bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A scheme for preliminary study of soil fertility in a district
Authors: McArthur WM , Spencer K
Published: March 2005

A scheme is proposed as a basis for soil fertility studies in areas where little information is available. The first stage consists of sampling the area on a grid and determining the patterns of variation in the status of those nutrient elements likely to be deficient. These patterns are then compared with intensity patterns of environmental (including edaphic) variables. Where the two sets of variables can be quantified, regression analysis may be used to estimate the closeness of the relationship ; otherwise the relationship must be assessed visually from the degree of conformity between patterns. Those environmental variables that relate, causally or otherwise, to the distribution of components of chemical fertility are identified by strong correlations. Information so gained may be used in subsequent agronomic studies, both as a guide to number and location of field plots and as a framework for studies in soil chemistry and pedology. The scheme is illustrated using data derived from studies on the Dorrigo Plateau of New South Wales. Factors relating closely to phosphorus, sulphur, molybdenum, and nitrogen distribution were identified. In no case could one factor be used to predict the adequacy of all nutrients.
Effect of soil management, pH, and fertilizers on Packham's Triumph and Josephine de Malines pears
Authors: Selimi A , Keatley JC
Published: March 2005

The effects of soil management, liming (soil pH), and fertilizers on Packham's Triumph and Josephine de Malines pears under irrigation conditions were studied. The management systems were cultivation, straw mulch, bare surface, and white clover sward. The fertilizers were phosphorus and nitrogen (on straw mulch only), potash and nitrogen (on bare surface only), nitrogen on clover sward only, and calcium as agricultural lime and nitrogen (on cultivation only). Treatment effects were expressed as yield or vigour differences between pre-trial and post-trial periods. Packham's gave similar yield of fruit whether on cultivation or straw mulch. The yield from clover sward and bare surface was much lower than from straw mulch trees. Tree vigour was best under straw mulch and similar within the other treatments. For Josephine, all treatments yielded equally, but tree vigour was best under straw mulch plots. Packham's under bare surface and receiving the highest dressing of potassium sulphate yielded better than the unfertilized trees. Josephine under straw mulch and receiving the highest dressing of superphosphate yielded better than unfertilized trees. Under clover sward, Packham's receiving no artificial nitrogen had lower yield than those receiving standard dressing of nitrogen (0.7 metric tons per hectare of ammonium sulphate). Under these conditions, there were no differences in the yield of Josephines, whether they had artificial nitrogen or not. Packham's under cultivation had similar yield at pH 5.0, 6.5, or 7.5. Josephines, however, yielded much better at pH 6.5 and 7.5 than at pH 5.0.
Studies on some solodic soils in north-eastern Queensland. 1. Morphological and chemical characteristics
Authors: Crack BJ , Isbell RF
Published: March 2005

Morphological and chemical data are presented for solodic and solodized-solonetz soils occurring in north-eastern Queensland under a strongly seasonal summer rainfall. Mean annual totals range from 26 in, to 70 in. The soils have slightly acid sandy to loamy A horizons, often strongly bleached, and abruptly underlain by hard dense clay R horizons which are strongly alkaline at depth. Profiles show variable chemical properties but many surface elements show relatively little variability within or between areas sampled. Data for such elements may be interpolated for sites within the area studied. Major chemical features are low nitrogen and phosphorus levels which show little variation between areas sampled. The exchangeable calcium : magnesium ratio of surface soils is narrow but values do not suggest deficiencies or imbalance. In the subsoils magnesium and sodium are the dominant exchangeable cations. Exchangeable and acid-extractable potassium values are variable in surface horizons, and data indicate sufficiency in the lower rainfall areas with likelihood of deficiency under higher rainfall. The soils have several adverse physical properties.
The influence of (2-chloroethyl) trimethylammonium chloride (CCC) and gibberellic acid on wheat yields
Authors: Lowe LB , Carter OG
Published: March 2005

In two field experiments in which wheat was grown under high levels of nitrogenous fertiliser CCC treated plants outyielded the controls. even though in one of these no lodging occurred. This increase in grain yield was mainly due to an increase in the number of grains produced per ear, with a smaller contribution from a stimulation of tillering. The increased number of grains per ear may be due to the delay in ear emergence which occurs in CCC treated plants. In plants treated with G.A. before anthesis, in the absence of CCC, the time to ear emergence was shorter than in the control plants and the grain yield was greatly reduced.
Effect of shearing on meat production of carryover lambs under dry farming conditions
Authors: Bath JG
Published: March 2005

In three experiments at the Rutherglen Research Station in north-eastern Victoria, groups of shorn and unshorn crossbred lambs, grazing together, were carried over the summer on mature pasture and finished for meat production on green paddock feed. Shearing had no effect on the rate of growth, carcase weight, and carcase grade of the lambs. These results differ from those reported elsewhere on irrigated pasture and the reasons for this are discussed Grass seeds were not a problem in the dry pasture due to the method of grazing management.
An agronomic evaluation of Medicago tornata cv. Tornafield, a new medic cultivar
Authors: Poole ML
Published: March 2005

An experiment was carried out to compare Tornafield, the first commercial cultivar of M. tornata, with other annual medics in terms of top growth, burr and seed production, times of flowering and burr formation, and seed coat impermeability. Medicago tornata CV. Tornafield, M. littoralis CV. Harbinger, and M. truncatula CV. Jemalong were sown at two seeding rates, 6 and 60 lb per acre, and three times of planting, May, June, and July, into a sandy surfaced slightly acid soil in a winter rainfall environment of Western Australia. There were no significant differences in total top growth. In several other characteristics Torafield appeared to be superior. It set more seed than the other medics although it flowered a week late than Harbinger medic, and its seed coat impermeability declined more rapidly in the following summer. This suggests that it may regenerate better than medics available at present. It is concluded that M. tornata is a promising pasture species worthy of further testing.
Studies on seed pelleting as an aid to legume seed inoculation. 2. Survival of Rhizobium meliloti applied to medic seed sown into dry soil
Authors: Brockwell J , Whalley RDB
Published: March 2005

Seed of Medicago truncatula and Medicago littoralis, with and without lime pelleting and inoculation, was sown dry into medic-free, Rhizobim meliloti-free soils at 12 sites in the Western Division of New South Wales. At the different sites, periods between 1 and 88 days elapsed before germinating rain fell. Seedling nodulation was used as the index of inoculant survival. Nodulation was variable, but the variation was independent of the time between sowing and germination. Best nodulation occurred in treatments in which peat inoculant was incorporated within a lime pellet around the seed. These treatments were superior to others where broth inoculant was incorporated in the pellet or where peat inoculant was applied externally to pelleted or unpelleted seed. Nodulation was improved by incorporating an increased level of peat inoculant in the pellet. In storage, a very low survival rate was recorded in all treatments except those incorporating peat inoculant within the pellet. The results are discussed in relation to the practicalities of pre-inoculation techniques and of sowing inoculated medic seed into dry seed beds.
Control of black-end and squirter diseases in bananas with benzimidazole and salicylanilide compounds
Authors: Allen RN
Published: March 2005

Several fungicides were evaluated for the control of black-end and squirter diseases caused by Nigrospora sphaerica, in banana fruit using a technique of artificial inoculation and incubation simulating natural conditions. Satisfactory control was obtained with benomyl at a concentration (in dipping solutions) of 10 p.p.m., with three formulations of thiabendazole at 100 p.p.m., and with two formulations of salicylanilide at 1000 p.p.m. Parbendazole and 2-phenyl benzimidazole, each at 1000 p.p.m., did not give satisfactory control.
Resistance to common root rot (Cochliobolur sativus) in wheat in Queensland
Authors: Purss GS
Published: March 2005

The field resistance to common root rot (Cochliobolus sativus) of wheat lines, graded for their reaction to this disease in Canada, was determined under Queensland conditions. Several Australian varieties were also examined. Lines considered resistant and susceptible in Canada behaved in a similar fashion under Queensland conditions, while Australian varieties were generally intermediate. Discolouration of the sub-crown internode was the commonest symptom of the disease and was associated generally with a decrease in individual plant yield and in the number of heads on each plant. Discolouration of the sub-crown internode associated with Pyrenochaeta sp. in one experiment gave a varietal reaction pattern similar to that obtained with C. sativus at other sites. There appears little relationship between varietal reaction to common root rot and that previous1 reported to crown rot (Gibberella zeae).
Comparison of spray warning systems used in the control of blue mould (Peronospoar tabacina) of tobacco in Victoria
Authors: Paddick RG
Published: March 2005

Four methods for predicting an increase in the incidence and severity of blue mould were compared for their effectiveness as spray warning systems to indicate the need to apply fungicides for control of the disease. Cruickshank's Formula, based on temperature and relative humidity, was found unsatisfactory and was discarded after one season. A modified Cruickshank Formula and a spray warning system based on the occurrence of rain gave promising results when high disease indices were recorded in untreated plots but not when disease indices were low. The Synoptic Forecast system, based on Collins' 'Critical Relative Humidity' gave better results than the other systems but was inferior to weekly treatments. Weekly fungicidal treatment provided the most effective control of blue mould. Three fungicides were used in conjunction with different spray warning systems to investigate possible interaction. No difference was found between 0.2 per cent zineb spray, 15 per cent zineb dust, and 0.2 per cent maneb spray in these experiments. Leaf quality (grade index) was not adversely affected by any of the fungicides at the concentration or frequency with which they were used.
A nutritional evaluation of diets containing meat meal for growing pigs. 6. Amino acid and mineral-vitamin-antibiotic supplements for maize-meat meal diets
Authors: Batterham ES
Published: March 2005

Maize-meat meal and maize-meat and bone meal diets were supplemented with dl-tryptophan, l-lysine or a mineral-vitamin-antibiotic (MVA) premix and fed to pigs during the 1s to 45 kg growth phase. Diets were offered at an estimated 145 kcal of digestible energy and 7g crude protein per kg liveweight per day. The basal maize-meat meal diet produced poor growth and feed conversion and the combined addition of all three supplements increased growth by 46 per cent, feed conversion by 21 per cent, and lean in the ham by 4.7 per cent. This effect resulted from responses to dl-tryptophan, the MVA and an interaction between dl-tryptophan and l-lysine, with l-lysine depressing gain and feed conversion in the absence of dl- tryptophan and increasing gain, feed conversion, and lean in the ham in its presence. The basal maize-meat and bone meal diet also produced poor growth and feed conversion, and the combined addition of all three supplements resulted in an 82 per cent increase in growth, a 35 per cent increase in feed conversion, and a 3.3 per cent increase in lean in the ham. Both dl-tryptophan and MYA separately increased growth and feed conversion and combined they had an even greater effect. The l-lysine increased feed conversion and lean in the ham. The l-lysine also increased growth rates on the dl-tryptophan supplemented diets, but this effect was not significant (P>0.05).
A nutritional evaluation of diets containing meat meal for growing pigs. 7. The value of meat meal as a potein supplement to barley, oats, sorghum and wheat based diets
Authors: Batterham ES , Manson MB
Published: March 2005

The comparative value of meat meal as a protein supplement to barley, oats, sorghum, and wheat-based diets was investigated for pigs during the 18-45 kg growth phase. Diets were offered at the rate of 129 kcal digestible energy and 7 g crude protein per kg liveweight per day. Two methods of estimating digestible energy in the diets were also examined. The major differences recorded (Pt0.05) were : Growth rates-Wheat barley and sorghum, oats and barley sorghum. Feed conversion ratios-Wheat barley: oats and sorghum. Protein efficiency ratios-Wheat and oats barley sorghum. Lean in ham-Oats and barley sorghum and wheat. When the magnitude of all differences was considered the results indicated that the protein quality of the sorghum-meat meal diet was lower than that of the other three diets. The correlation between digestible energy values estimated by two methods (energy in feed X dry matter digestibility) and (energy in feed-energy in faeces/feed intake) was significant (r = 0.98)
Relative economic importance of some wool quality traits for Merino and crossbred wool types
Authors: Mullaney PD , Sanderson ID
Published: March 2005

The economic weights of various quality traits of both Merino and crossbred wool types hive been estimated. Australian averages of clean wool prices for Australian Wool Board wool types, into which mid-side samples of fleece were classified, have been used.For each of fifteen seasons, 1953-54 to 1967-68, the mean clean wool price for each wool type was expressed as a percentage of the mean wool price for all types in that season. Rank correlations for price-type means were high between seasons, varying between 0.91 and 0.98. Further analyses were therefore performed using prices averaged for the 15 seasons. Multiple regression analyses were carried out, the dependent variable being the mean price for each fleece type, expressed as a percentage of the average price of all types for al) seasons and the independent variables being the measurement of fibre diameter, crimps per inch and length, and the subjective gradings of colour, handle, character, and quality number. For both Merino and crossbred wool types, the major determinants of price were quality number, colour, and handle, with quality number being of overwhelming importance. The remaining variables were not important as joint determinants of price, and were deleted from the analyses. Quality number, colour, and handle controlled about 81 and 86 per cent of the variation in price for Merino and crossbred wool types. It is likely that most progress in selection for wool production would be made by incorporating these findings into a selection index.
The effects of cutting frequency on yield of Hunter River lucerne grown at wide and close spacing in the Mediterranean climate of South Australia
Authors: Leach GJ
Published: March 2005

Hunter River lucerne, sown in April, June, and August, was planted out at 60 cm X 60 cm or 20 cm X 20 cm spacings on a red brown earth soil. Plants were cut 2.5 cm above ground level every six to eight weeks (standard cutting), or twice as often (frequent cutting), for two years : the yield of dry matter and number of stems per plant were measured at each cut. Yields were smallest in late summer and autumn, and largest in late spring and early summer. Treatments generally had little effect on the seasonal growth rhythm. Frequent cutting nearly always decreased yields. The relative decrease was greatest when standard cut plants were growing most rapidly in late spring, and it was also greater with wide spacing than close spacing. Wide-spaced plants yielded more per plant, and less per unit area, than close-spaced plants, except in late summer. Sowing time influenced yield only until the middle of the first summer. Number of stems per plant, and the mean weight of each stem, were both smallest in autumn and winter, and largest in spring and early summer. Frequent cutting slightly, and increasingly, decreased stem numbers relative to the number present with standard cutting during the experiment. The number of stems per plant was largest, and generally increased throughout, at wide spacing, whereas at close spacing maximum stem numbers were attained in the establishment year. Weight per stem showed greater seasonal variation than numbers. Low winter yields and low yields with frequent cutting could both be largely attributed to the small stem weights. Some implications of these results for lucerne management, and breeding for yield improvement, are discussed.
Tests for phosphates from Rum Jungle, Northern Territory
Authors: Fisher MJ , Norman MJT
Published: March 2005

Phosphate-rich rock from Rum Jungle, N.T., was tested as fertilizer against Christmas Island rock phosphate dust (CIRPD) and superphosphate in two pot and three field experiments. The Rum Jungle material had little short-term value as fertilizer, but the long-term residual effects were about 60 per cent of those of CIRPD. Calcining at 450�C gave a marked improvement in short-term response in pots, but had little effect in a long-term field experiment. Pelletting the Rum Jungle material with sulphur and Thiobacillus ('biosuper') increased its effectiveness in the field at the end of the second year to the equivalent of that of superphosphate.
Effect of rootstocks of oriental origin on pears under irrigation in the Goulburn Valley
Authors: Selimi A , Keatley JC
Published: March 2005

The effects of seven Pyrus species of oriental origin as rootstocks for Williams' Bon Chretien, Packham's Triumph, Josephine de Malines, and Winter Nelis pears were studied in a 16-year field trial at Tatura Horticultural Research Station. For Williams' Bon Chretien, Packham's Triumph, and Josephine de hfalines varieties, P. betulaefolia, P. calleryana (Db), P. calleryana (small fruited), and P. pashia (var. Kumaoni), yielded more and produced larger trees (P<0.01) than P. calleryana (large fruited), P. serotina, or Kieffer X d�Anjou stocks. For Winter Nelis variety, all stocks but P. calleryana (large fruited) which cropped poorly, yielded a similar crop. The most vigorous trees were on stocks of P. pashia (var. Kumaoni), P. betulaefolia, and P. calleryana (small fruited). For Williams' Bon Chretien, P. serotina, and P. calleryana (small fruited) were the last to crop. For Packham's Triumph, P. serotina and Kieffer X d�Anjou stocks were the most precocious. For Josephine de Malines pears, all stocks except Kieffer X d'Anjou and P. calleryana (large fruited) were late croppers, and for Winter Nelis the earliest croppers were Kieffer x d�Anjou, P. calletyana (D6) and P. betulaefolia. Williams' Bon Chretien began cropping two years earlier than the other three varieties. Winter Nelis variety was free of black-end disorder on all stocks, but the other three varieties produced black-ended fruit on all stocks except P. calleryana (D6).
Evaluation of methods for the control of damage to apples by dimpling bug in Tasmania
Authors: Terauds A
Published: March 2005

An investigation begun in 1965 into the dimpling of apples in northern Tasmania revealed that it was caused by a mirid bug. This insect, commonly called the dimpling bug, was identified as Rhodolygus milleri Ghauri, and it was found to breed in Cupressus macrocarpa Gord. In northern Tasmania where macrocarpa hedges are common orchard windbreaks, severe dimpling damage to fruit, especially Granny Smith apples, was widespread. Control experiments showed that orchard sprays gave no reduduction in dimpling injury. Treatment of macrocarpa before adult bugs had developed, with 0.1 per cent DDT or 0.05 or 0.075 per cent vamidothion, caused severe mortality of dimpling bugs on macrocarpa with a consequent lessening of dimpling bug damage in adjacent orchards.
Voluntary consumption of low quality roughage by sheep during cold exposure
Authors: Weston RH
Published: March 2005

Measurements were made of the feed intakes, heart rates and bad., Y weights of adult sheep with a short fleece (0.3-1.2 cm) that were offered a low quality roughage diet and maintained in a cold environment. Feed intake was higher during cold exposure than under thermoneutral conditions. The increase in feed intake usually began in the second week of cold exposure and maximum intakes were generally shown in the third and fourth weeks. The increases were relatively small, the mean feed intakes in the third and fourth week of cold exposure being 9 to 15 per cent or 1.5-2.3 g organic matter/day/kg body weight above those under thermoneutral conditions. Heart rate values of up to 116 beats per minute during cold exposure indicated that energy expenditure was higher in the cold than under thermoneutral conditions. The increases in energy intake in the cold did not always compensate for the additional energy expenditure and body weight losses of up to 5.5 kg in four weeks of cold exposure were recorded. It was concluded that a regime of ad lib. feeding with low quality roughage would be of limited value in maintaining short fleeced sheep subjected to cold exposure. The data were also considered to be consistent with the conclusion that the intake of the wheaten hay diet was limited by the resistance of the dietary organic matter to removal from the rumen rather than by a metabolic effect of a nutrient deficiency.
Survival feeding of pregnant and lactating cows under simulated drought conditions on all-sorghum grain rations with and without added calcium
Authors: Morris JG , Gartner RJW
Published: March 2005

Eleven pairs of twin cows were fed a drought ration of either 3 kg or 4 kg of sorghum grain per head per day. The grain fed to one member of each twin pair was supplemented with 1 per cent limestone whereas the other twin received the same quantity of grain without limestone. The rations were fed to the cows during the last 100 days of pregnancy and first 10 weeks of lactation. Cows fed 3 kg sorghum grain a day had a significantly greater rate of body weight loss than those fed 4 kg grain during pregnancy but not during lactation. No clinical signs of calcium deficiency were observed in cows fed the all-grain ration without 1 per cent limestone nor was rate of body weight loss affected. Neither the birth weight nor the growth rate of the calves was affected by the addition of calcium to the ration ; however, calves suckling cows fed 4 kg grain a day had a significantly greater rate of body weight gain than those suckling cows fed 3 kg grain.
Correction - Salinity response of cultivars of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris)
Authors: Graham TWG , Humphreys LR
Published: March 2005

Five buffel grass cultivars were grown in solution culture at levels of 0.5, 40, 80, and 160 m. equiv. NaCl/l. Yields did not differ between cultivars at the highest level of NaCl, and the more productive cultivars under low salinity conditions, Tarewinnabar, Biloela, and American, suffered greatest potential yield reduction and accumulated highest sodium concentrations. Biloela cultivar maintained relatively high yields up to the 80 m. equiv. NaCl/l level.
Production and persistence of six lucerne cultivars at Narrabri, NSW
Authors: Launders TE
Published: March 2005

Seasonal yields and persistence of Hunter River and three introduced lucerne (Medicago sativa) cultivars (African, Du Puits, and Hairy Peruvian) were compared with two C.S.I.R.O.-bred lines, a hay type (C.1212) and a creeping type (Cancreep), over a five-year period between 1963 and 1968 under dryland conditions at Narrabri, New South Wales. After two years, Hunter River had significantly higher plant density than all other cultivars. By maintaining this superiority throughout the experiment, it was never exceeded in dry matter production in any season after the third summer. Spring yields of Cancreep compared favourably with Hunter River for three seasons, and there was little difference between most cultivars for four summers. Cancreep and Hairy Peruvian matched Hunter River in autumn-winter production for two seasons. In all cases decline in production during the third and fourth years is attributed to a lack of persistence in cultivars other than Hunter River.
The digestibility and voluntary intake of six varieties of Panicum
Authors: Minson DJ
Published: March 2005

The digestibility and voluntary intake of P. coloratum CV. Kabulabula, P. coloratum var. Makarikariense CV. Burnett and C.P.I. 13372, P. maximum var. trichoglume CV. Petrie Green Panic, P. maximum cv. Coloniao guinea grass and Hamil were measured with sheep in metabolism pens. Each grass was cut eight to ten times at different growth stages and times of the year. Varieties differed (P<0.01) in their dry matter and organic matter digestibility but the maximum mean difference between varieties was only 2.8 and 3.4 per cent respectively. There were large differences in voluntary intake between grasses. P. maximum cv. Hamil had a voluntary intake 50 and 27 per cent greater than P. coloratum cv. Kabulabula when both had p dry matter digestibility of 50 and 60 per cent respectively. Voluntary intake of digestible organic matter of P. maximum CV. Hamil was 26 per cent higher than that of P. coloratum CV. Kabulabula. The higher intake of P. maximm occurred despite its having higher silicon percentages than P. coloratum. It was concluded that because of the biased relation between intake and digestibility selection of grasses on the basis of digestibility determinations alone could be a misleading guide to their nutritional value.
Expression of the creeping-rooted habit in Cancreep Lucerne in South Australia in relation to plant vigour and summer cutting frequency
Authors: Leach GJ
Published: March 2005

Cancreep lucerne was planted at 30 cm intervals in rows 60 cm apart, and was either irrigated or not irrigated during the summer. In half the irrigated plots three Hunter River plants were inter- planted in the rows between each Cancreep plant. From December to the end of March plants were cut every 4 weeks, every 8 weeks, or were uncut for 16 weeks. The expression of the creeping-rooted habit was observed. Only 14 per cent of the plants in the pure Cancreep plots were creeping one year after establishment; none was creeping in the mixed Hunter River and Cancreep plots. Cutting at different frequencies had no effect on the expression of the creeping-rooted habit.
A comparative study of two methods of applying CCC ((2-chloroethyl) trimethylommonium chloride) to wheat
Authors: Lowe LB , Carter OG
Published: March 2005

Wheat, CV. Timgalen, was grown under high fertility (225 kg N per hectare) conditions and spray irrigation. CCC applied either as a powder with the seed or as a spray at jointing (5.6 kg CCC per hectare) increased grain yield. The higher grain yield was a result of prevention of lodging, of a greater density of ear bearing tillers, and of more grains per ear. Spraying was more effective than banding CCC with the seed and avoided the problem associated with slower seedling growth and increased weed competition.
Effect of planting time on the incidence of crown rot (Gibberella zeae) in wheat
Authors: Purss GS
Published: March 2005

In the time pf planting experiments with wheat conducted from 1963 1967 on the Darling Downs in QLD, late sowing always produced much less crown rot than early sowing. Although seed inoculated with a spore suspension of the casual fungus (Gibberella zeae) produced a higher percentage of diseased plants. The relation between time of planting and disease incidence was not disturbed. No direct relation between temperature or rainfall and disease incidence was apparent.
Some factors affecting the survival of the cereal root pathogen Ophiobolus graminis in wheat straw
Authors: Chambers SC
Published: March 2005

The saprophytic survival of Ophiobolus graminis was studied under laboratory and field conditions using artificially-infected wheat-straw buried in a Victorian Mallee soil.In pot tests, survival was prolonged by applications of ammonium sulphate, unaffected by superphosphate dressings and reduced by growing oats over infected straw. The observed effect if the nitrogenous soil amendment was not dependent upon the presence of Rhizoctonia solani as reported for South African soils.In a field experiment, survival was reduced significantly more by growing various plant species over infected straws than by maintaining fallow conditions. O graminis was isolated from all species, including dicotyledons, sown over infected straw
Selecting Merino rams for ability to withstand infertility caused by heat. 2. The effect of heat on scrotal and testicular blood flow
Authors: Fowler DG , Setchell BP
Published: March 2005

Rams selected for and against skin wrinkle (Folds Plus and Folds Minus) are known to differ in their susceptibility to infertility caused by heat. Rams of these types were therefore subjected to heat and the differences in their reactions studied in an attempt to cast light on the mechanisms involved in scrotal heat tolerance. An experiment to investigate the relationship between the degree of heat load to the scrotum and testes to ram fertility suggested that the scrotum and perhaps also the testes play an active role in modifying the damaging effects of high temperature. One of the factors that could influence the amount of heat reaching the testes is scrotal blood flow and this was found to increase with increases in scrotal temperature. Folds Minus rams showed greater increases than Folds Plus rams but only after 2.5 hours at a scrotal temperature of 40�C. In all rams the lower regions of the scrotum showed a greater increase in blood flow than upper regions. Folds Plus rams showed no increase in testicular blood flow as temperature increased but Folds Minus rams showed an increased testicular blood flow at 40�C.
The value of pepsin dry matter solubility for estimating the voluntary intake and digestibility of six Panicum varieties
Authors: Minson DJ , Haydock KP
Published: March 2005

The dry matter solubility in acid pepsin (P) was determined on 57 cuts of six Panicum varieties on which the voluntary intake (I), dry matter digestibility (D), and voluntary intake of digestible dry matter (ID) had been determined. I, D, and ID were each significantly (P<0.01) correlated with P (r = 0.67, 0.81, and 0.78). The residual standard deviation for I and ID was large due to the existence of different relations both within and between species of Panicum. The cause and the statistical implications of these biases are discussed and it was concluded that for practical purposes the method is of limited value.
Soil water changes under fallow-crop treatments in relation to soil type, rainfall and yield of wheat
Authors: Schultz JE
Published: March 2005

Soil water changes under fallow (initial cultivation in spring), grassland (initial cultivation in autumn) and the succeeding wheat crops were recorded at two to three weekly intervals in three consecutive seasons in three soil types representing the range of wheat-growing soils in South Australia. Differences in water content between the two treatments developed soon after the start of fallowing due to the greater loss of water from grassland in spring. Rainfall during the fallow period contributed little to soil water storage except in one year when heavy spring rains were recorded. In some instances the water content in the fallowed soils at seeding was less than at the start of fallowing, but the fallowed soils consistently retained more water than the grassland soils. Soil water contents decreased after August of the crop year (end of tillering) and by harvest the wheat crops had commonly dried the soil to a depth of 150 cm. Fallow crops used more water and produced significantly higher wheat yields with a greater efficiency of water use in all trials.
Effect of blossom thinning on fruit density, fruit size and seed count of Williams' Bon Chretien and Packham's Triumph pears
Authors: Selimi A
Published: March 2005

Effects on fruit density, fruit size, and fruit fertilization (seed count) of several degrees of fruit bud removal three to four weeks before bloom, was studied on Williams Bon Chretien and Packham's Triumph pears. The effects were studied in the presence or absence of cross pollination. Fruit set increased with increasing severity of blossom bud removal, indicating that poor setting was not due to faulty flowers. This was also confirmed by hand pollination of the clusters on unthinned limbs, where fruit set was much higher than on unthinned unpollinated limbs. Fruit density in Packham's was not reduced even by 80 per cent of fruit bud removal, and in Williams' fruit density was significantly reduced at 60 or 40 per cent of fruit bud removal, in a heavy or intermediate flowering years, respectively, whereas in a poor flowering year, fruit density was not significantly reduced even by 80 per cent of bud removal. Heavy thinning resulted in increased fruit size in Williams' but not in Packham's pears. Hand poIlination or bouquets increased seed number and fruit size greatly in \Villiams7 and increased seed number but not fruit size in Packham's.
Phlyctaena vagabunda Desm., Pezicula malicorticis (Jackson) Nannf., and other fungi associated with apple twigs
Authors: Penrose LJ
Published: March 2005

The apple fruit rotting fungi Phlyctaena vagabunda, Pezicula malicorticis and Botrytis cinerea were isolated from apple tree pruning stubs or cankers. This report constitutes the first record of Pezicula malicorticis in New South Wales. It is suggested that pruning stubs provide the source of infection for fruit rots caused by these fungi.
Short term heat stress and embryo mortality in the ewe
Authors: Thwaites CJ
Published: March 2005

Groups of mature Merino ewes were exposed to high air temperatures in a hotroom for three-day periods beginning on days 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the cycle (oestrus=day O). A fifth group was similarly treated for seven days beginning on day 1. Controls were kept in similar housing, but at prevailing air temperatures (11-21�C). Returns to service were significantly increased only in the group which received heat treatment between days 1 and 7 (75 versus 19 per cent in controls). Comparable figures for ewes treated on days 1-4, 2-5, 3-6, and 4-7 were 50, 25, 37.5, and 37.5 per cent respectively. Ovum wastage was significantly increased above the control level of 13.6 per cent in only the day 1-7 and 1-4 hotroom groups (83.3 and 54.4 per cent respectively; P<0.001). The results confirm that the sheep embryo is most susceptible to maternal heat stress during the period immediately after mating. In most sheep breeding areas, however, air temperatures sufficiently high as to induce embryonic death normally occur only during short term 'heat waves'. The present results indicate that such conditions are capable of causing embryo death, but that due to differences in mating dates, only a small proportion of ewes in a flock are likely to be affected at any one time.
Leaching by rain of sodium fluoroacetate ('1080') from baits used for rabbit control
Authors: Corr PV , Martire P
Published: March 2005

At Frankston, Victoria, the leaching of 1080 poison by rainfall was measured in two different types of pellet baits made from pollard, bran and molasses. The poison was applied in different ways and the results for pellets were compared with those for carrot and oat baits. Rainfall was a more important factor than time of exposure in the loss of poison from pellet baits. For all baits the rate of loss of poison was more rapid from baits with higher initial content of 1080 and the amount of poison remaining in the baits tended to a constant level after about 1.5 inches of rain. Varying the amount of fluid added with the poison and the method of application did not alter the rate of loss of poison. Poison was lost more rapidly from carrots than from pellets and oats. Pellets retrieved from the field during poisoning operations contained less poison than any of the pellets exposed in cages at Frankston, irrespective of rainfall or original poison content.
Studies on some neutral red duplex soils (Dr 2.12) in north-eastern Queensland. 1. Morphological and chemical characteristics
Authors: Crack BJ , Isbell RF
Published: March 2005

Morphological and chemical data are presented for neutral red duplex soils (Dr2.12) derived from granodiorite and diorite in north-eastern Queensland under a strongly seasonal summer rainfall. Mean annual totals range from about 24 inches (610 mm) to nearly 40 inches (1000 mm). The soils have slightly acid loamy A, horizons which overlie structured red clay B horizons of slightly acid to neutral reaction. C horizons containing much weathered rock occur at 50-70 cm and continue to depths exceeding two metres. Profiles show a consistent trend for many chemical properties ; a particular feature being the relatively high accumulation of phosphorus in the C horizon. Certain chemical analyses of surface soils are sufficiently consistent within and between sites to provide a broad regional characterization of plant nutrient status. The soils of the Charters Towers region have low nitrogen, organic carbon, and available phosphorus contents but potassium levels are moderate. Home Hill-Bowen soils are more variable but indicate generally higher fertility levels.
Association of premating liveweight to lambing performance of medium wool Merinos ewes
Authors: Suiter RJ , Fels HE
Published: March 2005

Analysis of data collected at Merredin and Wongan Hills between 1964 and 1969 showed that premating liveweight and lambing performance of medium woolled Merino ewes were correlated. For each 10 lb increase in liveweight of ewes there was: 1. a 2.9 per cent increase in lambs born at May-June lambing, 379 2. a 6.4 per cent increase in lambs born at July-August lambing, 3. a 3.2 per cent increase in twin births at May-June lambing, 4. a 5.6 per cent increase in twin births at July-August lambing. Equations for per cent ewes lambing demonstrated a reduction in ewes lambing both at low and high premating 1ive.weights for ewes lambing in July-August but not for those lambing in May-June. Significant interactions of premating liveweight and time of lambing were noted for both the per cent lambs born and the per cent ewes bearing twins.
Effects of strain, antibiotic supplement and diet calcium level on chick growth and feed conversion and on utilization of dietary energy and nitrogen
Authors: Connor JK , Neill AR
Published: March 2005

The effects of two antibiotics and four calcium levels on body weight, feed consumption and conversion, metabolizable energy, and nitrogen retention of two commercial broiler strains were examined in an experiment conducted from day-old to eight weeks of age. Comparable growth rates were obtained for both strains on diets containing from 1.1 to 1.7 per cent calcium. Efficiencies of feed conversion and metabolizable energy and nitrogen retention values were not significantly influenced by diet calcium level. Although both antibiotics gave comparable weight gains and efficiencies of feed conversion, metabolizable energy and nitrogen retention were significantly higher when bacitracin was fed as opposed to chlortetracycline. More energy was metabolized and more nitrogen was retained per unit of diet by the slower growing broiler strain.
Chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of some weed species during summer
Authors: Jones DB , Christian KR , Snaydon RW
Published: March 2005

Weed species were collected during the first three months of 1967 at Canberra and arbitrarily divided into those parts that were easily accessible to sheep and those that were not. The digestibility and nitrogen content of whole plants of some weed species and the more readily accessible parts of other species compared favourably with those of sown pasture species and were superior to those of native grasses.
The action of temperature fluctuations on hard seeds of subterranean clover
Authors: Hagon MW
Published: March 2005

Burrs of three cultivars of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) were placed in soil in a cold frame at Canberra so that they were subjected to daily temperature fluctuations of the order of 20-54�C. After three months and eight months the proportion of permeable seeds was significantly increased. Such seeds were conductive to water at one specific region of the testa-the strophiole. In a further experiment, under laboratory conditions, hard seeds were subjected to temperature fluctuations of 23-60�C with cycle lengths varying from 15 minutes to 1 hour. There was no reduction in the percentage of hard seeds except in two trials when that portion of each cycle at 60�C was greater than 45 minutes.
The effect of (2-chloroethyl) trimethylommonium chloride (CCC) on the growth and yield of wheat
Authors: Schultz JE
Published: March 2005

The effect of CCC on the growth of wheat in South Australia was assessed in three years, 1967 to 1969. A significant grain yield response was obtained only in the wet year, 1968, and was attributed to increased grain weight. It is suggested that the delay in heading and leaf senescence which occurred in CCC-treated plants allowed a greater assimilation of water and nutrients, thus producing the heavier grains. The lack of response in grain yield in 1967 and 1969 was probably due to moisture stress during gram filling. CCC reduced crop height significantly in 1968 and 1969, but not in the very dry year, 1967. There was evidence that split applications would be more useful than the single applications used in these experiments. Although CCC can give small increases in yield under some conditions, it is unlikely to be of commercial importance for wheat-growing in South Australia.
The effect of the frequency of ingestion of urea on voluntary feed intake, organic matter digestibility and nitrogen balance of sheep
Authors: Tudor GD , Morris JG
Published: March 2005

The effect of the frequency of ingestion of urea by wethers on the voluntary feed intake, organic matter digestibility, and nitrogen balance was determined. Two rations, one a pelleted mixture of sorghum stubble, sorghum grain, molasses, volatile fatty acids, and minerals (1.23 per cent N) and the other a cereal straw (0.44 per cent N) plus minerals, were used. All sheep, except a control group, received a total of 6 g of urea per day, as a drench, either in one dose of 6 g, two of 3 g, three of 2 g or two 6 g doses three hours apart on every second day. All sheep dosed with urea ate more feed than the control group. The increase was greater for those that received the straw than for those that received the pelleted ration. Feed intake increased with increasing frequency of urea administration. Urea also increased the organic matter digestibility of the cereal straw, and the nitrogen balance of sheep given this ration but did not affect digestibility or nitrogen balance in sheep fed the pelleted ration. Sheep fed cereal straw supplemented with urea lost significantly less weight than the unsupplemented sheep.
The effects of cottonseed supplementation on the productivity of an east Kimberley shorthorn cattle herd
Authors: McRHolm A
Published: March 2005

Basic herd production information, and the effects on production of cottonseed supplementation during the late dry season, were obtained from a herd of Shorthorn cattle under simulated range cattle conditions near Kununurra, Western Australia, over the period September 1967 to April 1970. Mean breeder liveweights fluctuated from a low in the late dry season (late December) to a high in the post wet season (June) by up to 86 kg per head. Calves continued to gain weight throughout the year, with rates of liveweight gain from 0.07 to 0.64 kg per day during the late dry season and wet season respectively. Under the uncontrolled mating conditions of the trial up to 65 per cent of the breeders were in calf between May and September, and as few as 20 per cent were recorded between October and March. Estimated calving percentages varied between 70-80 per cent with an average weaner turnoff of between 62 and 74 per cent. Supplementation with cottonseed arrested late dry season breeder liveweight losses to some extent in two of the three dry seasons. Calves from the supplemented group made higher liveweight gains during the late dry season period of supplementation than unsupplemented calves. The total number of calves weaned per 100 breeders during the trial was 177 for the supplemented herd and 171 for the nonsupplemented herd, with an average liveweight of 188 and 182 kg respectively. The applicability of these results to the surrounding pastoral areas is discussed.
Estimations of sampling intensities for the characterization of soil within experiment sites
Authors: Colwell JD
Published: March 2005

Estimates are made of the desirable number of soil core samples that should be taken from the sites of field experiments for the estimation of profile trends in chemical properties for between site comparisons. The estimates are made on the basis of the magnitude of within site variance relative to between site variance. Fewer samples are required when between site variance is high than when it is low. The data were obtained from the sites of experiments representing four great soil groups in southern New South Wales. The desirable number of samples varies amongst the soil groups, with the chemical properties and with depth down the soil profile. Estimates for mean profile trends and for the means of individual depth strata were similar, It is concluded that at least 9 to 12 core samples should be taken per site and preferably 29 to 40 to ensure reasonably safe estimates of profile trends in important chemical properties.
Quantitative effects of leaf and stem rusts on yield and quality of wheat
Authors: Keed BR , White NH
Published: March 2005

The effects of Puccinia recondita and/or P. graminis var. tritici on the yield and quality of four Australian wheat cultivars were measured in 18 field experiments. Fortnightly applications of Dithane. S-31(R) provided almost rust-free plots for comparison with plots in which rust was allowed to develop. Leaf and stem rust intensities were assessed using the key diagram of Large and Griffin. Leaf rust caused a maximum loss of yield of 26 per cent on Mendos and 22 per cent on Gamut. Stem rust on 1156.238 caused losses of up to 49 per cent while both leaf and stem rusts on Gabo resulted in a maximum yield loss of 55 per cent. With all four cultivars, most of the yield reduction was caused by a reduction in the weight of individual grains, reflected in the losses in 1,000 grain weights. Infection by leaf or stem rust generally resulted in a reduction in bushel weight and protein content.
Evaluation of benomyl, thiabendazole, benzene thiophanate and methyl thiophanate for control of banana stem end rot disease (Gloeosporium musarum)
Authors: Long PG
Published: March 2005

In two experiments in Western Samoa, benomyl gave better control of stem end rot disease of banana fruit over a range of concentrations and times of dipping than two new Japanese fungicides or several formulations of thiabendazole. Methyl thiophanate was comparable with thiabendazole but gave a better control when there was a time delay between inoculation and dipping the fruit. There was little difference between the thiabendazole formulations, all of which failed to give adequate control of the disease when there was a time delay between inoculation and dipping the fruit. Benzene thiophanate was the least satisfactory of the fungicides tested.