bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skin folds and Merino breeding. 4. The susceptibility of rams selected for a high degree of skin wrinkle to heat induced infertility
Authors: Fowler DG , Dun RB
Published: March 2005

Three experiments were done to establish whether differences in ram fertility could explain some of the differences in reproductive performance observed between two flocks of Merino sheep, one flock of which had been bred for a high (Folds Plus) and the other for a low (Folds Minus) degree of skin wrinkle at the Trangie Agricultural Research Station. In the first experiment the quality of semen collected from Folds Plus and Folds Minus rams at Glenfield, New South Wales, was examined during the period December 1962 until March 1963. From late January until early March 1963, Folds Plus rams had low quality semen which gave a conception rate of 38.6 per cent. Over the same period, Folds Minus rams had higher quality semen which gave a conception rate of 58.6 per cent. Folds Plus and Folds Minus rams were then subjected to a severe heat treatment in mid winter 1963 (experiment 2) which produced severe seminal degeneration in both Folds Plus and Folds Minus rams. Folds Plus rams were more susceptible to heat than Folds Minus rams since the semen of Folds Plus rams remained degenerate for a longer period than the semen of Folds Minus rams and, in a test mating program, fewer pregnancies were observed in ewes artificially inseminated with the semen of Folds Plus rams than in ewes inseminated with the semen of Folds Minus rams. In a third experiment Folds Plus and Folds Minus rams from two independently established selection experiments at Trangie and at Cunnamulla were subjected to a heat treatment. The heated Folds Plus rams from both selection experiments exhibited marked seminal degeneration, but heated Folds Minus rams from both selection experiments maintained high quality semen throughout the experiment. The heated Folds Plus rams from Cunnamulla were more severely affected than the heated Folds Plus rams from Trangie.
The effect of urea-salt-molasses supplements on the winter performance of beef cattle on improved pastures at Samford, south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Jones RJ
Published: March 2005

Hereford weaner cattle grazed improved pastures of Setaria sphacelata C.P.I. 28709 (Nandi Setaria) and Cbloris gayana C.P.I. 16144 (Samford Rhodes grass) at two beasts per acre for 98 days in winter 1962. Weight loss was similar for urea supplemented and control groups. Consumption of the urea-salt-molasses blocks (35 per cent urea) was significantly greater on the Rhodes grass than on the Setaria pastures (2.3 oz v. 2.0 oz per head per day). The higher intake was associated with the grass of lower nitrogen content. Animals grazing Rhodes grass lost a mean of 10 lb a head and those on Setaria a mean of 18 lb a head in liveweight over the trial period. The differences were not statistically significant. There was no interaction between grass species and supplementation. Pasture plucking to simulate selection by the animals indicated that a diet containing 1.0 per cent N or above was selected by the animals over most of the winter period. A marked improvement in the nitrogen and total sugar content of the diet occurred over the latter half of the trial but the animals continued to lose weight. The results are discussed in the light of other published results on the use of urea. It is suggested that on improved pastures where animals are able to select a diet containing 1 per cent N or above during the winter months there will be little response in animal performance to urea supplementation.
The relation of laboratory analyses for copper, zinc, and molybdenum in some Victorian soils to the results of field trials
Authors: McKenzie RM
Published: March 2005

Samples of surface soil from 82 fertilizer trial plots in Victoria were analysed for total copper, zinc, and molybdenum, and for the amounts of these elements extracted by EDTA and normal ammonium acetate, and these values were related to plant responses to fertilizers containing these elements. Predictions of copper deficiency can be made with equal accuracy from a knowledge of the total concentration or from the EDTA soluble copper. For zinc, an approximately equal accuracy of prediction can be made either from the total zinc content and soil reaction or from the EDTA soluble zinc and soil reaction. There was no relation between total or extractable molybdenum and deficiency. The amounts of copper and zinc, but not molybdenum, extracted by both extractants were correlated with the total concentrations in the soil. (r = 0.80 for EDTA Cu, 0.76 for ammonium acetate Cu, 0.47 for EDTA Zn, and 0.32 for ammonium acetate Zn.) The total concentrations of copper and zinc were also correlated with the nitrogen content of the soil (r = 0.38 for Cu, 0.42 for Zn), as were the amounts of copper (r = 0.46), zinc (r = 0.42), and molybdenum (r = 0.43) extracted by EDTA, and the amounts of copper (r = 0.36) and molybdenum (r = 0.40) extracted by ammonium acetate.
Some physiological aspects of blackend of pears
Authors: Wauchipe DG
Published: March 2005

Leaves and fruit were sampled throughout the growing season from Josephine de Malines pear trees on Kieffer seedling rootstocks growing under irrigation in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria. The samples were taken from three trees that had consistently carried blackend fruit and from three trees that had never had blackend fruit. Water contents and water deficits were determined for the leaf samples, and the fruit samples were analysed for soluble solids and calcium content. There were no differences in the leaf water relations between affected and unaffected trees, but soluble solids and calcium contents of the fruit were greater in the samples from affected trees. In all samples soluble solids and calcium contents were higher at the calyx end of the fruit.
Detection of apple rubbery wood virus in some Tasmanian varietal selections using Lord Lambourne as an indicator
Authors: Johnstone GR
Published: March 2005

Apple rubbery wood virus was found to be prevalent among varietal selections taken from commercial Tasmanian orchards. Bending and sway tests to detect symptoms of rubbery wood in Lord Lambourne scions in the field were not always reliable, and it was necessary to check field observations by staining cross-sections of wood with phloroglucinol-HC1 and observing them for lignin development. Results are discussed in relation to factors affecting vigour, and variation in the degree of lignification within infected trees. It is concluded that the indexing of each tree on Lord Lambourne should be replicated more than six times, and that three or more sections should be taken from the two-year-old wood of the indicator growths for staining to ensure detection of all infected selections. Although Lord Lambourne is not an ideal indicator for the detection of apple rubbery wood virus under Tasmanian conditions, there does not appear to be a more suitable alternative available.
The effect of trifluralin on the root development of seedling cotton
Authors: Fischer BB
Published: March 2005

Trifluralin (2, 6 dinitrc-N N-dipropyl-4-trifluoro-methylaniline) severely retarded the secondary root development of seedling cotton at very low concentrations in water, sand, and soil culture in the glass house. Although retarded, the seedlings survived at concentrations of 5.0 p.p.m., the highest rate used. In water culture length of secondary roots was reduced at 0.01 p.p.m. In sand culture a concentration of 0.125 p.p.m. significantly reduced the root weight, but in clay-loam soil a concentration of 0.25 p.p.m. was needed to produce the same degree of reduced secondary root growth. No statistically significant retardation in total root growth was obtained when the cotton roots were able to grow in an untreated layer of sand or clay-loam soil, when the trifluralin treated layer was placed either above or below the untreated layer.
Evaluation of three herbicides for the control of grasses in rices
Authors: Fischer BB , Swain DJ , Boerema EB
Published: March 2005

Increased rice yield was obtained when the predominant grasses infesting rice fields in the Murrumbidgee irrigation areas of New South Wales were effectively controlled. Ordram (ethyl hexahydro-1 H-azepine-1-carbothioate) applied at pre-sowing and at post-emergence of the rice and grass, gave excellent control of grasses. Propanil, applied to vigorously growing barnyard grass in its 2-3 leaf stage of development, also gave very effective control. Ordram, applied at pre-sowing at less than two inches from the germinating rice seed in the soil of applied at pre-emergence in the water when the plumule of the germinating seed had to grow through the herbicide treated soil, reduced the density of the stand or the vigour of the rice seedlings.
The effect of plant density on the reproductive structure of safflower in the Ord River valley
Authors: Beech DF , Norman MJT
Published: March 2005

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L., variety Gila) was grown under irrigation at the Kimberley Research Station as a row crop at plant densities of 25,000 to 133,000 plants an acre and as a drilled crop at 593,000 plants an acre. The main effect of increasing plant density, within the range examined, was to reduce plant size (dry weight of tops and number of seed heads) ; the mean size of individual heads (number of seeds and their weight) showed little change. Though the relative seed and oil yield per head of primary, secondary, and tertiary heads remained fairly constant with increasing plant density, the increasing proportion of primary heads and the decreasing proportion of tertiary heads brought about corresponding changes in the contribution by primary and tertiary heads to total seed and oil yield. In contrast, the proportion of secondary heads and their contribution to seed and oil yield remained relatively stable.
Growth and chemical composition of Townsville lucerne (Stylosanthes humilis). 2. Chemical composition, with special reference to cations, as affected by the principal constituent elements of molybdenized superphosphate
Authors: Gates CT , Wilson JR , Shaw NH
Published: March 2005

The chemical composition of Stylosanthes humilis H.B.K. in response to a factorial combination of phosphorus, sulphur, molybdenum, and calcium carbonate treatments was studied with special reference to cation composition and protein synthesis. The aim was to assess the potential of S. humilis to adapt to a wide range of nutrient treatments. Protein synthesis was enhanced by high phosphorus-high sulphur treatments, and was accompanied by a low soluble : residual nitrogen ratio. This occurred despite the development of an apparent potassium shortage at this treatment combination. High phosphorus-high sulphur plants had low potassium : sodium ratios, and, although large, their potassium content was below critical levels (9-14 m.-equiv. per 100g). Potassium was partially substituted for by sodium and to a lesser degree by magnesium under these conditions. Although high protein levels were achieved, the full potential for protein synthesis did not seem to be attained by reason of the potassium shortage which developed. S. humilis was able to grow and fix significant quantities of nitrogen that bore a close relation at all levels to the wide range in chemical composition and yield response that developed with treatment.
Soil properties influencing growth of subterranean clover in the Coleambally Irrigation Area, NSW
Authors: Loveday J , McIntyre DS
Published: March 2005

The significance of physical soil factors in controlling the growth of subterranean clover under irrigation was assessed in a field experiment involving small plots scattered over a range of soils. Nutrient differences were reduced by a complete fertilizer dressing, so that as far as possible vegetative growth was controlled only by moisture supply and soil aeration under two watering treatments, one approximating the normal regional practice and the other a more frequent watering. Yield was increased by the latter and variation between sites due to soil differences was reduced. Spring yields from the plots watered at the normal regional level were significantly correlated with water increments at irrigation but not with available water capacity. Fifteen other soil properties showed significant simple correlations with spring yield and in multiple regression relationships a high proportion of yield variation could be accounted for in terms of the variation in selected properties. The best pair of variables for yield prediction, accounting for 59 per cent of variability, were per cent exchangeable sodium at 1-4 inches, and aggregate density at 1-4 inches. These variables were highly correlated with water increment at irrigation. On the more frequently watered plots, waterlogging induced in late winter depressed yield slightly and this, apparently, was not caused by poor aeration, but possibly by leaching of nutrients. Oxygen diffusion rates measured one day after irrigation were negatively correlated with yield. Spring yields from these plots were unrelated to total and air-filled porosity and air permeability. The evidence again pointed to moisture supply being responsible for the yield variation between sites.
Water entry, water use and seasonal-moisture regimes in flood-irrigated Riverina soils
Authors: Loveday J , Scotter DR
Published: March 2005

Soil water regimes were followed on a range of Riverina soils in field plots of subterranean clover, using a flood irrigation schedule typical for the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Areas. During winter, matric potentials remained high. During autumn and spring, potentials dropped rapidly on most soils after irrigation and the plants experienced considerable water stress and yields suffered. The rapidity of the drop in potential and the intensity of the subsequent water stress and depression of yield varied widely between soils. The variations in matric potential between soils may be explained in terms of the large differences in water-storage increment at irrigation. Mean increments ranged from 3.8 cm of water for a loam over clay profile to 12.5 cm for sandy-textured profiles. The range in water-storage increments was reflected in the water use of the plots, some of which lost water at barely half the potential evapotranspiration rate. For the period May 5 to October 23, the maximum water use was 44 cm compared with a Penman estimate of 38 cm for potential evapotranspiration. Water use and plant growth fell below the potential to the extent that water was not available because of low intake.
The relative pasture intake of grazing lambs at two levels of milk intake
Authors: Hodge RW
Published: March 2005

The faecal output of grazing lambs at two levels of milk intake was compared from 14 to 63 days of age. The milk intake of the High milk lambs was progressively reduced from a mean of 346 grams organic matter per day to 200 grams. Corresponding intakes for the Low milk lambs were 180 and 100 grams per day. The faecal output (after correction for 'milk' faeces) of the High milk lambs increased from a mean of 2 grams organic matter per 5 days to 456 grams while the Low milk lambs excreted 12 to 570 grams per 5 days. On the basis of the difference in faecal output, the Low milk lambs commenced to graze at an earlier age and consumed more pasture than the High milk lambs.
The addition of tallow to milk-substitute diets for the young calf
Authors: Leibhloz J
Published: March 2005

In two experiments, 0, 10, 20, and 30 per cent and 15, 20, and 25 per cent, tallow was incorporated into the milk-substitute diets of 164 male Friesian calves. Weight gains were recorded from 3 to 31 days of age. Two methods of incorporation-emulsifying with soyabean lecithin and homogenizing-and two milk temperatures-38�C and environmental temperature (18.88 � 0.61�C)-were compared. Greatest weight gains were recorded with the 15 to 25 per cent tallow additions with the milk fed at 38�C. Feeding the milk at environmental temperature resulted in smaller weight gains with the higher levels of added tallow. Calves fed homogenized tallow gained 30 per cent more than those fed the emulsified tallow.
A continuous irrigation system for use in sand culture experiments
Authors: Hanger BC
Published: March 2005

An automatic sand irrigation system suitable for investigating nutritional disorders in plants is described. The system in which a Series II D.C.L. Micropump is employed is capable of delivering nutrient solution (as a drip feed) at 500 mls an hour to each pot. A maximum of six different nutritional treatments can be established and each can be replicated six times. The system is relatively simple, quickly established and requires very little maintenance.
Theft by harvesting ants of pasture seed broadcast on unploughed land
Authors: Campbell MH
Published: March 2005

Ants of Pheidole species took seed of six pasture species sown on unploughed land ; multi-step lime pelleted clover seed was taken. It was calculated that ants could take sufficient seed to endanger the success of an aerial sowing. The mean number of plants to establish for four sowings in 1964 and six sowings in 1965 of each of six species was increased significantly, except for one species in 1965, by treating the seed with dieldrin miscible oil (1 lb active ingredient dieldrin and 0.25 lb surfactant per 100 lb of seed). The increase in reliability of establishment of grasses and clovers on unploughed land by treating the seeds with dieldrin is of field importance.
Herbage and seed production of three barrel medic (Medicago truncatula) cultivars and harbinger medic (Medicago littoralis) in the Victorian Mallee
Authors: Amor RL
Published: March 2005

The herbage and seed production of three barrel medic (Medicago truncatula Gaertn.) cultivars and harbinger medic (Medicago littoralis Rhode) were compared for five years in first- and second-year pure ungrazed stands at the Mallee Research Station, Walpeup, Victoria. The cultivars did not differ consistently in spring production of herbage, but they did differ in winter production. Harbinger medic produced almost twice as much winter herbage as commercial barrel medic and Cyprus barrel medic. Barrel medic 173 produced more winter herbage than the commercial or Cyprus cultivars, but less than harbinger medic. Harbinger medic and Cyprus barrel medic flowered a fortnight earlier, and produced more seed than commercial barrel medic and barrel medic 173.
Variation in maturity, stolon development and frost resistance of Glycine javanica
Authors: Edye LA , Kiers HJ
Published: March 2005

Introductions of G. javanica showed wide variation in flowering time, seed set, seed yield, stolon development, and frost resistance at Lawes in south-eastern Queensland. The discontinuous variation in flowering time of 50 introductions over 103 days at Lawes has enabled very early, early, midseason, and late maturity types to be defined. These maturity classes hold equally well when applied at 'Lansdown' in north Queensland. With the exception of C.P.I. 25336, only very early and early introductions set seed in large areas of south-eastern Queensland where frosts are experienced in June and July. C.P.I. 25336, an early variety with an extended flowering period, did not set seed before the first heavy frost on June 24, 1961. The association of maturity type, stolon development, and frost resistance with the country of origin of the introductions is mentioned and the significance of these characters in adapting G. javanica to Australian conditions is discussed.
The effect of herbicides, anhydrous ammonia and seed ing rate on winter production of oats sod-sown into grass dominant pasture
Authors: Colman RL
Published: March 2005

A factorial field experiment, comparing three rates of nitrogen as anhydrous ammonia, two seeding rates of oats, and the presence or absence of a herbicide applied to grass pastures before sod-seeding, was conducted at Kyogle, New South Wales in 1964. Plots were sown in mid-autumn and harvested in winter and early spring. Increased applications of nitrogen and the higher seeding rate increased both dry matter yield and total nitrogen content. Application of herbicide significantly increased yield at the low rates of nitrogen but not at the highest rate. Anhydrous ammonia at 120 lb of nitrogen an acre had no effect on the germination of oats seed and provided adequate nitrogen for growth of oats without the need for herbicide application or cultivation of the grass pasture. The results suggest that oats can be successfully sod-seeded into grass dominant pastures by using 120 lb of nitrogen as anhydrous ammonia and four bushels of oats an acre.
Dry matter and quality changes during and after making pasture hay
Authors: Cameron IH
Published: March 2005

Changes in the dry matter and quality of pasture hay cured in different ways, and exposed in the paddock in various forms for up to eight months, were measured in two seasons at the Rutherglen Research Station in north-eastern Victoria. Comparisons were made with standing (dry) pasture at one extreme and at the other with hay cured in the conventional manner, baled, and stored under cover. Changes in dry matter in the curing period were small for conventionally cured hay under the conditions of the experiments. Relatively large losses (8 to 14 per cent of the cured hay) were attributable to baling. In the storage period, pasture left standing lost 68 per cent of its dry matter in three months of summer and its quality deteriorated markedly. All the forms of conservation reduced the rate of these losses, the effectiveness of a particular method depending largely on the degree of exposure of the hay to weathering. Hay baled and stored under cover was the best (6-8 per cent loss of dry matter m eight months with little change in quality). Bales stooked in the paddock were well protected for up to seven months (17 per cent loss of dry matter), and losses for windrows and cocks of loose hay were within reasonable limits (less than 45 per cent) for shorter periods over the summer and early autumn.
The application of production function analysis for the estimation of fertilizer requirements of wheat in northern NSW
Authors: Colwell JD , Esdaile RJ
Published: March 2005

A procedure for the statistical analysis and the interpretation of factorial type field experiments for the assessment of fertilizer requirements is described and demonstrated using data from 49 field experiments in northern New South Wales. Yield data for each site are represented by the mathematical model : Y = b0 + b1N + b2N0.5 + b3P + b4P0.5 + b5NP + b6(NP) 0.5+ b7REPwhere N and P are nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer rates respectively and REP =replicate. This model is used to solve the simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer requirements, using computer techniques. The data indicate widespread deficiencies of nitrogen and phosphorus, but, in general, only applications of phosphorus fertilizer can be justified at present prices. The development of more efficient procedures for applying nitrogen fertilizers or the reduction in their cost could lead to greater requirements for nitrogen fertilizers. The severity of the widespread nitrogen deficiency is, in general, not sufficient to seriously affect the estimation of phosphorus fertilizer requirements for the majority of sites.
The effect of crop rotations in the Victorian Wimmera on the cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae). nitrogen fertility and wheat yield
Authors: Meagher JW , Rooney DR
Published: March 2005

Rotations of two or four years sown barrel medic pasture, or volunteer (non-medic) pasture, were compared with a fallow-wheat rotation at Natimuk in the Victorian Wimmera. The fallow-wheat rotation maintained a high population of cereal cyst nematode and a low level of nitrogen fertility. Increase of fertility was greatest under barrel medic (0.006 per cent total nitrogen per year). Though lowest nematode populations were recorded after four years barrel medic plus fallow (0.25 eggs per gram of soil), a shorter period of medic ley may be more practical. Wheat yield following wheat-fallow (24.2 bushels an acre) was increased after two years natural pasture plus fallow (38.4 bushels an acre) but almost doubled after two years barrel medic plus fallow (46.0 bushels an acre). A single years fallow reduced the nematode population by 56-75 per cent, but there was a rapid increase whenever wheat was grown. Following two years medic ley plus fallow, only one or two wheat crops could be grown on a fallow-wheat rotation before the nematode population returned to its original level.
The performance and carcass characterisics of growing pigs fed once or twice daily
Authors: Todd ACE , Daniels LJ
Published: March 2005

In a series of group feeding trials 66 Large White pigs at one centre and 64 Berkshire pigs at another were fed similar amounts of food in either one or two meals daily from shortly after weaning until they reached about 172 lb liveweight. Performance was compared from weaning to 100 lb liveweight (approximately) and subsequently from 100 lb to slaughter. Over the whole period Large White pigs, fed once daily at one centre, converted food more efficiently (P<0.05), the difference being greater (P<0.001) after 100 lb. Their daily gain was also faster (P<0.01) during this final period. Berkshire pigs, fed once daily at the other centre, converted food less efficiently (P<0.05) over the whole period, but the difference was not significant initially. They grew more slowly (P<0.05) at first but there was no difference during the final period or overall. Carcasses were appraised but there was no evidence of any difference in the characteristics examined. The carcass dressing percentage was greater (P<0.05) from pigs fed their full daily allowance, in one meal, on the morning of their dispatch to the more distant factory.
Mortalities among sheep grazing Phalaris tuberosa
Authors: Moore RM , Hutchings RJ
Published: March 2005

A description is given of the circumstances in which sudden deaths, now considered to be due to poisoning by tryptamine alkaloids, occurred among sheep grazing Phalaris faberosa L. in the Australian Capital Territory between 1960 and 1965. Mortalities usually occurred in autumn and early winter on pastures that, at the time, were pronouncedly Phalaris dominant. Concentrations of nitrate nitrogen were high in toxic pastures indicating the possibility of a positive relationship between levels of nitrate nitrogen and tryptamine alkaloids in Phalaris. There was a higher proportion of deaths among sheep grazing at low than at high stocking rates. Field evidence indicated that deaths were more likely on deferred and on rotationally grazed than on continuously grazed pastures. Effects of dosing sheep with cobalt chloride and of fasting them for 48 hours before access to a toxic Phalaris pasture were investigated in a short term experiment in 1965. Nearly twenty per cent of the sheep died during the five days that they were on Phalaris pastures. Deaths occurred among fed and fasting sheep. Mortality rates were higher among the hungry sheep but differences due to prior feeding were not statistically significant. Dosing with cobalt chloride at rates higher than those reported effective for chronic Phalaris staggers did not prevent sudden deaths.
Response to salinity in Glycine. 3. Dry matter accumulation in three Australian species and G. javanica
Authors: Wilson JR
Published: March 2005

In glasshouse solution culture the growth and response to salinity of three native Australian Glycine species, G.falcata Benth., G. tomentella Hayata, and G. tabacina (Labill.) Benth., and two varieties of the introduced species G. javanica L., Cooper and Tinaroo, were compared. Seedlings with five trifoliate leaves received ten days of salinity stress and were then returned to basal nutrient. In the salt-free treatment all species grew well although the relative growth rate of the javanica varieties was slightly higher than the native species. Nevertheless, the yield of G. falcata and G. tomentella was comparable to that of the lavanica varieties ; G. tabacina, however, yielded poorly. The native species also differed from the javancca varieties in seed weight, time trends in distribution of dry matter, and flowering. Yield and relative growth rate declined with increasing salt concentration in all species, and, on return to basal nutrient, recovery in relative growth rate was delayed roughly in proportion to the severity of the previous salt stress. G. javanica var. Cooper was more salt tolerant than G. fomentella, and G. tabacina, and was also the most productive plant at all levels of salinity.
Losses of dry matter and nitrogen from autumn-saved improved pastures during the winter at Samford, south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Jones RJ
Published: March 2005

Yields of a number of ungrazed pasture mixtures declined over winter. Losses of dry matter and nitrogen were greater in a wet winter than in a dry winter. Total dry matter losses averaged 400 lb an acre (5.5 lb an acre a day), and total nitrogen losses 10.8 lb an acre (0.15 lb an acre a day). Losses of dry matter and nitrogen from the legume component, with the exception of Lotononis bainesii Bak., were far greater than the losses from the grass component. Mixtures containing frost sensitive legumes, and grass fertilized with 200 lb nitrogen an acre, as-urea, lost more nitrogen than control treatments and grass fertilized 72 with 100 lb nitrogen an acre. Lotononis bainesii increased in yield of dry matter and nitrogen over winter in contrast to the other legumes (Phaseolus atropurpureus D.C., P. atropurpureus X, Indigofera spicata Forsk., and Glycine javanica L.), which lost 80 per cent of their pre-winter yield of nitrogen. The actual yields of L. bainesii were, however, very low. In the wet winter of 1962 dry matter and nitrogen losses from Digitaria didactyla Willd., the main weed component, were far greater than those from the planted grass Paspalum plicatulum Michx, cv. Hartley.
Effects of night temperature on the growth of Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Hipkinson JM
Published: March 2005

Four varieties of flue-cured tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum L., showed similar responses to night temperatures of 10�, 16�, 22�, and 28�C, with a day temperature of 27�C. Leaf growth rates and leaf production rates were approximately the same at night temperatures of 28� and 22�C, and were successively lower at 16� and 10�C. Dry weight accumulation was greatest at 22�. The node number of flower initiation increased with increasing night temperature over the whole range. There was no evidence of either a shift in the night temperature optimum or a physiological adaptation to low temperature during development.
Studies in flock mating of sheep. 1. Mating behaviour
Authors: Mattner PE , Braden AWH , Turnbull KE
Published: March 2005

The mating behaviour of Merino sheep under flock mating conditions was observed in two experiments. In the first, 100 ewes were run with a single ram for 17 days, and, in the second, 200 ewes were run with single rams or pairs of rams for periods of several days. The animals were kept in a paddock of 4.5 acres and were observed constantly during daylight hours; the rams were usually removed at night.A considerable range in sexual activity was noted with the five rams tested: the mean number of services per day (i.e. 11-13 hr) for individual rams ranged from 8 to 38, and the mean number of mounts per service from 1.7 to 3.7. The total number of services per day increased as the number of oestrous ewes increased, but not proportionately, so that the number of services per ewe decreased.The number of services per day by a ram did not appear to be markedly affected by competition from a dominant ram.
Characteristics of commercially graded pig carcases and their relationships to appraisal system standards
Authors: Wilson BR
Published: March 2005

Characteristics of eight carcases from each of three grades were examined after adjustment for total dissected weight by analysis of covariance. Grading by visual estimation of depth of fat on the split carcase separated the carcases into three grades in which backfat measurements taken at four standardized positions differed significantly between grades. Premium grade carcases contained a higher percentage of muscle and bone and a lower percentage of fat than carcases of first and second grades. Internal fat and fat plus skin measurements taken over the m. longissimus dorsi differed between grades. Measurements of m. longissirnus dorsi used as indices of carcase muscle content did not differ between grades. Carcase length did not differ significantly between grades. Per cent shoulder did not differ significantly between grades but there were significant differences in per cent middle and ham. Backfat measurements of premium grade carcases satisfied the standards of the Queensland and Downey appraisal systems and the mean measurement of m. longissirnus dorsi of premium grade carcases was awarded 86 per cent of possible marks for this feature on the standard scale of the Queensland system.
The effect of sulphate on phosphorus availability on a Krasnozem soil
Authors: Menary RC , Hughes JD
Published: March 2005

In a series of experiments on a krasnozem soil with a high phosphate fixing capacity, it was shown that the uptake of phosphorus by tomatoes from applied monocalcium phosphate was increased by the addition of sulphate to the soil. It was concluded that the observed responses were not associated with a deficiency of sulphur, but that sulphate allowed a better utilization of the added phosphate by reducing the rate of phosphate fixation.
The nodulation of annual summer legumes sown on the far north coast of NSW
Authors: Cloonan MJ , Vincent MJ
Published: March 2005

Difficulty has been encountered in securing the nodulation of inoculated annual summer legumes (Dolichos lablab L, and Vigna sinensis (L) Endl, ex Hassk.) sown on the far north coast of New South Wales and using strains that had proved satisfactory in sand culture trials. Satisfactory nodulation by the inoculum strain, when applied at a normal level, was secured in only one of ten trials that involved a clean cultivated seed bed and in one out of eight that were seeded directly into the grass sward. Reduction of grass growth by prior treatment with herbicide did not improve nodulation. Four out of six trials where the inoculum was 10x 100x normal were satisfactorily nodulated by the applied strain; the two failures were associated with dry conditions after sowing. Later sowings (January-March) generally resulted in better nodulation than those in December, but restricted the growing season to too short a period. A more detailed glasshouse trial with a red basaltic soil and which simulated sod-seeding conditions provided a quantitative basis for the relationship between size of inoculum and success in establishment. The extent to which the difficulties encountered in this work are due to the nature of the host, the bacterium, or both, has yet to be more fully investigated, along with the possible influence of factors in the root environment. The results illustrate the importance of field trials in strain selection and recommendations for inoculant use.
The occurrence of Corynebacterium insidiosum (McCulloch) Jensen in Victoria
Authors: Smith PR , Taylor RH
Published: March 2005

This report provides the first record of lucerne bacterial wilt in Australia. The causal organism, Corynebacterium insidiosum (McCulloch) Jensen, was isolated from typically infected lucerne plants from eastern Gippsland. In pot tests the lucerne cultivars Hunter River and Californian Common proved susceptible, but the cultivars Lahontan, Caliverde, and Buffalo showed considerable resistance. These latter varieties are resistant to the disease in the U.S.A.
Maintenance of Merino sheep fed varying protein roughages with or without supplements of chopped lucerne hay and wheat.
Authors: Franklin MC , McInnes P , Briggs PK
Published: March 2005

Merino wethers of 30 months of age were hand-fed in pens on low-(chaffed wheaten straw), medium-(84 per cent chaffed wheaten straw; 16 per cent chopped lucerne hay), and high-protein roughage (chopped wheaten hay, or 67.5 per cent chaffed wheaten straw : 32.5 per cent chopped lucerne hay) alone, or supplemented with wheat grain at daily or twice-weekly intervals. The experimental period was 26 weeks and emphasis was placed on the number of survivors, changes in body weight, and mean daily roughage intake. Data were also collected on wool production. No sheep survived on the low-protein roughage (LPR-2.7 per cent crude protein (CP) ). Seven out of 16 sheep in the medium-protein roughage group (MPR-5.2 per cent CP) survived for 26 weeks ; six of these, however, died in the following four weeks. All sheep survived on the two high-protein roughage diets (HPR(1) and HPR(2)-7.6 per cent CP). The wheat supplement increased the number of survivors in the LPR and MPR groups. There was no difference between results from the daily and twice-weekly supplemented groups. Mean daily roughage intake of the unsupplemented sheep increased at each level of protein in the roughage. Mean intake of chaffed wheat straw when fed alone was 220 g per sheep per day. The intake of the same straw when fed with chopped lucerne hay increased by 120 g per sheep per day in the group fed MPR, and by 344 g in the group fed HPR(1). The wheat supplement did not increase intake within any roughage group. Roughage intake was significantly decreased on the HPR(2) diet when a wheat supplement was given. Sheep fed HPR(2) grew more clean wool than sheep in the other unsupplemented groups. Differences between mean clean wool weights of daily and twice-weekly supplemented groups within each roughage group were not significant, but differences between the mean pooled wool weights of each supplemented roughage group were significant.
Complementary grazing of native pasture and standing Townsville lucerne in the dry season at Katherine, NT
Authors: Norman MJT , Stewart GA
Published: March 2005

In an experiment at Katherine, N.T., in the 1964, 1965, and 1966 dry seasons, Shorthorn steers were grazed on varying proportions of native pasture and standing Townsville lucerne pasture. The treatments were : a native pasture alone ; b Townsville lucerne two days, native pasture five days ; c Townsville lucerne four days, native pasture three days ; d Townsville lucerne alone. Liveweight gain over 16 weeks, from early June to late September, was linearly related to the number of days in the week on Townsville lucerne (21 = -74.9 + 2 7 . 9 � 30.5, where! = gain in lb per head and x = number of days). The results were compared with earlier data from Katherine on dry season supplementation of cattle on native pasture with a high-protein concentrate. In terms of liveweight gain, a weekly fall in dry matter yield of Townsville lucerne of 100 lb per head was equivalent to the consumption of 0.5 lb per head per day of digestible crude protein in concentrate form. Of this quantity of legume, it appeared that approximately two-thirds was consumed and one-third wasted. Periodic sampling of the Townsville lucerne pastures confirmed earlier findings that cattle grazing standing Townsville lucerne in the dry season do not select for a high-protein diet. The pattern of liveweight gain on Townsville lucerne alone, with other evidence, suggested that they do select for a high-energy diet.
Establishment of perennial pasture grasses under a cover crip in a Mediterranean type environment
Authors: Hoen K , Oram RN
Published: March 2005

In a Mediterranean type environment, several cultivars of phalaris and cocksfoot were established successfully in each of three different years under wheat crops sown at 30 or 45 lb an acre. Phalaris was also established under lupins and early-flowering barley, but these crops were less profitable than wheat. Oats suppressed grass establishment more than the other crops. Sowing wheat and grass in alternate rows reduced wheat yield but increased the proportion of grass seeds that produced established plants. It also gave more vigorous growth of the grass plants in the second autumn and winter. Cocksfoot was less sensitive than phalaris to changes in the sowing rate or row spacing of the cover crop. Height, leafiness, or direction of the rows of the wheat cover crop had no effect on the density of grass stands that established. Two experiments indicated that the tendency for wheat to suppress the establishment of undersown grass was due more to competition among the root systems than to competition for light.
Factors effecting the establishment of spring-sown Phalaris tuberosa
Authors: Hutchings RJ
Published: March 2005

When Phalaris tuberosa L. is sown in spring on short fallow, regenerating plants from the previous sward and invading annuals may compete with and restrict the phalaris. On light textured soils of low fertility at Ginninderra, A.C.T., fallows were prepared by either mouldboard or chisel ploughing with or without rolling after sowing. The effect on yields and density of sown phalaris, of clover oversown in the following autumn, and of competing species was measured. After twelve months the treatments had the following effects : On the unrolled seedbeds yield of Phalaris was 140 per cent higher after mouldboard ploughing than after chisel ploughing ; the yield of competing species was 16 per cent after mouldboard ploughing, and 59 per cent after chisel ploughing. Total yield was higher (+ 18 per cent) on the chisel ploughed seedbed. Rolling decreased yield of Phalaris by 10 per cent after mouldboard ploughing, but increased yield by 76 per cent after chisel ploughing. After three years the yields of Phalaris were still higher and those of competing species lower on the mouldboard ploughed seedbeds. Total yields were the same on both types of seedbed.
Investigations on chemical control of common bunt of wheat. 1
Authors: Kuiper J
Published: March 2005

Field trials were conducted at five sites in Victoria and one in South Australia in 1963-64 and 1965-66 to test a number of chemicals alone and in combination for the control of common bunt of wheat (Tilletia caries (DC.) Tul. and T. foetida (Wallr.) Liro) using mixed populations of the species as inoculum. On seed-borne bunt, fentin hydroxide and ziram were sufficiently active to warrant further testing. The chlorobenzenes hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and 2, 3, 5, 6 tetrachloronitroanisole had a strong selective action : they gave excellent control of T . caries, but HCB, especially, failed to control T . foetida. In contrast, the dithiocarbamates tested tended to be more effective on T. foetida. None of the chemicals tested, including HCB, controlled soil-borne bunt. The available evidence suggests that an hitherto unknown race of T. foetida had been used which has a high degree of field tolerance to HCB. A combination seed dressing of phenylmercuric acetate and CCC ('Cycocel') gave good control of seedborne bunt, but did not promote tillering or yield.
Observations on the adaptation by sheep to saline drinking water
Authors: Wilson AD
Published: March 2005

The extent of adaptation by sheep and rumen micro-organisms to saline drinking water was investigated in two experiments. In the first experiment, eleven sheep were introduced suddenly to drinking water containing 2 per cent NaCl. Food intakes fell sharply for three days, but then increased again, and by five to seven days reached a stable level 160 g below the food intake on fresh water. In the second experiment, rumen liquor for in vitro digestion studies was taken from sheep conditioned to saline drinking water (2 per cent NaCl) and from sheep with no experience of saline drinking water. The amount of dry-matter (ryegrass) digested decreased with increasing concentration of the medium, but there was no evidence of adaptation by the rumen micro-organisms to this increased concentration. When the concentration was increased by the addition of NaCl alone, the decrease in amount digested was less than when the concentration of all ions was increased.
Observations on the calcium intake and serum calcium status of grazing ewes during drought
Authors: Langlands JP , George JM , Lynch JJ
Published: March 2005

The calcium intakes of two flocks of dry Merino ewes grazing a Phalaris tuberosa-white clover pasture stocked at 3 and 15 sheep per acre and a third flock grazing a native pasture stocked at 1.5 sheep per acre, were estimated from December 1964 to July 1965. The calcium content of the diet was highest on the improved pasture stocked at 15 sheep per acre and ranged from 0.84 to 1.67 per cent of the organic matter. The corresponding range for the other flocks was from 0.24 to 0.96 per cent calcium. Calcium intakes were highest on the heavily stocked pastures. Daily calcium intake on all pastures ranged from 2.8 to 13.5 g. Serum calcium values of 170 sheep stocked at varying rates on different pastures and receiving varying amounts of wheat were determined after 21 months of drought. Nine sheep had serum calcium values less than 8.0 mg per 100 ml serum, but no clinical signs of calcium deficiency were observed. It was concluded that sheep would not be deficient in calcium while they had access to paddock roughage but that hypocalcaemia would occur in sheep run at very high stocking rates and supplemented with wheat without limestone for prolonged periods.
Unusual variation in Phaseolus vulgaris
Authors: Reber G
Published: March 2005

A rare natural mutation has been observed in a variety of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Normal coloured beans, apparently from a single pod, produced abnormal pure black beans. These reproduced themselves and gave rise to pure white beans, pure brown beans, and several types of bicoloured beans. Flower colour changed from violet to yellow and to white. Very few reversions were noted going back to main line parent beans of tan colour with black stripes.
A comparative study of the performance of dairy cows during summer and winter in a subtropical climate
Authors: McIntyre KH
Published: March 2005

Two groups of acclimatized Australian Illawarra Shorthorn cows, one of which calved in May and the other in November, were studied for 196 days at Biloela, central Queensland. They were individually stall-fed a similar quantity of feed of known composition and, though not given access to pasture, were exposed to normal climatic conditions. Although the May group produced significantly more milk (4 per cent fat corrected milk (F.C.M.)) during the first two months, the difference in total production was not significant. The May group were, on average, heavier initially, and after adjustment for this by covariance analysis differences in production of 4 per cent F.C.M. between groups during the first two months were eliminated. Elevations in rectal temperature, respiratory rate, and water intake during summer were comparatively small. During a particularly hot period there was a significant regression of relative humidity on rectal temperature and respiratory rate and dry bulb temperature on respiratory rate. The combined effect of dry bulb temperature and relative humidity on both rectal temperature and respiratory rate was also significant. The indications from this experiment are that, if fed adequately, acclimatized European-type cattle produce equally well during summer and winter in a subtropical environment.