bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of management on soil fertility under pasture. 2. Changes in nutrient availability
Authors: Bromfield SM , Simpson JR
Published: March 2005

The effects of five years of differential grazing and fertilizer treatments under pasture on the availability of soil nutrients were examined by annual glasshouse experiments on the surface soil and by a terminal field crop of barley. The glasshouse results showed that high grazing pressure increased nitrogen availability in the surface soil, especially after certain field fertilizer treatments. However, grazing pressure had no effect on phosphorus or sulphur availability, which increased only with superphosphate application. The barley crop responded to both nitrogen and phosphate and confirmed that high grazing pressure had caused increased nitrogen availability. There were interactions between grazing pressure and previous superphosphate treatments, such that greatest nitrogen uptake occurred after low superphosphate and high grazing pressure. To exploit the available nitrogen, which was present largely as nitrate in the 0-60 cm soil depth, additional phosphate was required by the barley. No grazing effects on either phosphorus or sulphur uptake were detected in the crop, but sulphate in the soil profile to 60 cm was reduced after high grazing pressure. Thus it appears that nitrogen availability under pasture was influenced by both grazing and fertilizer management, whereas phosphorus and sulphur availability were controlled directly only by fertilizer application.
The performance of cupped, dry-headed, globe and purple clover on Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Authors: Beale PE
Published: March 2005

Trifolium argutum, T. cherleri, T. globosum and T. purpureum were grown in a waterlogged lateritic podsol in competition with self regenerating T. subterraneum cv. Yarloop and subjected to three defoliation treatments. T. purpureum was the most successful introduction and contributed up to 60 per cent of herbage production in the year of sowing, but only 10 per cent in the second year. Defoliation prior to flowering in the year of sowing reduced dry matter production but had only a small effect on seed yields. Regular defoliation in the second year reduced the smothering effect of Yarloop and increased the contribution of the sown species. None of the species tested was a suitable competitor for Yarloop.
Effect of planting time on growth and seed yield of lupins, peas and vetches on the Swan Coastal Plain, Western Australia
Authors: Farrington P
Published: March 2005

The effect of planting time on dry matter production and seed yield in yellow lupin cv. Weiko III, narrow-leafed lupin cv. Uniharvest and cv. Unicrop, field pea cv. Collegian and vetch cv. Blanchefleur was studied near Perth, Western Australia. Planting dates were March 19, April 16, May 14 and June 11. In the lupins and vetch, May and June plantings resulted in delayed emergence (yellow lupin and vetch only) and nodulation, and reductions in dry matter and seed yield. Yields of field peas were increased with later planting. Lupins produced most dry matter, seed and seed protein at the first three plantings but were no better than peas in the June planting. No significant differences in seed yields were found between the lupin cultivars, though in Unicrop seedling growth rates were consistently higher and seed yield tended to be less affected by delays in planting. A sharp drop in seed yield of lupins between the April and May plantings was associated with the production of fewer pods on the lateral axes. The reasons for this are discussed.
The effect of fertilizer application and time of seasonal break on the growth and dominance of capeweed (Arctotheca calendula)
Authors: McIvor JG , Smith DF
Published: March 2005

Pot and field experiments were carried out to study the effect of N and P addition and time of seasonal break on the growth and dominance of capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) in mixed swards. In a pot experiment time of break had a much greater effect on capeweed dominance than fertilizer treatment with a late break increasing capeweed content. N and P treatments did not alter botanical composition of a predominantly capeweed pasture. The results suggest that manipulation of fertilizer application will have only small and possibly variable effects on the dominance of capeweed in pastures.
Cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae) in Victoria: influence of cultural practices on grain yields and nematode populations
Authors: Barry ER , Brown RH , Elliott BR
Published: March 2005

The effect of several agronomic strategies on grain yields and cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae) populations were studied at Sea Lake in the Victorian Mallee between 1967 and 1972 on a soil known to be heavily infested with the nematode. The resowing of damaged crops with either wheat or barley was not effective in producing higher yields, although cyst populations were lower on the resown crops-especially barley. Nitrogen fertilizers (urea and sulphate of ammonia) both produced small yield increases but, on average, these increases were uneconomic. Sulphate of ammonia applications increased cyst populations, especially when applied at seeding, and urea had only a marginal influence on cyst numbers. Barley (cv. Weeah, Prior, Noype ) gave the highest yields on nematode-infested soils, followed by wheat (cv. Insignia), with oats (cv. Avon, Irwin, Swan) having the poorest yields. However, the cyst populations after oats were considerably lower than after barley which, in turn, was lower than after wheat. These differential cyst populations were reflected in a subsequent wheat crop.
Forage and sheep production from oats, rape and vetch sown in autumn with or without nitrogen fertilizer
Authors: Spurway RA , Wheeler JL , Hedges DA
Published: March 2005

Oats (Avena sativa cv. Acacia), vetch (Vicia dasycarpa cv, Lana) and rape (Brassica napus cv. Rangi) were sown with or without 67 kg ha-1 nitrogen (N) in the autumns of 1969 and 1970 at Armidale, N.S.W. In both years the crops were rotationally grazed by sheep in late winter and spring at two fixed stocking rates (experiment 1). When grazing began in both years oat dry matter (DM) availability was approximately double that of vetch and rape. Oats remained highly productive in successive grazing periods whereas the recovery of vetch after the first grazing was slow. At the high stocking rates employed the rape crops were overgrazed and failed to regrow. Fertilizer N increased oat yields by more than 50 per cent and N content by 20 to 40 per cent, but neither vetch nor rape responded significantly. Minimum nitrogen contents of oats, rape and vetch were respectively 1.3, 2.7 and 4.0 per cent. Digestible organic matter content of the three forages exceeded 74 per cent throughout the experiment. Daily rates of liveweight gain per sheep were not significantly different on the three crops in the first grazing period. Daily gain per sheep responded significantly to fertilizer N only on oats in the second period in 1970 (P < 0.05). The total liveweight gain ha-1 pooled over all periods was much greater on oats than on vetch or rape. Clean wool per day tended to be higher on vetch than on the other crops but total wool production per hectare was greatest from oats in both years because of the longer period of grazing it provided. In a supplementary experiment (experiment 2) in 1969 the crops were grazed at an initially uniform stocking pressure (1 sheep per 10 kg dry matter available). Sheep grazing vetch gained 146 g head-1 day-1 which was faster than sheep on oats (92 g head-1 day-1) or rape (66 g head-1 day-1) (P < 0.05). The general effect of N fertilizer was to increase daily gain and almost double the mean gain per hectare.
The productivity of pastures sown with Phalaris tuberosa or Lolium perenne. 1. Pasture growth and composition
Authors: Reed KFM
Published: March 2005

Pastures at Glenormiston in western Victoria, sown with Phalaris tuberosa cv. Australian (phalaris) or Lolium perenne cv. Victorian (ryegrass) each with Trifolium subterraneum (subterranean clover), were grazed continuously by wethers at six rates of stocking over the range 19.8 to 32.1 sheep ha-1 from October 1966 to March 1971. Pasture growth was measured at three rates of stocking. During a four-year period, the phalaris and ryegrass pastures produced average annual yields of 10.4 and 8.0 t dry matter ha-1 respectively. The growth of phalaris pasture was usually greater in winter when it produced approximately 30 per cent more dry matter than ryegrass pasture. The effect of rate of stocking on pasture growth was rarely significant except in the final six months of the experiment when there was a reduction in growth rate as stocking rate increased. The basal cover of phalaris declined in the two years after a drought in 1967-68 to about 20 per cent irrespective of stocking rate. The basal cover of ryegrass also declined during this period, to a greater extent than phalaris, but in 1969 and 1970 there was some recovery at the lower stocking rates when the ryegrass was able to set seed. The basal cover of subterranean clover was about 20 per cent at 19.8 sheep ha-1 in most years and usually less at the higher stocking rates. The main species that replaced the sown species were Poa annua, Trifolium cernuum, Trifolium glomerata, Arctotheca calendula and Holcus lanatus. The amount of pasture present above a cutting height of 1.5 cm was less than 2 t ha-1 during most of the experiment and decreased as rate of stocking increased. The crude protein concentration of pasture present was always greater than 11 per cent except during the drought in 1967-68, when it fell as low as 5.2 per cent on the ryegrass pastures and to half this level on the phalaris pastures.
Estimating yield losses in wheat resulting from infestation by doublegee (Emex australis)
Authors: Gilbey DJ
Published: March 2005

The effect of doublegee (Emex australis) density on wheat yield was studied in a field trial. Percentage yield reduction (y) was related to doublegee plants m-2 at 1 week (x1) and 8 weeks (x2) after seeding thus: y = 10.3 + 0.24 x1 r = 0.78*** y = 5.6 + 0.44 x2 r = 0.86*** showing that estimates of doublegee density could be used for forecasting crop yield losses before it is too late to spray. No further yield loss occurred when x1 was greater than 120 plants metre-2. Doublegee seedling mortality that occurred during the seven weeks between plant counts was strongly related to the initial counts (x1) thus: r = 0.88***.
A small-scale milling technique for establishment of flour yield of wheat
Authors: Whan BR
Published: March 2005

The Brabender Quadrumat Junior mill was investigated as a possible means of estimating the flour yield of small samples of wheat. When very hard, hard and soft wheats were milled at a constant moisture content (whether equilibrium or a higher, conditioned moisture content) on the Quadrumat Junior mill, the flour yields did not correlate with those from a Buhler experimental mill, because the hard and very hard varieties were over-estimated. A satisfactory relationship was obtained by milling the hard wheats at a moisture content one per cent higher than the soft wheats, and the very hard wheats two per cent higher than the soft wheats. All wheats could then be compared on a common basis. When seven soft wheat samples were milled on the Quadrumat Junior and six large experimental mills, the Quadrumat Junior estimated the flour yields as accurately as any of the large mills. This method appears to be suitable for selection in a wheat breeding programme to improve milling yield. Samples as small as 5 g can be used
Some mineral levels in Australian wheat
Authors: Murphy GM , Law DP
Published: March 2005

Samples of wheat drawn principally from southern Queensland, but including samples representative of total production in all other States, were analysed for sodium, potassium, iron, manganese, copper and zinc. In comparison with available data for North American wheat, Australian wheat contained on average 40 times less sodium, appreciably less potassium and iron, but similar concentrations of manganese and copper. The importance of these results in relation to grain feeding of sheep and cattle is discussed.
Influence of nitrogen nutrition and watering regime on the nitrogen concentration and quality of tobacco leaves
Authors: Johnson AD , Knowlton RW
Published: March 2005

The effects of different levels of applied nitrogen, times of application of nitrogen and watering regimes on the nitrogen concentration of tobacco leaves, were studied in a series of glasshouse experiments. Time of nitrogen application was also studied in the field. Increasing the nitrogen supply increased dry weight and area of leaves but did not produce an increase in nitrogen concentration of leaves especially in the middle plant position. A significant increase in nitrogen concentration of leaves in the middle plant position was achieved by either split application of nitrogen or by imposing a regular watering stress during growth. The restricted watering treatment also reduced dry weight and area of leaves. Relatively high concentrations of nitrogen in the upper leaves resulted from late application of nitrogen and an experiment using labelled nitrogen confirmed that most late applied nitrogen was incorporated into upper leaves. Changes in leaf nitrogen concentration from time of removal of the inflorescence to final harvest are shown. A field experiment confirmed the glasshouse findings on time of nitrogen application and permitted cured leaf quality assessments to be made. Best leaf quality was produced by split application of nitrogen
Effects of foliar application of magnesium sulphate on the quality and magnesium content of flue-cured tobacco
Authors: Pinkerton A , Person PN
Published: March 2005

Tobacco seedlings were not damaged by sprays containing up to 20 per cent magnesium sulphate, but deleterious effects on leaf were observed when several applications of three per cent or more were applied to full-sized plants. In an outdoor trial with tobacco in sand culture plants were supplied with nutrient solutions with and without magnesium. The effects of foliar application of two per cent magnesium sulphate on quality and magnesium concentration in the cured leaf were studied. Seven sprays applied at about seven day intervals raised the magnesium concentration in leaves by 0.30 to 0.40 per cent Mg. Five sprays applied after the onset of deficiency symptoms raised the concentration in leaves by 0.1 6 to 0.25 per cent Mg, and improved quality greatly compared with leaves from deficient plants. Application of one spray several days prior to picking increased the concentration in leaves by approximately 0.08 per cent Mg, but had an adverse effect on value. The value of the leaf from sprayed plants was never as good as that from the best plants supplied with magnesium via the roots only even though the magnesium concentrations in leaf were similar. The difference in quality was not attributable to deleterious effects of high sulphur content.
Relationship between certain physical and chemical properties and subsoil friability in Lemnos loam
Authors: Mikhail EH , Walbran WI
Published: March 2005

Lemnos loam, a red-brown earth used for fruit production in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria, has degrees of friability in the subsoil as assessed in the field. Forty-one samples from three subsoil depths were obtained from 25 sites near Kyabram. Aggregate stability, as measured in the laboratory was found to be related to field assessments of friability. Exchangeable cations, pH, silt, clay and clay minerals were determined on the samples. By relating some of these measurements to aggregate stability it has been shown that exchangeable Ca++ contributes to a strongly aggregated soil (friable) ; and silt, exchangeable Na+ and exchangeable Mg++ to a weakly aggregated soil (less friable). The effect of silt and exchangeable Na+ is greater than that of exchangeable Ca++ and exchangeable Mg++. A multiple regression equation describing the effect of these four significant factors on stability percentage is presented. This equation accounts for 85.5 per cent of the variation in stability percentage. There is a strong relationship between field assessment of friability and exchangeable Ca++/Mg++ ratio; the higher the ratio, the more friable is the soil.
Effect of age at weaning on the subsequent growth of artificially reared lambs
Authors: Levick JA , Pearce GR
Published: March 2005

Lambs were removed from their dams at 0, 1, 3 and 7 days of age and reared artificially on a liquid diet. Lambs weaned at 7 days suffered a more prolonged check to growth than other lambs but the body weights of all lambs were similar at 28 days of age. Lambs weaned at 7 days required considerably more handling before they would drink voluntarily from rubber teats.
Observations on fertilization failure in Merino ewes
Authors: Cahill LP , Kearins RD , Blockey MAde B , Restall BJ
Published: March 2005

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the level of fertilization failure that was attributed to oestrous ewes being mounted and marked by the harnessed ram but where service accompanied with ejaculation had not occurred. In ewes marked by harnessed rams, the occurrence of failure of service with ejaculation was determined by examining a 2 cm cube polyurethane sponge which was placed in the vagina before mating. The vaginal sponge was removed and examined at 0 to 24 hours after the onset of oestrus. In experiment 1, a second sponge was inserted at the time of removal of the first sponge and removed 24 hours later. The presence of spermatozoa in the vaginal sponge was taken as evidence of service. The service rate was determined by this method in one half of the flock. The fertilization rate (experiment 1) or the proportion of ewes that returned to oestrus following natural mating (experiment 2) was determined in the remainder of the ewes. In experiment 1 the service rate, as determined by examination of the sponges, was 86 per cent and the fertilization rate was 88 per cent. In experiment 2 the service rate was 94 per cent and the non-return to service rate was 94 per cent. The vaginal sponge reduced the number of 1 1/2 year old maiden ewes exhibiting oestrus but had no influence on the parous ewes. It was concluded that lack of service with ejaculation in oestrous ewes may be the major cause of reproductive failure in flocks where the levels of failure of fertilization are low.
Increased seed production of subterranean clover pastures in response to fertilizers supplying calcium
Authors: Ozanne PG , Howes KMW
Published: March 2005

The effects of four common fertilizers containing calcium on seed production in subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) were measured at six locations over five years in a total of fifteen field experiments. Calcium as a sulphate, carbonate or phosphate salt was applied to subterranean clover pastures either at the start of the growing season (autumn) or at flowering (spring). Gypsum, plaster of Paris, or lime gave large increases in seed yield per unit area and also per unit weight of tops. Spring applications of superphosphate increased seed yields in only two out of four experiments. Gypsum applied in spring at 200-500 kg ha-1 was as effective as 2,000 kg ha-1 of lime applied in autumn. Applications of lime in spring were much less effective. Increased seed yields were due to increases in burr yield, seed number per burr, and mean weight per seed. They were usually accompanied by increases in calcium concentration in the seed. Responses in seed production to calcium applications were obtained in all three sub-species of Trifolium subterraneum. In two experiments, newly sown on a soil type on which subterranean clover regeneration and persistence is commonly very poor, applied calcium doubled or quadrupled seed set. In 13 experiments using soils on which subterranean clover had persisted as the major component of the pasture for several years, calcium in the year of application increased the total seed bank by 6 to 31 per cent, and the current seed set by a greater amount.
Selective chemical control of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) in oilseed rape, field peas and lupins
Authors: Reeves TG , Lumb JM
Published: March 2005

The effectiveness of herbicides for selective control of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) in oilseed rape (Brassica napus), field peas (Pisum arvense) and narrow-leafed lupins (Lupinus angustifolius) was investigated in nine experiments in north-eastern and southern Victoria. Of the herbicides tested, di-allate, trifluralin and simazine significantly reduced ryegrass populations in all experiments where they were used. Pre-planting incorporated treatments were generally more effective than post-sowing or post-emergence treatments in oilseed rape and field peas. Control of ryegrass generally resulted in higher grain yields in all three crops, although lupins showed the greatest response. Dalapon, applied to oilseed rape after emergence, caused flower distortion and reduced yields in some experiments.
Establishment of barrel medic under wheat, oats, barley and linseed in central western New South Wales
Authors: Scott BJ , Brownlee H
Published: March 2005

Experiments in 1969 and 1970 at Condobolin, New South Wales, measured the effects of cover crops of wheat, oats, barley and linseed on the dry matter and pod production of undersown Jemalong barrel medic (Medicago truncatula). The cover crops differed in their capacities to produce dry matter. Medic regenerated densely each year after linseed, the lowest density being greater than after wheat, oats or barley sown at rates greater than 11 kg ha-1. When wheat or barley was sown at 6 kg ha-1, medic regeneration was comparable with that after linseed
Effect of temporary rise of saline water table on dry matter yield of oats (Avena byzantina)
Authors: Abd-El-Kaddous FG
Published: March 2005

In 1968 and 1969, at Kerang, Victoria, the dry matter yield of oats (Avena byzantina) grown on a sodic soil were measured under conditions of fluctuating saline (31 mmhos cm-1) water tables. In each year, a water table was established for 14 days at one of three growth stages and at depths varying from 7.5 to 90 cm. Relative to the yield obtained when the water table remained at 90 cm depth, dry matter yields were reduced by 70 per cent (1968) and 79 per cent (1969) by one temporary water table rise to a depth of 7.5 cm for 14 days. Intermediate reductions in yields occurred when the water tables rose temporarily to intermediate depths from 82.5 cm to 15 cm (7.5 cm intervals). The growth stage at which the water table rise occurred had no significant effect on yield, except in the second period in 1969 when yield was reduced during conditions of high temperature and low evaporation.
Diagnostic leaf analysis for stone fruit. 2. Seasonal changes in the leaf composition of peach
Authors: Leece DR , Gilmour AR
Published: March 2005

Changes in the nutrient-element composition of leaves of peach cvs. Golden Queen, Gaum6, and Halehaven were measured monthly during the 1971 -72 and 1972-73 seasons in New South Wales. For all cultivars, the rate of change of leaf composition was least during January and February. Thus leaf composition standards should be based on January-February samples and diagnostic sampling should be confined to this period where possible. Correction factors for adjusting the composition November, December and March samples back to January 31 levels were calculated from polynomials with time fitted to the leaf composition data.
Comparison of the diets of goats and sheep on a Casuarina cristata - Heterodendrum oleifolium woodland community in western New South Wales
Authors: Wilson AD , Leigh JH , Hindley NL , Mulham WE
Published: March 2005

The diets of sheep and feral goats grazing a semi-arid woodland in western New South Wales were assessed using oesophageal fistulated animals. The diet of the goats consisted largely of browse, with the leaves of Heterodendrum oleifolium (rosewood) a consistent component, although a large proportion of herbaceous material (mainly Bassia spp.) was eaten on occasions. The sheep showed a preference for the pasture species Stipa variabilis (spear grass) and Bassia spp. (copper burrs). When these plants were not available they were replaced in the diet by a higher proportion of browse, mainly of the tree Casuarina cristata (belah). Nitrogen contents of the diets ranged from 1.6 per cent to 3.0 per cent, with that of the goats generally being greater than that of the sheep. In vitro digestibility data indicated comparable values for both animal species, with lower values occurring under higher stocking pressures. The woody weed Eremophila sturtii (turpentine) was ignored by both sheep and goats at all stocking rates. Another weed shrub Cassia eremophila var. platypoda (punty) was browsed very sparingly. This indicates that the use of goats in an attempt to eliminate established stands of these species is unlikely to be successful at low to moderate stocking rates.
Effect of soil fertility, weed competition, defoliation and legume seeding rate on establishment of tropical pasture species in south-east Queensland
Authors: Jones RM
Published: March 2005

An experiment was sown at two contrasting sites in south-east Queensland to study the response of tropical pasture species in the establishment and second year to treatments imposed during the establishment year. Sowing was into fully prepared seed-beds on a nitrogen deficient low humic gley at Beerwah and a fertile prairie soil at Samford. Limiting nutrients, other than nitrogen, were supplied by fertilizer. The treatments were: two pastures (Macroptilium atropurpureum cv. Siratro/Setaria anceps and Desmodium intortum cv. Greenleaf/setaria anceps), three legume seeding rates, two defoliation systems in the establishment year, and presence or absence of severe annual grass weed competition. In the establishment year there were large treatment effects on the yields of sown pasture species. Sown weeds had a great effect, particularly on the high fertility site where they reduced setaria, desmodium and siratro yields by factors of approximately 50, 10 and 2 respectively. Legume yields increased with legume seeding rates. The sum of legume yields from the regularly cut treatments was only one-half to one-quarter that of the single end of season cut, whereas total grass yields were similar in both treatments. However, all first year treatments had much less effect in the second year, when legumes comprised about 70 per cent of mixtures at the low fertility site and 30 per cent of mixtures at the high fertility site. Some comments are made about this role of soil fertility in the dynamics of pasture establishment and about future lines of research. Results from this and other experiments suggest that pasture establishment problems on fully prepared seed-beds are not a major limitation to the wider use of tropical pastures in south-eastern Queensland.
Comparison of Brazilian and naturalised Australian ecotypes of Stylosanthes humilis in the dry tropics of Queensland
Authors: Edye LA , Cameron DF
Published: March 2005

Nine Stylosanthes humilis introductions from Brazil were compared with four Australian ecotypes and two mixtures when grown in swards with a grass Urochloa mosambicensis at two sites in the dry tropics of Queensland with an average growing season of 22 weeks per annum. The swards were harvested at 6-weekly intervals during the growing season at a height of 7.6 cm. Over the three years of the trial, no introduction was superior to cv. Gordon in dry matter and pod yield at the two sites. The Brazilian introductions showed variation in flowering times and growth habit. In general the later flowering, erect types were more productive because they made better growth late in the season, still set seed and competed better with sown grass. The naturalised Australian material gave higher pod yields but lower in vitro digestibilities during the dry season than the Brazilian introductions.
Soil measurements and wheat yield response to superphosphate in Victoria
Authors: Palmer B , McClelland VF , Jardine R
Published: March 2005

The relationships between soil tests for 'plant available' phosphate and wheat yield response to applied superphosphate were examined and the extent to which these relationships were modified by other soil measurements was determined. Soil samples and wheat yield data were obtained from experiments conducted in the Victorian wheat belt. The sites were grouped into four relatively uniform classes using soil pH measurement and geographic location. The soil test values differed widely and were accountable for by the soil characteristics measured. However, the overall and within group yield responses to applied superphosphate could not be accounted for in terms of either the soil test value or the associated chemical measurements. By inference, yield response was clearly dependent on factors other than those determining the results of soil tests.
A study on pollination of Winter Nelis pears
Authors: Langridge DF , Jenkins PT
Published: March 2005

The roles of wind and honeybees in the transport of pollen for fertilization of Winter Nelis Pears was studied in a pear orchard at Doncaster East, Victoria. Concentrations of airborne pollen in the orchard were greater between 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. than during the remainder of the day but were similar inside and outside a 2.5 mm mesh cage. Enclosing the trees in beeproof cages caused a marked decline in fruit yields and in numbers of seeds per fruit. The results of this study are compared with those of a previous study with Packhams Triumph Pears.
Comparison of thiabendazole and benomyl as post-harvest fungicides for wastage control in long term lemon storage
Authors: Wild BL , Rippon LE , Seberry JA
Published: March 2005

Thiabendazole and benomyl were compared for their effectiveness in controlling major postharvest diseases of lemons, caused by green mould (Penicillium digitatum Sacc.) and stem-end rot (Diaporthe citri (Faw.) Wolf). The lemons were stored at ambient temperatures and at 12�C and examined over a period of 26 weeks. Results showed benomyl gave excellent and better control of the diseases than TBZ. Although benomyl treated fruit was sound, skin colour was deep yellow and unattractive indicating the need for further research into methods of improving fruit appearance during long periods of storage.
Diagnostic leaf analysis for stone fruit. 5. Sweet cherry
Authors: Leece DR
Published: March 2005

Changes in the nutrient-element composition of leaves of 'St. Margaret' cherry were measured monthly during the 1971-72 and 1972-73 seasons in New South Wales. The rate of change of leaf composition was least during January-February. Thus, leaf composition standards should be based on January- February samples and diagnostic sampling should be confined to this period where possible. Correction factors for adjusting the composition of early or late samples back to January 31 levels were calculated from polynomials with time fitted to the leaf composition data. A survey of the leaf composition of well-managed orchards was conducted each January from 1971 to 1973. Nutrients were found to be low or deficient in the following percentages of the orchards surveyed : nitrogen 37; phosphorus 31 ; potassium 37; calcium 25; iron 43; and zinc 62. High levels of copper were found in 9 per cent and of manganese in 15 per cent of the orchards.
Leaf analysis for pear: development of standards and the nutritional status of orchards in the Goulburn Valley and Murrumbidgee Irrigation Areas
Authors: van den Ende B , Leece DR
Published: March 2005

Leaf composition standards for pear trees were formulated from the literature then evaluated in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria by surveying the leaf composition of high-production orchards for two seasons (1971-72 and 1972-73). Good agreement was found between the standards and orchard leaf composition although the calcium standards required slight amendment. A concurrent survey of orchards showing symptoms of salt toxicity showed that sodium and chloride levels previously considered safe were in fact toxic and the standards were amended accordingly. The revised standards were used to evaluate the nutritional status of young and older pear blocks in the Goulburn Valley and pear blocks in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Areas (MIA), New South Wales. The findings for Goulburn Valley blocks were confirmed by multiple regression analysis of leaf composition and yield data.
Effect of transmission of exocortis dwarfing factors into Washington navel orange trees
Authors: Stannard MC , Evans JC , Long JK
Published: March 2005

Washington navel orange trees on trifoliate orange rootstocks were inoculated at various ages with budwood from either severely dwarfed Washington navel trees with butt scaling caused by exocortis virus or moderately dwarfed Marsh grapefruit trees with no butt scaling. Dwarfing, measured by trunk girth, became apparent four seasons after inoculation, the butt scaling inoculum causing more pronounced dwarfing than the non-scaling inoculum. For both inocula, trees inoculated in the nursery were the most dwarfed, and yielded least, with trees inoculated in the field one, two, three or five years later being successively less dwarfed and high yielding. In a second experiment, Washington navel orange trees on trifoliate orange, which were carrying exocortis virus or were inoculated with it either in the nursery or later in the field, were planted in 1962 at a density of 835 ha-1. The field inoculated trees subsequently grew larger than the others. All were more dwarfed but yielded more heavily on a ground area basis during five years of cropping than exocortis-free trees planted at a normal density of 222 ha-1. Dwarfed trees developed butt scaling symptoms and periodically became unthrifty. The non-scaling form of dwarfing lends itself to the development of high density plantings of small trees with consequent benefits in management and high early production
Laboratory evaluation of five insecticides against wingless grasshopper (Phaulacridium vittatum)
Authors: Edge VE , Casimir M
Published: March 2005

Adults of wingless grasshopper (Phaulacridium vittatum) were collected from pasture at Guyong near Bathurst in early February, 1973 and their susceptibility to maldison, fenthion, dimethoate, fenitrothion and lindane was determined in the laboratory. Lindane was the most toxic chemical at the LD50 level, being 5.1 x more toxic than maldison, which was the least toxic. Fenitrothion, dimethoate and fenthion were 3.5 x , 1.6 x and 1.5 x more toxic respectively than maldison.
Effect of time of joining and rate of stocking on the production of Corriedale ewes in southern Victoria. 3. Wool growth and the composition and availability of pasture
Authors: Kenney PA , Davis IF
Published: March 2005

A study was made during a three year period (1 968-1 970) of wool production by a flock of 540 ewes grazing annual pasture at Werribee, Victoria. The ewes were stocked at three rates (5, 7 1/2 and 10 ewes ha-1) and lambed between July 6 and August 20 or between September 10 and October 29 each year. Fibre diameter and length of wool samples were measured in 1968, 1969 and 1970 ; in 1970 growth of greasy wool was calculated from staples of dye-banded wool. Wool growth was reduced in all ewes during late pregnancy and early lactation but was not affected during late lactation in ewes lambing in September. The proportion of tender fleeces from all ewes was greater in 1970 and the weight of fleeces from only those ewes bearing single lambs was less in all years for ewes lambing in July than for ewes lambing in September. More ewes were barren and fewer ewes had twins in July and consequently the mean fleece weights of all ewes from both groups were similar. Fleeces from ewes stocked at 10 ha-1 were lighter, shorter and finer than fleeces from ewes stocked at 5 and 7 1/2 ha-1, but the proportion of tender fleeces did not differ between the groups. Wool production of ewes stocked at 5 and 7 1/2 ha-1 increased from 1968 to 1970, whereas that of ewes at 10 ha-1 did not. This was associated with differences in pasture availability and composition. At 10 ewes ha-1 less pasture was present in winter and spring in 1970 than in 1968, whereas at the other stocking rates it was greater. In 1970 the density of weeds in autumn was greater and in spring more silver grass (Vulpia spp.) and less brome grass (Bromus spp.) was available at the high stocking rate.
Replacement value of dried egg meal for skim milk powder in diets for young pigs
Authors: Taverner MR , Campbell R
Published: March 2005

The growth of piglets reared individually in pens over the age interval three to eight weeks was compared for isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets in which part or all of the skim milk powder component of the diet was replaced by dried egg meal. Other components common to all diets included wheat, soyabean meal and fish meal. The dried egg meal and skim milk powder in total comprised 55 per cent of the protein concentrate in each diet. The mean growth rates and feed conversion ratios of 360 g day-1 and 2.14 kg feed kg-1 in liveweight gain, respectively, did not differ significantly for any diet. In a further experiment with older pigs the digestible energy content of dried egg meal and skim milk powder was shown to be 6127 and 3907 kcal kg-1 of dry feed respectively.
A comparison of zulu sorghum, bulrush millet and white panicum in terms of yield, forage quality and milk production
Authors: Stobbs TH
Published: March 2005

Yield and nutritive value of three summer annual forages, hybrid forage sorghum (Sorghum spp. hybrid cv. Zulu), bulrush millet (Pennisetum typhoides cv. Tamworth) and white panicum millet (Echinochloa crusgalli var. edulis) were determined in three experiments. Uninterrupted growth was measured every 2 weeks between 4 and 12 weeks after sowing, and leaf, stem and inflorescence components analysed for nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium and dry matter digestibility by an in vitro technique. The value of 10-week-old herbage, from crops grown with 50 kg ha-1 N, was determined by grazing with 18 Jersey cows and by feeding chopped material to 12 cows indoors. White panicum was the lowest yielding forage (up to 6,360 kg ha-1 at 10 weeks) but contained the highest concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium in both leaf and stem fractions at all stages of growth. After 10 weeks growth this feed contained a high proportion of seed and was eaten in arger quantities than zulu sorghum or bulrush millet. Cows grazing white panicum produced the highestr lmilk yields (6.5 and 7.1 kg cow-1 day-1 indoors and grazed) and milk from these cows contained a highe solids-not-fat and protein content than milk from cows fed bulrush millet or sorghum. Zulu sorghum was highest yielding (1 1,240 kg ha-1 at 12 weeks in experiment 1 and 81 50 kg ha-1 at 10 weeks in experiment 2). With advancing maturity stem content increased (>80 per cent from 8 weeks onwards) and the nitrogen content of both leaf and stem fractions rapidly declined to sub-optimum levels. Milk production of cows feeding on zulu sorghum was low, averaging 4.7 and 6.0 kg cow-1 day-1 for indoor and grazing experiments. Bulrush millet produced high forage yields with a higher leaf content than zulu sorghum and milk yields were higher. Butterfat content of milk from cows feeding on bulrush millet was lower than when cows were fed the other forages. It was concluded that these three forages are capable of providing a large bulk of feed but their feeding value at a semi-mature stage of growth is similar to perennial tropical pastures.
A comparison of the responses by six grasses, rape and subterranean clover to application of molybdenum
Authors: Lipsett J
Published: March 2005

Phalaris tuberosa and wheat (Triticum sativum) responded to application of molybdenum in a series of pot experiments with a soil known to support subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) without additional molybdenum in the field. No response to molybdenum was recorded with oats (Avena sativa), barley (Hordeum vulgare), rye grass (Lolium perenne), kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum), rape (Brassica rapus) or subterranean clover.
The influence of agronomic practices on the yield and oil content of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) in the Wimmera region of Victoria
Authors: Naughtin JC
Published: March 2005

Between 1970 and 1972 three experiments were conducted in the Wimmera region of Victoria to investigate the effect of time of sowing, weed control, seeding rate and row spacing on the yield and oil content of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius). June sowing produced the best yields, although on occasions May or July sowings yielded equally well. There were large yield responses to weed control and seeding rates of at least 17 kg ha-1 were necessary. Higher yields were obtained from a row spacing of 0.18 m than from one of 0.36 m. Oil content was not affected by any experimental variable and showed little variation between the three years.
Disintegration of dung pads in north Queensland before the introduction of exotic dung beetles
Authors: Ferrar P
Published: March 2005

Before the liberation of exotic dung beetles, marked dung pads at two different sites in north Queensland were regularly observed to assess the time and mode of disintegration. Pads survived at least three months, and sometimes a year or more. Trampling by cattle and weathering broke up some pads, and others were destroyed by termites. In very wet conditions earthworms removed some old dung, but at no time were native dung beetles significant in pad breakup.
Effect of plant populations and row spacings on early and late maize hybrids in the Ord Valley
Authors: Beech DF , Basinski JJ
Published: March 2005

The effect of three row spacings (50 cm, 75 cm and 100 cm) and three plant populations (44,500, 59,300 and 89,000 plants ha-1) on two maize cultivars (short, early XL 45 and tall, late Q 692) was investigated at Kimberley Research Station. None of the crop measurements was significantly affected by row spacing. Tasselling, silking and maturity occurred respectively 10, 12 and 16 days later in Q 692 than in XL 45. Their time of occurrence was not affected by populations. Q 692 was considerably taller and had more leaves per plant. Its canopy thickness above the cobs was also considerably greater. At silking, total dry matter was higher in Q 692, and in both cultivars higher at higher population densities. The production of dry matter after silking increased with increasing populations in XL 45 but declined in Q 692. The grain yield of XL 45 increased significantly up to 59,300 plants ha-1 and then levelled off. On the other hand the yield of Q 692 fell significantly with each population increase. Population had no effect on mean seed weight, which was slightly higher in Q 692. The detrimental effects of increasing population on the number of barren plants and on the number of seeds per cob were offset by the higher number of cobs per hectare in XL 45 but not in Q 692. Nitrogen and phosphorus contents were not affected by populations and were similar in both hybrids
Calcined Christmas Island C-grade rock phosphate as a fertilizer
Authors: Wright DN
Published: March 2005

A series of four pot experiments and one field experiment was conducted on two soils in northern Tasmania to compare calcined Christmas Island C-grade rock phosphate (CIP) with superphosphate as a source of phosphorus for pasture plants. On an acid, loamy sand CIP alone was better than superphosphate alone for the establishment of pasture plants. The initial response to CIP was best where a high rate of fine material was mixed into the surface soil. The residual response from the coarser CIP was greater than from the fine material. Yield responses from CIP plus ground limestone were lower than from CIP alone, particularly from the coarser grade of CIP. On the other soil, a krasnozem, CIP was inferior to superphosphate as a source of phosphorus.
Millet compared with wheat and sorghum in high-grain diets for cattle
Authors: Gartner RJW , Laws L , O'Rourke PK
Published: March 2005

Steers in yards were fed finishing diets of either 90 per cent wheat (32 steers), sorghum (40 steers) or millet (5 steers) grain. The steers fed sorghum were further subdivided into two equal groups receiving either cottonseed hulls or lucerne as the roughage source. Rhodes grass and lucerne were the roughages fed with wheat and millet respectively. The steers had an initial mean shrunk liveweight of 21 5.4 � S.E. 0.35 kg and were aged between 12 and 15 months. Individual steers were slaughtered either at 390 kg, or, those failing to reach this weight after 177 days, were slaughtered at lower weights resulting in an overall mean shrunk liveweight of 367.9 � 2.16 kg. The only significant (P < 0.01) difference in productivity was the lower growth rate of 1.04 � 0.049 kg day-1 of the steers receiving sorghum plus lucerne compared with 1.22 � 00.39, 1.21 � 0.049 and 1.43 0.098 kg day-1 for steers receiving wheat, sorghum plus cottonseed hulls, and millet respectively. The feed conversion ratios (kg dry matter per kg liveweight gain) with wheat, sorghum/cottonseed hulls, sorghum/lucerne and millet were 5.5, 6.0, 6.5 and 5.6 respectively.
Weed control when establishing irrigated lucerne (Medicago sativa)
Authors: Felton WL , Gleeson AC
Published: March 2005

Three experiments were done at Tamworth, New South Wales, on weed control during lucerne establishment. In experiment 1, autumn sown, trifluralin incorporated in the soil eight weeks before sowing provided better control than benefin of grasses (mainly Poa annua) and deadnettle (Lamium amplexicaule). Neither of these treatments controlled shepherds purse (Capsella bursa pastoris), reduced lucerne density nor increased its yield. Post emergent treatment with 2,4-DB or prometryne increased lucerne yield, the latter being the more effective. In experiment 2, also autumn sown, the problem weeds were deadnettle and shepherds purse. Trifluralin and benefin both increased lucerne yield when applied either one or three weeks before sowing, but hay quality, as gauged by weed contamination, was not improved. Post emergent application of prometryne increased lucerne yield and improved the quality of the hay. Experiment 3 was spring sown. The problem weed, barnyard grass (Echinochloa spp), was controlled by benefin and trifluralin, resulting in greater lucerne yield and better hay quality. Trifluralin was more effective when applied three weeks before sowing compared with one week.