bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical methods on breaking dormancy of low chill nectarines: preliminary evaluations in subtropical Queensland
Authors: George AP , Nissen RJ
Published: March 2005

Three chemicals, Alzodef (49% hydrogen cyanamide) at 20 mL/L, thiourea at 10 g/L and potassium nitrate at 40 g/L were tested either alone or in combination for their effects on breaking dormancy in the low chill nectarine cultivar Sunred in subtropical Queensland. Compared with potassium nitrate and thiourea, Alzodef proved more effective in breaking dormancy and advancing budbreak and fruit maturity. However, Alzodef reduced both fruit set and final yield. Yield losses were greater when application of Alzodef was delayed from 5 weeks to 1 week before natural budbreak.
Honeybee pollination of strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne)
Authors: Goodman RD , Oldroyd BP
Published: March 2005

The pollination requirements of strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne cv. Tioga) were examined in a planting in southern Victoria. Plots that were accessible to honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) had 20.8% marketable berries (well shaped, > 10 g fresh weight), whereas plots that were not accessible had only 4.5% marketable berries. The total numbers of fruit (marketable and unmarketable) were not affected by the presence of pollinating insects. Honeybees were considered to be the main pollinators of this crop. They comprised 58.9% of insect visitors to the flowers. The behaviour patterns of other insects were such that they would effect little or no pollination. We conclude that the presence of an adequate population of honeybees increases the proportion of well shaped (marketable) berries.
Effects of protein meal supplements on the growth and reproduction of Hereford heifers and cows grazing a native grass pasture in the subtropics
Authors: Hennessy DW , Williamson PJ
Published: March 2005

In the coastal subtropics of New South Wales, pasture growth occurs mainly in summer, when 500-600 mm of rain is expected. During winter, pasture quality declines, with digestible organic matter content as low as 374 g/kg DM in August and nitrogen down to 6.5 g/kg DM. Growth and reproduction of British breed cattle is also low so that, in an attempt to increase these attributes, protein meal supplements were offered to Hereford heifers and cows over 5 years. Heifers without supplements lost liveweight during their first winter and none calved after being mated at 15 months of age to Hereford bulls during a 9-week joining period. During their second winter, 58% of the heifers calved and, over 5 mating seasons, their mean annual calving rate was 48%. Supplemented heifers gained liveweight during their first winter and 95% of them calved, after first-joining at 15 months of age. Over 5 years their mean calving rate was 85%. Delaying first-joining to 27 months of age, as determined by a second group also supplemented with protein meal, did not increase production or mean calving rate (81%) over 5 years. The 230-day adjusted liveweight of calves weaned from non-supplemented heifers was 138 kg, significantly (P< 0.01) less than the 179 �10 kg (mean � s.e.d.) for calves weaned from the supplemented early-calving group, or 198 kg for the supplemented late-calving group. The results highlight the limitation to cattle production imposed by the low levels of nitrogen and poorly digestible pasture, and emphasise the important role of protein meal supplements with added minerals in increasing production of breeding herds grazing unimproved pastures in the subtropics.
The value of whole cottonseed in a wheat-based maintenance ration for sheep
Authors: Warren HM , Neutze SA , Morrison JM , Nicholls PJ
Published: March 2005

The effects of fuzzy whole cottonseed (WCS) on the performance and health of sheep were examined. Thirty 2-year-old Merino wethers were divided into 3 equal groups and offered maintenance rations for 138 days, with whole wheat grain to WCS ratios of 100:O (diet A), 75:25 (B) and 50:50 (C). Liveweight changes for diets A, B and C were -0.3, +4.4 and +3.0 kg respectively, and were significantly (P<0.05) greater on WCS diets. Wool growth rates were also significantly (P< 0.01) improved by the addition of WCS, with treatment means being 0.65 (diet A), 0.82 (B) and 0.88 mg/cm2.day (C). Digestibility of DM in diet C (677 g/kg) was significantly (P< 0.001) lower than in diets A (782) and B (777 g/kg), perhaps because of increased fibre and oil in the ration. Subclinical anaemia and muscle damage were evident in animals given WCS by days 43 and 127 respectively. Post mortems and histological examination revealed renal haemosiderosis in sheep given WCS, with increased severity at 50% inclusion in the ration. Despite the reduction in digestibility and the subclinical effects on health, at least 25% WCS can be safely included in a wheat-based maintenance ration for wethers and this ration has production advantages over wheat alone. Caution is advised in feeding higher levels of WCS or feeding such a ration for more than 5 months.
Effects of different nutritional regimens on the productivity of Australian cashmere goats and the partitioning of nutrients between cashmere and hair growth
Authors: McGregor BA
Published: March 2005

The influence of energy or protein supplementation or energy restriction on cashmere growth was studied in 35 highly productive cashmere wether goats. The goats were shorn on 3 December and randomly allocated to 3 levels of energy intake: M, goats fed to maintain liveweight; 0.8M, goats fed to lose 5 kg liveweight from December to April and then fed ad libitum; and >M, goats fed to gain liveweight. Nested within >M were ADLIB (goats offered feed ad libitum), and 1.25M and l.5M (goats fed M plus 25 or 50% of the difference in mean intake between M and ADLIB). The metabolisable energy requirement to maintain liveweight was 250 kJ kg-0.75 day-1 but to maintain body condition (l.25M) it was 3 12 kJ kg-0.75 day-1. Goats fed 0.8M had a mean intake of 0.68M and lost 26 g day-1 liveweight until April, but when fed ad libitum consumed 2.15M in June and grew rapidly in late autumn and winter at 93 g day-1. Goats fed ADLIB consumed 2.30M in February and gained 87 g day-1 from December to February, but intake declined to 1.61 M in June and they gained 20 g day-1 from April to June. Cashmere growth and fibre diameters of fleeces shorn on 17 June of goats fed >M (221g, 17.69 pm) were significantly greater (P< 0.02) than those of goats fed 0.8M (146 g, 16.67 �m), with levels of M-fed goats being intermediate. Within >M, there were no significant differences in cashmere growth. Protein supplementation within M (27 or 54 g day -1 formaldehyde- treated casein) resulted in 40% more wool growth in sheep (P<0.001), but no increase in cashmere or hair growth in goats. Goats fed ADLIB had significantly reduced cashmere yields (P < 0.05) and grew more hair (P<0.05) than did goats in other treatments. About 4 weeks after energy supplementation, fibre diameter of previously energy-deprived goats increased (P< 0.01). Midside patches indicated that energy-deprived goats, which lost liveweight, diverted nutrients preferentially to cashmere growth, while goats fed ADLIB partitioned nutrients towards hair growth. To maximise cashmere growth, supplementary energy should be supplied to avoid liveweight loss from December to April. Goats that had small (1-2 kg) liveweight gains and maintained body condition achieved near maximal levels of cashmere growth.
Effects on puberty attainment in gilts of continuous or limited exposure to boars
Authors: Hemsworth PH , Hansen C , Winfield CG , Barnett JL
Published: March 2005

To identify alternative practical procedures for stimulating early puberty in gilts, 64 crossbred gilts were allotted to 1 of 4 treatments as follows: (1) 5-min daily boar exposure, (2) 15-min daily introduction to an area adjacent to 5 boars in their pens, (3) continuously housed with a mature vasectomised boar, or (4) control, no boar exposure. Experimental treatments commenced when the gilts averaged 176 days of age, and continued until oestrus was detected or the gilts reached an average age of 212 days. All treatment groups were significantly different from the control group for the following parameters; the percentage of giltsdetectedin oestrus (93.3, 68.8, 81.3 and 31.3%, respectively), the estimated age at puberty or first ovulation (189.0, 194.9, 188.0 and 203.4 days, respectively), and the percentage of gilts estimated to have attained puberty (100, 81.3, 100 and 43.8%, respectively). We conclude that daily introduction to a corridor adjacent to mature boars and continuous housing with a mature vasectomised boar are as effective in stimulating early puberty in gilts as is daily introduction to a mature boar, and may be more practical in several commercial situations.
Alley cropping kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) with leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) in south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Gutteridge RC
Published: March 2005

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) was intercropped for 3 seasons between hedgerows of leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) spaced 3 or 5 m apart on an infertile soil at Mt Cotton, south-eastern Queensland. The leucaena was cut at a height of25 or 50 cm, 2 or 4 times per season and the fresh material spread as a mulch between the rows of kenaf. The yield of kenaf from mulched plots was compared with that from plots fertilised with nitrogen as urea at 0, 50 or 100 kg N/ ha.year. In the third season, kenaf yield from the mulched plots was maintained at about 4.7 t DM/ha, whereas that from the control and urea fertilised plots declined by about 30%. However, phosphorus deficiency in the unmulched plots was suspected and this may have contributed to the lower yield. Leucaena row spacing had no significant effect on kenaf yield. Leucaena yield ranged from 2 to 4 t DM/ha per season. Cutting height had no significant effect on leucaena yield, but less frequent pruning gave a higher yield in the second and third seasons. The results confirm the potential of alley cropping to sustain arable crop yield at a moderate level without high inputs of inorganic fertilisers.
Effect of deep tillage and seedbed preparation on the growth and yield of wheat on a hard-setting soil
Authors: Mead JA , Chan KY
Published: March 2005

The preparation of a seedbed using either conventional cultivation (3 scarifyings) or deep tillage increased the vegetative and grain yield of a wheat crop (cv. Banks in 1983, and Quarrion in 1984) when compared with the direct drill technique of crop establishment on a hard-setting red duplex soil (Dr 2.62). Neither vegetative nor grain yield was increased by the inclusion of a deep tillage operation on the conventionally cultivated treatment prior to seedbed preparation with a scarifier. The poor seedling vigour of direct drilled plots was eliminated by deep tillage. However, the effect of deep tillage was short-lived. The importance of good soil physical condition during crop establishment was highlighted by the recompaction of the cultivated soil to bulk density and shear strength levels similar to those of the uncultivated plots in the latter part of the growing season. Because of the fragile nature of the soil, there were no residual benefits from the deep tillage operation on the undisturbed plots in the following season. Although cultivation had obvious benefits in enhancing seedling vigour on the hard-setting soil, the destruction of the soil's macroporosity reduced water infiltration down the soil profile. The adoption of conservation farming practices on hard-setting soils should initially involve reduced cultivation techniques to promote early seedling vigour. This cultivation should be timed to minimise the risks of soil erosion and recompaction. Further work is needed to identify the optimal cultivation techniques for these soils.
Response of soil mineral nitrogen to total nitrogen and land-use in a long-term study of wheat pasture rotations
Authors: Taylor AC , Lill WJ
Published: March 2005

All 6 treatments of a long-term wheat-pasture rotation experiment were soil sampled after a cultivated fallow close to sowing at Wagga Wagga. Analyses of the nitrogen (N) data show that total N (0-1 5 cm) could be used as a predictor of mineral N in the profile at sowing. Mineral N levels were expressed as a percentage of total N and reported as a mineralisation index. This index increased after a period of clover and was considerably higher for the first crop after pasture than for subsequent crops. The mineralisation index also increased as the pasture intensity (years pasture/total years) increased from 0.33 to 0.67. Total N alone accounted for no more than 20% of the variation in mineral N at sowing. The variance accounted for increased to 49.9 and 53.7% respectively when pasture frequency and crop number after pasture were included in the models.
Effects of stubble-borne fungal inoculum on incidence of leaf diseases and yields of barley in Western Australia
Authors: Khan TN
Published: March 2005

Effect of stubble residues on leaf diseases and yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Dampier) were studied by adding small quantities of infested stubble to test plots grown on land where a non-barley crop or pasture had been grown in the previous year. Experiments conducted at 5 locations in 198 1 and 1982 showed that stubble residues increased leaf disease. The severity of leaf disease varied with location and year. High levels of scald (Rhynchosporium secalis) were recorded at all locations, but substantial levels of net blotch (Drechslera teres) occurred only at northern locations. Halo spot (Selenophoma donacis) and a leaf spot caused by Drechslera verticillata were either absent or occurred in minor proportions. The incidence of powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis f.sp. hordei) at Mt Barker in 1982 was not related to the presence of stubble residues. Grain yield losses of 9 and 28% occurred in the stubble amended plots in 1981 and 1982, respectively. Reductions in number of heads and number of seeds per plot appeared to be the major components of yield loss.
Effects of hydrogen cyanamide in manipulating budburst and advancing fruit maturity of table grapes in south-eastern Queensland
Authors: George AP , Nissen RJ , Baker JA
Published: March 2005

Four times of winter pruning and hydrogen cyanamide application were evaluated for their effects on budburst, growth, flowering and yield of the table grape cultivar Muscat Hamburg in south- eastern Queensland (lat. 263.). Hydrogen cyanamide hastened budburst at all times of application. When cyanamide was applied 8-10 weeks before natural bud- burst, fruit maturity was advanced by 14-18 days, However, application within 4-6 weeks of natural bud-burst had little or no effect on time of fruit maturity. Low temperatures during flowering, which can adversely affect pollination, seed development and hence yield, may limit the use of early pruning and cyanamide application, particularly under cooler subtropical conditions. Depending on market prices, any loss of yield associated with early pruning and cyanamide applications will need to be compensated for by higher prices received for earlier maturing fruit. Cyanamide may have greater commercial potential for use on young, vigorous vines growing under warm subtropical conditions. Under these conditions, cyanamide application at 4-6 weeks before natural budburst gave significant yield increases by increasing the number of bunches produced per spur. No deleterious effects of cyanamide on fruit quality were recorded.
Effect of solarization on the control of Phytophthora cambivora in almond and cherry
Authors: Wicks TJ
Published: March 2005

Solarisation, the technique of heating soil to 8- 10�C above ambient temperatures by covering the soil with transparent plastic sheeting, was evaluated as a means of controlling Phytophthora cambivora in naturally infested almond and cherry orchards. Laboratory experiments showed that a 6-h exposure to 45�C was lethal to mycelial growth and inhibitory to the production of sporangia of P. cambivora, whereas several periods of exposure at 35 and 40�C were necessary to inhibit the fungus to the same degree. In field experiments, soil temperatures greater than 40�C were rarely recorded at a depth of 10 cm in solarised soil, yet the treatment controlled P. cambivora infection in an irrigated cherry (cv. Mahaleb) orchard for more than 12 months. However, solarisation was not effective in non-irrigated almond (cv. Mission) orchards, and the possible reasons for this are discussed.Solarisation had no effect on established infections of P. cambivora but growth of plants in solarised areas was significantly greater than that of plants in untreated or metalaxyl treated areas.
Odours arising from mushroom composting: a review
Authors: Miller FC , Macauley BJ
Published: March 2005

Odour problems related to mushroom composting have been reviewed and compounds implicated in odour production have been identified. Troublesome compounds characterised included thiols, sulfides, amines, ammonia, and organic acids. Protein metabolism, especially of the methionine component, appears to be critical to the production of odouriferous compounds. Factors contributing to odours were identified, some of which may be obviated through processing modifications. Odour problems might be reduced by decreasing the amounts of nitrogen and sulfur used in the initial compost mixture, maintaining more aerobic processing conditions, and preventing inhibitive temperatures (>60�C) being achieved.
Residual effects of limestone on pasture yields, soil pH and soil aluminium in a krasnozem in north-western Tasmania
Authors: Rowe BA , Johnson DE
Published: March 2005

Residual effects of 15 t/ha of surface applied limestone were evaluated at Elliott in northwestern Tasmania on a clover-based, perennial dryland pasture that was well fertilised and sufficient in molybdenum. The soil was a krasnozem (Gn 4.11) with a mean pH of 5.5. Annual pasture DM increases of 0.5-1.7 t/ha persisted for at least 9 years after the final application of limestone. The largest seasonal DM increases of 0.4-0.7t/ha were recorded in autumn. No decline in the pH of the surface 75 mm of the unlimed plots was detected. However, the pH of the surface 75 mm of the limed plots declined by 0.09 pH units per year from pH 7.0. The decline in surface pH was due to the movement of the zone of maximum limestone effect on pH from the 25-50 mm depth to the 100-125 mm depth, a distance of 75 mm in 8 years. Average soil pH profiles, CaCl2-extractable aluminium and root DM distribution in the surface 300 mm did not indicate that aluminium toxicity was restricting pasture DM production on the unlimed plots. However, toxic concentrations of exchangeable aluminium (extracted with BaCl2) were recorded below 100 mm in the unlimed plots.
Effect of plant density and spatial arrangement on the yield of Leucaena leucocephala cv. Peru in subcoastal south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Cooksley DG , Goward EA
Published: March 2005

Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala cv. Peru) was sown at 5 plant densities with 2 spatial arrangements at Brian Pastures Pasture Research Station, Gayndah, to determine the effects of these factors on leucaena and inter-row grass dry matter yield. During the 2 year establishment phase, yields of edible leucaena (leaves, pods, flowers and stems to a diameter of 5 mm) averaged 4400 and 2440 kg/ha respectively. Yields in subsequent years stabilised to an overall mean of 1360 kg/ha, with the amount of edible leucaena increasing with increasing leucaena plant density from 640 to 2260 kg/ha at 6000 and 62 500 leucaena plants/ha respectively. Edible leucaena yield for the mean of the 5 plant densities was increased by 38% when row spacing was doubled. Yields of both total and senesced leucaena were directly related to the annual rainfall. At the end of each growing season in May, edible leucaena yield remained stable between rainfall extremes of 492 and 878 mm while the amount of senesced leucaena litter increased. Edible leucaena yield was directly related to leucaena plant density (R2= 0.86). Annual total leucaena yield (edible leucaena yield plus leucaena litter) was best related to the plant parameters leucaena plant volume (R2 = 0.92), leucaena stem numbers (R2 = 0.90) and leucaena stem diameter (R2 = 0.90). Number of green panic (Panicum maximum var, trichoglume) shoots showed a marked increase at the 3 higher leucaena densities (mean of 28 shoots/m2) compared with the 2 lower leucaena densities (mean of 7 shoots/m2). Total soil nitrogen also increased at the 3 higher leucaena densities (mean of 0.186%) relative to the 2 lower leucaena densities (mean of 0.170%). Inter-row grass and grass litter yields both declined from 4640 and 4010 kg/ha to 31 10 and 2420 kg/ha respectively with increasing leucaena density. Maximum yields of edible leucaena were obtained when leucaena was grown at a density of 62 500 plants per ha in rows 0.8 m apart.
Influence of soil type on Heteropogon contortus-Bothriochloa bladhii dominant native pasture in south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Cooksley DG , Butler KL , Prinsen JH , Paton CJ
Published: March 2005

The effects of soil type on presentation dry matter yields and nutrient concentrations of a native pasture in south-eastern Queensland were investigated within a 160 ha area over 5 years. The soil types ranged from a shallow sand (Ug 2.12; Northcote 1971 classification) to deep self-mulching clays (Ug 5.15). Soil type had a major influence on above-ground yield (range 2700-8700 kg/ha), but a limited influence on root yield at 15 cm (range 3200-3800 kg/ha) and on nutrient concentrations of above-ground matter and of roots, (ranges for tops and roots: nitrogen 0.51-0.63 and 0.83-1.22%, phosphorus 0.09-0.14 and 0.08-0.10%, potassium 0.40-056 and 0.23-0.46%, and sulfur 0.05 and 0.05-0.06%). This suggests that soil type has only a limited effect on the liveweight gains per animal which can be attained on native pasture, but a major effect on sustainable stocking rate.
The influence of depth and salinity of watertables on the salt levels in the duplex red-brown earths of the Goulburn Valley of Victoria
Authors: Mehanni AH
Published: March 2005

The results from a survey of 269 test wells in an area with shallow watertables were used to derive a relationship between soil salinity to 60 cm depth (Y) and watertable depth (X1) and watertable salinity (X2). The survey area (730 km2) was in the Goulburn Valley of Victoria and included irrigated and non-irrigated pastures. The relationship was described by the multiple Regression ln Y = a + b ln X1 + c ln X2 The equations were: Perennial pastures ln Y = 7.3859 - 0.607l.ln X1 + 0.2925.ln X2 (r = 0.50, P= 0.0000002, n = 109) Annual pastures ln Y = 7.2690 - 0.7252.ln X1 + 0.3743.ln X2 (r=0.54, P=0.00349, n=36) Dryland pastures ln Y = 10.8417 - 1.3779.ln X1 + 0.4024.ln X2 (r= 0.73, P= 0.0003, n = 24) It was concluded that both depth and salinity of the watertable determine its hazard to soil salinity; watertable depth alone can be misleading. The effect of watertable salinity was greater than that of watertable depth. Similar models could be developed for other regions if data for the regions were available.
Landforming a red-brown earth dash effects of topsoil removal and redistribution on irrigated crop production
Authors: Pritchard KE , Mason WK , Byrne SP
Published: March 2005

Landforming is the use of earthmoving machinery and laser controlled land planes to improve the efficiency of irrigation layouts. Duplex soils with shallow A horizons are vulnerable to the exposure of subsoil in this process, and production from areas where topsoil has been removed is substantially less than from normal soil. A landformed area with a large range of depths of cut (soil removed) and fill (extra soil deposited) gave a linear decrease in dry matter (DM) yield/ha of maize (Zea mays) from 23.7 to 11.2 t/ha, and of oats (Avena sativa) from 13.9 to 7.5 t/ha with increasing depths of topsoil removal, but no progressive yield increase with added soil, so that overall production was estimated to be decreased by 16%. Whole plant N concentration was 24% lower, plant Zn 33% lower and soil Zn 43% lower from areas where topsoil was removed. Ameliorating the exposed subsoil with ripping, gypsum and compensatory N and P fertiliser produced only 71% of maize DM compared with normal soil (16.5 v. 11.7 t/ha). However, the replacement of 75 mm of topsoil completely restored yield. In a pot experiment which removed many of the physical limitations of the field, maize yields from subsoil and topsoil were similar when Zn was added to the subsoil in addition to N, P and K. Although Zn deficiency can limit maize growth on exposed subsoil, soil physical characteristics are a major cause of reduced yield and these were not eliminated in the field by amelioration. The cost of topsoil replacement during landforming may be less, in the long term, than amelioration plus cumulative production losses. The importance of topsoil in maintaining the yield potential of cropping land should not be underestimated in landforming designs for irrigation.
Effects of suboptimal plant density and non-uniformity in plant spacing on grain yield of raingrown sunflower
Authors: Wade LJ , Norris CP , Walsh PA
Published: March 2005

The effects of suboptimal plant density and non-uniformity in plant spacing on grain yield of raingrown sunflower were examined using regression analysis. This involved quantifying the parabolic relationship between grain weight per plant and area per plant. A term for uniformity was added, based on the proximity of neighbouring plants within the row. Multiple regression accounted for 50% of the total variation amongst the 1071 plants analysed. The 3 constants in the regression were considered to indicate the yield potential of the crop, the proportion of space available per plant not utilised at low density, and the proportion of the most scarce resource denied to the individual plant at high density relative to an equivalent plant at even spacing. This technique permitted quantification of the levels of unevenness, and of the percentage yield reductions attributable to suboptimal plant density and to non-uniformity in plant spacing. Reductions in grain yield per unit area were mainly due to a lack of plants at low densities, and to unevenness at high densities. A technique is proposed for surveying crop establishment, and for estimating the percentage yield reductions attributable to the effects of plant density and uniformity in plant spacing over a range of crops. Further experimentation is warranted, to determine whether the percentage yield reductions found for this crop are generally applicable.
Grapevine virus indexing in the South Australian Vine Improvement Scheme, 1974-1987
Authors: Cirami RM , Velsen RJvan , Niejalke J
Published: March 2005

A virus indexing program, part of the South Australian Vine Improvement Scheme, tested local and imported clones and rootstock selections for the presence of leafroll, yellow speckle, corky bark, flavescence doree, fanleaf and stem pitting. This report summarises the results of virus indexing during 1974-87. 191 clones of 28 varieties and 46 clones of 19 rootstocks were indexed. The most frequently found virus was leafroll (36% of clones affected), followed by yellow speckle (30%) and stem pitting (16%). No corky bark, flavescence doree, or fanleaf was detected.
Cattle temperaments in extensive beef herds in northern Queensland. 1. Factors affecting temperament
Authors: Fordyce G , Dodt RM , Wythes JR
Published: March 2005

The temperaments of 170 bullocks and 240 cows from 2 commercial properties in northern Queensland were scored by rating their behaviours, especially movement, while they were handled in a crush and pound. High scores indicate poor temperaments. Brahman cross cattle had higher temperament scores than did Shorthorns (P< 0.05). The heaviest cattle tended to have the lowest scores, suggesting that selection for high growth rate may not result in poorer temperament. Horned cattle tended to have lower temperament scores than hornless cattle (P> 0.05), though it is suggested that any advantage to horned cattle may be outweighed by the production and husbandry advantages of the latter. There was no relationship between temperament scores and age, fatness and, in cows, pregnancy status.
Cattle temperaments in extensive beef herds in northern Queensland. 2. Effect of temperament on carcass and meat quality
Authors: Fordyce G , Wythes JR , Shorthose WR , Underwood DW , Shepherd RK
Published: March 2005

The effects on carcass bruising and muscle properties of the temperament scores of 170 bullocks and 240 cows (Brahman cross and Shorthorn) from 2 properties in northern Queensland were studied. Temperaments were scored by rating their behaviours when the cattle were handled in a crush and pound. High scores indicate poor temperaments. The bullocks and cows were respectively transported 740 and 1155 km to abattoirs and slaughtered 5-7 days after mustering. In both experiments, the estimated bruise trim per carcass increased by approximately 0.3 kg per unit increase in movement score for both temperament tests. Cattle with high temperament scores had more bruising along the back and around the tuber coxae and tuber ischii. Muscle samples from cattle with higher temperament scores tended to have higher mean initial yield and peak force shear values, thus indicating that their meat may have been less tender. Neither ultimate pH nor sarcomere length was related to temperament score.
The behaviour and bruising of cattle during transport at different space allowances
Authors: Eldridge GA , Winfield CG
Published: March 2005

We investigated the effect of space allowance during transport on behaviour, bruising and welfare of 48 Hereford steers (mean liveweight 400 kg). On 4 occasions, animals from each space allowance, low (0.89 m2/animal), medium (1.16 m2/ animal) and high (1.39 m2/animal) were transported 360 km in the same stock-crate in a standardised manner to an abattoir for slaughter. During transport, the behaviour of the animals was monitored on closed circuit video. On arrival at the abattoir, all animals were placed in lairage in the same yard on each occasion and were handled in a standardised manner at slaughter next day. Carcass measurements made at slaughter included bruise score, muscle pH, weight, fat depth and muscle score. In the high space allowance the animals made significantly (P< 0.05) more movements of >1 m than did animals in the low space allowance. Six animals 'went down' in the low space allowance, but none did so in the other treatments. The carcass weight in the low space allowance was significantly (P<0.05) less than that of the medium space allowance (196 v. 206 kg respectively), and the bruise scores in the low and high space allowance treatments were 4 and 2 times greater respectively than in the medium space allowance treatment (8.2, 4.6 and 1.9 bruise scores respectively; P< 0.01). We conclude that space allowance for cattle during road transport can significantly affect the level of bruising, carcass weight and risk of injury of the animals.
Energy and protein values of four forages, including a comparison between tropical and temperate species
Authors: Margan DE , Graham NM , Minson DJ , Searle TW
Published: March 2005

Artificially dried grass of 2 tropical species (Setaria spacelata and Digitaria decurnbens) from which most of the stem had been removed, and a temperate grass (Loliurn perenne) grown under the same subtropical conditions, were compared for energy and protein value. Data for a temperate clover hay (Trifolium resupinatum) that was tested concurrently are included because they provide useful contrasts. Each was evaluated by measuring energy, nitrogen (N) and carbon balances in 4 adult sheep at 2 levels of intake (ad libitum and near energy maintenance) and during fasting. The 3 grasses had similar leaf content (76-83%) and the clover much less (60%). The tropical forages had similar chemical composition but they contained less crude protein (10%) than the ryegrass (L. perenne) (1 5%) and more cell wall constituents (63-66% v. 58%). The clover had the most crude protein (19%) and the least cell walls (38%); it also was highest in carbohydrates, pectin and heat of combustion. Voluntary intakes of the setaria, pangola (D. decumbens) and ryegrass were similar and 20-30% lower than the intake of clover. Digestibilities of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and energy were similar for the grasses and 8 percentage units lower than for the clover whereas digestibility of crude protein differed between the tropical and temperate species, the latter having digestibilities 12-15 units greater. Digestibility of cell walls did not vary. The metabolisable energy (ME) values of the grasses at maintenance were 8.3-8.5 MJ/kg DM while that of clover was 10.1; at maximum intakes, corresponding ME values were 7.9 and 10.0 MJ/kg DM. Net availability of ME for gain was 0.42 for the tropical grasses and the persian clover and 0.36 for the ryegrass. By contrast, the tropical forages supported higher gains of N relative to N supply than did the temperate forages because urinary N loss was not affected by intake of the tropicals; these differences in N gain were drastically reduced when gain was expressed in relation to ME. These results do not support the contention that forages of tropical species have a lower energy value per kg than temperate forages of similar composition. Indeed, the tropical species tested here appear to have had an ideal balance of energy and protein insofar as efficiency of use of digestible N was close to 100% and their energy values were commensurate with their chemical composition.
A comparison of values for initial and residual effectiveness of rock phosphates measured in pot and field experiments
Authors: Weatherley AJ , Bolland MDA , Gilkes RJ
Published: March 2005

The effectiveness of Calciphos (500�C calcined calcium-aluminium C-grade rock phosphate from Christmas Island), Queensland rock phosphate (low carbonate substituted apatite, from Duchess deposit, Northern Queensland [QRP]), and granular North Carolina rock phosphate (highly carbonate substituted apatite from U.S.A. [NCRP]) were compared with the effectiveness of monocalcium phosphate (MCP) fertilisers in pot and field experiments. Three different lateritic soils from south-western Australia and different plant species were used. In the pot experiment, the effectiveness of the fertilisers was measured relative to freshly applied MCP for 5 successive crops. Subterranean clover, oats, triticale and barley were grown for about 1 month before harvesting. In the field experiment, the same plants were grown, and the effectiveness of the fertilisers was measured relative to freshly applied triple superphosphate for 3 successive years. On a dry matter yield basis, the effects of freshly applied rock phosphate dressings measured in the pot experiment were in a similar range to those measured in the field experiment for the same soil types, and the same plant species, indicating that pot trials can substitute for field trials for the evaluation of the initial effectiveness of fertilisers. However, the residual effectiveness values for both MCP and the RPs were generally much lower for the pot experiment, indicating that pot experiments cannot replace long-term field experiments for the reliable measurement of residual effectiveness of fertilisers. For the pot experiment, the relative effectiveness values of freshly applied NCRP and Calciphos for all soils were 0.2-0.3 and 0.1-0.2 respectively. The corresponding values for the field experiment were 0.1-0.3 for NCRP and 0.1 for Calciphos. For the pot experiment, the relative effectiveness of freshly applied QRP on all soils ranged from 0.03 to 0.1, compared with from 0.1 to 0.3 for the field experiment. The relative effectiveness of all fertilisers declined markedly with successive crops (i.e. crops 2-5) in the pot experiment, whereas in the field experiment the relative effectiveness of QRP and NCRP showed no systematic change for the 3-years of the experiment. For the pot experiment the relative effectiveness of residual MCP decreased to about 0.3, 0.2 and 0.1, compared with 0.5, 0.2 and 0.5 for the field experiment for West Dale, South Bodallin and Gibson soils, respectively. For the pot experiment and for all soils the residual relative effectiveness of NCRP and Calciphos was about 0.01- 0.04, compared with 0.003-0.02 for QRP. For the field experiment the corresponding values were 0.05-0.2 for NCRP and Calciphos and 0.01-0.1 for QRP. For both the pot and the field experiments the relationship between yield and phosphorus content was sometimes dependent on fertiliser type.
Effects of plant spacing on yield, size and kernel fill of sweetcorn
Authors: Rogers IS , Lomman GJ
Published: March 2005

The effect of plant density (1.1-20 plants/ m2) on the yield of cobs, weight per cob and per cent kernel fill was determined for 3 types of sweetcorn (Zea mays), viz. sugary, sugary enhanced and shrunken, in 1984-85 and 1985-86 at Oakbank in South Australia. Response curves were fitted by inverse linear, inverse quadratic or quadratic equations. Of the shrunken (super sweet) cultivars Honey Sweet yielded highest, with 30.2 and 28.3 t/ha at densities of 14.0 and 11.2 plants/m2, which was marginally below (P>0.05) the yield of sugary (traditional), Golden Early Improved (31-6 t/ha at 7.5 plants/m2). Maximum mean weights of cobs of Honey Sweet in 1984-85 and 1985-86 were 0.40 and 0.38 kg at densities of 7.1 and 6.6 plants/m2. Most other cultivars produced the largest cob weight at 1.1 plants/m2. Sugar Sweet yielded less than Honey Sweet, but filled a higher percentage of the cob with kernels at all densities. There was 95.1% kernel fill at optimum density of 7.0 plants/m2 for Sugar Sweet compared with 90.6% for Honey Sweet for which the optimum density was not clearly defined. In the other cultivars, kernel fill declined as density increased from 1.1 to 20. Highest gross margins for Honey Sweet were obtained at 8-12 plants/m2 but, above 8 plants/m2, kernel fill and cob size rapidly decreased.
Evaluation of postharvest infiltration of calcium to delay the ripening of avocados
Authors: Wills RBH , Sirivatanapa S , Somjate Sirivatanapa
Published: March 2005

Postharvest vacuum infiltration of calcium into mature but unripe Hass and Fuerte avocados obtained from 80 growers in the 3 major growing districts in Australia over 2 seasons delayed the time to ripen compared with untreated fruit; but the magnitude of the response varied. Hass fruit from 66% of growers in the Murray Valley showed a significant delay in ripening and the average increase in fruit from all growers was 45% over that of untreated fruit. The response of Fuerte fruit was similar between districts, with an average delay in ripening time of about 30% and with fruit from 60% of growers having a significant increase. Hass fruit from North Queensland and northern New South Wales gave the lowest average delay in ripening of about 10% and an increased delay was significant for fruit from 25% of growers. The quality of ripe Hass fruit was not affected by calcium infiltration, whereas a slight decrease in the quality of Fuerte fruit was observed.
Comparison of purebred and crossbred dairy cattle for Victoria: estimation of genetic effects for yield
Authors: Madgwick PA , Goddard ME
Published: March 2005

The yield performances of pure and crossbred dairy cattle (bred by artificial insemination) were compared using a sample of 253 422 herd-recorded Victorian dairy cattle. Pure breed groups included Holstein-Friesian (HF), Jersey (Jer), Ayrshire (Ayr), Guernsey (Gue) and Australian Illawarra Shorthorn (AIS), although numbers of Ayr, Gue and AIS were very small. The model analysed included breed additive and maternal effects, as well as heterosis and epistatic effects. Sire's Australian Breeding Value and number of generations of A1 breeding were also included. Purebred HF was found to outproduce all other purebred groups for kilograms of fat and litres of milk. Jer produced 14 kg fat (8%) and 850 L milk (22%) per lactation less than HF. Maternal breed had an effect with Jer and Gue dams being superior to HF (and other) dams. Heterosis for yield was of the order of 3% (or 5 kg fat and 110 L milk). There was no evidence of recombination loss in the crossbred groups. After combining estimates of direct, maternal and heterosis effects, HF x Jer, AIS x HF and Ayr x HF (where the first breed is breed of sire) were all found to compare equally or favourably with purebred HF for yield.
Effect of early life selection using indirect characters on the subsequent incidence of fleece rot in a flock of South Australian Merino ewes
Authors: James PJ , Warren GH , Ponzoni RW , MacLachlan HG
Published: March 2005

Correlations were estimated between 24 fleece and body characters measured at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years of age, and fleece rot induced by artificial wetting at 4 years of age in South Australian Merino ewes. The character most strongly and consistently related to fleece rot was greasy wool colour score which was correlated with fleece rot score when measured at all 4 ages (r = 0.21, 0.22, 0.31 and 0.26 respectively) and with liability to fleece rot when measured in 3 and 4-year-olds (r = 0.25, 0.38). A number of discriminant functions were developed from characters measured at each age and used to predict fleece rot susceptibility at 4 years of age. Culling 45% of hoggets on the basis of a function comprised of all characters measured would have reduced fleece rot by 39.3%. Culling on the basis of functions comprised of more manageable groups of characters (i.e. selected as (i) contributing significantly to the function when all characters were included, or (ii) on the basis of previous recommendations) would have reduced fleece rot by between 7.4 and 15.7% when 45% of hoggets were culled. Lower culling rates gave less reduction in fleece rot, except where the reduction was very small regardless of the per cent culled. It is concluded that in most practical situations there will be limited benefit from selecting ewes on the basis of indirect characters to reduce fleece rot susceptibility in the current generation.
Consol lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula complex) controls spiny burrgrass (Cenchrus spp.) in south-western New South Wales
Authors: Johnston WH
Published: March 2005

Experiments established 30 km north and 30 km south of Urana N.S.W. in 1980 and 198 1, on areas heavily infested with spiny burrgrass, showed that lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) varieties Consol and accession 4660 were more easily and reliably established than buffel grass or lucerne. Lovegrass persisted up to 1988 and continued to spread, despite 3 extremely dry summer periods and uncontrolled grazing. It achieved virtual control of spiny burrgrass after 4 years. Lucerne failed to persist in 3 out of 4 sowings, and only persisted where phosphorus had been applied. Lovegrass density was highest where fertiliser was not applied. Lovegrass can be recommended for controlling spiny burrgrass on infertile, sandy textured soils in low rainfall environments where the use of lucerne is uneconomic or its establishment and management are difficult.
Effect of gypsum on vertisols of the Gwydir Valley, New South Wales. 1. Soil properties and wheat growth
Authors: McKenzie DC , So HB
Published: March 2005

The effect of gypsum on the properties and crop productivity of 6 contrasting vertisols of the Gwydir Valley, New South Wales was investigated in 1978 and 1979. These soils are often used for dryland wheat production, although crop growth is generally restricted by their structural instability. In 2 of the soils used in our study, the surface aggregates were sodic and dispersive (poor soils), 2 were relatively stable when wetted (good soils), whilst the other 2 soils had surface aggregates that were intermediate in behaviour (intermediate soils). The effects of added gypsum at 4 rates (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 t ha-1) on soil water profiles, soil properties and the growth of wheat were monitored over a 2 year period. Dryland wheat grain yields were increased by as much as 230% following the application of gypsum. Benefits were most pronounced on clays with sodic topsoils, a high water-holding capacity and adequate nutrition; plant response to gypsum on nearby soils with non-dispersive surfaces was less pronounced. Yield increases were associated with better seedling establishment, greater tiller production, increased grain weight, and lower incidence of 'Crown Rot' disease. Plant response to gypsum was related to improved water penetration into the soil, allowing greater storage of water in the subsoil, rather than loss via evaporation and possibly runoff. Increases as high as 137% in the soil water storage to a depth of 1.2 m were observed. Crop performance was also strongly influenced by rainfall, time of sowing and weed control. Where nitrogen and, to a lesser extent, phosphorus, were deficient in gypsum-treated soil, they had to be added before the extra soil water could be utilised effectively by wheat. On the lighter textured clays, gypsum appeared to aggravate nitrogen deficiency, apparently because of enhanced leaching.
Low rainfall rarely limits wheat yields in southern New South Wales
Authors: Cornish PS , Murray GM
Published: March 2005

Alternative models were compared for predicting the yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum) from water-use and water-use efficiency. A locally derived empirical model most closely predicted experimental yields at Wagga Wagga and was used to compute water-limited potential yields for the district surrounding Wagga Wagga for the period 1960-84. District yields were close to the predicted potential in dry years, but reached a plateau of about 2.0 t/ha regardless of rainfall and the water-limited potential yield. The yields were less than 50% of potential when water-use exceeded 300 mm, which occurred in 19 years between 1960 and 1984. Some individual farmer-yields approached the potential. These results are similar to others from South Australia. Together, they suggest that low rainfall does not directly limit yield in many years over much of the wheat belt of southern and south-eastern Australia. We suggest therefore that an analysis of the reasons for low yield on farms could lead to substantial increases in yield for many farmers.
Lupin as a biological plough: evidence for, and effects on wheat growth and yield
Authors: Henderson CWL
Published: March 2005

The effects of the density of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L. cv. Illyarrie) taproots on a following wheat crop (Tritium aestivum L. cv. Gutha) were investigated on a compacted, earthy sand soil near Geraldton, Western Australia. In 1985, plots were sown to lupins at densities ranging from 35 to 220 plants m-2. Because peak lupin biomass varied by less than 25%, and 100 kg N ha-1 of mineral fertiliser was supplied to the wheat, the effects of variation in residual N from the lupins were considered to be minimal. In 1986, all plots were split for shallow or deep tillage and wheat sown. There were no effects of tillage or lupin density on stored soil water at sowing. Growth and yield of wheat on the shallow tilled plots increased linearly with lupin plant density in the previous year, to equal or better wheat yields on the deep tilled plots, which were unaffected by lupin density. At normal farm lupin plant densities, the biological plough effect was estimated to improve wheat yields by 100 kg ha-1, substantially less than the benefits from nitrogen fixation and breaks in disease cycles. Nevertheless, it still suggests that lupin stand densities should be maintained or increased in crop rotations on compacted sands.
Susceptibility of almond and cherry rootstocks and scions to Phytophthora species
Authors: Wicks TJ
Published: March 2005

Almond seedlings of Mission and Chellaston, cultivars which are commonly used as almond rootstocks, were susceptible to Phytophthora cambivora when grown in infested soil, whereas Nemaguard rootstocks were resistant. Hybrid seedlings of Nemaguardxalmond were susceptible to P. cambivora, whereas Titan a late flowering mutant of Nonpareil almond, showed some resistance. Cherry rootstocks of Colt, Mahaleb, Mazzard and Stockton Morello were not resistant to P. cambivora with Mahaleb being the most susceptible.The inherent susceptibility of almond and cherry rootstocks did not change after they had been grafted to a more susceptible cultivar.