 ng/ml, P < 0.05). The results confirm that a high plane of nutrition at mating lowers progesterone levels in plasma and suggest that this may be a factor in the increase in embryo deaths when ewes are fed lupin grain supplements.
Predation by feral pigs on Merino lambs at Nyngan, New South Wales
Authors: Pavlov PM , Hone J , Kilgour RJ , Pedersen H
Published: March 2005

The effects of feral pigs on the lambing performance of Merinos was studied at Nyngan, New South Wales. Ewes lambed in two paddocks; one with feral pigs and one with no pigs in autumn and spring in 1978 and 1979. Ewes were pregnancy tested before lambing, and after lambing, classified as dry, lactating or lambed-and-lost. Lambs were mustered weekly in three lambings. Pig movement in three lambings was controlled by electric fences. There were effects (P < 0.05) of feral pigs, years, seasons, and pigs x years on the percentage of ewes lactating, of those lambing. Feral pigs lowered the number of lambs per 100 ewes by 37.9 and 31.9 in autumn and spring 1978, respectively. In 1979 pig predation was an insignificant cause of lamb loss.
Food preferences of sheep
Authors: Hutson GD , Mourik SCvan
Published: March 2005

Sixty-two foods were offered to four sheep as a supplement to a maintenance diet of chaffed hay. The most attractive foods were grains and seeds, followed by processed cereals, fruit and vegetables, and sweets. Twelve of the most attractive foods were then offered in pairs to 12 sheep in a series of preference tests. All possible combinations of pairs were tested. The most highly preferred foods were barley, peas, wheat and a commercial horse ration. An operant conditioning technique was used to determine whether sheep would work to obtain a food reward. Six sheep were trained to press a panel to receive a food reward. The highest ratio of presses to rewards reached on a progressive fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement was used as a measure of reward strength. The highest rates of response were obtained with barley and wheat. Both barley and wheat appear to be highly preferred foods of sheep and would be suitable reinforcements to use in the development of a reward-based handling system for sheep.
Seasonal changes in the growth, dry matter distribution and herbage quality of three native grasses in northern Queensland
Authors: McIvor JG
Published: March 2005

The growth of unfertilized native pasture was studied at two sites (Lansdown near Townsville and Redlands near Charters Towers) over a 30-month period. Seasonal changes in the dry matter distribution between green leaf, green stem, dry leaf, dry stem and inflorescence, and the nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and in vitro digestibility of these components were measured in Chrysopogon fallax, Heteropogon contortus and Themeda australis. Maximum herbage yields ranged from 4000-6000 kg/ha at Lansdown and 1500-2000 kg/ha at Redlands with perennial grasses contributing over 90% of the herbage. There were large differences between the species in the pattern of dry matter distribution, with C. fallax having a higher proportion of leaf during most of the sampling period. The nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and digestibility levels in the various plant components were usually similar in the three grasses but all showed large seasonal variations at both sites. Green leaf was the most nutritious component but even this was of too low a quality to support animal growth during part of the year.
Effect of body condition at calving and level of feeding in early lactation on milk production of dairy cows
Authors: Grainger C , Wilhelms GD , McGowan AA
Published: March 2005

Two experiments were carried out to measure effects of body condition at calving and different levels of feeding after calving on milk and subsequent reproduction.In experiment 1, which was conducted in two consecutive years, 162 cows (77 in year 1 and 85 in year 2) were group feed so as to reach a target body condition (condition scores ranging from 3-6) four weeks before calving. During the last four weeks before calving, all cows were managed so as to maintain their individual condition scores. At calving, cows in similar condition of similar breed and with similar previous milk production were allocated to high and low levels of feeding at pasture for the first five weeks of lactation. Mean pasture intakes were 13.0 and 7.0kg dry matter (DM)/cow.d in year 1 and 15.0 and 8.5 kg DM/cow.d in year 2In experiment 2, 40 cows were offered pasture and hay from 20 weeks before calving to achieve a body condition score of either 4 or 6 by two weeks before calving. During the first five weeks of lactation, cows were individually fed in stalls on freshly cut pasture at one of three levels of intake, 7 or 10 kg DM/cow.d or .In both experiments cows were grazed as one group from week 6 to 20 of lactation.Improved body condition at calving resulted in an extra 4.0, 11.0 and 7.4 kg milk fat per unit condition score over 20 weeks of lactation, for year 1 and 2 of experiment 1, and experiment 2, respectively. Cows in poorer condition partitioned a higher proportion of feed energy to liveweight at the expense of milk production than did the cows in better condition. However, increasing the plane of nutrition in early lactation resulted in higher levels of milk production and reduced the need for cows to mobilize bodyreserves. Improved body condition at calving had a positive effect on milk fat percentage, particularly in early lactation, but did not affect milk protein percentage. Input-output relations calculated from the experimental data showed that the benefit sf to improve body condition before calving was less than that of additional feeding after calvin changes in the condition of the cows were taken into consideration (25.8 vs 1 4.6 kg DM to yi kilogram of milkfat). Improvements in condition and feeding in early lactation reduced the anoestrus interval after calving by 5.7 d for each additional condition score at calving and 1. d for each additional kgDM/cow.d fed over weeks 1-5 of lactation. The input-output relations resented will enable farmers to assess the likely consequenes of changes in their feeding management in the crucial peripartum period with a greater degree of confidence than in the past.
Correction - Initial and medium-term responses of white clover to three sulfur fertilizers on a basaltic soil
Authors: McLaughlin BD , Holford ICR
Published: March 2005

The short and medium-term effects of three sulfur fertilizers on white clover pasture were measured on a sulfur-deficient basaltic soil in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales between 1976 and 1979. The treatments were a single application of elemental sulfur, gypsum, and sulfur-fortified superphosphate (SF45) at 0, 20, 40, and 80 kg S/ha and three annual applications of elemental sulfur and gypsum at 0, 10, 20 and 30 kg S/ha. Gypsum and SF45 gave the largest effects in the first year, and elemental sulfur and SF45 caused the largest residual effects in the third year. A single application of 20 kg S/ha gave near maximum yields over the three year period provided that most of the sulfur was supplied in the elemental form. However, to achieve maximum yields in the first year about 20% of the sulfur was required as sulfate. Likewise maximum yields in the third year required a fresh application of 10 sulfate S/ha. The relatively large residual effect of gypsum was attributed to the slow-leaching soil, and the resistance of the coarse textured elemental sulfur (65% >0.5mm) to leaching by the high summer rainfall.
Relations between stocking rate, environment and scorch disease on grazed subterranean clover pasture in Western Australia
Authors: Anderson WK , Parkin RJ , Dovey MD
Published: March 2005

The effects of weather on clover scorch disease caused by Kabatiella caulivora, the effects of the disease on pasture and sheep production, and the effect of sheep stocking rate (6, 8, 10 and 12 sheep/ha) on the disease were studied in a field experiment over three seasons near Albany, Western Australia. Spraying with benlate was used to control clover scorch on some treatments. Mean temperatures during the period when symptoms of the disease increased were in the range 11-17�C. Rainfall was frequent each year during the same period. The rapid increase in disease symptoms was observed when pasture dry matter on offer was approximately 2500 kg/ha. Disease symptoms decreased during a period of water stress of the pasture. Clover scorch disease had no consistent effect on pasture or animal production except that pasture dry matter on offer in spring was reduced in the unsprayed treatments at the lower stocking rates in the second two years. Higher stocking rates (10 and 12 sheep/ha) reduced the level of clover scorch symptoms without the use of chemical control with benlate. At the period of peak scorch symptoms a stocking rate of 10 sheep/ha reduced disease incidence by 20-35% compared with 6 sheep/ha in unsprayed plots. Increased sheep stocking rates are suggested as a possible alternative to chemical control or replacement of susceptible strains of subterranean clover in grazed pasture.
Effect of Alternaria carthami on the yield, yield components and seed quality of safflower
Authors: Jackson KJ , Irwin JAG , Berthelsen JE
Published: March 2005

Development of the disease Alternaria leaf blight (Alternaria carthaml) on safflower (cv. Gila) and its subsequent effect on yield, yield components and seed quality were assessed in the field at Biloela in central Queensland in 1976. Two seed types, one affected with A. carthami and the other healthy, were used. Seedlings from both were sprayed either with the fungicide mancozeb to control the disease or with an equivalent amount of water. Sprays were applied weekly from thinning, 3 weeks after planting, until maturity 21 weeks later. In the water treatments, the disease developed slowly from emergence in June to budding in early August, then rapidly during the period from late August to October as temperature and humidity increased. Repeated use of the mancozeb spray was more effective than the use of healthy seed in controlling the disease, as yields in the treatments sprayed with fungicide were similar. Yields in the diseased and healthy seed treatments sprayed with water were 44% and 57%, respectively, of the mean yield of the treatments sprayed with fungicide. Seed per tertiary head, and weight of secondary and tertiary seed, were most affected by the disease. In addition, oil and protein concentration were markedly depressed as were grain and volumetric weights. Differences in oil composition were not considered important.
Effects of timing of foliar zinc fertilizer on yield components of soyabeans
Authors: Bank LW
Published: March 2005

The effects of foliar applications of zinc sulfate heptahydrate on the yield components of six soybean varieties were studied at Trangie, New South Wales, on a zincdeficient soil. Zinc was applied at 0.9 kg/ha four, six and both four and six weeks after sowing and the plants were compared with unsprayed plots. Visual zinc deficiency symptoms appeared in unsprayed plots of Forrest, Dare, Dodds and Bragg from five weeks after sowing and zinc application increased yields and foliar zinc concentrations in all these varieties. Lee and Ruse did not show zinc deficiency symptoms and did not respond to the zinc treatments. The single zinc application six weeks after sowing was slightly more effective than that at four weeks, and the double spray gave additional benefit to Forrest, Dare and Dodds. Forrest was the most responsive variety with zinc applications increasing yields from 920 to 3220 kg/ha through increases in pods/m2, seeds/pod and seed weight. Yield of Dodds increased from 1835 to 2699 kg/ha in response to zinc by the production of more podslm2 and more seeds/pod, while yield responses of Dare (1783 to 2934 kg/ha) and Bragg (1801 to 2292, kg/ha) were due to increases in podslm2 alone.
A comparison of the growth rate and carcase characteristics of steers and heifers when entire, spayed, pregnant or fitted with an intravaginal device
Authors: Saul GR , Baud SR , McDonald JW , McRae C , Clark AJ
Published: March 2005

Four separate experiments were conducted at three localities in Victoria to compare the growth and carcase characteristics of steers and heifers either as entire (not pregnant), spayed, fitted with a HEIGRO intravaginal device, or pregnant. All treatments were compared in the major experiment of the series with two or more of the treatments compared in the other experiments. A total of 212 yearling cattle was used in the experiments, which were conducted mainly at pasture for periods of 4-11 months. The differences between the growth rate of steers and entire heifers (3.5%) and entire and spayed heifers (5.0%) were not significant. Pregnant heifers gained weight faster during mid-pregnancy (P < 0.05) but their dressing percentage and carcase weight were lower (P < 0.05) than all other groups. There were few significant differences in fat depth and only small differences in any of the carcase characteristics measured. We conclude that entire heifers grew and fattened as well as steers and that neither spraying nor the use of the HEIGRO device improved carcase weight gain but that pregnancy reduce it.
Rhizosphere populations of Rhizobium strains and nodulation of Leucaena leucocephala
Authors: Bushby HVA
Published: March 2005

Populations of two Rhizobium strains (NGR8 and CB81) in the rhizosphere of Leucaena leucocephala were estimated in field experiments with varying levels of antibiotically marked strains as seed inoculation treatments. The population level varied with soil type and strain of Rhizobium. Multiplication in the rhizosphere was very slow in a prairie soil but was more rapid in a sandy podzolic soil and nodulation was three weeks earlier in the sandy soil than in the prairie soil. Survival of these two strains in soil stored in the laboratory also suggested that they (especially NGR8) were not well suited to the prairie soil. Nodule representation of strain CB81 on the prairie soil decreased from 100% three months after sowing to between 12% and 16% two years after sowing. The results suggest that on this soil indigenous rhizobia form effective nitrogen fixing associations with Leucaena leucocephala and that any improvement in nitrogen fixation will require strains of Rhizobium that are more effective than the indigenous strains and better competitors for nodule formation.
A standard technique for detecting seed-borne pathogens in peas, chemical control, and testing commercial seed in South Australia
Authors: Ali SM , Paterson J , Crosby J
Published: March 2005

A modified agar plate method was tested for its ability to detect Ascochyta pinodes, Macrophomina phaseolina, Phoma medicaginis var. Pinodella and Fusarium oxysporum on pea seed. It proved to be reliable. The characteristic colonies produced by the four pathogens from infected seeds on agar media are described. They were confirmed by microscopic examination. The method was used in a survey of 214 samples of commercial field pea seed from all parts of South Australia. Ninety per cent of samples had infection with A. pinodes with levels of infection ranging from 1-45%, making it the most important seed-borne pathogen. Seventy-two per cent of seed samples were infected with M. phaseolina with levels of infection ranging from 1-35%. Thirty-one and 24% of seed samples were infected with Phoma medicaginis and F. oxysporum, respectively. Only 10% of samples were free from infection. Two chemicals (benlate and thiram) were tested for in vitro control of these seed-borne pathogens. Complete control was achieved by thiram and benlate at both high and low dose rates.
Field performance of tomato varieties resistant to root-knot nematodes
Authors: Stirling GR , Wachtel MF
Published: March 2005

The performance of 15 potentially useful nematode-resistant tomato varieties (Ace Hy, Better Boy, Bigset, Bonus, Calmart, Magnifico, Monte Carlo, Patriot, Red Supreme, Rich Reward, Surprise, Terrific, VFN Bush, VFN 8 and Vine Ripe) was assessed in field trials at Loveday and Loxton, South Australia. All varieties showed some nematode resistance when grown in sites heavily infested with root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne javanica) and most produced yields which were not significantly less than the commonly used susceptible varieties (Burnley Gem, Floradade, Grosse Lisse and Q3) grown in soil treated with nematicides. However, the nematode-resistant varieties were of limited value commercially because the fruit was either susceptible to cracking or too soft to be transported long distances. In glasshouse tests, biotypes of root-knot nematode capable of attacking resistant varieties were not observed. All resistant varieties exhibited resistance against populations of M. javanica from grape, peach, sweet corn, tomato (variety Floradade), tomato (variety VFN Bush), and against field populations of Meloidogyne from both resistant and susceptible tomato varieties. These results suggest that agronomically acceptable nematode-resistant varieties would be useful in management programs to control root-knot nematodes in the Murray Valley.