bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of different levels of nutrition from weaning to seventeen months of age on the lifetime production of Merino ewes
Authors: Giles JR
Published: March 2005

One hundred and seventy-nine ewe weaners from five experimental selection flocks were allocated at random, within sire lines, to one of two groups which were subjected to different nutritional regimes from weaning to 17 months of age. Liveweight and wool production were examined over an eight-year period and survival rate and reproduction data over the lifetime of the ewes. The treatments produced a maximum liveweight difference of 30.5 lb at 14 months of age when the liveweights of ewes receiving a high plane of nutrition averaged 98 lb. There were significant selection flock X plane of nutrition interactions in greasy fleece weight and staple length. Clean fleece weight of sheep on the low plane of nutrition was depressed by 25 per cent at the first shearing, and there were small differences in the fleece weights of low and high plane sheep in the following six years. Death rate, lifetime reproduction, and weaning weight of progeny were not significantly depressed by the low plane treatment.
A comparison of the nutritional value of Stylosanthes humilis, Stylosanthes guyanensis, and introduced grasses in northern Australia
Authors: Newman DMR
Published: March 2005

In pen-feeding trials with sheep the nutritional value of the legumes Stylosanthes humilis H.B.K. and Stylosanthes guyanensis, at an advanced stage of maturity, was superior to the grass Brachiaria mutica (Forsk.) Stapf. at the same growth stage. Both these legumes should provide at least maintenance requirements for cattle during the north Australian dry season. A legume-grass mixture, Stylosanthes humilis-Pennisetum polystacayon, provided comparable nutritive values to those obtained for the pure legumes. At the stage of maturity studied Stylosanthes guyanensis appeared superior nutritionally to Stylosanthes humilis.
The production and persistence of grazed irrigated pasture mixtures in south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Jones RJ , Griffiths Davies J , Waite RB , Fergus IF
Published: March 2005

Five irrigated pasture mixtures (four containing tropical and temperate species and one containing only temperate species (winter mixture) ) were compared under grazing at three nitrogen levels -nil, 100, and 300 lb N an acre a year as urea-over a four-year period 1960-1963. Pastures were grazed for approximately one week every six weeks with a twelve-week rest period in the winter of 1962 and 1963. Under this management mean annual yields of dry matter increased from 15,700 lb to 25,000 lb an acre over the four-year period. Pasture growth rates varied from over 90 lb DM an acre a day in early summer to 10-40 lb DM an acre a day in winter due to variations in radiation and temperature. Urea increased pasture dry matter yields and also the yields of nitrogen measured in 1961 and 1962. Mean response was 19 lb and 14.5 lb DM/lb N applied at the N100 and N300 rates respectively. Yield of nitrogen was increased by a mean of 79 lb an acre a year by application of urea, but there was no significant difference between rates. Dry matter responses to urea were small in winter and spring and large in summer and autumn. The N300 rate reduced the yield of white clover in the first two years of the pasture, but there was no reduction in the yield of white clover at the N100 rate compared with the N0 treatment. There were no significant differences in yield between the pasture mixtures in the establishment year. In subsequent years mixtures containing summer and winter species outyielded (P<0.001) the winter mixture, particularly in summer and autumn. The pattern of production was similar for all mixtures and there was no significant difference between mixtures in yield of nitrogen. Chloris gayana Kunth CV. Samford and Setaria sphacelata (Schum) Stapf and C. E. Hubbard CV. Nandi. were the most successful summer grasses and Bromus unioloides (Willd.) H.B.K. cv. Priebes, the best winter grass. Three Paspalum species failed to compete with the Setaria and three winter grasses were low yielding after the first year. Trifolium repens L. CV. Ladino was the only successful legume of three winter and three summer legumes sown. It enabled yields of 400 lb N an acre a year to be achieved, increased total soil nitrogen, and made an estimated contribution of 760-810 lb N an acre over the four-year period. It is considered to be the key species for irrigated pastures in south-eastern Queensland.
Experiments on the control of cereal smuts with a derivative of 1,4-oxathiin
Authors: Kuiper J
Published: March 2005

The new cereal seed dressing Vitavax, a systemic fungicidal dust based on 2,3-dihydro- 5-carboxanilido-6-methyl-1,4-oxathiin, controlled seed-borne common bunt of wheat, seed- and soil-borne flag smut of wheat, and covered smut of oats in glasshouse experiments. Its chemotherapeutic efficacy was demonstrated on wheat bunt using post-infection soil drenches. Vitavax was ineffective on loose smut of wheat and barley under semi-artificial conditions. Vitavax was toxic to wheat seedlings only when applied in a soil drench (0.02 per cent active ingredient) shortly after transplanting, but the surviving, severely injured plants recovered quickly indicating rapid elimination of the phytotoxicant. In in vitro germination tests on wheat Vitavax was safer than the standard fungicide Ceresan.
Comparison of herbicides and times of spraying for the control of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)
Authors: Parsons WT , Amor RL
Published: March 2005

Six herbicides were compared for the control of blackberry at ten sites in southern Victoria. When applied as a single spray, picloram and amitrole plus ammonium thiocyanate had a more persistent effect than 2,4,5-T, or the dimethylamine salt of polychlorobenzoic acid. Prometone had little effect. At the rates tested, mixtures of picloram plus amine 2,4,5-T were no more effective than ester 2,4,5-T. There was also no consistent improvement in the apparent kill of blackberry due to addition of amine 2,4-D to picloram when compared with picloram applied at the same rate. Seven times of application were compared. The best results were obtained during the summer, and the worst during the winter dormant period. Amitrole plus ammonium thiocyanate, and picloram were more effective than 2,4,5-T, particularly at times other than during the summer. The trials demonstrate the lack of persistence of herbicidal effects, and the need for more than one application.
Variability of soil moisture in the black cracking clay soil of north-western New South Wales
Authors: Towner GD
Published: March 2005

Moisture content profiles were measured to a depth of four feet in a small bare plot on the black cracking clay soil of north-west New South Wales. The results show wide variability, and lead to the conclusion that a thorough investigation must be made on the soil moisture variability in this situation before designing any agronomic experiments measuring biological responses to moisture content.
Correction - Variability of soil moisture in the black cracking clay soil of north-western New South Wales
Authors: Towner GD
Published: March 2005

Moisture content profiles were measured to a depth of four feet in a small bare plot on the black cracking clay soil of north-west New South Wales. The results show wide variability, and lead to the conclusion that a thorough investigation must be made on the soil moisture variability in this situation before designing any agronomic experiments measuring biological responses to moisture content.
The effect of time of grazing on bulrush millet (Pennisetum typhoides) at Katherine, N.T
Authors: Norman MJT , Phillips LJ
Published: March 2005

The liveweight gains of Shorthorn steers on bulrush millet at two beasts an acre, with grazing beginning late March, late April, and late May, were compared in each of the three seasons, 1965-67, at Katherine Research Station, N.T. Cattle on the later treatments were on native pasture from late March until millet grazing began. Liveweight gain on millet was significantly greater with a March start than with a May start (P<0.05), but total gains (native pasture plus millet) did not differ significantly between treatments. The proportions by dry weight of heads, leaf, and stem of millet, and the nitrogen content of these fractions, were estimated during grazing. Cattle grazed heads preferentially, and also preferred stem to leaf in the early stages of grazing. Their grazing preferences were not related to the nitrogen content of the plant fractions. A review of all tests ,of millet grazing at Katherine (18 between 1960 and 1967) showed that, between a late January and a late May start, the earlier grazing begins the higher the liveweight gain per head and per acre.
Correction - Nutritive evaluation of two strains of mature subterranean clover
Authors: Hume ID , Somers M , McKeown NR
Published: March 2005

The relationship between the in vivo and in vitro digestibility of leguminous herbage was examined. Further studies were made using in vivo-in vitro digestibility estimations to compare the nutritive value to sheep of two strains (Yarloop and Woogenellup) of subterranean clover. The digestibilities of the main component parts (viz. stem, petiole, leaf, and burr) of the plants of each strain were also estimated in vitro. Digestibility differences between strains and between parts were examined on the basis of the chemical composition of their dry matter. Woogenellup was significantly more digestible than Yarloop, both in vivo and in vitro. Voluntary intake of Woogenellup was also significantly greater than that of Yarloop. The in vitro digestibility of stem did not differ significantly from that of petiole. Nor did the digestibility of leaf differ significantly from that of burr. However, the digestibility of stem and petiole together was greater than that of leaf and burr together. These findings are discussed in relation to their possible biological significance.
Comparisons between Granny Smith apples from healthy and green crinkle virus infected trees
Authors: Johnstone GR , Martin D
Published: March 2005

Fruits harvested from Granny Smith trees known to be affected to varying degrees by apple green crinkle virus were held in cool store for five months before analysis for their total nitrogen and protein nitrogen contents. Fruit seed number, cell number, and dry matter content were also determined. There tended to be a greater incidence of superficial scald in fruit from infected trees. Fruits from infected trees were smaller, had a higher dry matter content, a greater proportion of protein nitrogen to total nitrogen, and fewer cells than those picked from healthy trees. Within infected trees the total nitrogen content decreased as the severity of fruit crinkling increased. The results are discussed in relation to effects of the virus on yield, the physiological status of infected trees, and a consideration of the likely storage disorders to be encountered in fruit from healthy and infected trees.
Deaths of sheep after shearing
Authors: Hutchinson JCD
Published: March 2005

A survey of deaths after shearing was made by means of a questionnaire, sent to a sample of woolgrowers during three years (1958-1960). About one-third of the recipients completed the questions on deaths and many less the other questions, but the estimate of deaths appeared to be based on a representative sample of Australian properties.Total deaths per annum averaged about 0.7% of sheep and lambs shorn and three-quarters were in the first 14 days after shearing. Percentage of deaths ranged from 0-36 but only 6% of the returns gave more than 2%. Most of the losses over 2% were in cold wind with rain. When a high mortality occurred in weather other than this, the sheep were usually in poor condition. Deaths after shearing were not related to the period of yarding without feed, which was usually 1-2 days.The bearing of this survey on the economics of prophylactic and therapeutic measures is discussed.
A method to determine the frequency of airborne bacteria antagonistic to Sclerotinia fructicola
Authors: Jenkins PT
Published: March 2005

A technique is described for sampling airborne bacteria which are antagonistic to Sclerotinia fructicola (Wint.) Rehm.
The influence of mineral nutrition on the susceptibility of apple trees to infection by Trametes (Polystictus) versicolor
Authors: Wade GC
Published: March 2005

Trametes (Polysticus) versicolor is shown to be highly pathogenic to apple trees grown in sand culture with a nutrient deficient in phosphorus. Less vigorous attack occurred on trees deficient in magnesium, potassium or calcium; but nitrogen deficient trees, or those receiving complete nutrients, developed no macroscopically visible symptoms following inoculation. The fungus penetrated all inoculated limbs irrespective of treatment, but in complete and nitrogen deficient trees no attack on woody tissues developed. Phosphorus deficiency had only a slight effect on phosphorus content of leaves, but a very marked effect on bark and wood phosphorus. Analytical data presented in the paper demonstrates several interactions between elements.
Biennial bearing of the Granny Smith apple and its control by chemical thinning
Authors: Cripps JEL
Published: March 2005

Evidence is presented to demonstrate that with the Granny Smith apple regularity of cropping is influenced by the thinning spray selected, the concentration utilized and the quantity applied. Time of application was found to be of lesser importance. In addition, experimental records suggest that biennial cropping of this variety is not only attributable to lack of 'off' year blossom, but that poor fruit set is also implicated. A long term experiment, showed that biennial application of naphthalene acetamide gave uniform cropping, but more drastic 'on' year crop reduction may have economic advantages.
Flowering and fruit set in the Packham's Triumph pear
Authors: Wauchope DG
Published: March 2005

Field observations were made of flowering, fruit set, and fruitlet drop on the self sterile pear variety Packham's Triumph. All flowers were hand pollinated on the day of anthesis so that lack of pollination was not a limiting factor. In general, the flowers opened in order from the lowest to the terminal flower in the truss in approximate daily succession. During the first three weeks after petal fall, fruitlet drop occurred mainly from the higher axillary and terminal positions in the truss, and during the next three weeks there was some thinning out of fruitlets in the lower axillary positions. At harvest, most of the remaining fruit occurred at the second and particularly the third positions from the base of the truss. Fruit set was directly related to the number of flowers in the truss.
Relative tolerance of rooted cuttings of four Vinifera varieties to sodium chloride
Authors: Alexander DMcE , Woodham RC
Published: March 2005

Rooted cuttings of four varieties, Sultana (syn. Thompson Seedless), Zante Currant, Waltham Cross, and Gordo Blanco were grown in a glasshouse for four weeks in nutrient solution to which six sodium chloride treatments ranging from 0 to 125 m-equiv./l. were added. Treatment effects on shoot extension, dry matter production, and chloride content in leaves and in roots were observed and are discussed in relation to relative tolerances to saline mediums. Gordo was more sensitive to sodium chloride than the other three varieties ; growth was more severely reduced and was affected at lower treatment levels. Considerable growth depressions occurred in all varieties before the onset of symptoms. Results suggest that a foliar chloride level corresponding to reduced growth in one variety is not applicable to all varieties.
Establishment, growth and survival of six pasture species surface sown on unploughed land infested with serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma)
Authors: Campbell MH
Published: March 2005

The effects of herbicide, inoculation, and nitrogen on establishment, growth and survival of Trifolium pratense, T. repens, T. subterraneum, Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, and Phalaris tuberosa were recorded at Rockley, New South Wales. Seed was surface sown on unploughed land dominated by tussock grass (Nassella trichotoma). All clovers established on unploughed land but only T. subterraneum survived successfully two years after sowing. Establishment of L. perenne and D. glomerata was three to four times as high as P. tuberosa, but two years later there were more P. tuberosa plants than either L. perenne or D. glomerata. Herbicide treatment increased establishment and growth of all grasses and was essential for their survival ; it was not essential for establishment or nodulation of the three clovers nor for regeneration of T. mbterranew, but did have beneficial effects. Nitrogen decreased the establishment of D. glomeratb but increased growth of all grasses and survival of L. perenne and D. glomerata; it depressed the establishment, nodulation, and growth of clovers. Three-step inoculation gave successful nodulation and proved essential for growth of all clovers and regeneration of subterranean clover.
Stand morphology of Townsville lucerne (Stylosanthes humilis) : Seasonal growth and root development
Authors: Torssell BWR , Begg JE , Rose CW , Byrne GF
Published: March 2005

This paper describes the seasonal growth and morphology of a four-year-old pasture of Townsville lucerne (Stylosanthes humilis) used in a detailed microenvironmental study conducted at Katherine, N.T., during the 1966-67 wet season. Rapid germination and penetration of the tap root followed an early storm rain of 38 mm at the end of September, and most of the seedlings survived the next seven weeks without rain. A second germination followed heavy rain at the end of November, and by the end of December the main development of lateral roots commenced and the rate of shoot development increased. The highest average growth rate, 31 g/m2/day for the period March 31-April 14, was after the last rain of the season and preceded by ten weeks of above average rainfall. Growth continued for a further two weeks while the roots continued to deplete available soil water. During the main period of growth, approximately 80 per cent of root length and 70 per cent of root surface area was in the top 30 cm of soil. The density of root length varied very little below 30 cm. Growth and development are discussed in relation to grass competition and drought adaptation, and fitted to a general description of the life cycle of Townsville lucerne under northern Australian conditions.
Seasonal growth of an Australian cultivar of creeping-rooted lucerne (Medicago sativa)
Authors: Daday H , Peak JW , Launders T , Cameron DG , Campbell GB , Crawford EJ , Ryan FE
Published: March 2005

Stand density after establishment and yield of the first Australian creeping-rooted lucerne bred in Canberra, were compared with those of the cultivars Hunter River, Hairy Peruvian, Du Puits, and African under markedly differing climatic conditions in 13 trials in eastern, southern, and south-western Australia. A highly significant cultivar X locality interaction was detected in each of the three seasons (spring, summer, and winter) in which yield was measured. Differences in the relative yield of Hunter River and the creeping-rooted lucerne in environments differing in temperature account, in part, for this effect. In environments of moderate summer temperatures such as the tablelands of New South Wales and Tasmania, the sward yields of the new cuitivar measured in spring, summer, and winter were similar to those of Hunter River, but were significantly inferior in areas with high summer temperatures.
Lodging in wheat and its control by (2-chloroethyl) trimethylammonium chloride (CCC) in solid form
Authors: Syme JR
Published: March 2005

Five rates of CCC, applied as a powder mixed with superphosphate fertilizer, were combined with two rates of broadcast nitrogen fertilizer on a wheat crop. Lodging occurred in patches such that samples could be taken from standing and lodged areas of all plots in addition to the measurement of overall yield. Lodging was severe and greatly reduced yield in those areas where it occurred. In the absence of CCC, nitrogen depressed yield by increasing the area lodged. CCC effectively controlled lodging and at the highest rate prevented the depression in yield due to nitrogen. Apart from this it did not increase the overall yield because of its depressing effect on yield in both standing and lodged areas, probably through increasing the susceptibility to weed competition.
Bacterial blight of cotton in the Ord River
Authors: Evenson JP
Published: March 2005

The presence in the Ord River Irrigation Area of Xanthomonas malvacearum (E.F. Sm.) Dowson, the causal organism of bacterial blight on cotton was further investigated. Group 2 bacterium was shown to be widespread on commercial crops, while Group 1 was only isolated on cotton grown from newly introduced seed. Resistance to the Group 2 bacterium was demonstrated within agronomically successful varieties.
Breakdown and weight loss in Red Jonathan apples in controlled atmosphere storage
Authors: Scott KJ , Wills RBH , Roberts EA
Published: March 2005

Red Jonathan apples were stored at 32�F in 5 per cent carbon dioxide and 16 per cent oxygen in the presence of calcium chloride. The incidence of breakdown decreased linearly as weight loss was increased. Thus carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, and weight loss may all affect the incidence of breakdown in apples in controlled atmospheres. Without information on weight loss to ensure that there is no confounding, conclusions about the effects of carbon dioxide and oxygen may be misleading,
The distribution of the cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae) in Victoria and its relation to soil type
Authors: Meagher JW
Published: March 2005

Surveys, based on the examination of cereal plants for infestation by Heterodera avenae Woll., have shown that this nematode occurs commonly in the Mallee and Wimmera districts of Victoria. Its occurrence elsewhere in the Victorian wheat belt appears to be restricted by soil type. Glasshouse trials have shown that the solonized brown soils of the Mallee, and the friable grey clay soils that occur in the Wimmera, are more suitable for multiplication of the nematode than the red-brown earths. Differences in soil structure provide the best explanation for this distribution pattern in Victoria and other areas of the Australian wheat belt. A pH between 6 and 8 had no effect on larval activity, so soil reaction is not considered to be a factor limiting the distribution of H. avenue.
The effect of breed, season and competition on mating behaviour of rams
Authors: Lindsay DR , Ellsmore J
Published: March 2005

Rams of three breeds were mated at monthly intervals for one year in small paddocks to a group of 36 ovariectomized ewes that received a series of standard progesterone and oestrogen injections. Border Leicester rams were less active than Merino and Dorset Horn rams in the summer but not in spring and autumn. In a second series of tests, rams were mated singly or in groups of three to groups of 10 or 20 oestrous ewes some of which were tethered. Rams mated singly, mounted most ewes in groups of 10, tethered or free, but failed to mate with many more of the ewes when the group size was increased to 20. The same rams, working in competition with other rams, mounted significantly more ewes from these larger groups.
Wool growth of wethers grazing Acacia aneura - Triodia pungens savanna and ewes grazing Triodia pungens hummock grass steppe in the Pilbara district, W.A
Authors: Williams OB , Suijdenorp H
Published: March 2005

Seasonal variations in wool growth, fibre diameter, and body weight were estimated at six weekly intervals in the period 1962-1964 in the north-west of Western Australia. These measurements were made on (a) Merino wethers grazing on Acacia aneura-Triodia pungens shrub savanna on a commercial pastoral holding, 'Mulga Downs', Wittenoom Gorge, and (b) fertile and sterile Merino ewes grazing Triodia pungens hummock-grass steppe on Abydos Pastoral Research Station, Port Hedland. The period of maximum wool growth-rate occurred in summer and, together with the extensive trough in the dry autumn through to mid-summer, produced a characteristic pattern which may be modified by occasional autumn-winter rainfall. Wool growth-rates at both Abydos and Mulga Downs rose and fell following the onset and cessation of summer rain. The response in wool growth at Abydos was prompt, and that at Mulga Downs somewhat delayed, possibly due to their differences in soil moisture characteristics and botanical composition. This pattern of summer maximum and winter minimum wool growth-rates differs substantially from the three patterns described previously for southern Australia, and the general level of the maximum rates in the north-west of Western Australia is well below those attained on sown pasture and semi-arid grasslands in the south. Further, periods of comparatively low wool growth-rates were of longer duration in the north than in the south, and clean fleece weights were lower. The nutritional inadequacies of the environment were further confirmed in the study of fertile and sterile ewes at Abydos. By comparison with the sterile group, the fertile ewes suffered a reduction of 24 per cent in wool growth in late pregnancy, 44 per cent in early lactation, and 26 per cent over the whole lactation. Following lactation, there was a long delay before fibre diameter and body weight reached parity for the fertile and sterile ewes.
Teat length bioassays of a range of legume swards and comparisons between temporary infertility, teat length, and uterine weight responses
Authors: Bennett D , Dudzinske ML , Axelsen A
Published: March 2005

Teat length bio-assays were performed with both wethers and ovariectomised ewes on three occasions during 1963, using injected stilboestrol dipropionate and a range of pasture swards. Various statistical transformations to improve the precision, by obtaining better linear relations and stabilizing variances, were attempted. No advantage was gained over that obtained by regression of teat length increase against log (dose + k). Thirty-five days rest was adequate to regain sensitivity to further oestrogen stimulation. Uterine weight assays, performed at the same time on the same animals, were found to be more precise than teat length assays. Stilboestrol equivalent potency was higher on thirteen swards by teat length response than by uterine weight, and on four swards the reverse was true. On one occasion on red clover, confidence limits for the two responses failed to overlap. Comparisons with temporary infertility were made on two occasions. In the autumn comparison, significant teat length responses were obtained on lucerne, which showed no indication of affecting fertility. In the spring, teat length tended to overestimate red clover potency by about the same amount that uterine weight bioassays underestimated it.
The growth of barley grass (Hordeum leporinum) in annual pasture. 3. Some factors affecting balance with subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum)
Authors: Smith DF
Published: March 2005

Mixed swards of barley grass (Hordeum leporinum) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) of two densities were grown at two levels of nitrogen. Growth was started at two different times mid- April and mid-May-and at each time half the plots were subjected to moisture stress. The swards were harvested after nine weeks of growth. The survival of clover plants was reduced by an early start, moisture stress and nitrogen addition : much more so than barley grass. The root : shoot ratios of both species were calculated ; both showed some sensitivity to the time of break and moisture stress, and the grass was also affected by the other two factors. Total sward production and the ratios of clover to grass varied widely Grass daminance was favoured by moisture stress or a late break, and both of these factors tended to override the effect of higher soil nitrogen in determining clover-grass balance. Total sward production more dependent on density than any other factor, especially with the later start. Higher nitrogen was effective in boosting production only if the break was early and there was no moisture stress.
The effects of evaporation, potential transpiration, and rainfall on the depletion of soil moisture by irrigated perennial pasture
Authors: Bartels LF
Published: March 2005

Depletion of soil moisture by an irrigated perennial pasture is shown to be closely related to an evaporative index (E-R), the accumulated difference between evaporation ( E inches) and rainfall (R inches) subsequent to the last irrigation. This index, calculated for three types of evaporimeter, is shown to be directly proportional to (Et-R) the difference between Penman's potential transpiration (Et) and rainfall, for drying cycles of more than seven days duration. It is suggested that (E-K) might be a useful guide for irrigation scheduling, wherever Penman's estimate of potential transpiration is found to be reasonably accurate.
Field evaluation of a derivative of 1,4-oxathiin for control of cereal smuts
Authors: Kuiper J
Published: March 2005

In semi-commercial field trials, the systemic cereal seed fungicide Vitavax (2,3-dihydro-5- carboxanilido-6-methyl-1,4-oxathiin) gave excellent control of natural loose smut infections of wheat and barley; combining it with phenylmercuric acetate reduced its efficacy on loose smut of wheat. In an irrigated row-plot trial, using wheat artificially inoculated with loose smut, Vitavax at the recommended rate was only moderately effective ; at half rate disease control was unsatisfactory. Vitavax was tested on three collections of common bunt of wheat. On all three it was better than Ceresan. It was inferior to hexachlorobenzene on two collections, but on the third, resistant to hexachlorobenzene, it was much superior. Vitavax gave excellent control of covered smut of oats whereas Panogen and Ceresan were much less effective.
Chemical weed control in peanut crops at Katherine, N.T
Authors: Wood IMW
Published: March 2005

In crops of Spanish peanuts at Katherine, N.T., trifluralin at 1 lb active ingredient an acre and benefin at 2 lb a.i. an acre gave almost complete control of the two pigweeds Trianthema portulacastrum and Portulaca oleracea. During two seasons, one a dry short season and the other a season of average rainfall and duration, both herbicides were very effective and did not cause any crop damage. Prometryne at 3 lb a.i. an acre and linuron at 2 lb a.i. an acre gave good control in the dry season but only fair control in the wetter season. Chloramben at 4 lb a.i. an acre gave excellent weed control with little crop damage in the normal season, but poor weed control and considerable crop damage in the dry season.
Control of post-emergence damping off in vetch with Dexon
Authors: Allen RN
Published: March 2005

Control of post-emergence damping-off, basal stem rot, and root rot of vetch (Vicia sativu) caused by Pythium debaryanum and other pythiaceous fungi, was obtained in a sod-sown field trial at Wollongbar, New South Wales, by applying the fungicide Dexon (R) (p-dimethylaminobenzenediazo sodium sulphonate) with the fertilizer in the furrow at sowing. Dexon improved plant establishment and survival, and increased plant vigour in the early stages of growth. Dry matter yield of vetch was increased from 206 lb an acre without Dexon, to 604 lb an acre with Dexon applied at 8 oz an acre (4.3 mg per row ft), with a corresponding reduction in the cost of fodder produced. Yield responses were also obtained at lower and higher rates, but at 64 oz an acre the Dexon was phytotoxic and no yield response was observed despite excellent disease control.
Animal production on sown and native pastures on brigalow land in southern Queensland during drought
Authors: Coaldrake JE , Smith CA , Yates JJ , Edye LA
Published: March 2005

Liveweight gains of six yearling steers grazing on each of four introduced grasses, each with lucerne, were compared with those from native pasture and native pasture plus forage oats, on a weakly solonized brown clay loam of moderate fertility in the brigalow region of southern Queensland. The pastures were grazed continuously for three years (1963 to 1965) at set stocking rates during the worst drought known from 87 years of local records. At the height of the drought in 1965 the sown pastures supported animals as far into the drought as did the two native pasture treatments at half the stocking rate. Sorghum almum (CV. Crooble) and Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana CV. Pioneer) died late in the drought and did not re-establish after rain, whereas buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris CV. Nunbank) and green panic (Panicm maximum var. trichoglume CV. Petrie) survived. Standing dry matter in the pastures was less than 1,000 lb dry matter an acre for much of the life of the experiment. At a stocking rate of one bullock to 2.3 acres S. almm gave the highest average gain per head in the first full year of grazing (462 lb per head), but this was only significantly better (P<0.05) than the gain from buffel grass, and not significantly better than the gains (at one bullock to 4.6 acres) on native pasture (415 lb per head) and native pasture plus oats (390 lb per head). Rainfall in the first year was 18 inches. In the remaining two years, with 13 and 8 inches of rain respectively, there were no significant differences between the sown pastures until the S. almum and Rhodes grass died. Native pasture plus oats (681 lb per head) and native pasture (424 Ib per head) gave the greatest gain per head in 1964, but not per acre because of the lower stocking rate.
The effect of intensity of rotational grazing with breeding ewes on phalaris-subterranean clover pastures
Authors: Morley FHW , Bennett D , McKinney GT
Published: March 2005

Animal production and pasture amount and composition are presented from an experiment at Canberra in which one-, three-, and nine- subdivisions were rotationally grazed throughout the year in 1963, from December to September 1964, and from March to September in 1965, 1966, and 1967, at 20, 25, or 30 Merino ewes per hectare for three years, and at 17 ewes per hectare for a further two years. Intense subdivision resulted in pastures in which perennials, rather than the annual components, predominated. Moderate subdivision produced a pasture in which both perennials and annuals contributed substantially. Under a one-paddock (set stocked) system the annuals yielded more in spring than did perennials. Intensive subdivision favoured winter production, but resulted in less growth from pastures during spring, less dry feed in summer, and hence an increased need for supplementary feeding in years with dry autumns. The three-paddock system resulted in more winter production than the one-paddock, and about the same production in spring. Intensity of subdivision had little effect on animal production, except in increased frequency of deaths from Phalaris poisoning, some reduction in pre-lambing mortality, and increased requirement for supplementary feeding for survival. These results indicate that intensive subdivision of such pastures is unlikely to be worthwhile in environments such as that at Canberra. A moderate amount of subdivision as exemplified in a three paddock rotation, may give worthwhile increases in winter production, without the penalty of decreased spring growth.
Seed production from three annual species of Trifolium on sandy soils in the wheat belt of Western Australia
Authors: Taylor GB , Rossiter RC
Published: March 2005

Seed production and persistence of subterranean, cupped, and rose clovers were examined over a period of three years in undefoliated swards, at several plant densities, in the wheat belt of Western Australia. Subterranean clover, although earlier flowering, was outyielded by the other two species in the two driest years. No major differences were found between species in relative water content of leaves during periods of soil moisture deficit. Moreover, species differences in soil moisture exploitation were small. A high proportion of inflorescences failed to set seed in subterranean clover. This reproductive defect, which is associated with restricted inflorescence burial due to dry soil conditions, was thought to be the main reason for the poorer seed yield in this species. Despite low seed yields in the establishment year, plant density after the first year did not seriously limit seed yields, even at the lowest seeding rate, in any of the three species.
Calcined rock phosphate as fertilizer for pasture and cereal production in Western Australia
Authors: Mason MG , Cox WJ
Published: March 2005

Calcined rock phosphate is prepared by low temperature (500�F) calcination of 'C' grade Christmas Island rock phosphate that is unsuitable for superphosphate production. It was compared with superphosphate and with mixtures of superphosphate and calcined rock phosphate for pasture and cereal production at two sites in the 12-18 in. annual rainfall zone of the Western Australian wheat belt. At equivalent levels of applied phosphorus, superphosphate was a better fertilizer than calcined rock phosphate over the two years of the trials. There was evidence that the phosphorus in superphosphate was less available when mixtures of superphosphate and calcined rock phosphate were applied, than when superphosphate was applied alone. A pasture response to sulphur occurred at Chapman Research Station on a red-brown sandy loam. There was no response to sulphur by cereals.
The competitive and yielding ability of some sub-tropical pasture species sown alone and in mixtures under intermittent grazing at Samford, south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Jones RJ , Griffiths Davies J , Waite RB
Published: March 2005

Eleven introduced tropical grasses were compared in single grass swards and nine of these were compared in mixtures containing two or three grasses. The pastures received 300 lb nitrogen an acre a year as urea and were grazed five times a year. A basal legume mixture of tropical legumes and white clover sown with the grasses failed to persist. There were large differences between the grasses in competitive ability and this varied with time. Samford Rhodes grass, Nandi setaria, and Pangola were the most aggressive, and the Paspalum species-P. plicatulum P. dilatum and P. commersonii the least aggressive. Hyparrhenia hirta, which had done well at low nitrogen levels, failed to compete with weed grasses at the higher nitrogen level used in this study. Rhyncheytrum repens and commercial Rhodes grass were the dominant weed grasses in the establishment year. These rapidly decreased with time, and Digitaria didacola-blue couch, became the dominant weed species. Plots containing Nandi setaria, Samford Rhodes grass, or Pangola, gave the highest yields, and plots containing P. dilatatum the lowest. There was no yield advantage in combining grasses in mixtures-the mixture giving similar or lower yields than the best grass in the mixture grown alone. Under a period of farm grazing the three Rhodes grasses used declined sharply and the proportion of blue couch increased. The high yields from plots dominated by blue couch indicate that, agronomically, this has been a neglected naturalized species. Only Nandi setaria and Pangola were able to compete effectively with blue couch under the 'farm grazing' management imposed.
The relationship between air temperature, scrotal surface area and testis temperature in rams
Authors: Fowler DG
Published: March 2005

Scrotal surface area, intra-testicular, and subcutaneous scrotal temperatures were measured for five Merino rams selected for a high degree of skin fold (Folds Plus) and five selected for a low degree of skin fold (Folds Minus) at air temperatures between 20�C and 45�C. As air temperature increased, scrotal surface area of both Folds Plus and Folds Minus rams increased slightly. The greatest increases occurred at a scrotal temperature of about 36�C. At all temperatures Folds Plus rams had more pendulous scrota and larger scrotal surface areas than Folds Minus rams. Despite this, the intra-testicular temperatures of Folds Plus rams were higher than those of Folds Minus. Increasing scrotal surface area at high temperatures is one means of reducing testes temperature and maintaining fertility, but the scrotum has other more important means of thermoregulation, e.g., rate and amount of sweat loss.
The effect of season on the ovulation rates of Merino and crossbreed ewes in Western Australia
Authors: Fels HE , Neil HG , Ralph IG , Suiter RJ
Published: March 2005

Five experiments involving Merino and Border Leicester X Merino crossbred ewes were carried out to investigate the effect of season on ovulation and ovulation rate in the Western Australian agricultural areas. In one experiment, involving Murray Merinos only, effects of body weight and of introduction of teaser rams were also investigated. In 1966 the breeding season began in January for Murray Merinos, but in 1966-67 some ewes had already ovulated in December. Introduction of teaser rams in early December made teased ewes ovulate sooner than unteased ewes. The number of ovulations per ewe ovulating increased during the breeding season, reaching peaks of 1.8 eggs per ewe ovulating in April and early May 1966, and 1.6 eggs per ewe ovulating in February 1967. Supplementary feeding hastened the onset of the breeding season and tended to increase ovulation rate. Peppin Merinos showed a low incidence of ovulation, which was ascribed to their very poor body condition. The Border Leicester X Merino crossbred ewes began their breeding season in March in one experiment, but more than half the ewes had already ovulated in December in the other experiment, perhaps because they were much heavier. Both group's showed marked increases in ovulation rate as their breeding seasons progressed.
Management of weaner sheep in western Victoria. 1. The influence of time of mowing, addition of oat grain and method of feeding pasture hay upon current and subsequent production
Authors: McLaughlin JW , Bishop AH
Published: March 2005

In two consecutive years mowing a perennial ryegrass-subterranean clover pasture at an early stage of maturity produced a more abundant aftermath growth and a hay with a higher crude protein content than mowing at a mid-season stage of maturity. Corriedale weaners fed early-season hay gained weight faster and produced more wool than those fed mid-season hay. Advantages in wool production generally disappeared by the second shearing but in the second experiment some residual effects were evident. Small differences in liveweight (4 per cent) were still apparent when the sheep were 1 1/2 years old. Weaners fed hay in a feedlot grew as well as those fed in the paddock. Feeding a ration of oats improved liveweight gain in both years, but there was no long term effect of feeding oats, or feeding in a feedlot.
Cool season performance of some tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) lines at Canberra, A.C.T
Authors: Neal-Smith CA , Wright LG
Published: March 2005

Two trials to compare the seasonal and total production of a selected number of lines of tall fescue (Fescuca arundinacea) were conducted at Canberra, A.C.T., over the period 1961-1967. In the first trial 19 lines, 10 of Mediterranean and 9 of non-Mediterranean origin, were compared under replicated spaced plant conditions for two years. The yields of three Mediterranean lines C.P.I. 18948 (Algeria), 18952, and 18954 (Morocco) were significantly greater than any other line except in 1962 when C.P.I. 26996 (Scotland) and Goar's fescue (C.P.I. 27202) were as productive. In the second trial four of the most productive Mediterranean lines of tall fescue, CV. Demeter, one line of Dactylis glomerata and two lines of Phalaris tuberosa were compared in simulated sward conditions at Canberra from 1965 to 1967. In 1966, a favourable year, production in the Mediterranean tall fescues was little below that of the two phalaris lines, but in 1965 and 1967, both drought years, winter and total production were significantly less. Plant survival in the Algerian and Moroccan tall fescues was greater than in all other grasses in the trial.
A comparison of calcium-magnesium phosphate and superphosphate as phosphate fertilizers on acid soils
Authors: McLachlan KD , Norman BW
Published: March 2005

Fused calcium magnesium phosphate and superphosphate were compared as fertilizers for subterranean clover growing on four phosphorus deficient soils in a pot culture experiment. The thermally produced phosphate fertilizer was least effective on the podzolic soil developed on granite, but its effectiveness, relative to superphosphate, increased in the order podzolic soil developed on sediment, chocolate soil developed on basalt, until, on the krasnozem developed on basalt, calcium magnesium phosphate was superior to superphosphate as a phosphate fertilizer. This increase in relative effectiveness of the thermal phosphate was related to the increase in phosphorus sorption on these soils. Dithionite extractable iron was the significant common factor influencing their sorption capacity, and substituting these values for sorption capacity over this range of soils improved the correlation with the relative effectiveness of the thermal phosphate. There is a place for this type of thermal phosphate in pasture production on high phosphate sorbing soils, where its superior effectiveness is probably due to the slower release of phosphorus from this form, rather than to any specific reaction of the fertilizer with the soil.
Effect of seeding rate and nitrogen fertilizer on production of autumn sown rape (Brassica napus) on the Central Tablelands of New South Wales
Authors: Gramshaw D , Crofts FC
Published: March 2005

Two factorial field experiments, comparing the effects of a range of seeding rates and levels of nitrogen fertilizer on the winter and early spring yield of rape (Brassica napus CV. Dwarf Essex) sown in early autumn, were conducted in two successive years near Orange (33.2�S, 149.1�E), New South Wales. Average annual rainfall is 34 inches and winter mean temperatures range from 42-45�F. Seeding rates of from 9 to 15 lb an acre and nitrogen fertilizer at 80 lb N an acre at seeding gave near optimum winter and early spring yields. This combination gave a three-fold increase in yield over sowings at 3 lb an acre without nitrogen fertilizer. The responses to seeding rate and nitrogen were independent in winter, but these factors interacted to affect yield in early spring. The dry matter content of rape varied between 11.5 and 19.3 per cent and was generally unaffected by seeding rate, but tended to decrease slightly with increased nitrogen level. Nitrogen percentage, which fluctuated between 2.18 and 3.61, was little affected by increased seeding rate and generally showed a small increase with increasing levels of applied nitrogen.
A simple automatic irrigation system for growing plants in sand culture
Authors: Osborn RK , Hanger BC
Published: March 2005

A method is described in which an electrically driven rotary vane pump (commercially produced for use in motor vehicles for washing windscreens) is used to irrigate sand with nutrient solutions.