bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of several methods of applying superphosphate on yield response by wheat
Authors: Rudd CL , Barrow NJ
Published: March 2005

A useful method of analysing yield data from experiments comparing different methods and times of application of superphosphate is given. Responses by wheat at six sites in South Australia and two in Western Australia were analysed to compare the effectiveness of broadcast superphosphate (in December, March, or at seeding) with superphosphate drilled with the seed. Drilled phosphate was found to be about twice as effective as phosphate broadcast at seeding and three to four times as effective as phosphate broadcast in March or December. It is suggested that the 'effectiveness coefficients' could be used in making economic decisions on phosphate fertilizer practice.
Phytophthora drechsleri Tucker and Pythium spp. as pathogens of safflower in New South Wales
Authors: Stovold G
Published: March 2005

Pythiaceous fungi associated with a widespread root rot disease of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) in New South Wales include Phytophthora drechsleri, Pythium myriotylum, Pythium ultimum Pythium irregulare, Pythium acanthicum, and a number of sterile Pythium spp. Pathogenicity of these fungi was tested against safflower seedlings and older plants growing either in soil with moisture content at field capacity or in flooded soil. Phytophthora drechsleri, Pythium myriotylum, Pythium ultimum and Pythiumirregulare caused severe pre-emergence damping off. When safflower plants, three and eight weeks old, were inoculated with each of the fungi, only Phytophthora drechsleriand Pythium myriotylum killed a high proportion of plants. The pathogenicity of Phytophthora drechsleri, Pythium myriotylum, Pythium ultimum, and Pythium irregulare was increased by flooding the soil for ninety hours after inoculation. Phytophthora drechsleri was isolated from naturally infected saffron thistle (Carthamus lanatus). Cross inoculation tests with Phytophthora drechsleri isolates from safflower and saffron thistle showed that both isolates could infect each host. Saffron thistle could be an important alternative host of Phytophthora drechsleri in the field. It is concluded that Phytophthora drechsleri is the major cause of root rot of safflower in New South Wales.
Effect of time of joining and rate of stocking on the production of Corriedale ewes in southern Victoria. 1. Mating and lamb numbers
Authors: Davis IF , Kenney PA , Cumming IA
Published: March 2005

Mating and lambing over a three-year period (1968 to 1970) were studied for a flock of 540 ewes grazing annual pasture at Werribee, Victoria. Rams were joined with ewes over a six-week period either in February-March or in April-May and the ewes were stocked at three rates (5, 7.5 and 10 ewes per hectare). The proportion of ewes that lambed and the number of lambs born per ewe were greater when ewes were joined in April-May than in February-March. For the later joining there was little effect of stocking rate on either the proportion of ewes lambing or the number of lambs born per ewe. However, when ewes were joined in February-March, both the proportion of ewes lambing and the number of lambs born per ewe were reduced with each increase in stocking rate. Failure of ewes to lamb was a problem among maiden ewes in 1968 and was more pronounced for the ewes joined early than for those joined later in the breeding season. Among ewes stocked at 5 per hectare the proportion returning to service was higher than among ewes stocked at 7.5 and 10 per hectare.
Effects of soils, fertilizers and stocking rates on pastures and beef production on the Wallum of south-eastern Queensland. 2. Liveweight change and beef production
Authors: Evans TR , Bryan WW
Published: March 2005

Animal production was measured over a six-year period from grass-legume pastures receiving different maintenance rates of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, and continuously grazed at stocking rates of 1.23, 1.65 and 2.47 beasts ha-1. The pastures consisted of the grasses Chloris gayana, Digitaria decumbens, Paspalum dilatatum and P. commersonii and the legumes Desmodium intortum, D. uncinatum, L otononis bainesii, Macrop tilium lath yroides and Trifolium repens. Annual applications of 250 kg ha-1 superphosphate (9.6 per cent P) significantly increased animal production above applications of 125 kg ha-1 superphosphate, but there were no significant effects of increase in level of applied potassium (as KCI) beyond 63 kg ha-1. The greatest liveweight gain per hectare was obtained at a stocking rate of 2.47 beasts ha-1 but rate of liveweight change was more variable than at the other stocking rates. Conversely, daily liveweight gains per head and rate of turnoff were greatest at 1.23 beasts ha-1. Both stocking rates and levels of superphosphate affected quality of carcase produced, and there was a significant positive correlation of liveweight gain and legume content of the pastures.
Effect of spelling newly sown pastures
Authors: Smith RCG , Biddiscombe EF , Stern WR
Published: March 2005

Newly sown pure swards of Wimmera ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) were either grazed or spelled (deferred) for five weeks after emergence in autumn and then evaluated with young Merino wethers stocked at 10 sheep ha-1. Sheep on deferred pastures had higher intakes and liveweight than on plots continuously grazed. Spelling increased the availability of pasture for prehension due to a greater weight of herbage being offered and the more erect growth form. Under continuous grazing the animal productivity on clover was much lower than on ryegrass but following deferment, both species had similar productivity. The beneficial effects of spelling after emergence were manifest over the ensuing ten months by liveweight, fleeceweight and number of days of grazing. Spelling also increased seed reserves at the end of summer and the number of plants re-establishing at the beginning of the next growing season.
Effects of time and rate of paraquat application on yield and botanical composition of annual pastures containing subterranean clover in a Mediterranean climate
Authors: Barrett DW , Arnold GW , Campbell NA
Published: March 2005

Pastures containing subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and either Vulpia spp. or Bromus rigidus as the other major species were sprayed at 0, 0.07, 0.14 and 0.21 kg a.i. ha-1 of paraquat ion between June and early October in Western Australia. Spraying removed the grasses and produced pastures containing up to 95 per cent clover. Mid-winter applications were more effective in increasing clover content than those made in spring. These changes in botanical composition were evident in the year following spraying, but were less marked. Yields of dry matter were reduced by paraquat, especially 'in the period immediately following spraying. These losses tended to decline as the growing season progressed, but at the close they were still evident on the Bromus rigidus pasture sprayed in July. Yields at the end of the subsequent season were similar on all treatments. Paraquat applied in mid-August at 0.14 kg a.i. ha-1 to both pastures produced the greatest change in botanical composition with the minimum loss of yield. The concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium were higher in mature herbage on paraquat treatments. Total yields of nutrients were similar between treatments because of reduced dry matter yield.
Grass-white clover relationships during pasture development. 2. Effect of nitrogen fertilizer with superphosphate
Authors: Wolfe EC , Lazenby A
Published: March 2005

The development of an intermittently grazed phalaris-white clover pasture was studied from 1967 to 1970 following factorial annual applications of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 56, 11 2 kg N ha-1) and superphosphate (0, 188, 375 kg ha-1) onto a previously unfertilized site near Armidale, New South Wales. Each year superphosphate increased annual yields of phalaris, clover and total pasture. The response to superphosphate of phalaris was mainly linear, but in the final year of the experiment the yield of clover was greater at the intermediate rate (SP188) than at SP375. Nitrogen increased annual dry matter yields of phalaris and total pasture only in the presence of superphosphate. Clover growth was not suppressed by nitrogen fertilizer until the final year, when total pasture yields were not increased by nitrogen. In the absence of applied nitrogen, pastures on the SP375 treatment were clover-dominant in 1967 and 1968 but strongly grass-dominant in 1970; at SP188, pastures remained clover-dominant after the establishment year. The application of up to 112 kg N ha-1 year -1 reduced the intensity of the clover-dominant phase at SP, and circumvented clover-dominance at SP188. Grass-white clover relationships during pasture development are discussed in relation to the prevention of cattle bloat.
An evaluation of effect of competition between wheat and Wimmera ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) during early stages of growth
Authors: Barrett DW , Campbell NA
Published: March 2005

Two pot experiments were carried out in the glasshouse to determine the effects of density of wheat population, level of nitrogen fertilizer and degree of soil waterlogging on the competition between Wimmera ryegrass and wheat for nitrogen but not light, and for nitrogen and light up until the late tillering stage of wheat. Wheat competed successfully with ryegrass for nitrogen and for nitrogen and light, reducing tiller numbers and dry weight production of the ryegrass by up to 60 per cent. Competition from ryegrass had little effect on tiller and dry matter production of wheat. Increasing the density of wheat population had no significant effect on the yield of ryegrass when there was competition for nitrogen but significantly reduced yield when there was competition for nitrogen and light. Both species responded positively to nitrogen fertilizer and negatively to temporary waterlogging, but neither of these effects significantly changed the competitive relationship between the two species. These results are discussed in relation to the success of ryegrass as a weed in wheat crops.
Formaldehyde treated diets for drought feeding of sheep
Authors: Entwistle KW
Published: March 2005

Three experiments are reported in which formaldehyde treatment of various components of survival rations was examined. In experiment 1, Merino weaner ewes were fed survival diets composed of either wheat or sorghum grain with meat and bone meal and low quality roughage. The grain and the meat and bone meal components were treated or untreated with formaldehyde (HCHO), and half the animals were treated with vitamin A. Both HCHO treatment of the grain and vitamin A treatment significantly increased liveweight gains over the 20-week experimental period. There was no wool growth response to HCHO treatment but wool growth rates were higher in sheep on the wheat based diets. Vitamin A treatment had no effect on survival rates, which were, however, lower in sheep on wheat diets. In experiment 2, similar sheep, maintained on a basal diet of low quality sorghum silage, were supplemented with meat and bone meal treated or untreated with HCHO and half the sheep were treated with vitamin A. HCHO treatment resulted in a lower rate of liveweight loss but only for the first 30 days of the experiment. Neither wool growth rates nor survival rates were affected by HCHO or by vitamin A treatment. In experiment 3, Merino wethers were used and the effectiveness of HCHO treatment of either wheat or sorghum grain diets was further examined. HCHO treatment had no effect on either liveweight or clean wool production, which was, however, higher in sheep on wheat based diets.
The effect of defoliation on seed production by capeweed (Arctotheca calendula)
Authors: McIvor JG , Smith DF
Published: March 2005

Two experiments were done in pots to assess the effect of defoliation at different times on the seed yield of capeweed (Arctotheca calendula). Yield components measured were: number of seedheads per plant, number of seeds per seedhead, number of seeds per plant, and weight of individual seeds. Of the components of yield, number of florets per seedhead and individual seed weight were maintained under all treatments; number of seedheads and number of seeds per seedhead were more affected by defoliation. Whether grown as spaced plants or in swards, leaf removal did not significantly reduce the number of seeds produced unless combined with bud and flower removal at late flowering only. The results are discussed in relation to the growth and persistence of capeweed in pastures.
Adaptation of pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) to coastal New South Wales. 1. Preliminary evaluation
Authors: Ferraris R , Norman MJT , Andrews AC
Published: March 2005

The adaptation of pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) as a summer forage crop to coastal New South Wales was assessed at Camden (latitude 34�S). Spaced plants of 20 strains, including openpollinated and hybrid types, commercial cultivars and advanced breeding lines, were grown in a time of planting-time of harvest experiment. Only data from the five commercial cultivars are presented. The growth pattern and productivity of three of these cultivars were measured in a second experiment at normal plant spacing. In experiment 1, with planting dates from November 23 to February 14, all cultivars showed a reduction in time to early flowering with later planting. Two maturity groups were recognised: mid-season (cultivars Tamworth, Yates Hybrid and Mx 001) and late-season (Ingrid Pearl and Katherine Pearl). The late cultivars did not differ in yielding ability from the mid-season cultivars, but had fewer tillers, higher leaf content and slightly higher protein content in both experiments. In experiment 1, later planting reduced dry matter yield and tiller number. Relative growth rate in the early reproductive phase of later types, but not that of midseason types, was positively related to length of day. In experiment 2, sown January 25 in 0.5 m rows, Katherine Pearl, Ingrid Pearl and Tamworth all yielded approximately 12,000 kg ha-1 dry matter at 12 weeks from sowing. A maximum growth rate of 37.9 g m - 2 day-1, representing 8.1 per cent utilisation of visible radiation, was achieved with Tamworth between six and eight weeks from sowing. From these preliminary experiments it was concluded that pearl millet satisfied basic performance criteria and justified further study as a potential forage crop for the region.
Studies on Fusarium species associated with 'pathogen-tested' seed potatoes in Victoria
Authors: Chambers SC
Published: March 2005

Fusarium populations were assessed in newly-cleared and previously-cropped areas which had been used for planting 'pathogen-tested' potatoes at the Potato Research Station, Toolangi. Fusarium propagules were fewer in newly-cleared than in previously-cropped land; in fumigated than in nonfumigated land; and at 10 cm than at 1 cm below the soil surface. However, numbers of infected tubers from pathogen-tested plants were similar in newly-cleared and previously-cropped land; and in fumigated and untreated land. Five species were isolated from tubers, F. oxysporum being the commonest. Three species, F. avenaceum, F. culmorum and a weakly-pathogenic species, which is morphologically close to F. arthrosporioides, had not been recorded on potatoes in Victoria previously. The remaining species was F. solani. Laboratory and field studies indicated that infection of pathogen-tested plants usually occurred through injuries and that approximately three per cent of cuttings were infected before planting.
Comparison of four systemic fungicides for post-harvest treatment of citrus
Authors: Rippon LE , Wild BL
Published: March 2005

A study was made to compare the relative effectiveness of thiabendazole, benomyl, thiophanatemethyl and the methyl ester of benzimidazol-2-ylcarbamic acid, when used as post-harvest fungicides for the control of Penicillium digitatum in Washington Navel oranges. Twenty four hours after artificial wound inoculation the fruit was dipped for 30 seconds in suspensions of the materials, stored for seven days at 23�C and assessed for mould wastage. Relative to benomyl, thiabendazole was 0.27 times as effective (95 per cent fiducial limits 0.20 and 0.36); thiophanate-methyl 0.08 time (limits 0.06 and 0.11) and the ester 1.05 times as effective (limits 0.77 and 1.44).
An analysis of variation in performance traits of Large White and Landrace boars tested in the Queensland pig testing station
Authors: McPhee CP
Published: March 2005

An analysis of variation was made of eight traits measured on 299 Large White and 185 Landrace boars performance tested from 27 to 90 kg liveweight over a three-year period. The traits were feed conversion, daily gain, subcutaneous fat depths at the shoulder, mid-back, C, K and loin positions and a fat score combining all fat depths. Boars were assessed on a breeding index combining food conversion, daily gain and fat score. Apart from daily gain and shoulder fat, there was a significant negative time trend in all traits. Landrace were superior to Large White in all traits except C, K and loin fat for which the breeds were the same. The genetic relationships among tested boars were determined and were used to estimate the contributions of additive genes and herd and litter of birth environments to variation in boar performance. For feed conversion, daily gain and fat score the contributions were from additive genes 12, 0, 29 per cent, from herd environment 14, 17, 12 per cent and from litter environment 23, 43, and 24 per cent respectively. A comparison of the performances of 109 tested sons and their sires gave values of 0.6 and 0.5 for the realised heritabilities of the breeding index for Large White and Landrace.
Decorticated safflower meal as a protein supplement in diets fed either restrictively or ad libitum to barrow and gilt pigs over 45 kg liveweight
Authors: Williams KC , O'Rourke PK
Published: March 2005

Twenty barrow and twenty gilt Berkshire x Large White pigs were fed barley based diets containing protein supplements of either 13 per cent soybean meal, 9 per cent fishmeal, 14.5 per cent safflower meal plus 0.2 per cent I-lysine mono hydrochloride plus 0.1 per cent methionine or 14.5 per cent safflower meal plus 4.5 per cent fishmeal from 46.4 to 87.0 kg liveweight. All diets were fed individually at a restricted feeding scale. The safflower meal diets were also fed ad libitum. Barrows and gilts fed ad libitum recorded a 65 and 27 per cent improvement respectively in average daily gain and had slightly fatter carcases than those fed comparable diets restrictively. Feed conversion ratio was not significantly affected by level of feeding. Growth and carcase attributes of pigs fed diets restrictively were similar apart from the feed conversion ratio of pigs fed the amino acid supplemented safflower meal diet, which was inferior (P < 0.05) to those fed the soybean meal supplemented diets. Barrows grew faster and produced fatter carcases than gilts, A significant sex x diet interaction occurred from which it was concluded that gilts, but not barrows, could be fed ad libitum without detriment to the quality of the carcase.
Sequential softening of hard seeds in burrs of annual medics
Authors: McComb JA , Andrews R
Published: March 2005

Two experiments were done with nine lines from seven species of Medicago to discover if hard seeds softened more easily out of the burr, and whether there was any sequence of softening according to seed position in the burr. It was found that seeds extracted from burrs showed more softening than seeds left in the burrs, when both were given nine months fluctuating temperature treatment (15�- 16�C daily), in M. littoralis, M. scutellata, M, tornata and M. truncatula, but there was no difference in M. polymorpha and M. rugosa. In all lines the seeds softened first at the calyx end of the burr, and then softened in sequence up the burr spiral.
Visual assessment of total plant relative water content, with the aid of photographic standards, as a guide to scheduling irrigation
Authors: Luke GJ
Published: March 2005

The relative water contents (RWC) of the top and bottom leaves of maize plants were measured. The RWC of the top leaf was higher than that of the bottom leaf when the plant was under water stress. Photographic standards based on the RWC of the whole plant were developed and tested against plants in the field. The results showed that the standards give an accurate indication of the plant's water status. Standards based on the upper leaf only would result in irrigations too infrequent to prevent severe restrictions to photosynthesis.
Time of sowing and wheat yield in northern New South Wales
Authors: Doyle AD , Marcellos H
Published: March 2005

The influence of variation in time of sowing on grain yield in five wheat cultivars has been studied in the North West Slopes of New South Wales over the period 1967 to 1971. Highest grain yields were obtained when wheat was sown at the end of June so as to flower at the end of the first week in October. Reductions in relative grain yield of 5 to 7 per cent were recorded for each week that sowing was delayed after the end of June, or 9 to 13.5 per cent for each week that flowering was delayed after the first week in October. Lower grain yields from late sown crops were associated with lower leaf area duration after flowering which could account for 69 per cent of the variation in grain yield. Lower grain yields in early sown crops were associated with lower ear numbers which could be ascribed in part to the influence of frosts.
Effect of subsoil friability in Lemons loam on the growth of peach trees
Authors: Mikhail EH , Walbran WI
Published: March 2005

Lemnos loam, a widespread red-brown earth soil type in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria, has been re-surveyed in an area of approximately 6,880 hectares near Kyabram. Three degrees of subsoil friability have been recognised and mapped. The root distribution, butt circumference and height of ten year old peach trees (Golden Queen and Cornish varieties) have been studied In relationship to these degrees of friability. The results obtained show that the greater the friability of the subsoil, the better is tree performance as measured by butt circumference and tree height. Furthermore, the greater the friabihty of the subsoil, the deeper is the penetration of roots into the subsoil layers and the higher is the root concentration in the deeper horizons of the soil. A regression equation, with a coefficient of determination of 89.7 per cent, has been obtained for the relationship between total root length in the subsoil and butt circumference.
Effect of N-dimethylaminosuccinamic acid on Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines
Authors: Peterson JR
Published: March 2005

Alar (R) (n-dimethylaminosuccinamic acid) was sprayed at concentrations up to 4000 p.p.m. twelve and five days before and at full bloom in one experiment, and to 8000 p.p.m. at the seven to eight leaf stage in a second experiment to single whole vines of Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Sauvignon. All concentrations of the growth retardant on all dates reduced berry weight in the first experiment, but only 4000 p.p.m. and 8000 p.p.m. had that effect in the second experiment. Berry number per bunch was increased by sprays of 1000 and 4000 p.p.m. twelve days before flowering in the first experiment, but bunch weight and yield per vine were not affected by treatment. In both experiments, maturity was delayed by treatment. Berry colour was reduced by 4000 p.p.m. Alar application twelve days before full bloom and at full bloom in the first experiment; a similar tendency occurred as a result of the 4000 and 8000 p.p.m. treatments in the second experiment.
Energy intake regulation by layers according to diet, productivity and environment
Authors: Dillon JF
Published: March 2005

The voluntary nutrient intake and productivity of White Leghorn x Australorp crossbred layers given diets ranging in metabolizable energy (M.E.) from 11.30 to 13.81 MJ kg-1 were examined to determine their ability to adjust daily energy intake. Pullets housed on deep litter and in cages had a characteristic M.E. intake of 1.35 and 1.30 MJ per bird day respectively. Pullets in deep-litter pens regulated their energy intake until the M.E. content of the diet reached 12.97 MJ kg-1 but 'overconsumed' by 7.7 per cent when the dietary energy was raised to 13.81 MJ M.E. kg-1. Caged pullets were less able to regulate energy intake and 'overconsumed' by 8.0 and 14.8 per cent when the diet contained 12.97 and 13.81 MJ M.E. kg-1 respectively. During the period of production studied it would appear to be economic to use diets of up to 12.1 3 MJ M.E. kg-1 though the optimum may be less, depending on the production situation. Productivity was not significantly altered when the protein of the diets was either reduced according to predicted 'overconsumption', or lowered to as little as 14.2 per cent when the highest energy diet was given. Savings in the cost of high energy diets may, therefore, be achieved by adjusting the protein content for 'overconsumption'. Birds offered a diet containing 13.81 MJ M.E. kg-1 for five hours per day had a productivity and efficiency of energy utilization similar to that of birds on lower energy diets ad libitum. The greater cost per unit energy of such a diet, however, militates against restricted feeding of high energy diets under field conditions. An unexpected peak in egg production and efficiency of energy utilization was observed when access to the diet with an M.E. content of 13.81 MJ kg-1 was allowed between 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. each day. The possible significance of this observation is discussed.
Dietary energy content and floor space relationships for optimal growth and efficiency of broilers
Authors: Yule WJ
Published: March 2005

Commercial broilers, kept in small, fixed-size pens, were allowed 310, 370, or 460 cm2 of floor space per bird started at one day of age, in a windowless controlled environment house. At each stocking density birds were offered diets with 12.5, 12.9, or 13.4 MJ kg-1 of metabolizable energy from 41 to 64 days of age. Male and female broilers grew more slowly (P < 0.05) when offered the lowest energy diet. They were heavier (P < 0.05) when allowed 460cm2 of floor space per bird. Total output on the basis of liveweight produced per unit of floor space over 64 days of age was largest in the most densely stocked pens. Optimal dietary metabolizable energy concentration was approximately 12.9 MJ kg-1; however, reasons for varying this recommendation are discussed.
The effect of stocking rate on milk production from kikuyu grass pastures fertilized with nitrogen
Authors: Colman RL , Kaiser AG
Published: March 2005

Dairy production was measured over two lactations on kikuyu grass pastures fertilized with 336 kg N ha-1year-1, at stocking rates from 2.47 to 4.94 cows ha-1. Mean butterfat production per cow was low, varying from 72 to 109 kg, and declined by 6.1 kg per cow (P < 0.05) for a unit increase in stocking rate. Annual production per hectare was high, reaching a maximum of 448 kg butterfat and increasing by 72.6 kg ha-1 (P < 0.01) for a unit increase in stocking rate. A supplement of crushed oats was fed at the highest stocking rate during early lactation. This increased production by up to 20 per cent. The stability of the system is discussed in relation to pasture productivity, soil fertility and animal production.
A study on pollination of sunflowers (Hilianthus annuus)
Authors: Langridge DF , Goodman RD
Published: March 2005

In a trial on an irrigated sunflower (Helianthus annuus) crop in northern Victoria, plots to which bees had access produced in excess of 60 per cent more seed than plots from which bees were excluded. The number of seeds set per cm2 of flower head, the percentage germination and the oil content of seed from plots serviced by bees were significantly greater than from plots without bees. Individual seeds were heavier in plots without bees than in those serviced by bees.
Effects of temperature and photoperiod on flowering and yield components of lupin genotypes in the field
Authors: Rahman MS , Gladstones JS
Published: March 2005

The effects of photoperiod and temperature and/or insolation on flowering and yield components were measured for 24 genotypes of five Lupinus species in the field. Environmental factors were varied by sowing on three dates (April 2, May 17, and July 1) and by extending natural photoperiod with artificial light. Lack of vernalizing temperature (<10�C) following early April sowing retarded flower initiation substantially in the midseason to late genotypes of Lupinus angustifolius and L. pilosus and to a lesser degree other species. Genotypes with no vernalization requirement flowered fastest following April sowing. Flowering of all genotypes was accelerated considerably by 24-hour photoperiod, L. luteus being the most responsive species. Number of flowers per primary inflorescence was reduced, and percentage of flowers setting pods increased, by treatments that led to earlier flowering. Number of seeds per pod and 20-seed weight were not affected by the treatments, except that higher temperatures increased 20-seed weight significantly in L. luteus and L. cosentini. Number of flowers, percentage flower set, and 20-seed weight were found to be the most important yield components in the primary inflorescences of lupins.
Response of oats to seeding rate and nitrogen in the southern wheat belt of New South Wales
Authors: Southwood OR , Mengersen F , Milham PJ
Published: March 2005

The effect of three rates of nitrogen (22.4, 44.8 and 89.6 kgNha-1 as anhydrous ammonia) and three seeding rates (67.3, 100.9, and 134.5 kg ha-1) on forage and grain production of two oat cultivars and on herbage nitrate-nitrogen concentration, was assessed at three sites in the southern New South Wales wheat belt. When oats were sown after two or three consecutive wheat crops nitrogen at 22.4 kg ha-1 was optimal for both forage and grain production. Herbage growth was best at the highest seeding rate (134.5 kg ha-1) but grain production was not influenced by seeding rate. Herbage growth of the oat cultivars Cooba and Coolabah was similar, but grain yields were higher from the latter. Herbage nitrate nitrogen increased linearly with nitrogen fertilizer application, levels that could be toxic to animals occurring in June. Cautious grazing management may be required during this period.
Performance of weaned lambs on irrigated hybrid forage sorghum and paspalum-white clover pasture
Authors: Read JW , Dawe ST
Published: March 2005

Weaned Dorset x Border Leicester-Merino lambs were rotationally grazed at 62, 86 and 11 1 lambs per hectare on irrigated areas of either hybrid forage sorghum or paspalum-white clover pasture. No differences in quantity of available forage were measured between the forages but the protein content of the paspalum-white clover pasture, at 11 per cent, was 49 per cent higher than that of Sudax. Protein content of both pastures increased with increased stocking rates. The range in growth rate of the lambs between the lowest and the highest stocking rates was from 68.4 to -5.8 g per day for paspalum-white clover and 43.9 to -27.7 g per day for Sudax. The biological and economic potential of each forage type is discussed.
Comparison of grazing oats and pasture for sheep production
Authors: Dann PR , Axelsen A , Bremner PM
Published: March 2005

In 1970 and 1971, the performance of ewes grazing oats at various stocking intensities during the final stages of pregnancy was compared with that of ewes, at stocking intensities considered optimal, on subterranean clover-annual grass pasture. Grazing oats produced no more winter feed than pasture in 1970, though quality of the oat herbage was better. In 1971, oats produced more, and better quality, herbage than pasture. Much greater ewe weight gains per head and per hectare were obtained on oats than on pasture in both years. In 1971, for example, ewes rotationally grazed on oats at 37 ha-1 gained 8 times more per head, and 23 times more per hectare, than ewes at 12 ha-1 on pasture. However, gains in reproductive performance and wool production were small or negligible.
The annual variation in yield of pastures in the seasonally dry tropics of Queensland
Authors: McCown RL , Gillard P , Edye LA
Published: March 2005

Dry matter yield of three vegetation-fertilizer combinations was found to be closely related to actual evapotranspiration estimated using simple water balance model. Cumulative actual evapotranspiration was estimated for each of 69 years of rainfall records and a description of annual variation in yields obtained using yield/actual evapotranspiration regressions.
The symbiotic effectiveness and geographic origin of morphological-agronomic groups of Stylosanthes accessions
Authors: Edye LA , Burt RL , Norris DO , Williams WT
Published: March 2005

A collection of 241 accessions of 15 Stylosanthes species was tested against Rhizobium CB756, a standard wide spectrum cowpea type strain of African origin, for effectiveness in nitrogen fixation of the symbiosis. The response, which was described as ineffective, effective, or highly effective, was closely related to the morphological-agronomic (M-A) groupings of the accessions within species. Species and M-A groups that require a different or specific rhizobial strain were indicated. The relation of the effectiveness of the symbiosis with Rhizobium CB756 to geographic origin was examined for 184 accessions of known origin. The phytogeographic regions of Good (1964) were used as a basis for comparison. With S. guyanensis eight of the ten M-A groups that were ineffectively nodulated by CB756 largely originated in the South Brazilian region. The remaining two M-A groups were restricted either to the Pampas of Uruguay and Argentina or the Venezuela-Guiana region.
Rock phosphate and superphosphate as sources of phosphorus for subterranean clover on an acid sandy soil
Authors: Alston AM , Chin KW
Published: March 2005

Subterranean clover was grown on an acid sandy soil in a field experiment at Mount Compass, South Australia, where the mean annual rainfall is 837 mm. Rock phosphate and superphosphate were applied at 0 to 66 kg ha-1 P. Dry matter yields and phosphorus uptake by the clover and the phosphorus content of the soil were determined. At given levels of addition of phosphorus, rock phosphate was as effective as superphosphate in increasing dry matter yield and phosphorus uptake by the clover in the year of application. Rock phosphate also increased yield and uptake in subsequent years, but superphosphate had little residual effect. Leaching losses of phosphorus from the top 10 cm of soil during three and a half years were equal to 100 per cent and 80 per cent of that applied in superphosphate at 22 and 66 kg ha-1 P respectively. The corresponding losses where rock phosphate was applied were 80 per cent and 60 per cent. Most of the phosphorus leached from superphosphate was lost within two months of the application.
Nitrogen fertilizer responses and seasonal production of temperate and warm climate grasses on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales
Authors: Colman RL , Lazenby A , Grierson J
Published: March 2005

The seasonal patterns of herbage production and the nitrogen responses by two temperate (Lolium perenne and Phalaris tuberosa) and two tropical grasses (Digitaria macroglossa and Paspalum dilatatum) were compared in the field at Armidale, New South Wales from January 1969 to March 1971 with and without irrigation. Growth and nitrogen recovery of the grasses were affected by temperature, moisture and nitrogen rate. Temperate grasses produced little herbage at mean weekly temperatures below 6�C. Maximum growth rates were measured in October when mean weekly temperatures were approximately 14�C; growth rate declined markedly over summer. Digitaria was the highest yielding species during the first summer but failed to survive in winter. Paspalum was tolerant of winter temperatures as low as -8�C mean weekly minimum; growth commenced when mean weekly temperatures exceeded 13�C and maximum growth occurred in summer when the highest mean weekly temperature was 20�C. Phalaris and Paspalum were very tolerant of dry conditions but Lolium declined in sward density and subsequent productivity. Response to nitrogen was directly related to seasonal conditions. Highest responses were coincident with the highest growth rates and declined as a result of moisture stress and low temperatures. Splitting nitrogen rates into a number of smaller applications had little effect on total herbage yield or distribution of dry matter production compared with a single topdressing. In the first year of the study the per cent nitrogen recovery by the temperate grasses ranged from 72.5 to 81.9 per cent compared with 25.3 (dryland) and 39.4 per cent (irrigated) for Paspalum. Under dry conditions the apparent percentage nitrogen recovery was increased by irrigation but over the first 48 weeks of the experiment there was little difference in the recovery between irrigated and dryland swards of the temperate grasses.
The effect of granule size of compound fertilizers on barley crops grown in calcareous soils
Authors: Reuter DJ , Heard TG
Published: March 2005

The effect of variations in the granule size of compound fertilizers on dry matter, grain yield and nutrient uptake of barley was evaluated in three field experiments on the calcareous soil (> 80 per cent CaCO3) of southern Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. This soil has a high capacity to fix applied phosphorus and manganese. The fertilizers contained superphosphate, manganous and cupric sulphates, and, in two experiments, elemental sulphur as well. The fertilizers were banded with the seed. In all experiments, small fertilizer granules with diameters less than 2.1 mm produced greater grain 5elds than the larger granules. In two of the three experiments, a commercial-sized fertilizer (< 4.8 mm diam.) produced yields similar to those of the small granules. In two of the experiments, plant dry weight, phosphorus and manganese uptake was also significantly increased with decreasing granule size, particularly during rapid plant growth from mid-tillering to late stem extension. This response was more pronounced where the phosphate application rate was suboptimal. In the third experiment, conducted in a year of above average rainfall, the responses were variable and usually not significant. From measurements of granule distribution we suggest that the greater plant response to small granules is due to the better distribution of fertilizer within the soil. This appears to increase contact between plant roots and fertilizer and hence increases the nutrient uptake by the crop.
Dependance on cultivar of wheat yield response to superphosphate
Authors: Jessop RS
Published: March 2005

In seven experiments on calcareous grey clays the yield response of Olympic to superphosphate was compared to that of a number of other conventional and semi-dwarf wheat cultivars. The response to superphosphate rates, containing up to 48 kg P ha-1, was greatest with a number of semi-dwarf cultivars but a range of responses was recorded within both groups of cultivars. In comparison with Mexico 120, Olympic, in most experiments, achieved maximum yields at lower levels of applied superphosphate.
Further studies on chemical defoliation of deciduous nursery plants
Authors: Jones DL , Nichols DG , Thompson WK
Published: March 2005

In experiments with cultivars of apple, pear, plum (European and Japanese), peach, almond, apricot, and cherry the defoliation effects were measured of concentrations of potassium iodide (KI), bromodine, DEF (S,S,S-tributylphosphorotrithioate) and a bromodine/ethephon ((2-chlorethyl) phosphonic acid) mixture, applied as either single or double sprays. Double sprays and higher concentrations were more effective than single sprays and lower concentrations but the most effective chemical differed between species. In further experiments the effects were measured of pre-spraying with the growth retardant SADH (succinic acid -2, 2-dimethylhydrazide) or the auxin transport inhibitor TlBA (235-triiodobenzoic acid) followed by selected defoliants. Pre-spraying with SADH followed by either potassium iodide or bromodine significantly increased leaf fall on apricot but not Japanese plum or almond. Pre-spraying with TIBA followed by ethephon or DEF significantly increased leaf fall on apple and almond but not pear or apricot.
Friesian, Hereford and Charolais sires for artificially reared calves from Friesian and Jersey cows
Authors: Bailey LF , Norman GR
Published: March 2005

Two hundred and twenty six multiparous Friesian and 185 multiparous Jersey cows on nine dairy farms were inseminated with semen from four bulls (one Friesian, one Hereford and two Charolais) and conception and calving data were recorded. There were no significant differences between sires or breed of dam with respect to still-births, calving difficulties or conception rates. Both sire and sex of calf significantly affected gestation period, sex in the case of Friesian cows, and sire in the case of Jersey cows. Breed of dam and sex of calf significantly affected birth weight, calves out of Friesian cows being heavier than those out of Jerseys, and male calves heavier than females. Calves were transported to the Research Centre and artificially reared using milk replacer and weaned onto a barley based concentrate ration at 6 weeks old. Rearing mortality was high, particularly in those calves sired by Charolais bulls. The major cause of death in these calves was a self starvation-scouring syndrome of undetermined cause. At 12 weeks old, sire had no significant effect on liveweight of calves out of Friesian cows, but did affect calves of Jersey cows. For male calves, those sired by the Friesian bull and Charolais number two were significantly heavier than those by Charolais number one and the Hereford. For female calves a similar result was obtained except that Charolais number one was also not statistically different from the Friesian and Charolais number two.
Selection for crimp frequency in the wool of Merino sheep. 2. Efficiency of conversion of food to wool
Authors: Robards GE , Williams AJ , Hunt MHR
Published: March 2005

Two experiments were conducted in which the efficiency of wool production of Merino sheep selected for increased (Crimps Plus) and decreased (Crimps Minus) crimp frequency, and a randomly selected control flock, was examined under pen feeding conditions. Ewes for the second experiment were chosen from the same genetic flocks as those used in the first experiment, after a further 1.8 generations (six years) of selection. In the first experiment, in which four levels of roughage diet were offered to ewes from each of the genetic groups, Crimps Minus ewes consistently produced more wool and with a greater efficiency than Random ewes, which were superior in these two characters relative to Crimps Plus ewes. Similar results were obtained in the second experiment, in which ewes were fed to maintain liveweight. Wool production and efficiency of Fleece Plus ewes were greater than those of Crimps Minus ewes indicating a higher genetic correlation between efficiency and fleece weight than between efficiency and crimp frequency.
Intake and liveweight response of sheep fed three ground and pelleted cereal straws
Authors: Mulholland JG , Coombe JB , McManus WR
Published: March 2005

Wheat, oat and barley straws, ground and pelleted, with and without supplements of urea and minerals, were fed to groups of sheep in pens. Dry matter intake of oat straw was 53 per cent higher than that of wheat straw, which was 33 per cent higher than that of barley straw. Intake of straw was highly correlated with in vitro digestibility. Liveweight losses reflected changes in intake and were lowest on the oat straw and highest on the barley straw. Over all diets supplementation significantly increased intake and reduced liveweight loss.
Effect of plane of nutrition during the growing phase, source of cereals, fat and the methionine content of laying diets on the performance of crossbred pullets
Authors: Karunajeewa H
Published: March 2005

A factorial experiment was carried out to examine the effects of two planes of nutrition during the growing phase and laying diets with or without barley, added methionine and with either mixed tallow or rapeseed oil, on the performance of crossbred pullets. Pullets fed during the growing phase on a diet where lysine and energy contents were lower than normally recommended ate less feed, cost less per pullet, had lower liveweights and matured later than those grown on a high plane. Mortality was not affected by the plane of nutrition. During the laying phase, pullets grown on a low plane laid more eggs, converted feed to eggs more efficiently and gained liveweight at a faster rate but were still lighter at 72 weeks of age than those reared on the high plane of nutrition. Egg weight and feed intake were not affected by the plane of nutrition during the growing phase. The cereal composition of diets that contained added fat had no effect on egg weight and egg production. Birds fed barley plus wheat based diets had a higher feed intake and liveweight. Addition of 0.06 per cent methionine to a layers diet based on oats plus wheat caused a depression in egg production which was more apparent in the presence of rapeseed oil. Supplementary methionine also depressed hen-housed production and feed intake but egg weight was unaffected. Rapeseed oil as compared with mixed tallow depressed egg weight, feed intake, and percentage of large eggs.
Effects of management on soil fertility under pasture. 3. Changes in total soil nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus and exchangeable cations
Authors: Simpson JR , Bromfield SM , JonesO L
Published: March 2005

Soil samples from pasture plots which received differential superphosphate, nitrogen and grazing treatments for five years were analysed chemically. Changes in total soil nitrogen were studied annually on different sections of each plot. Changes in carbon, phosphorus and cations were studied in the final samples. High grazing pressure by sheep tended to reduce the accumulation of organic nitrogen and carbon, but the effects were variable on different sections of the plots and it was uncertain (P > 0.05) that a real difference existed when averaged over the whole experimental area. The grazing treatments caused a concentration of soil nitrogen towards one end of each plot, particularly where high numbers of sheep were used to produce a high grazing pressure. Substantial losses of incoming nitrogen from fertilizer and clover occurred at both grazing pressures. Nitrogen accumulations during the drier years of the experiment increased at the higher rates of superphosphate but this effect was lost during the final wetter year. The accumulation of nitrogen on each plot appeared to depend on the initial soil nitrogen content at least as much as on the experimental treatment. Annual nitrogen changes were not constant and the overall accumulations appeared to be the net effect of gains and losses in good and bad clover years respectively. Organic phosphorus and exchangeable potassium increased to a similar extent under all treatments. Inorganic phosphorus was affected only by fertilizer additions. These results suggest that, in regions of variable rainfall patterns, the rate of nitrogen and organic matter accumulation under dryland pastures is difficult to control, and that seasonal rainfall and initial soil nitrogen content are dominant factors.