bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The current and potential contribution of asymbiotic nitrogen fixation to nitrogen requirements on farms: a review
Authors: Kennedy I. R. , Islam N.
Published: September 2002

Significant levels of biological nitrogen fixation from sources other than
nodulated legumes have become a tantalizing prospect for decades. Since the
benefit to agriculture of nitrogen fixation from nodulated legumes was
established, there have been widespread efforts to promote the use of various
asymbiotic diazotrophic bacteria to fix extra nitrogen in soil. Despite much
optimism by scientists and farmers, this prospect remains to be realised.
Recently, the prospect has been pursued with renewed enthusiasm and several
commercialised products have appeared. What are the reasons for this fresh
enthusiasm? Are the new products based on realistic assessments of their
biological potential? Why has it taken so long to advance to a stage where
there is still only limited evidence that verifies hope becoming reality?
This review assesses the current contribution from asymbiotic nitrogen
fixation and re-assesses the prospects for greater contributions from this
source. Among the many aspects of this multi-faceted subject that will be
considered are: (i) the range of free-living microbial strains currently
contributing to signficant asymbiotic nitrogen fixation; (ii) the significance
of nitrogen-fixing microbes naturally associated with plants; (iii) the
significance of endophytic systems and their role in sugarcane and other
Gramineae; (iv) the possibility of extending this range by introducing new
strains or discovering new systems capable of contributing additional nitrogen
fixation.
The case will be made that conditions providing a sustainable contribution for
more than a short time are usually missing in such systems so that spontaneous
biological nitrogen fixation is usually transient. It will be argued further
that if all the positive factors controlling spontaneity at the
biothermodynamic level are exploited, significant biological nitrogen fixation
may soon be achieved in some of these systems on farms.
Residual value of manganese fertiliser for lupin grain production
Authors: Brennan R. F. , Gartrell J. W. , Adcock K. G.
Published: September 2002

The residual value of manganese fertiliser for seed (grain) production of
lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) was measured in 2
long-term (16 years) field experiments on 2 different soils (sand, lateritic
ironstone gravel–sand) when manganese sulfate was placed (drilled) with
the seed at about 5 cm while sowing. Relative to the nil-manganese treatment,
additions of manganese fertiliser increased yields by about 1.0 t seed/ha
and decreased the amount of split seed from about 80% to less than
5%. Additions of manganese fertiliser did not affect plant density
(measured 1 month after sowing) or the yield of dried shoots. The residual
value of manganese fertiliser was measured in 1994 for grain production of
lupin, for manganese applied once only to plots not treated with manganese
before, either in 1994 (current manganese) or in a previous year (previous
manganese), applied in one of the following years: 1978, 1982, 1988, 1991. The
residual value of previous manganese for grain production decreased relative
to the effectiveness of current manganese, the decrease increased with
increasing time since application. The decrease in the relative value varied
with soil type. For example, the sandy soil showed a larger decrease in the
effectiveness of manganese compared with the gravelly sand. For the sandy
soil, 16 years after application the manganese application was about one fifth
as effective as current manganese, for lupin grain production. As measured
using soil test manganese, critical soil manganese values for
diethtlenetriamine penta-acetic acid, ammonium acetate, and ammonium acetate
plus hydoxy quinone extraction varied with soil type. For example, the
diethtlenetriamine penta-acetic acid critical concentration of manganese for
grain yield for the sand was about 2 mg/kg compared with about 4 mg/kg
for the gravelly sand. The critical concentration of manganese in the youngest
vegetative bud for maximum seed yield was about 50 mg/kg while the
critical concentration of manganese in the stem at mid-flowering of the main
stem was about 20 mg/kg. Having a manganese concentration above the
critical concentration of manganese in either plant tissues resulted in split
seed levels of less than 5%.
Cotton pollination by honeybees
Authors: Rhodes J.
Published: September 2002

In a field trial, significant increases for the total number of bolls harvested (11.1%), total mass of bolls (16.5%), total lint mass (15.8%), total seed mass (19.7%) and total number of seeds per sample (16.5%) were obtained from plots receiving the highest number of bee visits compared with plots receiving the lowest number of bee visits. Lint-quality examinations resulted in a significant improvement for micronaire and fineness with increased bee visits. Non-significant increases were obtained for the mass of 100 seeds (3.8%), average single seed weight (3.9%), average number of seeds per boll (4.7%) and average weight of lint per boll (5.0%). Caged plots with honey bees had significantly greater total boll mass; total seed mass; and average single-seed weight than caged plots without honey bees.
The synergistic effect of maleic acid hydrazide (1.2-dihydro-3,6-pyridazinedione) and sucrose on vase life of cut roses
Authors: Huang K.-L. , Liao L.-J. , Shen R.-S. , Chen W.-S. , Lin Y.-H.
Published: September 2002

Continuous postharvest treatment of cut rose flowers (Rosa hybrida L. cv. Diana) with maleic acid hydrazide (1.2-dihydro-3,6-pyridazinedione, MH) at 560.5 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate (HQS) at 388.4 HQS, MH + HQS or sucrose + HQS treatments. The longevity of flowers in MH + sucrose in combination with HQS was extended for 18 days after vase treatments, whereas the longevity of cut flowers was only 4, 6 and 8 days for HQS, MH + HQS and sucrose + HQS, respectively. Cut roses treated with MH + sucrose + HQS in vase solution exhibited greater water uptake and less water loss than those in HQS. The concentrations of various sugars in petals were highest in the sucrose + HQS treatment, and MH + sucrose + HQS > MH + HQS > HQS. Ethylene production was significantly lower in sucrose + HQS or MH + sucrose + HQS treatments in comparison to MH + HQS, or HQS.
Transient salinity and subsoil constraints to dryland farming in Australian sodic soils: an overview
Authors: Rengasamy P.
Published: September 2002

More than 60% of the 20 million ha of cropping soils in Australia are sodic
and farming practices on these soils are mainly performed under dryland
conditions. More than 80% of sodic soils in Australia have dense clay subsoils
with high sodicity and alkaline pH (>8.5). The actual yield of grains in
sodic soils is often less than half of the potential yield expected on the
basis of climate, because of subsoil limitations such as salinity, sodicity,
alkalinity, nutrient deficiencies and toxicities due to boron, carbonate and
aluminate. Sodic subsoils also have very low organic matter and biological
activity.
Poor water transmission properties of sodic subsoils, low rainfall in dryland
areas, transpiration by vegetation and high evaporation during summer have
caused accumulation of salts in the root zone layers. This transient salinity,
not influenced by groundwater, is extensive in many sodic soil landscapes in
Australia where the watertable is deep. ‘Dryland salinity’ is
currently given wide attention in the public debate and in government
policies, but only focusing on salinity induced by shallow watertables. While
16% of the dryland cropping area is likely to be affected by
watertable-induced salinity, 67% of the area has a potential for transient
salinity not associated with groundwater and other subsoil constraints and
costing the Australian farming economy in the vicinity of A$1330 million per
year. A different strategy for different types of dryland salinity is
essential for the sustainable management and improved productivity of dryland
farming.
This paper discusses the sodic subsoil constraints, different types of
salinity in the dryland regions, the issues related to the management of sodic
subsoils and the future priorities needed in addressing these problems. It
also emphasises that transient salinity in the root zone of dryland
agricultural soils is an important issue with potential for worse problems
than watertable-induced seepage salinity.
The Beetube — a new honey bee pollination device in Western Australia
Authors: Manning R.
Published: September 2002

The development of a simple, durable, lightweight and disposable beehive for high-density (and netted) orchards and crops distant from beekeeping areas provides a useful product and a further diversification for beekeepers involved in professional pollination services. The total weight of a fully developed Beetube ranged from 2.23 to 3.64 kg, contained about 9101 bees, 3038 cm2 of comb, and had a morning and afternoon flight activity of 19-43 and 11-34 honey bees per minute, respectively.
Production and quality of cashmere grown by adult wether goats fed low quality forage with supplements of either whole barley or lupin grain.
Authors: McGregor B. A. , Umar M. Z.
Published: September 2002

The effects of the provision of cereal (barley) and legume (lupin) grain
supplements when 50 adult wether cashmere goats were individually penned and
fed on senescent temperate summer pasture (DDM 46.9%, N 0.67%,
ME 6.2 MJ/kg DM) were investigated using a factorial experiment. The goats
grazed senescent temperate pasture during summer before pen feeding for 9
weeks and were then grazed on germinating autumn pastures for 3 months until
shorn in mid June. The production and quality of cashmere was affected by: (i)
provision of whole grain supplements, (ii) type of supplementary grain fed,
and (iii) level of feeding of supplementary grain. Unsupplemented goats grew
95 g cashmere with mean fibre diameter 17.01 m and mean cashmere fibre length
52 mm. During the period of pen feeding unsupplemented goats lost 95 g
liveweight/day. Provision of whole grain supplements significantly
increased total yearly cashmere growth to 179 g (+88%) which was
26 mm longer (50%) and 2.12 m coarser (26%) than cashmere grown
by unsupplemented goats. Increasing the level of supplementary grain resulted
in linear increases in feed intake, cashmere growth, fibre diameter and
length. For each 100 g/day of lupin or barley grain fed during the
pen-feeding period the regression coefficients indicated an extra 33 g of
cashmere was grown, which was 0.6 m coarser and for barley 10 mm longer and
for lupins 17 mm longer. Cashmere (fibre length/fibre
diameter2) ratio was increased by supplementary feeding,
increased feed level and liveweight gain during the experimental period.
Relatively longer cashmere was produced as the level of nutrition increased.
It is clear that a base diet of senescent temperate pasture that is low in
digestible nutrients and low in nitrogen results in suppressed cashmere
growth. Strategic grain supplementation for at least 9 weeks during late
summer and autumn has the potential to significantly increase cashmere
production and cashmere fibre length when adult cashmere goats are grazing
pastures deficient in digestible energy and nitrogen. However feeding high
levels of lupin and barley grain to adult goats is contra indicated as
cashmere mean fibre diameter may exceed market limits. The practical
application of the results is discussed in light of previous research.
Effects of grazing management on phalaris herbage mass and persistence in summer-dry environments
Authors: Virgona J. M. , Avery A. L. , Graham J. F. , Orchard B. A.
Published: September 2002

Grazing management strategies that included
resting or intensely utilising pasture on a seasonal basis were compared for
their effects on phalaris production and plant frequency (persistence).
Experiments were established at 4 on-farm sites (Cootamundra
‘old’, Cootamundra ‘new’, Springhurst and Cavendish)
in southern New South Wales and Victoria that had previously been sown to
phalaris and were grazed by sheep. At each site, 8 core treatments and extra
locally determined treatments were initially imposed in 1993–94 on 2
spatial replicates. In order to determine and describe any year of start
effects, treatments were applied again in 1994–95 to plots that had been
maintained as controls. The phalaris component of the pastures varied from a
minor component to the dominant component depending on site
(11–54%). Measurements of botanical composition, available
herbage and plant frequency were made between September 1993 and September
1996.
Of the core treatments, autumn closure (Cootamundra old and new), winter
closure and grazing between defined levels of available herbage (mob stocking)
during autumn–winter (Cootamundra old and new, Springhurst), were the
most effective in either maintaining or increasing phalaris herbage mass
compared to the continually grazed control treatment. In addition, the
frequency of phalaris was higher than the control at each of these sites for
the autumn–winter mob stocking treatment. These treatments had no effect
at the Cavendish site where phalaris was a minor component of the pasture.
Rotational grazing, imposed at 2 of the sites (Cavendish and Cootamundra new),
led to an increase in phalaris herbage mass compared to continual grazing. A
further treatment aimed at encouraging phalaris seedling recruitment by using
an extended spring rest until seed fall in summer followed by a rest after the
autumn break was imposed at the Cootamundra old site. This treatment increased
phalaris herbage mass but did not result in seedling recruitment.
The results emphasise the need for periods of rest when buds are regenerating
and tillers developing over the autumn–winter period for phalaris
pastures in summer-dry environments.
Measuring and predicting the consequences of drought for a range of perennial grasses on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales
Authors: Boschma S. P. , Scott J. M.
Published: September 2002

An experiment was conducted at Armidale, New
South Wales to evaluate the persistence and productivity of 6 perennial
grasses under 2 defoliation severities and a range of moisture/drought
conditions created using a rain-out shelter. Defoliation was either moderate
or severe whilst the moisture/drought conditions imposed included a
non-stressed moisture treatment, and seasonal droughts simulated as
40-percentile (40-P) and 10-percentile rainfall (10-P). The treatments were
applied over 2 experimental seasons; spring–summer and
summer–autumn. A range of measurements was taken including plant
mortality, basal area, foliage greenness, herbage mass, growth rate and
digestibility. Some of these results were then used as inputs to the GrazFeed
decision support system to predict liveweight gain and wool growth rate from
pastures growing under such conditions.
Plant mortality of over 40% was observed in
Dactylis glomerata and
Lolium perenne under moderate (40-P) drought conditions
during spring–summer. In contrast, under severe drought conditions
(10-P), less than 20% of plants died, suggesting that, when combined
with defoliation stress, a more common drought can present a greater hazard to
plant persistence than a severe drought during spring–summer. Plant
mortality was reduced and non-significant when subjected to the
summer–autumn drought treatments.
Plant growth and predictions of animal productivity varied widely among the
species challenged with drought and defoliation stresses. Predicted liveweight
gains of weaner sheep under severe drought conditions (10-P) varied between
species ranging from 20 to 110 g/day. Under the same conditions, predicted
wool growth rates varied between species from 5 to 11 g/wether. day, while
pasture growth rates varied from a low of 0 to more than 120 kg DM/ha.
day. The animal effects were due largely to differences in herbage mass and
the degree to which the grass remained green. These results highlight the
importance of maintaining the most productive species in pastures through
drought.
Growth, yield and phenology of 2 hybrid papayas (Carica papaya L.) as influenced by method of water application
Authors: Elder R. J. , Macleod W. N. B. , Bell K. L. , Tyas J. A. , Gillespie R. L.
Published: September 2002

Highly variable, outcrossed papaya lines irrigated with overhead sprinklers
were grown at Yarwun (151.3˚E, 23.75˚S) in Queensland, Australia.
The inherent variability made scientifically based comparative studies
impractical. The advent of uniform hybrid papaya lines allowed the testing of
2 of these hybrids under 3 irrigation methods, 2 of which had the potential to
greatly reduce water use compared with overhead sprinklers. Yields of 92
t/ha.year were achieved by both papaya Hybrids 29 and 1E. Water
application method did not influence yield. About 26% of plants were
lost due to the phytoplasma diseases dieback, yellow crinkle and mosaic over
the life of the trial. Downward yield fluctuations were related to poor fruit
set in winter when pollinators (Family Sphingidae) were not present and growth
was slow due to hot dry periods affecting fruit set. The resultant fruit
(about 6 months later) were small and reduced in number.
Irrigation with overhead sprinklers using saline water (1400–4000
S/cm) damaged leaves and reduced growth of plants. Winter spot was most
severe in July, August and September, in Hybrid 29 with overhead irrigation.
Height of plants 13 weeks after planting was greater under trickle irrigation
due to less damage from the saline water supply than in the overhead sprinkler
treatment. Hybrid 29 set fruit at 94.3 cm above ground compared with 117.6 cm
for Hybrid 1E.
Growth and postharvest performance of white radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Harris D. R. , Nguyen V. Q. , Seberry J. A. , Haigh A. M. , McGlasson W. B.
Published: September 2002

The growth and postharvest performance of 4 cultivars of white radish, or
‘daikon’ (Raphanus sativus L. Longipinnatus
group), ‘Fukumi’, ‘Tomas’, ‘Oshin’ and
‘Long White’ were compared over 2 growing seasons in New South
Wales, Australia. The first 3 cultivars are considered promising for a
proposed export industry and the fourth, ‘Long White’, is a
standard cultivar already used commercially. Preferred market weight (1000 g)
was reached in 60 days in the spring–summer trial and 82–85 days
in the autumn–winter trial. Postharvest life was limited mainly by the
physiological disorder ‘pithiness’. Pithiness is characterised by
the formation of air spaces in the root, which will eventually leave it
spongy, dry and hollow. It developed both in the field and in storage,
especially in ‘Long White’. There was slightly less pithiness in
all cultivars in the cooler season autumn trial, but the development of
pithiness was highly related to cultivar. Pithiness was not related to
senescence, since it developed in the field in ‘Long White’ from
an early stage of growth. ‘Tomas’ was the best cultivar overall,
and market quality was maintained for a simulated export period of 4 weeks,
provided it was harvested at the preferred market weight of 1000 g. All leaf
material should be trimmed from the radishes before storage.
Phosphorus controls the level of colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in conventional and biodynamic irrigated dairy pastures
Authors: Ryan M. H. , Small D. R. , Ash J. E.
Published: September 2002

The broad-scale factors determining the level of colonisation by arbuscular
mycorrhizal fungi in irrigated permanent pasture were investigated using 10
pairs of dairy farms located in northern Victoria, Australia. Each pair
consisted of adjacent farms, one under conventional management and the other
under biodynamic management. Significant quantities of fertilisers were
applied only to the conventional pastures and this was the major difference in
inputs between the 2 management systems.
Colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of white clover
(Trifolium repens L.), perennial ryegrass
(Lolium perenne L.) and paspalum
(Paspalum dilatatum Poir.) was lower in the
conventionally managed pastures than in the biodynamic pastures. On all farms,
clover was more highly colonised than the grasses. The level of colonisation
in clover exhibited a strong negative relationship with the concentration of
phosphorus in the pasture shoots and a weak negative correlation with
soil-extractable phosphorus. Similar relationships were evident for the
grasses, but these were not as strong. Soil pH, soil organic carbon and the
concentration of other soil nutrients (Kjeldahl nitrogen, sulfate, EDTA
copper, EDTA zinc, chlorine, and exchangeable potassium, sodium, calcium and
magnesium) and pasture shoot nutrients (chlorine, sodium, potassium, calcium,
magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, iron, nitrogen, sulfur and boron) could
not account for differences in colonisation levels. On 3 farm pairs,
colonisation levels by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were monitored over 3.5
years. Colonisation did not vary seasonally. It is concluded that phosphorus
levels and host plant will be the major determinants of colonisation levels by
arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in perennial irrigated pasture-based agricultural
systems.
Effect of molasses on the fermentation quality of wheat straw and poultry litter ensiled with citrus pulp
Authors: Migwi P. K. , Gallagher J. R. , Van Barneveld R. J.
Published: September 2002

In a 4 2 factorial design, mixtures of wheat straw, poultry litter and citrus
pulp with 0 and 5% molasses [T1 (75:25:0), T2 (60:25:15), T3
(45:25:30), and T4 (30:25:45)] were ensiled for a period of 60 days in 20
L laboratory silos. Inclusion of 5% molasses had no significant
(P>0.05) effect on pH, neutral detergent fibre, acid
detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin contents and
in vitro organic matter (OM) degradability. However,
molasses decreased (P<0.05) the concentration of
volatile fatty acids including N-butyric acid. Coliforms were completely
eliminated in all treatments, except in the silage without either molasses or
citrus pulp. There was a difference (P<0.05) in
titratable acidity levels between silage with 0 and 5% molasses. There
was a decrease (P<0.001) in silage pH as the
proportion of citrus pulp in silage increased from 0 to 30%.
In vitro OM degradability increased
(P<0.001) from 0.33 to about 0.56 as citrus pulp was
increased from 0 and 45%.
It is concluded that when silages are based on wheat straw and poultry litter,
inclusion of molasses ensures favourable fermentation. However, in the
presence of citrus pulp there was no additional benefit to the use of
molasses.
The depletion of dieldrin and DDT concentrations in Kinglake soils
Authors: Grainger H. J. , Roberts G. , Callinan L.
Published: September 2002

Twenty-two sites on 14 former potato growing
properties at Kinglake, Victoria, with similar soil type, topography and
history of chemical use, were soil tested for organochlorine chemicals during
1987–88 and again during 1997–98. The 95% confidence limits
for the decline in concentrations of dieldrin and DDT in the soil were
5.5–41.5% and 29.1–48.5%, respectively. There were
no significant differences between farms in the rate of depletion of either
organochlorine. Reductions in both to 1997–98 were not significantly
associated with the concentration in 1987–88.
Anthesis, anther dehiscence, pistil receptivity and fruit development in the Longum group of Capsicum annuum
Authors: Aleemullah M. , Haigh A. M. , Holford P.
Published: September 2002

Little attention has been paid to the events associated with fruit production
such as flowering and seed set in chilli peppers despite this species being a
major horticultural crop. To address this deficit, we examined flowering
phenology in the cv. Red Hot Glory, a representative of the Longum group of
peppers. Measurements of bud length and width showed that these
characteristics can provide an effective index of the number of days required
by a bud to reach anthesis. Anthesis itself mainly occurred during the morning
with a second, smaller peak of flower opening in the afternoon. Measurements
made in spring and summer suggested that the daily start of anthesis is
controlled by daylength. In flowers that opened before 1700 hours, anther
dehiscence took place 1 h after the buds opened; in flowers that opened later,
dehiscence was delayed until the following morning. This pattern of anther
dehiscence suggests that this event is partially controlled by the
flower’s endogenous rhythms. Controlled pollinations showed that the
period of female receptivity, as judged by seed set, lasted from 5 days before
anthesis to 3 days after anthesis with maximum fertility occurring on the day
of anthesis. Therefore, bud pollinations are possible, and, for maximum seed
set, should be made as close to the day of anthesis as possible. This study
has provided baseline data that will aid the production of new, hybrid
cultivars and will facilitate further studies on the factors affecting
fertility in this species.
The Prime Pasture Program - using marketing concepts to achieve technology transfer
Authors: Keys M. J. , Orchard P. W.
Published: September 2002

The Prime Pasture Program was set up to increase the success of perennial
pasture establishment. The program was a practical example of successful
technology transfer from applied research to farmer adoption. It was based on
a marketing approach akin to the launch of a new commercial product, involving
a unique partnership between government extension services, agribusiness and
farmers. The processes of product development, advertising and product support
are described together with the outcomes from this approach. Evaluation
studies revealed wide recognition of the project’s messages and a high
degree of satisfaction by producers who adopted the technology.
Surface soil moisture and stubble management practice effects on the progress of infection of wheat by Fusarium pseudograminearum
Authors: Swan L. J. , Backhouse D. , Burgess L. W.
Published: September 2002

The influence of surface soil moisture and stubble management practices on the
progress of infection of wheat by
Fusarium pseudograminearum, the cause of crown rot, was
assessed in a field trial at Moree in northern New South Wales during the
growing seasons of 1994, 1995 and 1996 by analysis of infection progress
curves.
During the dry season of 1994, wheat was sown into dry surface soil. Increases
in incidence of infection followed rainfall events that raised the water
content of the surface soil above the equivalent of a water potential of
–1.5 MPa. The rate of increase in incidence of infection was more
uniform in the 1995 and 1996 seasons, which had more regular rainfall.
The area under the infection progress curve (AUIPC) was consistently greater
when stubble was retained on the surface compared with incorporation with a
disc plough, and this difference was significant in 2 out of 3 years.
Comparison of AUIPCs indicated greater epidemiological differences between
stubble management treatments than did comparisons of incidence of infection
at single points during the season.
An analysis of farmer uptake of formal farm management training in Western Australia
Authors: Murray-Prior R. B. , Hart D. , Dymond J.
Published: September 2002

In the last decade some agricultural policy makers and other industry leaders
have suggested that farmers will need to upgrade their business management
skills to cope with the rapid changes in the agribusiness environment.
Anecdotal and research evidence has suggested that many farmers do not
perceive this need and are reluctant to participate in formal business
management training to upgrade their skills. A study involving focus groups, a
survey of training providers and a telephone survey of 197 farm managers
investigated if and why farmers in the south-west agricultural region of
Western Australia might be reluctant to participate.
Two thirds of farmers in the survey had not participated in formal farm
business management training. Older, more experienced farmers with lower
levels of formal education were the least likely to attend and were less
likely to be aware of available training activities. Women who were members of
farm management teams (32%) were more likely to attend training than
men. Attitudes towards formal training appear to be improving and farmers are
aware of the increasing importance of farm business management training. Lack
of attendance seems to be related in some instances to a lack of suitable
local training activities, a preference for informal over formal learning and
a lack of confidence in the relevance of the training. It is suggested that
strategies should be developed to provide and deliver suitable training to
those sectors of farming community that are not participating in current
programs.
Early growth responses of blue gums on the basaltic plains to ripping, mounding and fertiliser application
Authors: Bird R. R. , Jowett D. W. , Jackson T. T. , Kearney G. A. , Waters M. J. , Measki B.
Published: September 2002

The effect of ripping, mounding and fertiliser application on growth of
E. globulus spp. globulus
(Tasmanian blue gum) was assessed on 2 sites on the basaltic plains in
south-western Victoria. The sites were gravelly loam duplex soils on a
well-drained hillcrest and a clay–loam duplex soil on a valley flat that
has impeded drainage in winter. The ground preparation treatments comprised a
control (herbicide only), ripping to 65 cm, ripping plus small mounds (20 by
40 cm) and ripping plus large mound (60 by 150 cm). The fertiliser treatments
were nil, 125, 250 and 500 g of fertiliser (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,
sulfur) applied per tree 2 months after planting. The basal phosphorus, sulfur
and potassium content of topsoil was 8–11, 11–14 and 140–220
mg/kg, respectively, for both sites. Rainfall in 1996, 1997 and 1998 was
695, 497 and 697 mm, respectively.
This paper reports growth of 2 seedlots of blue gums (Yeodene Seed Orchard and
Otway Ranges, Lorne) at 10 and 23 months after planting in Sep.–Oct.
1996 at 4 by 2 m spacing. The mean height of trees on the hillcrest site was
1.5 and 4.2 m at these times, respectively. For the valley flat, the mean
heights were 0.9 and 3.0 m, respectively. On the hillcrest, ripping
significantly increased tree height in the first year, but after 23 months
neither height nor stem volume was greater than on unripped lines. Use of
small mounds did not affect growth of trees at this site, whereas large mounds
increased growth. At 10 months, tree height was greater
(P<0.05) on the ripped plus large mounds than on the
ripped only treatment, but this effect was lost at 23 months. Stem volume was
15% greater than on the ripped only treatment at 23 months, and
22% greater than the control. Trees from the Otway Ranges seedlot were
taller and had 17% greater stem volume than trees from the Yeodene Seed
Orchard seedlot at 23 months. For the valley flat, there were significant
seedling source × site preparation interactions for height at 10 and
23 months (P<0.05), and for stem diameter and volume
at 23 months (P<0.01), with the Otway seedlot
performing better on the large mounds. There were no effects of fertiliser
application on height, diameter or stem volume at 23 months on either site.
The results indicate that planting on large mounds can improve early tree
growth on farmland sites on the basaltic plains, but ripping without mounding,
or fertiliser application in the first 2 years, is unlikely to improve
performance.
A comparison of piglet production and survival in the Werribee Farrowing Pen and conventional farrowing crates at a commercial farm
Authors: Cronin G. M. , Lefébure B. , McClintock S.
Published: September 2002

The ‘Werribee Farrowing Pen’,
which was developed as a loose housing alternative to the conventional
farrowing crate for sows and litters, was evaluated as a practical alternative
to farrowing crates. Four Werribee Farrowing Pens and 5 crates were installed
side-by-side in an uninsulated grower pig shed at a commercial farm. The trial
was conducted over 18 months and involved 17 batches of sows with a total of
146 commercial Pig Improvement Company Camborough sows and litters, 66 in
Werribee Farrowing Pens and 80 in crates. The sows ranged in parity number
from 1 to 8 (mean s.d., 2.8 1.77). Staff conducted an internal examination of
sows at farrowing to manually deliver piglets half as often
(P<0.05) in the Werribee Farrowing Pen compared to
the crate treatment (13.6% v. 27.5% of
sows, respectively). Whether this difference reflected a greater incidence of
farrowing problems for crate treatment sows, or a reduced willingness by
piggery staff to interfere with unrestrained sows in the Werribee Farrowing
Pen treatment, is not known. There were no differences due to the farrowing
system on the number of piglets born per sow (11.5 piglets) or weaned (9.4
piglets). Sows were fed ‘to appetite’ after the first week of
lactation, and in 6 farrowing batches, the quantity of feed provided to sows
each day was measured. Werribee Farrowing Pen compared to crate treatment sows
received more feed (P<0.01) in week 3 of lactation
(55.0 v. 48.2 kg/sow.week). We conclude that
although piglet production and survival rates were similar in the two systems,
the main disadvantage of the Werribee Farrowing Pen for intensive pig
buildings, viz. extra floor space required per sow, may be partly offset by
improved feed intakes by sows later in lactation.
Branch water potential; a useful indicator of plant water potential in comparison to leaf water potential in canola
Authors: Bernardi A. L.
Published: September 2002

The water potentials of canola branches and leaves were compared using a
pressure chamber to determine whether they produced similar results. This
study also investigated the magnitude of errors in the water status of canola
resulting from re-cutting the branches, and the effects of delaying readings.
The use of branches containing pods or pods and flowers/buds gave very
good correlation with leaves. As this is the area of greatest photosynthesis
and transpiration from mid-flowering, it provides an easily obtainable source
material close to the main growth areas to measure plant water potential.
Storage of both leaves and stems before measurement is an acceptable procedure
if a large number of samples are required to be completed or portable
equipment is not available provided precautions are taken to prevent moisture
loss. Re-cutting the branch leads to lower water potential and should be
avoided.
Nitrogen dynamics of pastures: nitrogen fixation inputs, the impact of legumes on soil nitrogen fertility, and the contributions of fixed nitrogen to Australian farming systems
Authors: Peoples M. B. , Baldock J. A.
Published: September 2002

Experimental estimates of amounts of foliage nitrogen (N) fixed in Australian
pastures range from 2 to 284 kg N/ha.year for annual and perennial legumes
growing in temperate and tropical environments. Differences in the amounts of
N2 fixed relate primarily to the legume content and net
productivity of pastures. On average, close to 20–25 kg of shoot N are
fixed for every tonne of legume herbage dry matter produced across a wide
range of environments. Strategies likely to improve the potential for
N2 fixation include: (i) rhizobial inoculation at time
of first sowing a new legume species; (ii) amelioration of nutritional
problems (applications of superphosphate or lime); (iii) manipulation of
pasture composition (herbicide applications to remove grasses in annual
pastures in the year prior to cropping); and (iv) including lucerne to offset
the year-to-year variability in N2 fixation inputs from
annual legumes. However, pasture response to such management treatments and
the subsequent availability of soil mineral N may be modified by livestock
effects on nutrient cycling, pasture productivity and botanical composition.
Conclusions about the relative size of the contributions of fixed N to the N
economies of Australian farming systems depend on whether or not estimates of
fixed N are included for nodulated roots. Thus residual net inputs of fixed N
after each year of a legume-based pasture are generally rated sufficient to
balance the N removed by at least 1 subsequent wheat crop provided estimates
of below-ground N are included in calculations. Pasture type influences the
duration of subsequent rotational benefits and while residual effects on
mineral N are commonly exhausted within 2 years after an annual legume-based
pasture phase, N carry-over following lucerne generally lasts considerably
longer.
Developing answers and learning in extension for dryland nitrogen management
Authors: Lawrence D. N. , Cawley S. T. , Hayman P. T.
Published: September 2002

The complexity of nitrogen management appeared to be stifling farmers’
ability to apply advances in scientific understanding of nitrogen processes.
Concerns about the impact of traditional ‘transfer of technology’
approaches led to the development of the Nitrogen in ‘95/96 workshop
series, grounded in the concepts of experiential learning, action learning and
adult learning. Nitrogen in ‘95/96 aimed to help people
‘navigate’ the available information on nitrogen, and through
their personal experiences, transform this information into practical
knowledge for use on their own farms. The series of workshops helped small
groups of farmers understand the nitrogen cycle, use nitrogen budgets to
interpret soil tests from their paddocks and develop recommendations for their
own conditions. Planned evaluations demonstrated the impact of the process
with 98% of respondents believing Nitrogen in ’95/96 helped
them better understand nitrogen and 86% believing the process helped
them make nutrition decisions. Comparison of participants’ initial
fertiliser intentions and actual practices confirmed that they put their new
learning into practice. Nitrogen in ‘95/96 presented a transparent
simplification of reality, which is needed if any model is to be of any use as
a framework for thinking about reality. This simplicity and transparency
helped establish useful dialogue between farmers and scientists, and
highlighted the potential contribution of learning concepts to agricultural
research and extension in Australia.
Estimates of achievable milk production on subtropical dairy farms in Queensland
Authors: Kerr D. V. , Pepper P. M. , Cowan R. T.
Published: September 2002

A knowledge-based decision support system called DAIRYPRO was applied to farm
survey data to provide estimates of the achievable milk production for dairy
farms in Queensland. The survey data were obtained from personal interviews
conducted in 1994–95 involving 37–86% of farmers in 4
dairying districts in Queensland. Farms that had higher levels of milk
production and a history of adopting proven management aids such as herd
recording had production levels closer to achievable milk production. Measured
milk yield relative to achievable milk production for 2 regions was
significantly different from the other 2, while the age of the main decision
maker was also a significant factor, with farmers aged 30–59 years
producing closer to achievable milk production than any other age group
(P<0.05). Seven percent of farms had measured
production levels greater than the model’s estimation of achievable milk
production.
Grain yield responses of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) to applications of fertiliser phosphorus and zinc.
Authors: Bolland M. D. A. , Siddique K. H. M. , Brennan R. F.
Published: September 2002

Seed (grain) yield responses of faba bean (Vicia faba L.
cv. Fiord) to applications of fertiliser phosphorus (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 kg
P/ha as triple superphosphate) and zinc (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 kg Zn/ha as
zinc oxide) were measured in 3 field experiments conducted in 1997 and 1998 on
neutral to alkaline soils in south-western Australia. Additions of fertiliser
phosphorus significantly (P<0.001) increased grain
yields by about 50 and 100% in 2 experiments, but in the third
experiment differences in grain yield due to applications of fertiliser
phosphorus were not significant (P>0.05). Increases
in grain yields due to zinc fertiliser were small (<10%) and were
only significant (P<0.05) in 1 experiment. This
suggests the 3 sites chosen had adequate soil zinc for grain production of
faba bean. In 1 experiment the increase in grain yield due to addition of
phosphorus fertiliser was due to an increase in the number of pods per plant;
numbers of seed per pod and mean seed weight were unaffected by additions of
phosphorus and zinc fertiliser. Adding phosphorus and zinc fertiliser
increased concentrations of both elements in grain, but had no effect on the
concentrations of other nutrient elements (N, K, S, Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, Mn, Fe)
measured in grain. These findings support results of a previous study in
Western Australia indicating that phosphorus is the major nutrient element
deficiency for grain production of faba bean in neutral to alkaline soils.
Review: Molecular response of plant cells to UV-B stress
Authors: Jordan Brian R.
Published: September 2002

UV-B radiation (UV-B: 280-320 nm) can cause a wide range of responses in plant cells. These responses depend on the perception of the UV-B radiation, signal transduction mechanisms, and modification of gene expression. Studies over the last ten years have revealed a complex molecular response of plant cells to UV-B radiation. A number of signal transduction pathways are established and specific changes in gene activity take place. In addition, other environmental parameters strongly influence the UV-B-induced response. Although molecular studies have advanced our knowledge, our understanding of UV-B-induced cellular changes remains limited compared with other areas of plant photobiology / molecular biology. This review will focus on UV-B-induced signal transduction, gene expression and defence mechanisms. Comparisons will be made with other light-regulated systems to provide an insight into UV-B responses. This review will also attempt to identify present limitations to our understanding of molecular responses of plant cells to UV-B radiation.
Bibliography of the History of Australian Science, No. 22, 2001
Authors: Carlson L.
Published: September 2002

Main sources for this bibliography were the 2001 editions of various databases such as the Australian Public Affairs Information Service (APAIS), Chemical Abstracts and Medline Express. In addition, issues of a number of Australian journals published in 2001 were scanned, and readers of the bibliography sent information about relevant items to the compiler. Most items included were published in 2001, but a number of earlier publications were also found which it was thought should be included. The scope of the bibliography is limited to material on the history of the natural sciences (mathematics, physical sciences, earth sciences and biological sciences), some of the applied sciences (including medical and health sciences, agriculture, manufacturing and engineering), and human sciences (psychology, anthropology and sociology). Biographical material on practitioners in these sciences is also of interest.

The compiler would like to thank those people who sent items or information about items published during 2001 for inclusion in the bibliography. It would again be appreciated if he could be notified about other items dealing with the history of science in Australasia, the South West Pacific area and Antarctica published during 2001, but have been omitted. Readers are invited to alert the compiler to the publication of books, journal articles, conference papers, reports, Masters and PhD theses and reviews on the subject published during 2002 for inclusion in future bibliographies. Pertinent information should be sent to the compiler, C/- Deakin University Library, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia or by e-mail to laurie.carlson@austehc.unimelb.edu.au.
Revision of the Australian Stephanidae (Hymenoptera)
Authors: Aguiar Alexandre P.
Published: September 2002

The Australian Stephanidae (Hymenoptera) are revised and keyed. Three genera
and 21 species (15 new) are recognised. The taxonomic importance of over 300
morphological characters, including 45 morphometric ratios, is assessed. The
history of introduction and establishment of
Schlettererius cinctipes in Australia is summarised.
Stephanus crassicauda Morley is transferred to
Megischus, the female is redescribed and the male is
reported for the first time and compared with the female. Occurrence of the
Neotropical genus Hemistephanus in Australia is refuted
and M. giganteus (Girault) is synonymised with
M. crassicauda (Morley). The groundplan of Australian
Parastephanellus is described in detail and a new
character set is proposed for taxonomic studies and descriptions of its
species, P. albiceps Elliott is proposed as a junior
synonym of P. damellicus (Westwood) and
P. picticeps Roman is placed as species
inquirendum. New taxa are
Megischus ceneonatrix,
Parastephanellus albigenuis,
P. adiazetos, P. brevis,
P. callidictyon, P. denotatus,
P. isoglyptos, P. laevigatus,
P. maculatus, P. platyceratus,
P. squamatus, P. strigosus,
P. tanytarsus, P. trifasciatus and
P. vertipictus. Other valid species from Australia are
P. caudatus Elliott and
P. rufoornatus (Cameron).
New genera of Veliidae (Hemiptera : Heteroptera) from Australia, with notes on the generic classification of the subfamily Microveliinae
Authors: Andersen Nils Møller , Weir Tom A.
Published: September 2002

Water striders and their allies (Hemiptera, Gerromorpha) are familiarinhabitants of water surfaces throughout the world. One of the mostspecies-rich groups is the subfamily Microveliinae (Veliidae) that comprisessmall or very small bugs inhabiting the nearshore areas of stagnant orslow-flowing freshwater. Accumulation of material during the past 30 years hasshown that the Australian fauna of Microveliinae is much richer and morediverse than previously recognised. In the present paper we discuss thegeneric classification of the subfamily and describe three new genera forspecies previously classified in the genus MicroveliaWestwood as well as three other new genera and nine new species. The new taxaare: Drepanovelia, gen. nov. (type-species:Microvelia dubia Hale),D. millennium (NSW, Queensland),D. biceros (NSW), and D. nielseni(Queensland) spp. nov., Lacertovelia hirsuta, gen. etsp. nov. (NSW), Petrovelia, gen. nov.,P. agilis (Queensland) andP. katherinae (NT) spp. nov.,Nesidovelia, gen. nov. (type species:Microvelia howense Hale),Microvelopsis, gen. nov. (type species:Microvelia melancholica Hale),M. exuberans (Queensland) andM. minor (Queensland) spp. nov.,Tarsoveloides brevitarsus, gen. et sp. nov.(Queensland). We also redescribe and give additional Australian records fortwo species of the genus Phoreticovelia D. Polhemus & J. Polhemus. Keys to adults of all species are provided and theirdistributions mapped.
Observations on the immature stages of Georissidae (Coleoptera : Hydrophiloidea), with remarks on the evolution of the hydrophiloid egg cocoon
Authors: Hansen Michael
Published: September 2002

Specimens of Georissus crenulatus have been reared in
the laboratory, and aspects of the life history are described. Egg cocoons and
pupa (previously unknown in Georissus) are described and
compared with those of other hydrophiloids. First instar larvae of
Georissus lack cephalic egg bursters and, contrary to
current assumption, these seem to be generally absent in Hydrophiloidea. The
variation of egg cocoons in Hydrophiloidea is outlined and the evolution of
the different types discussed.