bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stigma receptivity in cytoplasmic male sterile wheat
Authors: Imrie BC
Published: March 2005

The effects of temperature and relative humidity on stigma receptivity in a cytoplasmic male sterile wheat line were estimated by measuring per cent seed set on plants raised in controlled environments in the phytotron at Canberra. Three levels of temperature (26�C day : 21�C night, 18�C : 13�C, 10�C : 5�C) and two levels of humidity (75-90 per cent, 40-60 per cent) were combined with four times of pollination (1, 3, 5, and 7 days after flowering) in a factorial design. Stigma receptivity was maintained at a high level under moderate temperature and low humidity conditions. Mean seed set on plants pollinated seven days after flowering was 41.2 per cent at the moderate temperature compared with 0.5 per cent at the high temperature, and 43.2 per cent at the low humidity compared with 7.1 per cent at the high humidity. The effects of temperature and humidity were additive. With a moderate temperature-low humidity combination seed set was as high as 77.4 per cent on plants pollinated seven days after flowering. With the combination of high temperature and high humidity seed set decreased to 0.4 per cent on plants pollinated five days after flowering.
Polyethylene bags to delay ripening of bananas during transport and storage
Authors: Scott KJ , Roberts EA
Published: March 2005

Bananas were packed in 0.0015-inch polyethylene bags, transported 600 miles by rail from northern N.S.W. to Sydney in a louvred van, and then stored at 68�F. Twelve days after harvest the bananas packed in polyethylene bags were still hard and green, whereas the controls were ripe. The unripe bananas ripened normally after they were removed from the polyethylene bags.
Fallowing and wheat production in southern NSW
Authors: Kohn GD , Storrier RR , Cuthbertson EG
Published: March 2005

The response of wheat to the length of fallow, to the number of cultivations, and to pre-planting chemical control of weeds on high fertility soils was determined under winter rainfall conditions at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, over four years commencing 1960-61. Length of fallow had little influence on the conservation of rainfall except in 1961-62, when approximately twice the average summer rainfall added 1.8 inches of soil moisture per acre 48 inches. Long fallow increased available nitrogen accumulation, but this did not increase yield over either the mechanically prepared shorter fallows, or pre-planting chemical weed control. This was due to losses during the autumn-winter period of some of the excess mineral nitrogen that accrued during the long fallow. High mineral nitrogen concentrations also occurred during the summer on weed-free, uncultivated soils. Grain yield after a single autumn cultivation was as high as after a long fallow except in 1961-62. In this year the long fallow (September to May) significantly increased yields over all other treatments. The absence of any positive yield response to the application of 60 to 80 lb nitrogen an acre to short fallows suggests that mineral nitrogen concentrations were generally adequate for grain production. The addition of nitrogen to long fallows often depressed yields. The dependence of grain yield on adequate weed control is illustrated by a highly significant negative correlation (r = -0.849 ; P<0.001) of grain yield with weed growth. It is concluded that in the Wagga Wagga environment weed control is more important than moisture conservation and mineral nitrogen accumulation through fallowing.
Wheat crop surveys in southern NSW. 3. The incidence of take-all
Authors: Taylor AC
Published: March 2005

Heavy take-all (Ophiobolus graminis Sacc.) infection was observed in 24 per cent of the 463 wheat crops surveyed in southern New South Wales in 1963. Simple tests of independence showed that the occurrence of heavy take-all infection was positively associated with weed density and cropping intensity. Clover ley history, nature of the previous crop, length of fallow period, sowing time, and weed type did not appear to be significantly associated with the occurrence of take-all. When the possibility of interactions was considered, heavy take-all was found most commonly in the early sown, heavily weed infested second crops after wheat or barley. Sixty per cent of these crops were heavily infected. The results of this survey suggest that a number of hypotheses developed under controlled experimental conditions do not hold widely in the field
Fertilizer and varietal effects on take-all in irrigated wheat
Authors: Syme JR
Published: March 2005

A severe infection of take-all (Ophiobolus gramtnis Sacc.) occurred in an irrigated wheat experiment combining four rates of sulphate of ammonia, two rates of superphosphate, and two varieties. The extent of disease affected areas was measured and from this and from crop sample data the yield loss due to takeall was estimated. Increasing rates of nitrogen fertilizer from 0 to 120 lb N an acre progressively reduced the mean area affected from 60 per cent to 14 per cent and the mean yield loss from 22.2 to 3.4 bushels an acre. There was little response to the higher level of superphosphate apart from an interaction with nitrogen in the proportion of area affected. The varieties differed in the mean proportion of area affected, this being 38 per cent for Pinnacle and 28 per cent for NBJ 115. However NBJ 115 yielded more than Pinnacle in the absence of take-all and the varietal difference in yield loss per acre was not significant. Data are also presented on the influence of nitrogen, variety, and take-all on straw and grain yields and on yield components.
The use of fire to establish Townsville lucerne in the Northern Territory
Authors: Stocker GC , Sturtz JD
Published: March 2005

During the wet season of 1964-65 two trials were established near Darwin to determine if Townsville lucerne (Stylosanthes humilis H.B.K.) could be established in undisturbed annual sorghum (Sorghum intrans F. Muell. ex Benth.) pastures after wet season burning had controlled grass growth. In the first trial, plots were burnt at intervals throughout the wet season. Townsville lucerne pods were broadcast immediately after burning. Grass control and Townsville lucerne establishment were satisfactory in plots burnt after December 6. The second trial examined the effect on Townsville lucerne establishment and S. intrans control of burning, seeding rate, superphosphate, and weedicide treatments. Burning had the most important effect ; seeding rate had little significant effect and superphosphate none. The weedicide treatment was ineffective. The trials indicate that provided wet season burning is used to control S. intrans, Townsville lucerne can be established cheaply over wide areas of the higher rainfall region of the Northern Territory.
The effect of nutritional restriction during early and mid pregnancy on the reproductive performance of crossbred ewes
Authors: Hodge RW
Published: March 2005

Border Leicester x Merino ewes were confined to dry annual pasture residues and fed limited quantities of hay for 90 or 108 days after joining in January at Werribee, Victoria. They were then transferred to irrigated pasture and their performance was compared with that of a control group grazing the irrigated pasture throughout pregnancy. Liveweight fell while the sheep were on dry pasture and rose rapidly when transferred to the irrigated pasture. At transfer the 90-day group weighed 57.7 kg and the 108-day group 56.8 kg. At 140 days their liveweights were 74.1 and 71.3 kg respectively. The weight of the control ewes at 90, 108, and 140 days was 69.5, 73.1, and 80.9 kg. There were no differences in the number of lambs born or the liveweight gain to weaning, but the 90 and 108-day ewes produced less wool (4.63 and 4.31 kg against 5.03 kg for control), and had more tender fleeces (32.6 and 58.3 per cent against 14.6 per cent).
The value of ethanol as a supplement to diet of straw, urea and molasses for sheep
Authors: Foot JZ
Published: March 2005

The experiment was designed to see if any advantage was apparent that would justify the addition of ethanol to sheep diets containing oat straw supplemented with urea and molasses. Four sheep were offered an oat straw diet ad lib. with a molasses urea supplement. The treatment in the 4 x 4 Latin square design experiment consisted of the addition of 0, 4, 8, or 12 g of ethanol daily to the supplement. The following characteristics associated with each diet were measured : digestibility, rate of passage, rate of cellulose digestion in the rumen, food intake, nitrogen balance, and concentration of volatile fatty acids in the rumen. The only significant treatment effect was a faster rate of passage of food residues with the diet containing the highest level of ethanol compared with the diet containing no ethanol.
The occurrence and chemical control of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) on flue-cured tobacco in Victoria
Authors: Meagher JW , French FL , Paddick RG
Published: March 2005

In field trials over four seasons 1959 to 1962 at Nathalia, Victoria, the nematicides ethylene dibromide (E.D.B.), D.D., Vapam, Telone, and Nemafos were tested to control the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica in tobacco crops. E.D.B. and D.D. were compared as broadcast and row treatments. Ethylene dibromide (15 per cent) broadcast at 20 gallons an acre gave the best control of nematodes and the highest yields of tobacco and is considered to be the most suitable treatment for Victorian conditions. The organic phosphate, Nemafos, although an effective nematicide, was phytotoxic to tobacco.
Hybridization and pollen germination in soybeans
Authors: Byth DE
Published: March 2005

Anthesis insoybeans was found to occur at between 7.00 a.m. and 8.00 a.m. in south-eastem Queensland. A successful hybridization technique involving high relative humidity is described. The effects of humidity were involved with stigmatic receptivity, rather than with limitations on pollen germination and growth under low relative humidities. Greater pollen germination was obtained at 26.5�C than at 21�C, but germination was suppressed at 33�C. Applications of gibberellic acid stimulated pollen grain germination, and a dual application of gibberellic acid and certain growth substances was slightly more effective than gibberellic acid alone. Individual growth substances had little influence on pollen grain germination.
The relative unimportance of certain soil properties as dererminants of growth of forage oats
Authors: McArthur WM , Wheeler JL , Goodall DW
Published: March 2005

In two field experiments at Armidale, in the northern tablelands of New South Wales, on a range of grey-brown and yellow podzolic soils, it was shown that production of forage oats was largely independent of soil morphological properties. The properties recorded were colour and thickness of horizons, proportion of ferruginous inclusions, bulk density of A horizons, and several properties associated with organic matter content. In the first experiment, under fertilized conditions, yield was related to moisture supply, and in the second, without added fertilizer, yield was related to per cent moisture content at field capacity, exchangeable calcium, and darkness (Munsell value) of the surface soil. Interrelationships between soil properties were mainly as a result of organic matter content. These findings have implications in soil surveys for land use, sampling procedures, and field experimentation.
Selection of diet by sheep grazing semi-arid pastures on the Riverine Plain. 2. A cotton bush (Kochia aphylla) - grassland (Stipa variabilis-Danthonia caespitosa) community
Authors: Leigh JH , Mulham WE
Published: March 2005

The diet selected by Merino sheep grazing a cotton bush (Kochia aphylla)-grassland community was determined by analysing extrusa from wethers fitted with oesophageal fistula. Visual assessments were combined with hand clipped samples to determine the amount of forage available. In winter and spring the major constituents of the diet were the grasses Danthonia caespitosa and Lolium rigidum Gaudich., and the herbs Hypochaeris spp. and Hedypnois cretica (L.) Willd. In summer the grasses Sporobolus caroli Mez and Chloris truncata R. Br. were selected. The various species of Chenopodiaceae were largely ignored. A practical application of this information is presented in which it is suggested that the more acceptable, but short-lived spring forage can be fully utilized and the relatively unacceptable, but drought resistant, species of Chenopodiaceae be conserved for use during stress periods.
The in vitro digestibility of oesophageal fistula samples after washing for botanical separation
Authors: Robards GE , Wilson AD
Published: March 2005

An in vitro digestibility technique was used to compare the digestibility of washed and unwashed portions of plant material collected from the oesophageal fistulas of grazing sheep. The digestibility of a washed portion was 5.5 to 8.2 digestibility units lower (P<0.05) than that of an unwashed portion of the same fistula sample. The grasses used in the study were Panicum coloratum L., Paspalurn dilatatum Poir., Eragrostis curvula Nees-var. valida Stapf., Sorghum almum Parodi, and Chloris gayana Kunth. The presence of some dry matter in the Panicum plots and the relatively low acceptability of the Eragrostis appeared to cause variation in the results due to selective grazing by the sheep. It was concluded that a correction of five digestibility units would make washed portions of fistula samples collected from grazing sheep useful in evaluating the quality of pasture species from mixed swards.
The effect on grain sorghum of depth of placement of initial phosphate fertilizer on new land at Katherine, N.T
Authors: Phillips LJ , Norman MJT
Published: March 2005

In an experiment on Tippera clay loam soil at Katherine, N.T., between 1962 and 1965, a comparison was made of the effect of depth of placement of initial applications of superphosphate and Christmas Island rock phosphate dust on the yield of grain sorghum for the first three years of cropping on new land. Placement of 4 cwt an acre superphosphate or 12 cwt an acre rock phosphate in a layer at 8 inches depth gave lower grain, dry matter, and phosphorus yields than mixing the same amount and type of fertilizer in the 0-4 inch or 0-8 inch layers. There were no significant differences in grain, dry matter, or phosphorus yield between mixing in the 0-4 or 0-8 inch layers. Additional annual applications of 4 cwt an acre superphosphate banded with the seed increased grain and dry matter yield when the initial phosphate fertilizer was placed in a layer at 8 inches, but not when it was mixed in the 0-4 or 0-8 inch layers.
Studies of the tolerance of Atriplex species. 1. Environmental characteristics and plant response of A. vesicaria, A. nummularia and A. semibaccata
Authors: Gates CT , Muirhead W
Published: March 2005

The effect of climate on the growth of three species of Atriplex viz., A. vesicaria Heward, A. nummdaria Lindl., and A. semibaccata R. Br., was measured for two years in the Riverine plains area of Australia. A single harvest of Kochia georgii R. Br, was also made. Plant life in the area is exposed to the stresses of wide diurnal and seasonal extremes of temperature and humidity and to low rainfall, with high actual evaporation and evapotranspiration rates during the summer. The plants also grow in soils that are highly saline with an unfavourable ratio of sodium to potassium contents. Despite these adverse conditions for plant growth the Atriplex species and Kochia georgii were well adapted and had high leaf weight ratios. The species were summer growers. A. semibaccata was dormant in the winter, but the other Atriplex species remained green and healthy, although they grew very little during the winter. The ratios of leaf to stem weights and the leaf water content showed seasonal fluctuations in the Atriplex species, but these were modified in accord with previous rainfall and evaporation rates. The remarkable capacity of Atriplex species to remain leafy and viable, under such adverse conditions, as were observed, is a major factor contributing to its pastoral importance in these inland areas.
A long term rootstock trial for pears under irrigation in the Goulburn Valley
Authors: Selimi A , Keatley JC
Published: March 2005

The effects of five Pyrus communis seedling rootstocks were compared with Kieffer (P. communis x P. serotina) seedling for Williams' Bon Chretien, Packham's Triumph, Beurre Bosc, and Josephine de Malines varieties. The general findings were : 1. Broom Park yielded more than Winter Cole and Beurre Bosc (P<0.05), but did not differ from Winter Nelis, Kieffer or Cole's seedling. 2. Growth was measured in two different ways. In butt circumference, only Broom Park and Winter Nelis were larger (P<0.05) than Beurre Bosc. All rootstocks except Coles seedling had heavier pruning weights than Beurre Bosc (P<0.05). 3. Rootstocks did not produce any differences in cropping precocity, but Williams' Bon Chretien and Packham's Triumph began cropping three years earlier than Beurre Bosc and Josephine de Malines. 4. All four varieties on P. communis rootstocks were completely free from the fruit disorder called black-end. Williams' Bon Chretien and Josephine de Malines pears on Kieffer rootstock were affected by black-end.
The effects of body weight and level of nutrition before, during, and after joining on ewe fertility
Authors: Killeen ID
Published: March 2005

Four experiments were designed to assess the independent effects of body weight and nutritional level on the reproductive performance of Border Leicester x Merino ewes. Ewes in experiments 1, 2, and 3 were joined in summer (December-January) and in experiment 4 in autumn (March-April). The reproductive performance of two groups of ewes in experiment 1, joined at different body weights, was assessed from mating and lambing data. A factorial (3 x 2 x 2) design was used for experiments 2, 3, and 4. The experimental treatments consisted of different levels of nutrition applied before and after mating. The reproductive performance of ewes in experiment 2 was assessed from mating and lambing data. Ewes in experiments 3 and 4 were slaughtered 19-28 days after mating, and their genitalia were observed for presence of corpora lutea and embryos. Body weight at mating and level of nutrition during three weeks before mating independently affected the multiple birth or ovulation rate. High body weight at mating was consistent with a high multiple birth or ovulation rate, and a higher proportion of the ewes receiving a high level of nutrition during the three weeks before mating (i.e. flushed ewes) had multiple births or multiple ovulations. The results also demonstrated that above 90-100 lb, the proportion of ewes mating and becoming pregnant was relatively independent of body weight at joining. The level of nutrition and body weight had only minor effects on early reproductive failure, but there was a higher proportion of egg wastage from multiple ovulation ewes than from single ovulation ewes.
A filter-paper method for determining the moisture characteristics of soil
Authors: Fawcett RG , Collis-George N
Published: March 2005

A simple filter paper method for estimating a wide range of moisture potentials has been tested for fifteen soils ranging in texture from sands to heavy clays. The method has given estimates of moisture potential from -0.1 to -900 bars with an accuracy that should be acceptable for many types of field experimentation. Relationships between 15-bar percentages determined by both the filter paper and pressure membrane methods, and biologically determined permanent wilting percentages for wheat, are discussed.
The relationship between concentrations of plasma and hepatic vitamin A in steers intensively finished on high-grain rations low in carotene
Authors: Gartner RJW , Morris JG , Clark GR
Published: March 2005

Data on plasma and liver vitamin A concentrations were obtained from 84 Hereford steers approximately two years of age and approximately 900 lb in body-weight. The animals were sampled from two experiments : 57 received high-grain rations low in carotene for 150 � 15 days, 27 received similar rations for 154 � 6 days. Plasma vitamin A levels in 18 animals were below 20 �g/100 ml, and these values were associated with hepatic levels of less than 10 �g/g. The regression of plasma vitamin A on the logarithm of liver vitamin A was significant (P<0.01) and the regression coefficients were not significantly different between experiments. The equation was y = -30.506 + 19.705 log x. This equation has only limited value for prediction over the whole range tested due to the large standard error (9.24) and the limited magnitude of the correlation coefficient (0.80).
Hardseededness and seed dormancy of Townsville Lucerne (Stylosanthes humilis) selections
Authors: Cameron DF
Published: March 2005

Eleven selections of Townsville lucerne (Stylosanthes humilis H.B.K.) were grown with Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth.) in field plots near Townsville, North Queensland, and seed was collected at monthly intervals. At the first sampling in July hard seed contents were high (74-99 per cent), but declined steadily to values of 31-49 per cent in November. Dormancy, as assessed from the germination of scarified seed, was also high in July but declined rapidly so that by September the selections showed from 89 per cent to 99 per cent germination. The significance of hardseededness and dormancy in seed preservation and the importance of hardseededness in commercial sowings is discussed.
Perennial grass cultivars for long leys in the wheat belt of southern NSW
Authors: Oram RN , Hoen K
Published: March 2005

Forty-six cultivars in eleven perennial grass species were assessed in association with subterranean clover in five trials extending over two to four growing seasons. Established stands of several phalaris and cocksfoot cultivars yielded more sown grass herbage and total herbage than Wimmera ryegrass, Australia Commercial phalaris and Currie cocksfoot. The highest yields were from C.P.I.19331 phalaris and G1 35 cocksfoot. G135 was also more resistant than Wimmera ryegrass to the invasion of older stands by barley grass. The herbage yield of the perennial grasses was more stable between years and trials than that of Wimmera ryegrass. The probable utility of these cultivars in the wheat belt and in the adjacent higher-rainfall pastoral zones is discussed.
Derterminatin of the mineralization coefficient of soil organic nitrogen on two soils at Katherine, NT
Authors: Wetselaar R
Published: March 2005

The mineralization coefficient (M.C.) (the amount of nitrate nitrogen formed in one season in sift, by bare fallowing the soil, as a percentage of the amount of organic nitrogen in the topsoil at the onset of the season) was measured on two soils at Katherine, N.T. The determination of M.C. is regarded as useful in evaluating the 'true' decomposition constant of a soil under annual cropping conditions. Its relation to the 'apparent' decomposition constant is discussed. Tippera clay loam had a mean M.C. of 4.80 per cent, and the fluctuations around the mean were positively related to amount of rainfall. The M.C. for Blain sand dropped from 12.5 per cent in the first year of cultivation to 5.0 per cent in the third and fourth years. The data indicate that the initial high nitrogen yields on the sandy soil will in time decline to a low level unless a legume crop is incorporated in the cropping system.
The 'Lustre' mutation in Merino sheep
Authors: McGiurk BJ , Short BF
Published: March 2005

The Lustre mutation was reported by Short (1958) who concluded that it was inherited as a single dominant autosomal gene. In five matings, from 1960 to 1965, rams heterozygous for Lustre were mated to Normal Merino ewes. From these matings 543 Normal and 469 Lustre lambs were born, a result which deviates significantly from the 1 : 1 ratio expected (P<0.05). Significantly higher proportions of Lustre lambs were assisted at birth (20.0 per cent v 13.8 per cent) and died before weaning (34.8 per cent v 21.7 per cent) (P<0.05). The greater mortality of Lustre lambs was most marked in the periods before birth and between birth and four days of age. Lustre lambs were lighter at birth (P<0.05) but the differences in body weight between Normal and Lustre ewes at weaning and following the two-tooth shearing were small and not significant. At the two-tooth shearing the clean fleece weight of Lustre ewes was 56 per cent that of Normal Merinos (P<0.05). The components of fleece weight mainly responsible for this reduction were skin wrinkle, staple length, and follicle density (all P<0.05).
Reproductive performance of eight wool producing flocks in the Western District of Victoria
Authors: Mullaney PD , Hyland PG
Published: March 2005

The reproductive performances of four Merino, three Corriedale, and one Polwarth flock in the Western District of Victoria were recorded between 1958 and 1961. Of ewes recorded at lambing, 89.7 per cent lambed (6.8 per cent bore twins), 78.9 per cent of lambs were marked and 74.4 per cent weaned. Of lambs born, 17 per cent were lost before marking and 21 per cent before weaning. The average survival rate was 82 per cent of single lambs and 58 per cent of twin lambs.
Effects of variation in age and birth weight on fleece traits at eighteen and thirty months
Authors: Mullaney PlD , Brown GH
Published: March 2005

Simple regression coefficients of fleece traits, measured at 18 and 30 months of age, on variations in age at sampling (as determined by the date of birth) and on birth weight were calculated for eight flocks in Western Victoria (4 Merino, 3 Corriedale, 1 Polwarth). The regression coefficients of fleece traits on age variation were generally small and not significant. The regression coefficients of fleece traits on birth weight generally showed an increase in greasy and clean fleece weight and per cent clean scoured yield, and a decrease in mean fibre diameter with increase in birth weight. Variation in age and birth weight contributed to the variation in clean wool weight at 18 months of age by 0.1-5.2 per cent, and 0.1-6.2 per cent respectively; at 30 months of age, the contributions were 0.1-2.3 per cent and 0.0-11.0 per cent respectively. Merino, Corriedale, and Polwarth lambs had mean days of birth (from day of first lamb birth) of 20.6, 22.3, and 14.4, and mean birth weights of 7.85, 8.01, and 9.68 lb respectively.
Yield comparisons of thirty-eight introductions of Glycine javanica in swards in three environments
Authors: Edye LA
Published: March 2005

Thirty-eight introductions of Glycine javanica were established in swards with an associate grass at Lawes and Kumbia in south-eastern Queensland and at 'Lansdown' near Woodstock in northern Queensland. The introductions showed highly significant differences in annual yield and total yield of dry matter. At Lawes there were also significant differences in ease and vigour of establishment, in nitrogen content, and in seasonal yield distribution. Late maturing introductions grew better late in the season when early and mid-season maturity types were either flowering or had flowered. At 'Lansdown' all the introductions tolerated a dry season of 27 weeks in 1965, but failed to survive a dry season of 36 weeks in 1966. At Lawes, the most promising introductions in terms of high yield and strong stolon development in each maturity type were, Tinaroo (late), C.P.I. 26433 (mid-season), Cooper (early), and C.P.I. 27835 (early). At 'Lansdown' C.P.I. 25423 (early) and C.P.I. 25918 (very early) appeared most tolerant of extended dry periods. At Lawes, swards of Cooper (C.P.I. 25702) and green panic grass (Panicum maximum var trichoglume) yielded 7,000 to 8,000 lb of dry matter an acre with a legume content of 50 to 56 per cent in their third, fourth, and fifth seasons. In these swards the dry matter production and legume content showed no signs of declining after the third season.
Varieties of tomatoes for mechanical harvesting on the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area of NSW
Authors: Sumeghy JB , Kirton HC
Published: March 2005

To test the potential suitability of ten tomato varieties in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area of New South Wales to mechanical harvesting, the yields from 'once-over' harvests were compared with the yields from a harvest consisting of four pickings at weekly intervals. In a second experiment the effect of plant spacing, time of harvest, and side-dressing with nitrogen fertilizer were studied for the most promising varieties from the first experiment. The varieties Roma 884, VF145-22-8, and VF145 held their crops for prolonged periods without deterioration and so showed potential for mechanical harvesting. High planting density gave the highest yields from a single picking, and later picking and nitrogen side-dressing also increased yield.
The distribution of serum transferrin types in dairy cattle and their relationship to milk and butterfat production
Authors: White MB , Banfield JC
Published: March 2005

The serum transferrin type was identified for 1102 dairy cows. The gene frequency distribution among nine herds of predominantly Friesian type cattle was TfA 40.7 per cent, TfD 55.9 per cent, and TfE 5.4 per cent. In one herd of 31 Red Poll cattle the distribution was TfA 32.3 per cent, TfD 33.8 per cent, and TfE 33.8 per cent. There was no significant difference between the observed and expected distribution of the various genotypes. Cows of genotype D/D produced significantly more milk than those of type A/A, but their butterfat test was lower and the average butterfat production of the two groups was identical. There was no significant difference in lactation length.
Selection of diet by sheep grazing semi-arid pastures on the Riverine Plain. 4. A grassland (Danthonia caespitosa) community
Authors: Robards GW , Leigh JH , Mulham WE
Published: March 2005

The diet selected by Merino sheep grazing a Danthonia caespitosa Gaudich. grassland was determined by analysing extrusa from Merino wethers fitted with oesophageal fistulas. Visual assessments were combined with hand clipped samples to determine the amount of forage available. In spring a large proportion of the diet consisted of annual species. In summer, when the range of species present in the pasture was low, Danthonia caespitosa made up the bulk of the diet. Under heavy grazing the amount of dry material and burrs of Medicago polymorpha L. in the diet increased as the supply of Danthonia caespitosa decreased. Nitrogen content and in vitro digestibility, both of the pasture and of the forage eaten during spring, decreased as forage availability decreased under heavy grazing. These values were lower in summer than in spring, but showed little change under increasing grazing pressure. The quality of the pasture, as assessed by nitrogen content and digestibility, would have been sufficient, even in the dry summer experienced during this study, to enable sheep to increase in body weight. Because of the lack of drought-resistant species capable of producing appreciable amounts of forage in the summer-autumn period, it is improbable that any system of management based on deferred or rotational grazing can be devised that will increase animal production from this pasture type.
Levels of total nitrogen and total volatile fatty acids in the rumen fluid of sheep under different grazing management systems
Authors: McManus WR
Published: March 2005

Concentrations of total nitrogen and total volatile fatty acids in the rumen fluid of sheep grazing improved pastures were measured for ten months in a dry year on the southern tablelands of New South Wales, and the concentrations of nitrogen and volatile fatty acids (V.F.A.) were related to season, wool production, and grazing management. The observations were made during two long-term grazing management experiments. In the first experiment four groups of breeding Merino ewes grazed a Wimmera ryegrass-subterranean clover (Lolium rigidum Gaud.-Trifolium subterraneum L.) pasture. A deferred grazing system (autumn saving) of pasture management was compared with continuous grazing at stocking rate treatments equivalent to 7.0 and 3.5 ewes to the acre. In the second experiment two groups of Merino weaners grazed a Phalaris tuberosa-subterranean clover pasture at a stocking rate equivalent to 8.6 sheep to the acre. One group received a hay supplement, the other did not. In both experiments nitrogen values were low between late autumn and mid-winter and again between late spring and summer, and high in early autumn and again in spring (P<0.05). The low levels were about 55 per cent of peak autumn and spring levels in (experiment 1) and 60 per cent of peak autumn and spring levels in (experiment 2). Total V.F.A. did not vary significantly between seasons in either experiment. At the higher stocking rate the ewes had lower levels of rumen total nitrogen than at the lower stocking rate. V.F.A. did not vary consistently between stocking rates. At both stocking rates ewes on the autumn saving system of grazing management had more nitrogen in the rumen fluid during late pregnancy and early lactation than did those on the continuous grazing system (P<0.001). After the ewes had access to the saved pasture, autumn saving resulted in a higher concentration of volatile fatty acids than continuous grazing (P< 0.05). Although feeding a hay supplement benefited the weaners the concentrations of total nitrogen in the rumen fluid of the two groups of sheep were similar. There was a fairly consistent tendency for the group receiving hay to have lower concentrations of volatile fatty acids in their rumen fluid. Possible reasons for these effects are discussed.
The influence of nitrogen and water on pastures of green panic, lucerne, and glycine at Lawes, South-eastern Queensland
Authors: Kleinschmidt FH
Published: March 2005

The influence of nitrogen fertilizer and supplementary irrigation on pastures of green panic (Panicum maximum var. trichoglume K. Schum. Eyles), green panic plus Hunter River lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), and green panic plus Cooper glycine (Glycine javanica L.) was measured in an experiment at Lawes, south-eastern Queensland. The yield of green panic increased and the yield of the legumes decreased when nitrogen fertilizer was added at the rate of 50 or 200 lb an acre a year. Nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased the total dry matter and nitrogen yields from green panic and green panic plus glycine swards, but not from green panic plus lucerne swards. Lucerne was more productive than glycine. Inclusion of legumes in the sward increased the total yield of nitrogen. For plots without nitrogen fertilizer, lucerne increased the nitrogen yields by about 230 lb an acre a year, and glycine increased yields by about 60 lb an acre a year. Most of this extra nitrogen was harvested in the legume.
A new technique for placement of radioactive solutions in root studies and a study of root growth of Paspalum commersonii
Authors: Evans TR
Published: March 2005

A new technique is described for placement of radioactive solutions for studies on root growth. This technique involves placement of a perforated ring of polythene tubing at a predetermined depth with an access tube leading to the soil surface. Cylinders of 16 gauge galvanised iron and of different diameters are used for placement of polythene rings. Soil is excavated from outside the cylinder as it is forced to the required depth ; the polythene is placed in position and soil back-filled over it as the cylinder is withdrawn, thus leaving an undisturbed core of soil of the same diameter as the cylinder to the depth of placement. Radioactive solution introduced through the access tube from an automatic burette is distributed evenly in the soil by percolation from the perforated polythene ring. Rate of root growth of single plants through the undisturbed soil can be determined from measurement of radioactivity in plant leaves at various intervals of time. The technique was tested using radioactive phosphate (32P) as tracer and Paspalm commersonii Lam. as the test species. Root growth both vertically and laterally was measured. The advantages of this technique compared with others at present in use are : 1. Non-disturbance of the soil through which root growth is being measured. 2. Repeated applications of radioactive solution without disturbance of the system may be made in long-term studies. 3. Soil contamination by 32P solution above the point of placement is eliminated. The technique is well suited for studies on root growth and activity of single plants, or for competition studies.
The influence of flowering time, nitrogen supply, and plant density on rice yield in the southern Riverina of NSW
Authors: Kleinig CR , Noble JC
Published: March 2005

In two field experiments at Deniliquin, New South Wales, time of flowering was found to be closely related to grain yield of three japonica varieties of rice ( Oryza sativa L.). Later sowing and increasing nitrogen supply delayed the mid-flowering point in all varieties. For any particular sowing time and nitrogen level Early Caloro flowered first, followed by Calrose and then Caloro II. Heavy seedling density also delayed the onset of anthesis in Caloro II at each level of nitrogen applied. Total spikelet production and total dry matter yield increased with increasing nitrogen supply. The percentage of grain filled spikelets was a major determinant of yield. Values ranged from 3 to 83 per cent and percentage decreased as flowering was delayed. There was no clear relation between temperature during flowering and low yields although critical levels were recorded.
The effect of N-dimethyl amino succinamic acid (Alar) on six-year-old Gravenstein apples
Authors: Veinbrants N
Published: March 2005

Applications of N-dimethyl amino succinamic acid to the foliage on six-year-old Gravenstein apples restricted the extension growth. The reduced growth was characterized by shorter internode length giving the trees a more compact appearance. The number of leaves was also reduced although not to the same extent as extension growth. The leaf size was not affected. Two successive applications of 1,000 p.p.m. or a single spray of 2,000 p.p.m. applied early in the growing season resulted in highly significant increase of bloom in the following year. Yields were doubled by both treatments.
Selection for crimp frequency in the wool of Merino sheep. 1. Direct response to selection
Authors: Robards GE , Pattie WA
Published: March 2005

Two selection flocks consisting of 100 ewes mated to five rams were established at the Agricultural Research Station, Trangie, in 1950. One flock was selected for high crimp frequency (Crimps Plus), and the other for low crimp frequency (Crimps Minus). Responses in these flocks were measured against a randomly selected control flock maintained in the same environment and with the same management. The Crimps Plus flock showed a steady increase in crimp frequency with realized heritabilities of 0.46 � 0.14 for ewes and 0.38 � 0.15 for rams, calculated over five generations of selection. In contrast, response in the Crimps Minus flock was not linear as there was a large response in the first generation but very little after that. Dam-offspring heritabilities calculated for sheep entering the flocks after the first generation were 0.40 � 0.14 for the Crimps Minus flock and 0.47 � 0.15 for the Crimps Plus flock. It is suggested that prior selection in the base population may have resulted in unequal gene frequencies, and hence the reduction of response in the Crimps Minus flock. No satisfactory explanation could be given for the large response to the first generation of selection in this flock.
Observations on fertility of ram semen frozen by different methods
Authors: Salamon S
Published: March 2005

Ram semen deep frozen by three methods : in ampoules, synthetic straws, and pellet form, was used for insemination of 410 Merino ewes either once or twice in a single oestrous period. The diluent consisted of 83 mM glucose, 100 mM sodium citrate, 15 per cent (v/v) egg yolk, and the final dilution rate in samples frozen by all three methods was 1 : 2 containing 6 per cent (v/v) glycerol. The average lambing rate was 5.9 per cent. The lambing rates following insemination with ampoule, straw, and pelleted semen were 5.6, 4.4, and 8.9 per cent respectively, and did not differ significantly. Number of inseminations had no effect on fertility (5.6 per cent single, 6.3 per cent double insemination).
Protein quality studies. 1. A comparison of meat and bone meal and fish meal-skim milk powder as sources of supplementary protein for growing pigs
Authors: Wilson BR , Holder JM
Published: March 2005

Pig performance was compared on wheat based diets supplemented by two levels of either meat and bone meal or fish meal plus skim milk powder. The dry matter digestibility and nitrogen retention on these diets were determined and the effect of adding zinc to diets containing meat and bone meal was examined. At the higher level, fish meal plus skim milk powder produced greater daily gains between 60-160 lb than the meat and bone meal, but feed conversion and carcase lean were not affected. At the lower level, fish meal plus skim milk powder produced leaner carcases and greater daily gains between 60-160 lb than the meat and bone meal supplement, but had no effect on feed conversion. Between 60-100 lb, feed conversion was affected by level but not by supplement, and the higher level of fish meal plus skim milk powder produced greater daily gains than all other diets. The higher levels of each supplement produced greater nitrogen retentions and leaner carcases than the lower levels. Dry matter digestibility was least on the higher level meat and bone meal. Zinc supplements had no effect on performance.
The effect of length of legume and non-legume leys on gravimetric soil nitrogen at some locations in the Victorian wheat areas
Authors: Mullaly JV , McPherson JB , Mann AP , Rooney DR
Published: March 2005

Total soil nitrogen increase in the surface six inches under sown pasture legume leys of up to ten years' duration at Dookie, Longerenong, Rutherglen, and Walpeup in the wheatgrowing areas of Victoria was linearly related to the length of pasture period. Annual increases in soil nitrogen were 0.00467, 0.00474, 0.00400, and 0.00142 per cent, respectively. Under non-legume pastures at Longerenong and Walpeup, annual increases in the surface six inches of 0.00292 and 0.00094 per cent nitrogen were obtained. The source of this nitrogen is not known.
The fertility of ewes injected with synthetic oxytocin following artificial insemination
Authors: Jones RC
Published: March 2005

In an experiment involving the artificial insemination of 246 Corriedale ewes with 0.1 m1 of undiluted ram semen, the intramuscular injection of 200 mU or 800 mU of synthetic oxytocin following insemination, either 0-14 or 14-24 hours after the start of oestrus, had no effect on fertility.
The effects of seed size, seed treatment, method of shelling, and organic matter on the establishment of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) at Katherine, N.T
Authors: Wood IMW
Published: March 2005

The effect of seed treatment, seed size, incorporated organic matter, and method of shelling on the establishment of peanuts at Katherine, N.T. was studied during two seasons, 1965-66 and 1966-67. Mechanical damage to the seed during machine shelling was one of the main causes of poor establishment : the larger seed was more vulnerable and the smaller grades of mature, well-filled seed may be preferable. Seed treatments that included 'Ceresan' (phenyl mercury acetate) overcame much of the damage caused by machine shelling. It was concluded that the seed treatments gave protection against fungal infection when the testa had been damaged but could not rectify damage to the radicle. Seasonal conditions after sowing were very important in determining the level of establishment, and the relative efficiency of seed treatment was greater under adverse conditions. Incorporated organic matter had no marked effect on establishment, although peanut residue caused a small but significant reduction.
Distribution of peach roots under pasture and cultivation
Authors: Mitchell PD , Black JDF
Published: March 2005

At the Scoresby Horticultural Research Station four peach trees, growing in a fine sandy clay loam developed on a Silurian mudstone, with pasture on one side of the tree row and cultivation on the other, were excavated in 1962 with water under high pressure hosing. In 1966 four similar trees were excavated in the same way. From 1962 to 1966 additional nitrogen was applied to all trees and complete autumn and spring ploughing replaced a modified cultivation system of autumn and spring discing. No differences were found between treatments or between times of excavation for total root weight or for three grades of root, fibre (<l mm), medium (1-9 mm), and framework (<9 mm). However, the root distribution patterns differed markedly and changed with time. Fibre root distribution improved over time for pasture and declined for cultivation, and by 1966 was more widespread under pasture than under cultivation. Part of these changes could be attributed to waterlogging damage in 1964. The pattern of root distribution helped to explain the tolerance of the pasture trees to wet conditions and was consistent with tree growth.
Correction - Distribution of peach roots under pasture and cultivation
Authors: Mitchell PD , Black JDF
Published: March 2005

At the Scoresby Horticultural Research Station four peach trees, growing in a fine sandy clay loam developed on a Silurian mudstone, with pasture on one side of the tree row and cultivation on the other, were excavated in 1962 with water under high pressure hosing. In 1966 four similar trees were excavated in the same way. From 1962 to 1966 additional nitrogen was applied to all trees and complete autumn and spring ploughing replaced a modified cultivation system of autumn and spring discing. No differences were found between treatments or between times of excavation for total root weight or for three grades of root, fibre (9 mm). However, the root distribution patterns differed markedly and changed with time. Fibre root distribution improved over time for pasture and declined for cultivation, and by 1966 was more widespread under pasture than under cultivation. Part of these changes could be attributed to waterlogging damage in 1964. The pattern of root distribution helped to explain the tolerance of the pasture trees to wet conditions and was consistent with tree growth.
Growth of cattle in Papua and New Guinea. 1. Brahman-British crossbreds
Authors: Anderson JL
Published: March 2005

The post-weaning growth late of heifers of varying proportions of Brahman blood was studied on natural pastures at Moitaka, Papua. Angus heifers gained 0.52 lb a day, quarter Brahman Angus heifers gained 0.55 lb a day, and half Brahman Angus heifers and three quarter Brahman Angus heifers gained 0.91 lb a day. The differences between Angus and half Brahman Angus, and also between quarter Brahman Angus and half and three quarter Brahman Angus were significant (P<0.01). The weaning (nine months) weights of the heifers were also significantly different (in one trial Angus 331 lb and half Brahman Angus 407 lb; in another, quarter Brahman Angus 339 lb, half Brahman Angus 441 lb, and three quarter Brahman Angus 495 lb). Possible reasons for these differences are suggested. The proper development of a sound beef cattle industry in Moitaka environment will depend upon the use of Brahman (Zebu) and Brahman crossbred cattle.