bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soybeans as a cash crop on virgin land in the Wallum of south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Bryan WW , Sharpe JP
Published: March 2005

Soybeans were tested as a pioneer crop on virgin soils at Beerwah in the Wallum country in southeast Queensland. Seven varieties were tested in four trials, from 1960-61 to 1963-64. Sowing dates ranged from mid-October to mid-January. Avoyelles had the highest individual yield (1384 lb an acre) and average yield (894 lb an acre) of seed. Hernon was slightly more consistent in yield (850 lb or more an acre in three of the four years ; c.f. Avoyelles, two of four years). Mamloxi was the only other variety with satisfactory yields. Sowings in October or November yielded from 20 to 80 per cent more than those later in the season. Poorly drained soils or high seasonal rainfall seemed to depress yields. The results suggest that soybeans could be used as a cash crop in the development of the Wallum, but that their use would be restricted to the better drained soils. The area of such soils would not exceed 250,000 acres (or 15 per cent of the region).
Air dispersal of conidia of Monilinia fructicola in peach orchards
Authors: Kable PF
Published: March 2005

Air dispersal was found to be an important means of disseminating conidia of Monilinia fructicola. In the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Areas of New South Wales only one major dispersal period occurred in each of the four years of this study. This period commenced about one month before peach harvest and continued for about two months after harvest. Greatest numbers of conidia were trapped in seasons when rain fell about harvest time. Conidial concentrations were related to the number of fruit infections present. Diurnal periodicity in spore concentration was noted, the maximum concentration of air-borne spores usually occurring in early afternoon. There was wide variation in the number of conidia present in air at different sites within orchards at a given time. Conidia could be detected in air up to 300 feet from a source orchard, but not beyond this in the one test where this point was examined. Rainfall, humidity, windspeed, temperature, and dew records were compared with concurrent spore trappings, and possible relationships noted. The practical significance of the results is discussed in relation to chemical control and the culture of varieties of differing maturity.
The fruit peduncle as an important overwintering site of Monilinia fructicola in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Areas
Authors: Kable PF
Published: March 2005

It was shown that Monilinia frtlcticola overwintered in infected peduncles, a site of over wintering apparently not reported previously. Infected peduncles were more important in overwintering than were other types of twig infection. The optimum period for sporulation from peduncles was mid-September to end of October. Sporulation was induced from occasional peduncles as late as the end of January.Conidial infection of peduncles occurred in the orchard under natural conditions.
The effect of time of infection by tomato yellow top virus on flower formation, fruit set, and yield of tomatoes
Authors: Conroy JR
Published: March 2005

Flower formation and fruit set in tomatoes was drastically reduced by infection with tomato yellow top virus in the seedling stage. Infection at the time of flowering of the first and second hands did not affect flower formation but reduced fruit set and yield. Infection at the time of flowering of the top two hands had no effect on fruit set and yield.
Simplified filter paper method for determining the 15-atmosphere percentage of soils
Authors: Williams OB , Sedgley RH
Published: March 2005

A simplified filter paper method of determining the 15-atmosphere percentage in soils has been tested over a range of soil textures from sands to heavy clays. The regression of filter paper determinations against pressure membrane determinations of the 15-atmosphere percentage for the 34 soils gave the equation- y = 1.03x + 3.0 (r = 0.99 and P<0.001) where y = 15-atmosphere percentage (filter paper) x = 15-atmosphere percentage (pressure membrane). The results given by this simplified method indicate that it should be acceptable to agronomists and ecologists for field studies where facilities are limited.
Skin folds and Merino breeding. 2. The relative influence of the ram and the ewe on fertility and perinatal lamb mortality in flocks selected for and against skin fold
Authors: Dun RB , Hamilton BA
Published: March 2005

Reciprocal matings were carried out between the Trangie Folds Plus and Folds Minus selection Aocks in March 1961 and 1962. Folds Minus rams were more fertile than Folds Plus rams as shown by ewes lambing per insemination (72 per cent versus 48 per cent, P&0.01) and by incidence of twinning per ewe lambing (57 per cent versus 34 per cent, P<0.05). Folds Plus and Folds Minus ewes showed a similar reproductive performance if mated to the same rams. 236 There was a 17 per cent mortality in single lambs born to Folds Plus ewes compared with 4 per cent (P<0.05) for single lambs born to Folds Minus ewes. This increased mortality was caused by dystocia in association with relative oversize of the lamb. A positive genetic correlation of 0.32 � 0.21 between fold score and corrected birth weight was calculated using independent data. The mortality of twin lambs born to Folds Minus ewes was higher than for Folds Plus ewes (18 per cent versus 11 per cent). There was a maternal effect on the birth weight of twins, which were relatively much heavier from Folds Plus ewes. Approximately 80 per cent of the difference in net reproductive rate between the Folds Minus and Folds Plus flocks was explained on the basis of infertility of Folds Plus rams and excessively heavy birth weights of Folds Plus lambs.
Semen quality of Merino rams. 1. The effects of fleece length and season on semen quality
Authors: Fowler DG
Published: March 2005

One group of 11 medium wool Peppin Merino rams was kept in short wool during summer 1960-61 (treatment). A second group remained unshorn during this period (control). Semen was collected from all rams at 14-day intervals during the summer period, October 1960 until March 1961, and from control rams until 243 March 1962. Both groups of rams had semen of similar and high quality during summer 1960-61. In the control group there was significant monthly variation for all semen characteristics studied but semen quality remained generally high. Significant differences were found between individual rams for all semen characteristics studied, some rams having markedly degenerate semen during the summer periods.
Semen quality of Merino rams. 2. The effects of seasonal changes in day length on semen quality
Authors: Fowler DG
Published: March 2005

Two groups of five medium Wool Peppin Merino rams were individually penned in an animal house for 18 months. During this time the normal seasonal pattern of changes in day length was reversed for one group of rams (treatment). The control group of rams received normal daylight at Trangie (32�S). From late September 1960, semen was collected once every 14 days from all rams by electro-ejaculation and semen quality was assessed. Significant treatment X months of year interactions found for most semen characteristics. The semen of treated rams had a lower pH during October 1960, and a higher proportion of normal sperm and number of sperm per ejaculate during November 1960, than the semen of control rams. During the period February to June 1961 the semen of treated rams was of a lower quality than the semen of control rams. During November- December 1961 and January to March 1963, the semen of treated rams had a significantly lower proportion of live sperm (P<0.005) than the semen of control rams. From these results it was not possible to determine if the daily photoperiod exerted a direct or indirect effect on the semen quality of Merino rams.
The effect of supplementing serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) with urea and molasses on the liveweight of sheep
Authors: Campbell MH , Barkus B
Published: March 2005

Merino wethers forced to graze unsupplemented serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma (Nees) Hack.) in spring 1961 sustained severe liveweight losses. These weight losses were not significantly reduced by supplementing the serrated tussock with urea, molasses, or urea plus molasses, despite a significant increase in intake on all supplemented treatments. The application of urea significantly increased the apparent crude protein content of the tussock foliage immediately after spraying. After grazing, the apparent crude protein content of the tussock fell to its original level despite two applications of urea, one on the first day and one on the fourth day, each week. Results of this trial, and the practical difficulties of applying urea and molasses, indicate that supplementing serrated tussock in this way would be of little practical importance.
Inbreeding, migration, and structure of the pedigree Large White pig population in Australia
Authors: McPhee CP
Published: March 2005

Inbreeding, migration and structure of the pedigree Large White pig population in Australia were investigated by pedigree sampling methods. Inbreeding since 1905 of pigs registered in 1960 was 7.5 per cent. This comprised 1.0 per cent current and 6.5 per cent long term inbreeding. Strain development was indicated by an index of subdivision of 6.88. The most important ancestors, the sow 'Rossmoyne Duchess 31st' and the boar 'Lea Avon Jerry' had direct relationships to the 1960 population of 12 per cent and 8 per cent respectively. Migration of breeding stock within Australia was restricted. Breeders sought further afield for boars than for sows. Queensland and Victoria were favoured sources of breeding stock. Through four generations of ancestors, eight major herds contributed 83.07 per cent of the genes for the 1960 registrations, the most important herd contributing 14.54 per cent. The structure of the breed was represented by four strata of a hierarchy. Herds in all strata were widely distributed and obtained most of their sires from herds in the top stratum. The identities and relative positions of herds in the top stratum are indicated. There was a frequent exchange of stock between herds in the same locality. Most herds fluctuated in importance and were short lived, 61 per cent operating for fewer than five years. The need for the use of scientific breeding techniques is stressed, particularly for breeders with herds in the top stratum since they determine genetic progress in the breed.
A comparison of seventeen introductions of Paspalum species and naturalized P. dilatatum under cutting at Samford, south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Shaw NH , Elich TW , Haydock KP , Waite RB
Published: March 2005

Seventeen introductions representing ten species of Paspalum were compared with naturalized P. dilatatum var. dilatatum in a randomized block experiment with four replications having split-plots which were cut at 6-, 8-, and 12-weekly intervals. The grasses were planted vegetatively at a uniform spacing 21 months before treatments commenced. Treatments were continued for two years, during which all plots received a mixed fertilizer application every six weeks totalling 8 cwt an acre urea, 4 cwt an acre superphosphate, and 2 cwt an acre potassium sulphate a year ; this was in addition to liberal fertilizer applications during the establishment period. Rainfall was supplemented with irrigation. The introduced grasses differed markedly in total annual yield of dry matter, persistence, seasonal growth rate, reaction to cutting frequency, frost susceptibility, and amount of weed invasion, and it is concluded that a number of them are potentially much superior to naturalized P. dilatatum as pasture grasses in south-east Queensland. The best grasses were P. yaguaronense (C.P.I. 11867), P. notatum var. saureae (C.P.I. 9073), P. notatum var. latiflorum (C.P.I. 11863), and P. plicatulum sens. lat. (C.P.I. 2741) ; these all produced annual yields at 6-weekly cutting of over 17,000 lb an acre dry matter and had a much better seasonal distribution of production than naturalized P. dilatatum. Six other grasses also appeared to be superior to naturalized P. dilatatum. They are P. dilatatum var. pauciciliatum (C.P.I. 11814, 11824, 11859), P. conspersum (C.P.I. 17651), P. urvillei (C.P.I. 11868), and P. plicatulum var. glabrum (C.P.I. 11826).
The effect of urea and cutting treatments on the production of Pangola grass in south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Bryan WW , Sharpe JP
Published: March 2005

Urea at rates of 100, 300, and 500 lb N an acre a year, cutting intervals of 4, 8, and 12 weeks, and cutting heights of 2 inches and G inches were applied factorially to a Pangola grass sward in south-eastern Queensland (lat. 275) over a period of two years. Nitrogen applications increased the yields of dry matter and nitrogen, the nitrogen content and nitrogen recovery ; the responses were marked, significant, and quadratic. Responses to cutting intervals were significant and linear, but cutting height had only a slight effect and this was restricted to yield of dry matter. Maximum yields of dry matter were 21,000 lb an acre a year, of nitrogen 200 lb an acre a year, and the mean yield of nitrogen was 45 per cent of that applied. Growth was markedly seasonal ; production of dry matter in tops varied from about 1 lb an acre a day in winter to over 100 lb an acre a day in summer. It is considered that the major physical limitations to growth in this region are water shortage in summer and low temperatures in winter. Little growth was made when the average screen minimum temperature was less than 52�F, or the average night temperature less than 58�F, the maximum having less influence.
Moisture and temperature requirements for germination of three annual species of Medicago
Authors: Andrew WD
Published: March 2005

Moisture and temperature requirements for germination were determined for Medicago polymorpha L. var. vulgaris (Benth.) Shin., M. minima (L.) Bart., and M. truncatula Gaertn. Water absorption by seeds of all species was very rapid during the first two hours after which relatively little additional water was taken up until radicles emerged. Initial rate of imbibition was fastest in M. minima and slowest in seeds of M. polymorpha. Under favourable conditions radicles emerged in about twelve hours when seeds had imbibed from about two to three times their original weight of water. Over the range of 0-12 atmospheres of osmotic pressure, increasing the tension had depressed germination of M. pobmorpha whereas an increase from 0 to 3 atmospheres stimulated germination of M. minima. From temperatures of 15� to 30�C, M. polymorpha germinated best in the lower, M. truncatula in the intermediate, and M. minima in the higher range.
The use of cyclodiene insecticides as liquid seed dressings to control bean fly (Melanagromyza phaseoli) in species of Phaseolus and Vigna marina in south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Jones RJ
Published: March 2005

Dressing the seed of Phaseolus spp. and Vigna marina with aldrin, dieldrin, or endrin at 1 or 2 grams active ingredient per pound of seed, effectively controlled bean fly during the establishment period. Telodrin was also promising and warrants further testing. Endrin was more efficient than the other insecticides in reducing infestation and loss of plants by bean fly. However, yields from endrin-treated plants, with the exception of P. vulgaris, were no higher than from plants treated with the other insecticides. Endrin reduced establishment, and yield of P. aurem drastically. All species tested were susceptible to bean fly attack. P. vulgaris, P. atropurpureus c.v. Siratro, and P. latbyroides were more susceptible than P. aureus and V. marina. Seed dressing increased plant survival and yield, especially of the more susceptible species. Additional increases in yield were obtained from P. lathyroides by increasing the sowing rate of dressed seed. Dressing the seed of P. laibyroides with dieldrin or Telodrin five months before sowing did not reduce seed viability or insecticidal activity. Nodulation of P. lathyroides in sterile sand culture was delayed, but not prevented, by dressing the seed with dieldrin. In the field, no such delay was noted. Crown nodulation was reduced but the effect on the plants was small compared with the adverse effects of bean fly infestation. Low phytotoxicity and efficient control at low dosages favours the use of dieldrin against bean fly in all species tested except P. vulgaris, the seed of which is better treated with endrin.
Yield trials of Vicia sativa L. in the wheat belt of Western Australia
Authors: Bailey ET
Published: March 2005

The results of three years' trials with introductions of Vicia sativa are summarized. Languedoc 466 (225), Nyabing and Blanchefleur are recommended for use in Western Australia for summer dry grazing.
Wheat crop surveys in southern New South Wales. 2. Haying-off in commercial wheat crops
Authors: Taylor AC
Published: March 2005

In two surveys in southern New South Wales in 1961 and 1963, the frequency of grain pinching (bushel weight less than 60 lb) in a large number of commercial wheat crops was related to recent paddock history. In 1961, 20 per cent of all grain samples were pinched, whereas in 1963, only 1 per cent of all crops were pinched. This suggests that seasonal factors are most important in determining the seriousness of pinching. In 1961, the frequency of pinching was 23 per cent in crops grown after clover leys and 8 per cent in crops without a clover ley background. The highest level of pinching (45 per cent) was in early sown first crops after clover leys that had received heavy superphosphate topdressing. This suggests that high soil nitrogen predisposed crops to pinching.
Control of Amsinckia spp. by the pastures of north-western Victoria
Authors: Connor DJ
Published: March 2005

Amsinckia is a serious weed in the wheat growing areas of north-western Victoria. It is successful in the inter-crop pastures, based upon barrel medic, because it grows faster than barrel medic in the cooler months of May to August. In addition, the rapid growth in height associated with the change from rosette to elongating phases ensures a height advantage over the pasture species when the flush of pasture growth does commence. Seed production by each Amsinckia plant is very high, and for this reason any competitive restriction obtained in one year is not necessarily reflected in the establishment phase of the next. Subterranean clover c.v. Clare is more competitive than barrel medic and was able to eliminate Amsinckia from the sward in two years. However it has only limited application in the pastures of north-western Victoria. A mowing treatment was carried out at the commencement of Amsinckia flowering, for this coincides with the beginning of rapid pasture growth. Regrowth produced a reversal of height relationships within the pasture and enabled barrel medic to shade Amsinckia BJ this treatment growth and seed production of Amsinckia were reduced by 99 per cent within the one season.
Response to fertilizer by short-term barrel medic (Medicago tribuloides) - barley grass (Hordeum Leporinum) pastures in the Victorian Mallee
Authors: Amor RL
Published: March 2005

The response of barrel medic (Medicago tribuloides Desr.)-barley grass (Hordeum leporinum Link.) pasture to superphosphate applied as a topdressing, or with the preceding wheat crop, was measured at the Mallee Research Station, Walpeup. The pastures responded to topdressing in either the first or the second year in seven out of nine years. There were no consistent differences in the magnitude of winter, and winter plus spring responses. One application at the beginning of a two-year period was as effective as two annual dressings. Superphosphate applied with a wheat crop had a marked effect on the following ley pasture. It seems that superphosphate to meet the needs of short-term medic-barley grass pastures is best applied by increasing the dressing with the preceding cereal crop. Topdressing may be of greater value where cropping land is left out to pasture for longer periods. The pastures were also topdressed with zinc, copper, manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, and potassium for six years. They responded to zinc in two years, and to potassium in one year.
Observations on the sexual activity of Border Leicester × Merino ewes in late winter, spring, and summer
Authors: Killeen ID , Dawe ST
Published: March 2005

A group of 160 five-year-old Border Leicester x Merino ewes were joined to harnessed vasectomized rams in August 1962. Between this date and January 1963 inclusive, ten of these ewes were slaughtered each fortnight and their ovaries examined for occurrence of ovulation. Occurrence of mating was also recorded up to the end of March 1963. The number of slaughtered ewes in anoestrus gradually increased during August-September. All ewes slaughtered between September 26 and December 19 inclusive were in anoestrus. The number of ewes in anoestrus decreased in January when the sexual season began to recommence.
The importance of close hocks in Merino breeding
Authors: Dun RB , Hamilton BA
Published: March 2005

Ewes born between 1956 and 1959 in a number of Merino selection flocks maintained at Trangie Agricultural Research Station were scored for distance between the hocks : 1 wide to 6 close. The heritability of hock score was high (0.49 � 0.10). The phenotypic correlations between hock score and fleece and body measurements were all small although the following were significant and positive : with greasy fleece weight, 0.11 ; with clean fleece weight, 0.06 ; with fold score, 0.09. Hock score had no influence on the total number of lambs weaned per ewe-lifetime. Ewes with close hocks (scores 5 and 6) did not lag in the rear third of a travelling flock relative to ewes with score 4 or score 1 hocks.
Accumulation of soil nitrogen and carbon under a Desodium uncinatum pasture
Authors: Henzell EF , Fergus IF , Martin AE
Published: March 2005

There was a marked accumulation of soil nitrogen and carbon at the soil surface after five or six years' growth of a fertilized Desmodium uncinatum pasture on a lateritic podzolic soil at Beerwah, in south-eastern Queensland. With adequate superphosphate (5-6 cwt an acre initially, and annual dressings of 2 cwt an acre), 90-100 lb of nitrogen an acre a year were added to the soil-plant system by this pasture.
Field resistance of oat cultivars to cereal root eelworm (Heterodera avenae)
Authors: Mathison MJ
Published: March 2005

Oat cultivars were classified as resistant or susceptible to cereal root eelworm (Heteroaera avenae Woll.) by their reaction to the pathogen on the basis of visual symptoms and grain yields. The cultivars Alpha, Avon, Ballidu, Early Kherson, Fulghum, Fulmark, Kent, and Orient were more susceptible than New Zealand Cape. The relative efficiency of the oat cultivars in supporting the eelworm population was assessed following a period under volunteer pasture and fallow by measuring the depression in yield of a susceptible crop of Gabo wheat. Cultivars causing least depression were classified as inefficient hosts. Avon, Ballidu, and Kent, together with the resistant New Zealand Cape, were equally the least efficient hosts. Fulghum and Orient were between the least and most efficient host groups. Susceptibility was not necessarily associated with host efficiency, hence it is likely that different mechanisms govern susceptibility and host efficiency. Recognition of this is important in programmes aimed at the control of eelworm using cereals in rotation, or the breeding of resistant cultivars.
The effect of time of planting on yield attributes of wheat varieties in the Ord River valley
Authors: Beech DF , Norman MJT
Published: March 2005

At Kimberley Research Station six wheat varieties, three Australian and three South African, were sown under irrigation at four dates from April 24 to August 6 in the 1964 dry season. Data from four varieties are presented. The highest grain yields were obtained from two Australian varieties, Gamenya and Gabo. These two, the earliest varieties, attained maximum yield at the second sowing on May 30. The slightly later South African variety Penkop reached maximum yield at the first and second sowings, and the late South African variety Wit Spitskop declined in yield from the first sowing onward. Observations on phenology and analysis of yield components showed that changes in grain yield with date of sowing were the result of environmental effects on a number of plant attributes. The most important effect appeared to be that of steeply rising spring temperature, which accelerated maturation and reduced crop performance by its influence on the later processes of yield accumulation. The results suggested that for the varieties sown there is a common optimum temperature of 75-80�F for these processes. The practical conclusion from this experiment is that maximum wheat yields are attained when crops are sown so as to come into anthesis at the end of July or early August.
The effect of basal injections of 2,4,5-T on mature trees of Eucalyptus populnea
Authors: Robertson JA
Published: March 2005

Experiments at Talwood, south-western Queensland, showed that mechanical penetration of the bark at the base of the trunk and simultaneous injection with 2,4,5-T effectively killed mature single stemmed trees of Eucalyptus populnea (Bimble or Poplar Box). The method gave similar results in autumn, spring, and summer. The butyl and butoxy ethanol esters were seemingly equal in effect, and emulsions in water gave results comparable with solutions in diesel distillate. All injections were made into cuts two inches wide and one inch apart, with an average of 7.5 C.C. being injected into each cut. All concentrations of 2,4,5-T (1, 2.5, and 4 per cent active ingredient) gave good results, but the higher rates produced high percentage kills more consistently than the 1 per cent level. The addition of 0-phthalic acid to the water and of its dimethyl ester to the oil based treatments appeared to increase the rapidity of action but did not increase the percentage of trees killed at the lower concentrations. Picloram (Tordon 22K), applied in January 1964, killed all trees treated with both 0.5 and 1 per cent concentrations. This compound is being tested at lower concentrations and fewer injections per unit circumference.
Experiments in the propagtion of the Buck plum clonal rootstock
Authors: Cox JE , Greenhalgh WJ , Holbeche JA
Published: March 2005

Propagating the rootstock clone 'Buck' plum by stratifying fully dormant cuttings in sand beds before planting has given unsatisfactory results. Experiments, conducted over two seasons at two localities in New South Wales, have shown that better results are obtained if cuttings are taken in winter, treated with indolebutyric acid, and planted directly into the nursery row.
Response to salinity in Glycine. 2. Differences in cultivars of Glycine javanica in dry weight, nitrogen, and water content
Authors: Gates CT , Haydoc KP , Claringbold PJ
Published: March 2005

Growth response of 22 accessions of Glycine javanica. was studied to detect any significant features that would provide an insight into the mechanisms of salt tolerance. Four levels of salinity, 0.5, 35, 70, and 140 m-equiv. NaCl/l, were imposed in culture solutions for 13 days starting when the plant had three trifoliate leaves. The highest level of salinity had a relatively greater impact on growth than the others. Differences in the dry weight of the glycines at all salinity levels were of similar proportions to those at the control level. This also applied to the laminae, stem f petiole, and roots. The data for plant nitrogen also showed these differences in growth potential at different levels of salinity. The normal capacity for growth of a cultivar seemed to be an important feature in resisting salinity.
Effect of net blotch infection of barley on grain yield and quality
Authors: Shipton WA
Published: March 2005

The influence of a natural infection of net blotch, caused by Pyrenophora teres Dreschl., on the yield and quality of Beecher barley was determined. The disease was controlled in some of the experimental plots by spraying with fungicides at regular intervals. The highest yield (51.9 bushels per acre) and the lowest leaf infection score (24 per cent of the maximum value) were on plots sprayed with Manganous ethylene bisdithiocarbamate (Maneb). By contrast the yield on the unsprayed plots was 17.4 per cent lower and the leaf infection score 28 per cent higher. Bushel and kernel weights were depressed by infection and the proportion of small grains increased. Grain from plots sprayed with Maneb yielded 2.8 per cent more extract of malt than grain from the control plots. The nitrogen content of the grain was not significantly affected, and the saccharification rate was similar for all treatments.
The effect of nutrition before mating on the reproductive performance of Merino ewes
Authors: McInnes P , Smith MD
Published: March 2005

A factorially designed trial was used to study the effects of level of nutrition on the reproductive performance of Merino ewes. A high level of nutrition from three weeks before joining to conception (flushing) increased the percentage of twin births independently of the effects of previous levels of nutrition. Levels of nutrition did not affect the number of ewes that lambed. Flushing increased body weight and body condition score. Re-analysis of the results showed that there was an association between both body weight gain and body condition score and percentage of twin births. However, body weight gain and body condition score increase during flushing were associated with levels of nutrition before flushing. Although flushing increased body weight of groups at conception, on re-analysis of the results, the percentage of twin births could not be associated with weight at conception. Possible reasons for this result are suggested. As there was no indication of a significant relation between weight at conception and percentage of ewes that lambed, it is suggested that the critical weight for mating these ewes was below 38.7 kg.
Selection of diet by sheep grazing semi-arid pastures on the Riverine Plain. 1. A bladder saltbush (Atriplex vesicaria)-cotton bush (Kochia aphylla) community
Authors: Leigh JH , Mulham WE
Published: March 2005

The diet selected by Merino sheep grazing a bladder saltbush (Atriplex vesicaria Hew. ex Benth.)- cottonbush (Kochia aphylla R.Br.) community was determined by analysing extrusa from wethers fitted with oesophageal fistulas. Visual assessments were combined with hand clipped samples to determine the amount of forage available. The results showed that the dominant constituent of the pasture, bladder saltbush, was sparingly grazed, whereas many of the associated species, which often constituted only a minor portion of the total available forage, were heavily grazed.
Prime lamb production: the influence of stocking rate on response to early weaning
Authors: Cannon DJ , Bath JG
Published: March 2005

The relationship between response to weaning and stocking rate was examined for prime lambs, and, within the conditions of the experiment, critical stocking rates were established above which weaning was more productive than not weaning. Similar critical stocking rates were deduced for two hypothetical situations. The measurements made and considered were for gain, carcass weight, and carcass quality for both weaned and suckling lambs, and weight change for their dams.
Seed production and persistence of Carnamah and other early strains of Trifolium subterraneum in the wheatbelt of Western Australia
Authors: Taylor GB , Rossiter RC
Published: March 2005

Seed production and persistence of the Carnamah, Northam A, Dwalganup, and Geraldton strains of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) were examined in undefoliated swards in the wheatbelt of Western Australia. The early flowering characteristic of Carnamah was not always associated with higher seed yields. Only when there was a well-defined, early finish to the growing season, or when flowering was very much earlier in Carnamah (viz., following an early 'break' to the season), did this strain clearly outyield both Northam A and Geraldton. The seed yield of Dwalganup was generally inferior to that of the other strains. Factors affecting regeneration are discussed. Under low rainfall conditions, poorer germination-regulation of Carnamah, compared with Geraldton and Northam A, would be expected to result in poorer persistence unless offset by higher seed yields in the Carnamah strain.
The effects of some grazed tropical grass-legume mixtures and nitrogen fertilized grass on total soil nitrogen, organic carbon, and subsequent yields of Sorghum vulgaris
Authors: Jones RJ
Published: March 2005

Mixtures of some tropical legumes and Paspalum plicatulum (Michx) cv. Hartley, and stands of P. plicatulum were fertilized with urea at 100 and 200 lb nitrogen an acre a year, and were intermittently grazed by cattle over a period of four years. Soil analyses for organic carbon and for total soil nitrogen in the fourth year of the pasture phase revealed large treatment effects in three of the five replicates. These three replicates which were on a podsolic soil were lower in fertility than the remaining two on a latosolic soil. Soil nitrogen at the 0-3 inch depth in the high nitrogen treatment, and in two Phaseolus atropurpureus D.C. treatments was significantly higher than the control (P<0.05). Organic carbon at the 0-3 inch depth was significantly higher than the control (P<0.05) in the nitrogen treatments and in one of the P. atropurpureus treatments. For both soil nitrogen and organic carbon the Lotononis bainesii Bak. treatment did not differ from the control. There was no significant difference between treatments for soil nitrogen or organic carbon at the 3-6 inch depth though trends were similar to those at 0-3 inches. Organic carbon and nitrogen were closely correlated for all treatments at both depths, and there were no significant differences in the C : N ratio in any treatment. Yields of sorghum grown as a test crop after the pastures were significantly correlated with soil nitrogen values in the three low fertility replicates. A high correlation (r = +0.976) also existed between yields of nitrogen obtained in the pasture phase and test crop yields of nitrogen for all treatments except L. bainesii. Reasons for the apparent lack of improvement in soil nitrogen and carbon on the higher fertility replicates and for the poor test crop yields following L. bainesii are discussed.
Breakdown in Jonathan and Delicious apples in relation to weight lost during cool storage
Authors: Scott KJ , Roberts EA
Published: March 2005

The incidence of breakdown in Jonathan and Delicious apples stored in the presence of calcium chloride was studied. Jonathans from two orchards and Delicious from one orchard were stored at 32�F in 1963, and Jonathan and Delicious from one orchard were stored at 30�, 32�, and 36�F in 1964. On four occasions in 1963, and on three in 1964, samples were transferred from cool storage to storage at 68�F and inspected for breakdown seven days later. In each of the thirty orchard-variety-season-storage period classes the decrease in incidence of breakdown with increased weight loss was always very highly significant (P<0.001), and varied from 2.1 to 8.7 degrees for each per cent of weight loss.
Green grafting: A useful technique for detecting grapevine viruses
Authors: Taylor RH , Woodham RC , Allan AW
Published: March 2005

A green grafting technique for indexing grapevines for viruses is described. It consists of joining actively growing stock and scion tissues with a slanting cut and then binding with a plastic or a rubber tie. The technique has some advantages over the more generally used dormant-chip-budding method, as it can be done for the greater part of the growing season, and very small stocks and scions can be grafted. It also provides a more rapid means of testing for GFLV than does chip-budding.
Studies in flock mating of sheep. 2. Fertilization and prenatal mortality
Authors: Mattner PE , Braden AWH
Published: March 2005

Two flocks of 100 and 200 Merino ewes were used to assess the distribution of sperm in the ewe genital tract, the proportion of eggs fertilized, and early loss of embryos, and to relate these to the number of services. The number of sperm recovered from the genital tract was, in general, higher in ewes served more than once than in ewes served once only, but variation between ewes was high. In the flock of 100 ewes it was estimated that 96 per cent of the mated ewes had fertilized eggs, but only 76 per cent were pregnant 20 days post coitum (p.c). In the other flock 90 per cent of the mated ewes killed 1-2 days p.c had fertilized eggs, and 86 and 84.5 per cent of the mated ewes killed 30 and 60 days p.c. respectively, were pregnant. In both flocks the proportion of ewes pregnant 20-60 days p.c. was higher in ewes served thrice or more than in those served once only. Ejaculates were collected from two of the rams with the artificial vagina each morning during the mating periods. The number of spermatozoa m the ejaculates fell precipitately during the first two days, but thereafter was relatively constant. Subsequently, the mating periods were simulated by the collection from the same rams of 66 ejaculates over four days. The mean number of spermatozoa per ejaculate fell to 250-400 million during the second day and was maintained at about that level through the next two days.
Selection for weaning weight in Merino sheep. 3. Maintenance requirements and the efficiency of conversion of feed to wool in mature ewes
Authors: Pattie WA , Williams AJ
Published: March 2005

Net and gross efficiencies of wool growth have been estimated for ewes from three Trangie selection flocks, one selected for high weaning weight (Weight Plus), one for low weaning weight (Weight Minus), and a random control flock. Weight Plus ewes had 15 and 11 per cent heavier body weights than Weight Minus ewes at maintenance and unlimited levels of feeding respectively. At each level, feed intake was proportional to body weight both between and within flocks. In addition, the feed costs of a unit gain and loss of body weight were the same for each flock at each level of feeding. The Weight Plus ewes grew 7 and 10 per cent more wool than Weight Minus ewes at maintenance and unlimited levels of feeding. Consequently, there was only a small difference between the flocks in efficiency of conversion of feed to wool at maintenance, and there was no difference on unlimited intake. These results indicate that there is no genetic correlation between weaning weight and efficiency of conversion of feed to wool. At the three levels of controlled feeding (543, 725, 902 grams of dry matter a day) there were no differences in gross efficiency of wool growth, either between flocks or between levels within flocks, despite differing changes in body weight. During unlimited feeding, gross efficiency of wool growth was lower than that during controlled feeding. This was due to a reduced response in wool growth, as feed costs per unit body weight change were constant. As both production and feed intake changed in proportion to body weight, it is concluded that attention to weaning weight has little place in a Merino breeding program aimed at increasing wool production. However, selection for high weaning weight may be a useful tool in selecting ewes for crossbreeding because of the associated increases in milk production and lamb growth rate.
Diet selected by lambs and yearling sheep grazing on annual and perennial pastures in Southern Victoria
Authors: Hodge RW , Doyle JJ
Published: March 2005

There was no consistent difference in the botanical composition or nitrogen content of the diet selected by lambs and yearling sheep grazing annual or perennial pastures in the spring. On the annual pasture, where the grass and clover content was similar, selection by the animals appeared to be random with no particular species being favoured. On the perennial pasture, where the clover content remained below 20 per cent, the mean percentage of clover in the diet selected by the lambs increased from less than 5 per cent when they were seven weeks old to over 50 per cent at 16 weeks of age. Over the same period, the mean percentage of clover in the diet selected by the yearlings increased from less than 10 per cent to over 40 per cent.
Finishing steers on high grain rations. The effects of three roughages, and of urea, vitamin A, colbalt and sodium chloride supplements
Authors: Morris JG , Gartner RJW , Pepper PM
Published: March 2005

A 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 split plot design was used to investigate the effects of the following treatments on the finishing of steers : cobalt supplementation-as an intraruminal cobalt oxide pellet; vitamin A supplementation-as an intramuscular injection of 2.5 x l06 i.u. ; additives to the grain-nil, 1 per cent urea, and 1 per cent urea plus 1 per cent sodium chloride ; roughage source-wheaten chaff, sorghum silage, and lucerne chaff. Ten groups each of 10 steers, of a mean (� S.E.) shrunk body-weight of 537�3.4 lb were used. One group was slaughtered before feeding the rations to measure initial carcase weight and composition. Individual steers from the other nine groups were slaughtered at 900 lb body-weight. The mean body weight gain of all steers was 2.64 � 0.05 lb per head per day, for a mean D.M, intake of 15.7 lb grain and 2.5 lb roughage over 135 � 2.2 days. Roughage sources, sodium chloride, cobalt, and the vitamin A supplement had no significant effect on performance. Steers fed lucerne, particularly with urea, exhibited mild to moderate bloating. Carcase weight gain was significantly increased by the addition of urea to the grain. Carcase weight increased from 276 � 2.2 lb in the pre-treatment group to 482 � 1.8 lb in the finished steers. The composition of this increase was 71 per cent commercial cuts of meat, 20 per cent fat trimmings and 9 per cent bone. The mean total hepatic vitamin A reserves of the unsupplemented steers at slaughter was 38 per cent of the initial reserves ; the hepatic level in 20 of these animals was less than 10 �g/g.
A study of mating behaviour of Merino rams
Authors: Bourke ME
Published: March 2005

A pilot study of mating behaviour in a flock consisting of two breeds of ewes and three Merino rams is reported. Dominance-subordination reactions between rams caused large differences in the number of ewes served by each ram. The significance of these results practically and in relation to other work is discussed.
Responses by Siratro (Phaseolus atropurpureus) and white clover (Trifolium repens) to nutrients on solodic soils at Beaudesert, Queensland
Authors: Truong N/V , Andrew CS , Skerman PJ
Published: March 2005

Solodic soils in the Beaudesert region of Queensland have been found to be low in fertility. Significant responses in the growth of Siratro (Phaseolus atropurpureus D.C.) were obtained with phosphorus and molybdenum. White clover (Trifolium repens L.) responded to phosphorus, molybdenum, calcium carbonate, and sulphur, but the application of small amounts of molybdenum eliminated the need for calcium carbonate. Interactions between molybdenum and sulphur, and also sulphur and calcium carbonate were recorded.
The effect of chewing by sheep in the release of nitrogen and soluble carbohydrates from plant cells
Authors: Doyle JJ
Published: March 2005

Three sheep in pens were fed cut white clover (Trifolium repens L.). On six separate days samples were collected through oesophageal fistulas and the length of the extruded pieces was taken as a measure of the amount of chewing and was related to the quantities of nitrogen and soluble carbohydrate released. Correlation coefficients of 0.84 and 0.77 were found between the amount of chewing and the release of nitrogen and soluble carbohydrate respectively.
The effect of daylength and temperature on the growth and reproduction of six strains of Townsville lucerne (Stylosanthes humilis)
Authors: Downes RW , Staples IB , Colman PA , Pedley L
Published: March 2005

Growth studies of Townsville lucerne were conducted in the phytotron at Canberra to gain an understanding of the relative response of six strains to daylength and temperature. Vegetative growth was promoted by long days in all strains. Some strains flowered under these conditions but other strains appeared to require short days before they were induced to flower. The effect of daylength was reflected in seed yield and in the relative effort that plants devoted to reproduction. In these characters, various strains showed differential responses. For most other characters, a response to daylength was detected, but all strains reacted in a common manner. Weights of roots, stems, and leaves were significantly higher under the lower temperature treatment. A tendency in this direction was also detected in several other characters. Variation among strains in plant morphology and response to photoperiod were pronounced. This suggests a relation between growth characteristics and the ecological background of these strains of Townsville lucerne.
A chemical test for identification of lucerne (Medicago sativa) seeds
Authors: Francis CM , Millington AJ , Mehta RK
Published: March 2005

Lucerne seed, whose importation is restricted in some countries, was distinguished from most annual medic seed by means of a chemical test based on the detection, by thin-layer chromatography, of two characteristic phenolic compounds, which displayed yellow fluorescence under ultra-violet light. One hundred and forty-four Medicago species and varieties, including 12 of lucerne, were tested using the relatively simple technique that was sensitive enough to locate the reference compounds in samples as small as two seeds, and could readily be adapted to the testing of large numbers of seed samples.
Flooding tolerance of some Western Australian pasture legumes
Authors: Marshall T , Millington AJ
Published: March 2005

The effect of flooding on several varieties of clover was studied in three separate experiments. In experiment 1 ten cultivars of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), two of strawberry clover (T. fragiferum), two of white clover (T. repens) and Serradella (Ornithopus sativa) were subjected to two flooding treatments 77 days after planting. With the water table at ground level, herbage yields were not significantly less than those of unflooded plants in Yarloop, N2254, Yabba North, Wenijup, Palestine, and Salina and New Zealand white clovers, hut there were significant decreases in yield in N2167, N2168, Clare, Geraldton, Mt. Barker, Morocco, Ladino, and Serradella. When the water table was raised to three inches above ground level, all the cultivars had significantly lower herbage and root yields than the control plants. Overall, Yarloop appeared to be the most productive under both of the flooding treatments. In experiment 2 Yarloop and Geraldton clovers were flooded at three different stages of growth (one third eleven days after planting, one third sixty days after planting, and one third 86 days after planting). Flooding lasted 21 days then half of each group was harvested and the other half allowed to grow for a further 14 days under free drainage before harvesting. Both Geraldton and Yarloop were affected most by flooding sixty days after planting. Nodulation was delayed in the plants that were flooded eleven days after planting, but commenced once the soil was allowed to drain freely. In experiment 3, eight Yarloop crosses were flooded three inches above ground level for 21 days, 80 days after planting. The crosses were subdivided on seed colour. Flooding reduced yield in all crosses except Yarloop x Yabba Noah brown seed and Yarloop x Mt. Barker brown seed. The data suggest that breeding for greater tolerance to flooding may be practicable.