bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of barley yellow dwarf virus on the yield of wheat in NSW
Authors: Smith AM
Published: March 2005

The effect of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) on yields of wheat in New South Wales was assessed in field trials at two sites over three seasons. Regular applications of an organophosphate insecticide, demeton-S-methyl, were used to control the insect vectors of the disease. Results indicated that in most seasons BYDV is only a minor disease of wheat in New South Wales. Rhopalosiphum padi appeared to be the most important aphid vector of the disease.
Laboratory ensilage of three tropcal pasture legumes - Phaseolus atropurpureus, Desmodium intortum and Lotononis bainesii
Authors: Catchpoole VR
Published: March 2005

Phaseolus atropurpureus, Desmodium intortm, and Lotononis bainesii were ensiled in laboratory silos. Molasses was added to the first two legumes at 0, 2, 4, and 8 per cent of their wet weight. Changes in pH and water activity (Aw) and in contents of lactic acid, volatile acids, and volatile bases were followed during storage. When no molasses was added, P. atropurpureus made poorly preserved silage, D. intortum had some of the features of well preserved silage, and L. bainesii made excellent silage. Only 15 per cent of the nitrogen in the D. intortm silage was present as volatile bases, even though the pH remained above 5.0. No explanation was found for this, but the effects of a rapid release of acetic acid during the initial stages of ensilage deserve further study. The preservation of L. bainesii was probably not due solely to the development of acid conditions (pH <.4.2) as the pH at five days was as high as 4.9. P. atropurpureus and D. intortum with 8.0 per cent of molasses made well preserved lactic-acid silage but the smaller additions usually gave rise to butyric-acid silage. Measurements of water activity (Aw) suggested that low values during the initial stages of ensilage were a prerequisite for the production of stable lactic-acid silage.
The effect of selenium on infertility in ewes grazing improved pastures
Authors: Godwin KO , Kuchel RE , Buckley RA
Published: March 2005

Trials conducted in South Australia, in an area where pasture improvement by means of the introduction of subterranean clovers has been practised for 10-15 years, have shown a significant improvement in fertility, in ewes treated with selenium. Analysis of all pastures grazed, and of whole blood of stock grazing them, indicated that the selenium status of the feed and of the animals was low. Phyto-oestrogen assays showed the presence of the isoflavones formononetin, genistein, and biochanin A, in the subterranean clover, which was mainly the cultivar Yarloop (Trifolium subterraneum L. var. Yarloop). Administration of selenium four to eight weeks before mating, given either as an oral dose of sodium selenite, or supplied in the form of an intraruminal selenium pellet containing elemental selenium and iron, led to an improvement in fertility; in some cases from 49 to 76 per cent. Also, lamb mortality was reduced by selenium administration to the ewes. There were differences due to selenium administration (P<0.001). Ewe fertility differed between pastures designated 'oestrogenic' and 'non-oestrogenic' (P<0.05). But no interaction between selenium and the presence of phyto-oestrogens could be shown by these experiments. The results are discussed in relation to the problem of infertility associated with the grazing of improved pastures
The effects of superphosphate on the growth and development of Townsville stylo (Stylosanthes humilis) in pure ungrazed swards at Katherine, NT
Authors: Fisher MJ
Published: March 2005

The effects of four levels of superphosphate (0, 112, 224, and 448 lb an acre) on the growth and development of ungrazed Townsville stylo (Stylosanthes humilis) in pure swards were examined on virgin Tippera clay loam at Katherine, N.T. Yields and distribution of dry matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus, leaf area, and growth rate, were measured every two weeks. Leaf relative water content and soil water extraction were measured at the end of the wet season. Yield responses to superphosphate were curvilinear and fitted regressions of the form y = a nx + bx + c at all harvests. Superphosphate encouraged root exploitation of the soil volume, but phosphorus deficient swards were more resistant to drought. The maximum recovery of phosphorus was 20, 14, and 14 per cent respectively when 112, 224, and 448 lb an acre superphosphate was applied. Loss of 31 per cent dry matter, 34 per cent nitrogen, and 44 per cent phosphorus in the eight weeks following maximum yield was concluded to be due to translocation to the root system. Even with 448 lb an acre superphosphate the phosphorus content of standing material was below the the critical percentage quoted in the literature as indicating phosphorus sufficiency.
Salinity response of cultivars of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris)
Authors: Graham TWG , Humphreys LR
Published: March 2005

Five buffel grass cultivars were grown in solution culture at levels of 0.5, 40, 80, and 160 m. equiv. NaCl/l. Yields did not differ between cultivars at the highest level of NaCl, and the more productive cultivars under low salinity conditions, Tarewinnabar, Biloela, and American, suffered greatest potential yield reduction and accumulated highest sodium concentrations. Biloela cultivar maintained relatively high yields up to the 80 m. equiv. NaCl/l level.
The effect of paraquat on oestrogenic isoflavones in Dwalganup subterranean clover
Authors: Rossiter RC , Barrett DW
Published: March 2005

Paraquat was sprayed at sub-lethal doses on young clover plants. It decreased leaf isoflavone concentrations by more than 30 per cent. This response was not associated with the defoliating effect of paraquat. The relevance of the finding to grazed pastures is discussed. We argue that our results may be extrapolated to the autumn-early winter period, but not to spring.
Effects of time, cultivation and urea on nitrogen stress and yield of wheat in a low rainfall area of Western Australia
Authors: Greenwood EAN , Boyd WJR , Whitehead JA , Titmanis ZV
Published: March 2005

Wheat was grown where nitrogen fertilizer does not usually produce a large increase in grain yield. Urea was applied at sowing at rates from 0-75 kg N per hectare and the crop was sown either after cultivation or without cultivation but with the weed controlled with herbicides-a promising technique for earlier planting. Estimates of weeds and growth, nitrogen content, nitrogen stress, and grain yield of the crop were made at appropriate times. Maximum nitrogen stress occurred during tillering. The response by grain yield to urea was small and could be explained only in part by the relatively low values of nitrogen stress at that time. Where cultivation was replaced by herbicides, nitrogen stress was greater and growth rate, nitrogen uptake and grain yield were lower. Application of 75 kg N/ha at sowing compensated for lack of cultivation during the vegetative stage but did not fully do so for grain yield.
A comparison of soil test calibrations for the estimation of phosphorus fertilizer requirements of wheat
Authors: Colwell JD
Published: March 2005

The value of a range of soil analyses as tests for the phosphorus fertilizer requirements of wheat is assessed, for northern New South Wales. The best individual analyses were the standard soil tests, P extracted by ammonium lactate (Egner), 0.5M sodium bicarbonate (Colwell), 0.01N sulphuric acid (Kerr and Von Stieglitz), and Truog's reagent, and the best calibration equation was obtained using both the ammonium lactate and sodium bicarbonate tests. Sorbed phosphate equilibrating with the phosphorus in these extract solutions, estimated by isotopic dilution, made only small contributions to test calibration equations, in the presence of other simpler P analyses. The likely effects of variation in P sorption capacity were represented by analyses for iron and aluminium soluble in Tamm's acid oxalate reagent, but these analyses added little to the calibration equations, suggesting that P sorption capacity is not an important variable affecting wheat production in northern New South Wales. Analyses of variance on the yield data demonstrate the importance of experimental error in field experiments as a factor limiting the precision of soil test calibrations.
Current and residual effects of calcium sulphonate applications on a sulphur deficient basaltic soil
Authors: McLachlan KD , De Marco DG
Published: March 2005

Sulphur, as calcium sulphate, was applied to a subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum)- phalaris (Phalaris tuberosa) pasture on a non-leaching basaltic soil. Treatments were such that both current and residual effects on yield and sulphur uptake could be measured over a period of four years. In favourable seasons, most of the sulphur applied was used by the plants in the year of application. Where it was unused, as a result of poor seasonal conditions, it remained available for use in subsequent seasons. When the full soil sulphur requirement was met in the year of application, residual value fell substantially after one season's active growth and was negligible after two such seasons. Because season and botanical composition influenced residual value, no simple formula discounting it with time is practicable.
Resistance of Solanaceous and non-Solanaceous species to Peronospora tabacina as shown by necrotrophic reactions
Authors: Mandryk M
Published: March 2005

A necrotrophic reaction in leaf discs of a wide range of Nicotiana and other Solanaceous and non-Solanaceous species following infection by Peronospora tabacina Adam is described.With a few exceptions, species resistant to the pathogen developed water-soaking or gave no reaction, whereas susceptible species showed necroses affecting 60-100% of the leaf disc area. The degree if necrotrophic reaction is related to the resistance-susceptibility status of Nicotiana species, and it may be extended to detect susceptibility to the pathogen in Petunia, Capsicum, Lycopersicon, Hyoscyamus, Schizanthus, and other genera related ti Nicotiana.
The fate of magnesium applied to flue-cured tobacco, and its effect on leaf quality and magnesium content
Authors: Pinkerton A
Published: March 2005

In an outdoor trial with tobacco in sand culture, plants were supplied initially with inadequate magnesium for maximum leaf quality. The effects on quality and magnesium concentration of the cures leaf when magnesium supply was increased were studied.Magnesium passed preferentially to the leaves of poor quality at any leaf position depended on the time and size of the of the increase in nutrient magnesium.The longer the delay in adding magnesium at the optimum rate the greater the number of lower leaves of poor quality. Addition of magnesium at above optimum level improved the quality of the leaf lower on the stalk, but led to an accumulation of magnesium in the top leaf with a consequent reduction in quality.
Selecting Merino rams for ability to withstand infertility caused by heat. 1. Anatomy and functional activity of the scrotum
Authors: Fowler DG , Waites GMH
Published: March 2005

Merino rams selected for (Folds Plus) and against (Folds Minus) skin wrinkle have been used in a study of scrotal heat tolerance. The type selected against skin wrinkle (Folds Minus) showed a higher scrotal fluid loss and sweat gland and fibre density than the Folds Plus type. Folds Minus rams had smaller scrotal sweat glands which discharged more frequently than those of the Folds Plus rams during early periods of scrotal heating. Scrotal heat tolerance was seen to increase with increases in scrotal surface area. These findings are discussed in terms of the light they shed on the problem of identifying the features that characterize high scrotal heat tolerance in Merino rams
Urea-salt block supplementation of adult Merino wethers grazing wheat stubble in Western South Australia
Authors: Messenger JJ , Donald IM , Brown DC
Published: March 2005

Blocks containing 30 and 35 per cent urea were offered to adult Merino wethers grazing wheat stubble during summer and autumn of 1965. Two groups of sheep were supplemented with two different urea-salt blocks while a third group had no supplement. Urea consumption from the two blocks was 5.3 and 7.2 g per sheep per day. Supplemented sheep had a significantly higher (P<0.05) apparent herbage consumption, but showed less selectivity in grazing for a high protein diet. Supplemented sheep had significantly higher (Pt0.05) liveweights, but four months after the experimental period there were no significant liveweight differences. Supplementation had no effect on wool production. Although the sheep had ad libitum access to the blocks no cases of urea toxicity were reported.
Locally produced cottonseed meal for growing pigs
Authors: Batterham ES , Shenstone FS
Published: March 2005

The nutritive value of locally produced cottonseed meal, incorporated at a level of 10 per cent in wheat based diets, was compared with meat and bone meal and soybean meal for growing pigs. The effect of adding synthetic lysine to the cottonseed meal diet was also observed. The diets were fed at restricted rates and pig performance was assessed over the 18 to 45 kg, 45 to 73 kg, and 18 to 73 kg growth phases. Cottonseed meal was of similar nutritive value to meat and bone meal and the addition of lysine increased growth and feed conversion during the 18 to 45 kg growth phase. Soybean meal produced similar gains to the cottonseed meal plus lysine diet during the 18 to 45 kg range, but greater gains than the other three diets over the 18 to 73 kg range. Carcase quality was similar for all four diets. With cottonseed meal there was an increase in the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids in the backfat of the pigs due to cyclopropene fatty acids in the residual oil in the meal. The metabolizable energy values of the diets were approximately 96.7 per cent of the digestible energy values and there was a significant correlation between them (r = 0.94). The correlation between digestible energy values estimated by the methods (gross energy in the feed X dry matter digestibility) and (gross energy in feed - gross energy in faeces/dry matter intake) was significant (r = 0.92).
Nutritive value of Pennisetum clandestinum based pastures in a sub-tropical environment
Authors: Jeffery H
Published: March 2005

The results of 45 sheep feeding experiments with kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) based pastures are summarized. Mean values and the range of values for crude protein and normal acid fibre contents, dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein digestibilities and intake per kg liveweight0.75 are presented for the following pasture types : kikuyu, kikuyu plus nitrogenous fertilizer, Glycine wightii/kikuyu, Desmodium uncinatum/kikuyu and Vicia sativa/kikuyu. The relation between crude protein (CP) and crude protein digestibility, and CP and digestible crude protein for these five pasture types was established. Significant differences between pasture types are shown to exist and the importance of these differences discussed. A possible reason for differences in the relations found by previous workers is discussed.
The effects of frosts on seed production in subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum)
Authors: Scott WR
Published: March 2005

Six cultivars of subterranean clover, Geraldton, Yarloop, Woogenellup, Clare, Mount Barker, and Tallarook, were grown as ungrazed swards at 1,700 feet a.s.1. in the Mackenzie Country of South Canterbury, New Zealand. In this very frosty environment seed yields tended to increase with increasing lateness of flowering although Clare and perhaps Tallarook appeared to be more frost susceptible than the other cultivars. It is suggested that the deleterious effects of frosts in reducing the seed yields of subterranean clover may have been overemphasized in the past and that the trend for seed yields to increase with increasing lateness of flowering can be partially explained by differences in runner production.
A viability test for seeds of Townsville stylo using thiourea
Authors: Ballard LAT , Buchwald T
Published: March 2005

Thiourea stimulates the germination of dormant Townsville sty10 (Stylosanthes humilis) seed. The viability of seed lots may thus be assessed immediately after harvest by extracting seeds from pods, scarifying them and incubating at 30�C in 0.1 M or 0.2 M thiourea for 1-3 days and counting those with emerged radicles. This method is not proposed as a germination test because the seedlings so produced may be abnormal, but evidence to validate it for the purpose of establishing viability is given. Sensitivity to thiourea varies with variety and seed age, but not in any systematic fashion that would permit prediction of duration of dormancy.
Slowly available sulphur fertilizers in South-western Australia. 1. Elemental sulphur
Authors: Barrow NJ
Published: March 2005

At Pinjarra and Bakers Hill, Western Australia, the rate of breakdown of elemental sulphur applied in different size gradings was followed over two seasons by periodically measuring the elemental sulphur remaining in the soil. Similar measurements were made on experiments at Kwolyin, Darkan, and Pinjarra in which commercial sulphur fertilizer was applied in the autumn of two successive years. Particles finer than about 200 mesh oxidized quickly and would be a poor source of slowly available sulphur. Particles between 40 and 100 mesh appeared to provide the best compromise between too fast and too slow oxidation. Oxidation appeared to be faster at sites with higher annual rainfall and faster in the second year of application than the first. The commercial sulphur fertilizer was an effective source of slowly available sulphur and produced pasture responses at all three sites in the first year. Responses continued into the second year but the level of effectiveness relative to a current dressing could, not be accurately measured. At the Pinjarra site, two annual applications produced a 2.5-fold increase in yield of clover. A total of 19 soils were tested in incubation experiments for their ability to oxidize sulphur. All soils were able to do this and differences between soils were small when small amounts of sulphur were used. Differences between soils were larger when large amounts of sulphur were used.
Slowly available sulphur fertilizers in South-western Australia. 2. Pyrites and pyrrhotite
Authors: Barrow NJ
Published: March 2005

A total of 19 soils collected from the agricultural areas of Western Australia were tested in an incubation experiment for ability to oxidize pyrrhotite (Fe7S8). Oxidation occurred in all soils and was apparently biological as it was inhibited by mercuric chloride. In eight of these soils the effect of supplying phosphate on oxidation of pyrrhotite was compared with the effect on oxidation of elemental sulphur. Phosphate stimulated oxidation of sulphur but in six of the soils it depressed oxidation of pyrrhotite. In another incubation experiment, the rate of oxidation of different size gradings of pyrrhotite and pyrites was compared with that of elemental sulphur. Fine particles of pyrrhotite oxidized at a similar rate to fine particles of sulphur and about four times as rapidly as fine particles of pyrites. Coarse particles oxidized more slowly than fine, but the effect was least marked with pyrrhotite. Pyrrhotite, pyrites, and elemental sulphur were compared with sulphate as sources of sulphur to plants grown in pots. Pyrrhotite and elemental sulphur were effective sources but pyrites, applied at equivalent rates, produced only small responses. Waterlogging decreased the response to sulphate and to elemental sulphur, but not the responses to pyrrhotite. Effects of pyrrhotite were measured in field trials at Darkan and Pinjarra and effects of pyrites at these sites plus Kwolyin. Pyrrhotite produced significant increases in yield of dry matter and yield of nitrogen at Darkan and in yield of nitrogen at Pinjarra. No significant responses to pyrites occurred in the year of application, though there were large responses to elemental sulphur applied at equivalent rates.
The effect of lime and two strains of Rhizobium on ten genetically distinct lines of lucerne
Authors: Bray RA
Published: March 2005

In a pot trial of ten lucerne lines, there were differences among lines in yield only with 502 kg ha-1 of added calcium carbonate, and not at higher or lower levels. Genetic variation for yield was expressed only ,in this sub-optimum environment, and selection for increased response appears possible. A common acid-producing strain of Rhizobium was more effective for most lucerne genotypes than an alkali-producing strain over a range of soil pH.
Available water storage in a range of soils in north-eastern Queensland
Authors: McCown RL
Published: March 2005

A comparative study of the available water storage capacity of three soils under Townsville stylograss vegetation is reported. Two of the soils were selected as representing solodized-solonetz and solodic soils typical of extensive areas of eastern Australia, yet differing greatly in their demonstrated productivity after fertilization. The third selection was a well-drained, highly productive soil. After fuli recharge, available soil water in the three soils above 1.5 m was 80, 150, 180f mm. Subsequent root density and soil water content profiles indicated that differences in water entry, and not in completeness of withdrawal, accounted for differences in storage. The difficulties of estimating the storage capacity of poorly drained soils is discussed. A technique is described which uses total porosity for estimation of the upper limit of the available water range and the distribution of total soluble salts as an indicator of the depth of water entry.
The death of spikelets in wheat due to water deficit
Authors: Morgan JM
Published: March 2005

Two varieties of wheat (Triticum aestivum), Heron and Summit, were grown under controlled conditions and droughted at stamen initial formation, at the completion of spikelet differentiation, and at ear emergence. Dead spikelets were induced by droughting at ear emergence, thereby confirming the course of a field symptom. Fewer spikelets died on Heron than Summit plants under all except the most severe drought conditions.
Navy beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) as a protein source in layer diets
Authors: Connor JK , Neill AR , Burton HW
Published: March 2005

The effects of raw versus steamed navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) meal, in diets with and without methionine supplementation, on egg production, egg weight, body weight, pancreas weight, mortality, feed consumption and conversion, and energy and nitrogen utilization were determined with laying hens. As the level of raw navy bean meal in the diet increased, egg mass production and body weight gain decreased. Declines in production were largely overcome by steaming the bean meal. Methionine supplementation of both raw and steamed meal diets had no effect on performance. Changes in dietary metabolizable energy and nitrogen retention are discussed in relation to bird performance.
The acceptability and effectiveness of pellet baits for poisoning rabbits
Authors: Corr PV
Published: March 2005

Experiments were done in various regions of Victoria to determine the acceptability of various types of pellet baits and to compare their efficiency with carrots and oats when used in the three common baiting methods. Commercial stock feed pellets were used and also pellets specially prepared by wet mix extrusion which contained either pollard and bran only or had one or both of molasses and glycerol added. Commercial stock feed pellets were not acceptable but the specially prepared pellets were highly acceptable. In eight furrow poisoning experiments pellets used with two free feeds and high furrow density gave kills as good as those obtained with carrots. Kills for oats tended to be lower. Low furrow density with no free feeding gave low kills. Pellets used in aerial and ground broadcast poisoning also gave very good kills. After 18 weeks the decrease in rabbits counted on the aerial baited area was still above 99 per cent.
The influence of potassium supply on competition between Nandi setaria and Greenleaf desmodium
Authors: Hall RL
Published: March 2005

The influence of potassium level on the growth of a Setaria anceps-Desmodium intortum mixture was studied in the glasshouse using a technique designed to allow or prevent association of the roots of the two species without initially altering above-ground relations. On an infertile, lateritic podzolic soil with all nutrients except potassium and nitrogen added, the yields of desmodium were significantly reduced when its roots were in association with those of setaria. Since this effect did not occur when potassium was added to the system or when their root systems were separated, the results are interpreted in terms of the superior competitive ability of setaria for potassium ; the mechanism involved remains uncertain.
Recovery of nitrogen from four fertilizers applied to Rhodes grass in small plots
Authors: Henzell EF
Published: March 2005

The response of Rhodes grass to nitrogen applied as sodium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, urea, or ammonium nitrate-limestone at rates of 56, 112, 224, and 448 kg N ha-1 year-1 was measured in small plots over seven years at the Samford Pasture Research Station. The ranking order of mean yields of dry matter and nitrogen at the fertilizer rates where Rhodes grass remained dominant (the 224 and 448 kg rates) was sodium nitrate> ammonium nitrate-limestone> urea. At these rates ammonium sulphate was about as effective as sodium nitrate, until the comparison was confounded by changes in soil pH. The comparative efficiency of urea varied widely between harvests. Taking the weighted mean for the 224 and 448 kg rates over seven years, urea gave 87 per cent of the nitrogen yield that sodium nitrate gave. On plots receiving 0 to 112 kg N, Rhodes grass was replaced progressively by other species, chiefly Digitaria spp., ,Axonopus affinis, and Glycine tabacina. Negative apparent nitrogen recoveries recorded from the 56 and 112 kg N treatments in the seventh year were attributed to a bias caused by nitrogen fixation by native legumes. Nitrogen fertilization caused a significant increase in the nitrogen content of soil and roots (0-15 cm) at the end of the experiment. The increase was significantly smaller with ammonium sulphate than with other forms. About 20-40 per cent of the fertilizer nitrogen added over seven years could not be accounted for in top growth or in soil plus roots. A microplot study with 15N-labelled ammonium- and nitrate-N in the seventh year showed an apparent loss of added 15N, which increased with fertilizer rate, of from 5 to 43 per cent.
Breeding and testing early-flowering strains of yellow-flowered serradella (Ornithopus compressus)
Authors: Gladstones JS , Devitt AC
Published: March 2005

A mutation breeding program is described, aimed at producing early-flowering cultivars of yellow-flowered serradella. Some 40 mutants of CV. Pitman were isolated, flowering from two to four or more weeks earlier than the parent. Selected lines were tested for vernalization response, yield, and reaction to light and heavy defoliation. All lines remained fully responsive to vernalization. Growth rates at least equalled that of Pitman, although final dry matter yields under extended growing season conditions were reduced in proportion to earliness. All mutant lines tested produced substantially more seed than Pitman, even with spring irrigation. Total yields of all lines were reduced by defoliation. Cutting had no effect on commencement time of flowering, but when continued during or after flowering it prolonged growth, delayed maturity, and greatly reduced seed yields through removal of flowers and pods. Implications for strain selection and grazing management are discussed, and it is suggested that spring deferment of grazing may be desirable for best performance of serradella pastures. A mutant line flowering about three weeks earlier than Pitman has been registered as CV. Uniserra and released to Western Australian seed producers.
Response to time of sowing of a range of wheat and barley variteties in the Ord River valley
Authors: Beech SF , NormanMJ T
Published: March 2005

At Kimberley Research Station in the Ord River valley, 40 wheat and 20 barley varieties, originating in a wide range of environments, were sown under irrigation at three dates in April-June. The varieties were assigned to maturity groups (five for wheat, four for barley) on the basis of the mean period from sowing to anthesis for the three sowings. The results with wheat confirmed previous experiments with oats and a limited range of wheat varieties : that maximum yield is attained when varieties come into anthesis in late July-early August and that yield is reduced if anthesis occurs before or after this period. Barley varieties showed a progressive decline in yield with later date of anthesis after mid-July, but since no barley varieties reached anthesis before mid-July even when sown in late April-the earliest practicable date-it was not established whether earlier anthesis would have been associated with lower yield
Further sources of field resistance to crown rot (Gibberella zeae) of cereals in Queensland
Authors: Wildermuth GB , Purss GS
Published: March 2005

Four hundred cultivars and lines of wheat, five cultivars of oats, and two of barley were examined for resistance to crown rot (Gibberella zeae) in field trials over the period 1965-1969. Field resistance was confirmed in the wheat cultivars Gala and Mengavi ; resistance comparable with that of Gala was also demonstrated in three lines of wheat and the five oat cultivars. Canary grass (Phalaris canariensis) was also tested and proved very susceptible to the disease. Although no specific resistance was demonstrated, the generalized resistance available offers a worthwhile means of combating crown rot.
Influence of level and type of pruning on yield and growth respnses of young Golden Queen peach trees
Authors: van Heek LAG
Published: March 2005

Two-year-old Goldet1 Queen peach trees were pruned under five pruning systems ranging froin the conventional severe pruning, to very light pruning and yields and tree size were measured until the trees were seven years old. The lighter pruned trees cropped earlier and carried more fruit. Over the full period the lightest pruned trees carried 55.5 tonnes more than the heaviest pruned trees. After five years of differential pruning, all trees were approximately the same size and they were all then pruned and thinned at the same (very light) level for a further two years. There were no residual effects on yield or growth from the earlier treatments.
Some variables influencing production of prime lamb and wool from pasture
Authors: Arnold GW , Axelsen A , Gharaybeh HR , Chapman HW
Published: March 2005

In an experiment at Canberra, A.C.T., extending over four years, crossbred and Merino ewes were grazed at three stocking rates on pastures of either phalaris (Phalaris tuberosa), phalaris combined with separate paddocks of brome grass (Bromus inermis), and cocksfoot (Dactyllis glomerata), or separate paddocks of brome grass and cocksfoot. Subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) was present in all pastures. One-, two-, and three-paddock systems and two times of lambing were also compared. Pasture availability and animal productivity were measured. Early lambing resulted in more prime lambs although the later lambs had slightly higher rates of gain. At the highest crossbred stocking rate studied (seven ewes per acre) wool production per acre was still increasing, but number of prime lambs and lamb liveweight gain did not increase above stocking rates of five ewes per acre. More feed was available to ewes during late pregnancy on treatments allowing feed rationing in autumn and early winter, but neither rationing nor including brome grass and cocksfoot in the system increased animal productivity beyond that achieved by grazing phalaris continuously. At stocking rates up to six ewes per acre, animal production was greatest from phalaris grazed continuously. Stocking rates were designed to provide similar weights of either Merino or crossbred ewes per acre at each stocking level. Because more lambs were born to crossbred ewes they had less feed than Merinos in spring and summer at all stocking rates. Lambs from crossbred ewes were heavier at birth and grew faster than lambs from Merino ewes. More prime crossbred lambs were produced per acre at all stocking levels. The reproductive rate and lamb production of Merino ewes dropped sharply with increased stocking rate. Fleeceweights were similar for both breeds, particularly at low stocking rates. Wool production per acre increased with stocking rate and was higher from Merinos at each level.
Effects of some organic phosphorus and endosulfan seed dressings on wheat
Authors: Allen PG
Published: March 2005

The effects on wheat of three organic phosphorus insecticides and endosulfan applied as seed dressings were tested in a field trial at rates that had shown promise for the control of larvae of Desiantha caudata, Pasc. (family Curculionidae). Endosulfan and phosalone seed dressings did not reduce grain yield. Diazinon decreased plant emergence and grain yield. Plant emergence and yield decreased with increased rates of application of methomyl and with addition of the fungicide, Demosan (R) to the methomyl seed dressings.
Effect of pollen exclusion by bagging limbs or caging trees on Packham's Triumph pears
Authors: Selimi A
Published: March 2005

The effects of excluding foreign pollen by bagging limbs or by caging whole Packham's Triumph pear trees under Goulburn Valley conditions, were studied for several years at the Horticultural Research Station, Tatura. The initial fruit set on bagged unpollinated limbs was similar to that of bagged pollinated or open pollinated limbs. The final fruit set on bagged unpollinated limbs, however, was only one-third that of limbs receiving foreign pollen by hand under bagged conditions or those that were open pollinated. The fruit on self-pollinated limbs, was misshapen and completely seedless. Similar results were obtained by exclusion of foreign pollen from whole trees using hessian cages. A single hand pollination of flowers on caged trees using Williams' Bon Chretien pollen resulted in a good set of fruit similar ib shape and size (though with fewer seeds) to those on open-pollinated Packham trees planted adjacent to Josephine de Malines trees.
Growth, fertility and carcase studies with bulls, induced cryptorchids and steers
Authors: Kellaway RC
Published: March 2005

Under grazing conditions the growth rate of bulls, induced cryptorchids and steers was similar before puberty. After puberty the average growth rates for bulls and cryptorchids were 20 and 27 per cent higher respectively than that for steers ; this advantage was not significantly affected by the plane of nutrition. Sterilization appeared to be effective when cryptorchidism was induced at four months, but not at ten months of age. Under feedlot conditions the growth rate of early cryptorchids and steers, aged 15-18 months, did not differ significantly. Steer carcases were fatter and contained less muscle than cryptorchids ; the meat from steers was rated as more tender and juicy than cryptorchid meat.
High protein wheats for poultry. 3. Use in diets for laying hens
Authors: Turner W , Payne CG
Published: March 2005

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the usefulness of feeding layers diets based on high protein wheats. The test diets contained about 86 per cent of high protein wheat and were supplemented with various amino acids. A control diet contained wheat of normal protein content, soyabean and meat meal. In the first experiment lysine addition to the high protein wheat diet increased egg numbers ; and methionine supplementation, in addition to lysine, tended to further improve egg production. In the second experiment lysine addition again improved egg production, but, if inethionine was added as well, production fell. The varying response can be explained by different methionine contents of the two high protein wheats used.
Factors in the molybdenum and phosphorus status of soils on the Dorrigo Plateau of NSW
Authors: Barrow NJ , Spencer K
Published: March 2005

Samples of 50 virgin surface soils were collected from the Dorrigo Plateau of New South Wales within the 90-220 cm rainfall zone. The parent rocks were granites, sediments, basalt, and trachyte. The soils were used in a pot trial in which clover plants were grown with and without added molybdenum or phosphate. Laboratory measurements were made of the soils' ability to adsorb molybdate and phosphate and of extractable molybdate and phosphate. Regression equations, which included terms both for adsorption, and for extractable molybdate or phosphate, gave a good description of the yield of clover plants grown on the soils without added molybdate or phosphate, respectively. The ability of the soils to adsorb molybdate and phosphate increased with annual rainfall. The apparent influence of rainfall on adsorption was greater for soils derived from basalt or trachyte than for soils derived from granite or sedimentary rocks. Oxalate-extractable molybdate was lower in soils derived from sedimentary rocks than from basaltic or trachytic rocks. Soils derived from granite varied widely, two having very high contents. Fluoride-extractable phosphate was very low in soils derived from trachyte, granite, and sedimentary rocks, reflecting the phosphorus levels in the parent rocks. Fluoride-extractable phosphate was also low on the krasnozems despite large variations in the phosphate content of the parent rock. On the other basaltic soils the extractable phosphate was directly related to the phosphate content of the parent rock.
Seed pelleting to improve nodulation of tropical and subtropical legumes. 3. A field evaluation of inoculant survival under lime and rock phosphate pellet on Dolichos lablab
Authors: Norris DO
Published: March 2005

Use was made of a soil, in which the indigenous rhizobia are incapable of nodulating Dolichos lablab, to study nodulation of this species resulting from lime pelleted and rock phosphate pelleted seed after storage for one day and one, two, four, six, and eight weeks at 27�C. Cellofas A was used as sticker and two strains of Rhizobium were compared. From each sowing plants were dug at eight weeks of age, and the treatments compared using the criteria : number of plants in row, per cent plants nodulated, number of nodules per plant, per cent of nodules on the crown and yield of dry matter per row. Rock phosphate pelleting was superior to lime pelleting in survival of inoculant on the seed, survival of plants in the row, and promotion of nodulation. Lime pelleting depressed yield at eight weeks of age but not at four months. Both strains of inoculant survived one month's storage satisfactorily when simply applied with sticker. Total nodule number fluctuated greatly with time of planting, and was inversely related to per cent crown nodulation, suggesting chat soil moisture at planting may have had a significant effect on nodulation. Strong interactions of inoculant strain with pelleting treatment and time of planting stressed the difficulty of interpreting nodulation effects resulting from pel!etinp treatments. Rhizobium strain CB756 was greatly superior to CB159 in survival on stored seed, nodulation criteria, onset of N fixation and yield.
Correction - Seed pelleting to improve nodulation of tropical and subtropical legumes. 3. A field evaluation of inoculant survival under lime and rock phosphate pellet on Dolichos lablab
Authors: Norris DO
Published: March 2005

Use was made of a soil, in which the indigenous rhizobia are incapable of nodulating Dolichos lablab, to study nodulation of this species resulting from lime pelleted and rock phosphate pelleted seed after storage for one day and one, two, four, six, and eight weeks at 27�C. Cellofas A was used as sticker and two strains of Rhizobium were compared. From each sowing plants were dug at eight weeks of age, and the treatments compared using the criteria : number of plants in row, per cent plants nodulated, number of nodules per plant, per cent of nodules on the crown and yield of dry matter per row. Rock phosphate pelleting was superior to lime pelleting in survival of inoculant on the seed, survival of plants in the row, and promotion of nodulation. Lime pelleting depressed yield at eight weeks of age but not at four months. Both strains of inoculant survived one month's storage satisfactorily when simply applied with sticker. Total nodule number fluctuated greatly with time of planting, and was inversely related to per cent crown nodulation, suggesting chat soil moisture at planting may have had a significant effect on nodulation. Strong interactions of inoculant strain with pelleting treatment and time of planting stressed the difficulty of interpreting nodulation effects resulting from pel!etinp treatments. Rhizobium strain CB756 was greatly superior to CB159 in survival on stored seed, nodulation criteria, onset of N fixation and yield.
The quantity of inoculum required to infect apricot and other prunus species with Eutypa armeniacae
Authors: Carter MV , Moller WJ
Published: March 2005

In the field, infection of apricot occurred when inocula of 10 or 100 ascospores of E. armeniacae were applied to wounds on the day of pruning. The proportion of wounds infected was doubled when the inoculum dose was increased from 10 to 100 ascospores. On sheltered trees, by contrast, freshly-made wounds were equally susceptible (c. 90 per cent) to infection from doses of 10 and 100 ascospores. When no rain fell for 12 days after pruning, large inocula (100, 1000 ascospores) applied on day 15 caused infection of a high pro- portion of wounds on unsheltered apricot trees. Infection of almond, peach, and prune was also induced by inoculation. Although there was extensive xylem invasion in these hosts, the fungus did not produce the symptoms of cankering and lateral collapse seen in apricot. Our results suggest that the number of ascospores naturally deposited on individual pruning wounds is normally less than 10, and that inocula of this size therefore are more appropriate than the larger doses used previously.
Biological control of Eutypa armeniacae
Authors: Carter MV
Published: March 2005

Evidence is collated in support of the hypothesis that natural invasion of wound surfaces by other micro-organisms reduces the incidence of infection of apricot trees by Eutypa armeniacae. Fusarium lateritium, isolated from apricot wood, readily colonizes wounded tissues, apparently without detriment to rhe host. When one-day-old pruning wounds were inoculated with 10 ascospores of E. arnzeniacae significantly less were infected on trees that had been sprayed immediately after pruning with a suspension of F. lateritium macroconidia. A higher degree of protection, however, was obtained on trees sprayed with either benomyl or thiabendazole.
Response of annual medic pasture to superphosphate applications and the correlation with available soil phosphorus
Authors: Rudd CL
Published: March 2005

The response of annual medic dominant pastures to residual and currently applied phosphorus was examined in twelve experiments in cereal areas of South Australia. The experimental sites had been sown in the previous year to wheat with nine rates of phosphorus ranging from 0-48 kg P/ha applied as superphosphate. The 0.5M NaHCO3 extraction provided an effective index of residual available soil phosphorus after the crop and the amount of phosphorus detected by this soil test varied from 24-43 per cent of the total phosphorus applied as superphosphate on sandy and heavier textured soils respectively. Regression analysis showed that an available soil phosphorus level of 32-38 kg P/ha 10 cm was sufficient to produce 90 per cent of maximum pasture yield on the sandy soils but 41-47 kg P/ha 10 cm was required on heavier textured soils. Percentage phosphorus in the dry matter in spring was not correlated with pasture response.
Fertility studies of pasture soils in the wet tropical coast of Queensland. 3. Basaltic soils
Authors: Teitzel JK , Bruce RC
Published: March 2005

Results of thirteen investigations into the fertility status of fifteen basaltic soils in the wet tropical coast of Queensland are presented. Although farming experience has shown these soils to be among the most fertile in the area, a widespread phosphorus deficiency is recorded. Plant growth responses to molybdenum, sulphur and calcium also occurred. The molybdenum deficiency appears to be particularly important in older , pastures where the initailly high soil nitrogen status has been depleted.
The effect of (2-chloroethyl)trimethylammonium chloride (CCC) and presowing drought hardening on growth and grain yield of wheat
Authors: Philpotts H
Published: March 2005

The effects on the growth and yield of wheat of two seed treatments, dusting with CCC and presowing drought hardening (soaking and drying), were studied under dryland farming conditions. CCC increased grain yield by up to 88 per cent and the yield increase was due to an increase in the number of grains per fertile tiller. Protein content and bushel weight were unaffected by the treatment. Presowing drought hardening hid no effect on growth or grain yield. The yield increases obtained with CCC suggest that this growth regulator has a good potential for increasing wheat yield in the northern New South Wales wheat belt.
Comparison of thiram, carbaryl, N.A.A. and N.A.D. as fruit thinning sprays on Granny Smith apples
Authors: Veinbrants N
Published: March 2005

Evidence is presented that a single application of the fungicide thiram at 0.12 per cent, applied 14 and 21 days after full bloom on Granny Smith apples, reduced the fruit set highly significantly, and to about the same extent as carbaryl at 0.02, 0.04, or 0.08 per cent applied 14 days after full bloom. Either material resulted in good fruit thinning. Carbaryl caused about the same degree of thinning over a wide range of concentrations, the only significant difference being between 0.02 and 0.16 per cent (P<0.05). Applications of N.A.D. at 25 p.p.m., and N.A.A. at 5 p.p.m. caused more drastic reduction in fruit set than carbaryl at 0.02, 0.04, and 0.08 per cent, or thiram at 0.12 per cent, applied at the same time. Carbaryl resulted in the most uniform fruit thinning, followed by thiram, N.A.D., and N.A.A. All spray treatments improved fruit size, reduced fluctuations in cropping, and significantly increased fruit yields over a period of four years as compared with unsprayed, hand thinned trees.
Effects of succinic acid-2,2-dimethyl hydrazide (Alar) or scoring on growth and flower initiation of young apple trees
Authors: Veinbrants N
Published: March 2005

Foliar sprays of the growth retardant succinic acid-2,2-dimethyl hydrazide (Alar) applied early in the spring on young non-bearing Delicious, Granny Smith, and Gravenstein apple trees reduced the extension growth and increased the amount of bloom in the following spring. Scoring (a knife cut completely around the trunk) in late October and during November on Granny Smith, and Gravenstein trees increased the amount of bloom in the following year. When scoring has performed in early December the response to flowering on Gravenstein variety was greatly reduced. Scoring reduced the extension growth on Granny Smith but not on Gravenstein variety. The use of either Alar or scoring offer practical ways of promoting earlier flowering and cropping of young non-bearing apple trees.