bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palatability to sheep of the Eragrostis curvula complex. 4. Dry matter production, feed value and persistence of a range of taxa
Authors: Johnston WH
Published: March 2005

Productivity, nutritive value and persistence of a range of taxa of Eragrostis curvula complex were evaluated in experiments at Wagga Wagga, Temora, Condobolin and Orange, N.S.W. No relationships were found between previously determined palatability ranks and nitrogen (N) content, acid detergent fibre, digestible dry matter (DDM) or metabolisable energy. The nutritive value of stem was lower than leaf; however, if stem is well grazed this is unlikely to affect animal performance. Mean digestible dry matter and nitrogen contents of the E. curvula accessions were similar in the Wagga Wagga (a total of 8 determinations) and Orange (4 determinations) experiments (overall means, DDM = 57.48% and N = 1.65%), but digestibility was depressed in summer by 3.38 units (54.85 v. 58.23% in autumn) for leaf and 2.3 units (53.98 v. 56. 28%) for stem in the Orange experiment, and 4.68 units (56.43 v, 61.11% in spring) for leaf and 8.35 units (49.96 v. 58.31%) for stem in the Wagga Wagga Naturalised Accessions trial. In practice, this would be offset by increasing availability of palatable forage. Except for 1 occasion with stem, the nitrogen concentrations of the herbage (leaf N 2.02-1.45%, stem N 0.79-1.95%) were sufficient not to limit intake. Differences in persistence and dry matter yield indicated that, of the palatable lines, accession 4663 was better adapted to drier situations than 4650, and that accession 4660 was intermediate between the two. It is concluded that the palatable accessions were potentially useful pasture plants for south-eastern Australia.
Comparison of sewage ash, crushed limestone and cement kiln dust as ameliorants for acid soils
Authors: Dann PR , Dear BS , Cunningham RB
Published: March 2005

A field experiment and a glasshouse experiment showed that crushed limestone, cement kiln dust and sewage ash were all effective in ameliorating adverse soil factors associated with acid soils. Pasture plant yield could be more than doubled by the addition of up to 6 t of ameliorants/ha. Twenty-six months after incorporating ameliorants in the top 10 cm of soil in the field experiment pH had substantially increased, however, there was a much smaller effect in the 10-20 cm zone. In the glasshouse experiment, clover yield on the strongly acid (pH 4.1 in CaCl2) well-buffered soil from the field experiment site responded to the addition of up to 4 t of ameliorants/ha. On a slightly acid (pH 4.7 in CaCl2) poorly buffered soil from another site, ameliorant rates above 2 t/ha reduced clover yield because of factors associated with an increase in pH (CaCl2) to 6.6 and above. Sewage ash tended to be better than the other ameliorants in improving plant yield. This was attributed to the presence of about 3% of P in the ash, which increased soil extractable P, and P content and yield of the herbage.
The incidence of crown rot in wheat, barley and triticale when sown on two dates
Authors: Klein TA , Burgess LW , Ellison FW
Published: March 2005

Thirteen bread wheat cultivars, a durum wheat, a barley and a triticale cultivar were assessed in the field for their reaction to crown rot (Fusarium graminearum Group 1), based on the incidence of basal browning. Plots were sown in May and again in July at 2 sites i n northern New South Wales where the incidence of crown rot was high in the previous year. The incidence of infected plants and the incidence of plants with basal browning tended to be higher in all cultivars when sown in May. There was a mean loss in potential yield at 1 site of 35% and 18% at the other site. However, the mean loss in potential yield was unaffected by sowing date.
Timing of nitrogen application to macadamias. 1. Tree nitrogen status and vegetative growth
Authors: Stephenson RA , Gallagher EC
Published: March 2005

Nitrogen (690 g/tree.annum) was applied to 12-year-old macadamia (Macadamia integrifoloia Maiden and Betche) trees in subtropical Queensland (lat. 26�S.) at either pre-floral initiation, inflorescence development, premature nut drop or at the oil accumulation stage. Control trees received a total of 230 g of nitrogen (N) split into equal monthly applications. Leaf N concentrations in May (vegetative and reproductive dormancy) was lower in control trees (approx. 1.2%), which were visually N-deficient during winter and spring. Leaf N concentrations of all other treatments were approx. 1.3-1.4% N and leaves remained a healthy green colour throughout the year. Low N status in control trees suppressed vegetative growth (indicated by changes in trunk girth, tree height and canopy volume), effectively manipulating the vegetative:reproductive balance in favour-of the latter. The desirability of small, but frequent applications of N fertiliser to macadamias is indicated, although the optimum rate is likely to be greater than that applied to control trees in this study. It is suggested that determining tree N requirements using standard leaf nutrient levels should not be done in isolation. Tree health and vegetative growth in relation to yield, and time of sampling, particularly in relation to time of application of N and flushing peaks, should also be considered.
Timing of nitrogen application to macadamias. 2. Storage carbohydrates
Authors: Stephenson RA , Rasmussen TS , Gallagher EC
Published: March 2005

Samples of wood and bark were taken monthly from macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia Maiden and Betche) tree trunks and analysed for total 'fermentable' carbohydrates. Carbohydrates (%, w/w) were high during autumn-winter and declined to low levels in summer when oil was accumulating in kernels. Reproductive growth appeared to draw heavily on carbohydrate reserves. Vegetative growth, on the other hand, was not generally reflected in lower carbohydrate levels in tree trunks. Application of nitrogen (N) during summer resulted in higher carbohydrate levels than when applied in autumn or winter. Despite these differences, there was no apparent accumulation of carbohydrates in the months directly following application of N. The low N status of control trees was not reflected in low concentrations of storage carbohydrates. Wood tissues had a higher concentration of carbohydrates than bark, perhaps reflecting the sampling procedures used. Further work to quantify the contribution of storage carbohydrates and current photosynthesis to yield is justified.
Timing of nitrogen application to macadamias. 3. Reproductive growth, yield and quality
Authors: Stephenson RA , Gallagher EC
Published: March 2005

Depression of flowering in macadamias (Macadamia integrifolia Maiden and Betche) was associated with low nitrogen (N) status following 1 application of N (690 g N/tree.year) in summer of the first season and in control trees (monthly applications totalling 230 g N/tree.year) in the second and third seasons. Yield responses to N were observed only in the second and subsequent seasons. Yields of commercially acceptable nuts were higher, and small reject nuts lower, than nuts produced by control trees. Nut quality from control trees was as good as, and in many cases superior to fertilised trees receiving the higher rate of N in 1 application at various times through the year. Forward stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated the importance of time and extent of vegetative flushing, total annual tree growth and carbohydrate reserves stored in tree trunks on nut yield and quality. An appreciation of these factors can be used to guide management decisions for optimum production and quality of macadamias.
Brassic napus L. var. napus (rapeseed) cv. Eureka
Authors: Wratten N , Mailer RJ
Published: March 2005

NO ABSTRACTAVAILABLE
Evaluation of management options for increasing the productivity of tropical savanna pastures. 2. Legume species
Authors: Winter WH , Mott JJ , McLean RW
Published: March 2005

The effect of legume species, used for augmentation of native perennial grasses, upon forage production and quality and animal production was studied over 4 vears in the semi-arid troPics of northwestern Australia. The legumes were Stylosanthes humilis cv. Paterson (Townsville stylo), S. hamata cv. Verano (Caribbean stylo) and a mixture of perennial species S. scabra cvv. Fitzroy and Seca and S. viscosa (perennial stylo). They were compared at 2 levels of fertility, unfertilised (UF) and with small inputs of superphosphate (F); and at stocking rates of 0.45,0.6 and 0.75 steers/ha for UF and 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 steers/ha for F. By 1980 only half of the 3 x 12 treatments persisted, 3 Townsville stylo, 9 Caribbean stylo and 6 perennial stylo. Without fertiliser the perennial stylos had the highest wet season yields of 1-2 t/ha which constituted 4040% of pasture yield, compared with 2-20% for the other legumes. Caribbean stylo yields were highest with fertiliser, yielding 2-4 t/ha and 50-90% of the pasture at the end of the wet season, compared with 60-70% for perennial stylo and 5-30% for Townsville stylo. Anthracnose devastated Townsville stylo, and also reduced the productivity of Fitzroy. The perennial stylos had the highest concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) during the dry season while Caribbean stylo and its associated grasses had the lowest P and S concentrations during the wet season. When annual liveweight gains for each legume were compared at the same stocking rate-fertiliser level, differences were less than 15 kg, but there were considerable differences in the patterns of growth within the year; these differences were related to the seasonal availability and relative palatability of grass and legume. The overall mediocre animal growth of 30-110 kg/steer.year was attributed to the inadequate supply of nutrients for most of the year, with the possible exception of N.
Rhizobial inoculant for iprodione-treated lupin seed: evaluation of an iprodine-resistant Rhizobium lupini
Authors: Evans J , O'Connor GE , Griffith G , Howieson J
Published: March 2005

Lupin nodulation is reduced when seed of this legume is treated with commercial inoculant (Rhizobium lupini WU425) and the fungicide Rovral (a.i. iprodione). The number of WU425 colonising soil beneath lupin seedlings established without iprodione was greater than where iprodione was used. R. lupini CC606B has greater tolerance of iprodione than WU425; 85% of CC606B survived 15 min in iprodione (Rovral 16 g/L), compared with <1% survival of WU425. CC606B fixed as much nitrogen as WU425 on serradella grown in sand culture, but it nodulated lupin poorly in the field. It was shown that CC606B comprised bacteria that were either positive or negative for nodulation of serradella and lupin. Thus, an isolate of CC606B (CC606B/1), able to form nodules on lupin and serradella and also tolerant of iprodione (Rovral 16 g/L), was selected and compared with WU425 as inoculants of lupin, in field trials with and without iprodione seed treatment. In the treatments without the fungicide, CC606B/1, like its parent, failed to nodulate lupin as extensively as WU425. CC606B/1 was unable to colonise soil beneath lupin crops as well as WU425. With iprodione, nodulation by CC606B/1 was significantly worse than without the fungicide; so the tolerance level of CC606B/1 to iprodione was insufficient. With these treatments it was shown that nodule abundance in late winter was related to the abundance of rhizobia in the soil beneath lupin seedlings in early winter. When there were fewer nodules, less dry matter was produced; but grain yield was not affected by the reductions in nodulation and dry matter. The implications of these changes on N2 fixation and lupin effects on soil N are discussed. Other species and strains of Rhizobium varied in their ability to survive iprodione.
Uptake and distribution of potassium by grapevine rootstocks and its implication for grape juice pH of scion varieties
Authors: Ruhl EH
Published: March 2005

Differences in petiole K+ concentration of ungrafted grapevine rootstocks grown under field conditions at Merbein, Victoria, were compared with the rootstock effects on grape juice pH of the scion varieties Chardonnay and Ruby Cabernet. Significant positive correlations were obtained between grape juice pH of the scion varieties on various rootstocks and K+ accumulation in the petioles of ungrafted rootstock vines. Rootstock varieties that contributed to high pH in the grape juice of the scion (e.g. Freedom, Dog Ridge, Rupestris du Lot) showed high K+ concentrations in their petioles, while those rootstocks that contributed to low pH in the grape juice of the scion (e.g. 140 Ruggeri, 1202 Couderc, 110 Richter), had low K+ concentrations in their petioles. In 2 water culture experiments in the glasshouse, K+ uptake and distribution in ungrafted rootstock vines was examined at different K+ levels. In the first experiment the rootstocks 140 Ruggeri and Freedom had similar K+ concentrations in the various plant parts when grown in nutrient solution with 0.1 mmol K+/L. With K+ concentrations of 1, 2, and 10 mmol/L in the nutrient solution Freedom had significantly higher K+ contents in leaves and petioles than 140 Ruggeri. When K+ supply was increased from 1 to 2 mmol/L, K+ concentrations in the various plant parts were not significantly increased. However, when the supply was increased to 10 mmol/L, K t concentrations were significantly different. In the second experiment with K+ levels of 1 and 10 mmol/L, higher K+ contents were obtained in the basal and apical leaves of Dog Ridge and Ramsey compared with 140 Ruggeri, Schwarzmann, 1103 Paulsen and Sultana, while in roots, 140 Ruggeri, 110 Richter and Sultana had the highest K+ contents. Dog Ridge and Rarnsey are both known to increase scion grape juice K+ concentration and pH of the scion variety, while 140 Ruggeri and 1103 Paulsen contribute to low grape juice K+ concentration and pH. The results demonstrate that differences between rootstocks in the extent of K+ accumulation in the shoot are a major determinant of the rootstock effects on grape juice pH. The extent of K+ accumulation can best be measured in basal leaves or petioles. This provides a screening method for the evaluation of rootstocks which restrict K+ accumulation and contribute to lower grape juice pH.
Delayed harvesting of bananas with 'sealed' covers on bunches. 1. Modified atmosphere and microclimate inside sealed covers
Authors: Johns GG , Scott KJ
Published: March 2005

A field study was conducted to examine the effects of various bunch covering and harvest delay combinations on the environment inside bunch covers, and on fruit yield and quality parameters. Treatments included unsealed and initially sealed (but often ultimately leaky) clear covers under the industry standard blue/silver cover, and the inclusion of an ethylene absorbent inside the 'sealed' covers. This paper reports on the microclimate inside the bunch covers, and the modified atmosphere that developed inside the 'sealed' covers. During clear weather in January, average air temperatures inside bunch covers were 3, 5, and 6�C above ambient for unsealed single covers, for unsealed double covers, and for 'sealed' double covers respectively. Differences were smallest at dawn, and greatest in the late afternoon. During clear weather in July bunch cover temperatures were 1, 1.5, and 2�C above ambient respectively. Relative humidities were also influenced by covering, with 'sealed' cover humidity remaining above 95%. Carbon dioxide concentrations inside 'sealed' covers when bunches were harvested averaged 8%, but varied widely from <1 to 42%. Highest CO2 concentrations were obtained when weekly mean air temperatures were greater than 22�C. Oxygen concentrations averaged 10% (range 2-19%), were lowest during the warmer part of the year, and were inversely related to CO2 levels. Ethylene concentrations varied between 0.03 and 9 �L/L, were highest during the hotter part of the year, and were reduced by about 60% with the inclusion of KMnO4 inside 'sealed' covers. An iterative model with a .l h time step was used to simulate the expected O2 and CO2 levels inside the 'sealed' covers. Simulation results indicated that polyethylene permeability alone could not balance the computed respiratory gas exchange, and account for the changes in O2 and CO2 concentrations. It was necessary to incorporate a substantial leakage component into the model in order to simulate successfully the field observations.
Delayed harvesting of bananas with 'sealed' covers on bunches. 2. Effect on fruit yield and quality
Authors: Johns GG , Scott KJ
Published: March 2005

A field study was conducted to examine the effects of various bunch covering and harvest delay combinations on the environment inside bunch covers, and on fruit yield and quality parameters. Treatments included the use of both unsealed and initially sealed (but often ultimately leaky) clear covers under the industry standard blue/silver cover, and the inclusion of an ethylene absorbent inside 'sealed' covers. The finger length, girth and weight of 'sealed' cover bunches that were harvested late were increased by up to 11, 13, and 37% respectively. Maturity bronzing increased with increasing delay of harvest of 'sealed' cover fruit. Greenlife was increased by the 'sealed' cover treatment, but decreased with increasing delay of harvest of 'sealed' cover bunches, and was increased by the presence of KMnO,. Greenlife was inversely related to finger size such that any treatment resulting in larger fruit tended also to reduce greenlife. The peel of ripe fruit from 'sealed' covers was greyer than that of the controls. Delaying harvesting increased the pulp to peel ratio of ripe fruit by 4%. The flavour of 'sealed' cover fruit was blander than that of their counterparts, with delay of harvest further reducing flavour. Up to about 40% of bunches were lost before harvest, due to snapped stems or to rotting of the bunch when the harvest of 'sealed' cover bunches was delayed during the warmer part of the year. Consequently, the yield of fruit with greenlife in excess of 10 days was as high from the standard treatment as from any of the more elaborate treatments. However, the 'sealed' cover treatment, when harvested at the normal time, produced the most fruit with a greenlife greater than 30 days.
Defining optimal conditions for bud storage and opening of Sim carnation in Australia
Authors: Barth GE , Frensham A
Published: March 2005

Sim carnation has the ability to withstand prolonged storage at 0-1�C in bud form with appropriate chemical pretreatments. Buds can be opened with sucrose solutions after storage and acceptable vase-life periods achieved. In Australia, growers have reported erratic results with carnation bud-storage. Variables relate to condition of stock plants, developmental stage of bud that is stored, and conditions applied during the opening period. This trial was established to store carnations produced during the spring flush period when overproduction depresses markets. Carnation buds were harvested in 3 stages of development and stored for 2 and 4 month periods. After storage, buds were opened at shed temperatures of either 18� or 25�C in 2 bud-opening solutions. Results showed that an opening temperature of 25�C and 10% sucrose solution is clearly superior to 18�C opening temperature and Chrysal solution. These 2 variables are considered to be the most important factors which influence the days to open buds and total vase-life of flowers at all stages of development and both storage times. Buds stored for 4 months opened quicker than those stored for 2 months, although total vase-life was less. Tighter bud stages are recommended for longer storage periods as a degree of maturation occurs during storage. Growers can safely use 2 or 4 month storage periods to target specific markets, if shed conditions are optimal during bud opening.
An evaluation of biological and conventional pig selection indices
Authors: Ponzoni RW , Davies RL
Published: March 2005

Two biological and 4 conventional pig selection indices were compared. The biological indices were lean meat growth (LGRTH) and lean meat feed conversion (LFCR). The conventional indices included average daily gain (ADG) and back fat measured at the P2 site (FP2) as criteria (index OF), or as in OF but with the addition of feed conversion ratio (FCR) as a selection criterion (index BTS). Also, using the same criteria as in BTS and OF, restricted indices were derived setting the genetic change in FP2 at zero (indices BTS.FP2 and OF.FP2). The correlated response in average daily feed intake (ADI) was calculated for all indices. The application of all indices resulted in variable, but desirable, predicted genetic changes in ADG, FCR and FP2. The correlated response in AD1 was positive, except for BTS and LFCR, where it was zero and negative, respectively. The correlations among all indices were high (r > 0.7) except for those restricting FP2. It is concluded that conventional selection indices have advantages over biological indices because they more easily enable the monitoring of changes in the components of overall merit and updating of breeding objectives.
High phosphorus concentration in Trifolium balansae and Medicago polymorpha seed increases in herbage and seed yields in the field
Authors: Bolland MDA , Baker MJ
Published: March 2005

Seed of Trifolium balansae and Medicago polymorpha, of the same size (mean ± s.d., T. balansae 0.8 ± 0.01 mglseed, M. polymorpha 3.6 ± 0.05 mg/seed) but with increasing phosphorus (P) concentration in the seed (T. balansae 0.34 to 0.63% P, M. polymorpha 0.40 to 0.64% P), were sown in field experiments as singlestrain, dense, ungrazed swards on 2 different soil types (a sand and a lateritic gravel sand) in south-western Australia. Different amounts of superphosphate were drilled with the seed (5-40 kg P/ha for the sand, and 15-100 kg P/ha for the lateritic gravel sand). Increasing P concentration in seed increased yields of dried herbage measured at each harvest, and also increased seed yields (measured for M. polymorpha only). Increasing P concentration in the seed increased the effectiveness of superphosphate drilled with the seed, so that less fertiliser was required to produce the same yield as P concentration in the seed increased.
Increasing phosphorus concentration in lupin seed increases grain yield on phosphorus deficient soil
Authors: Bolland MDA , Paynter BH , Baker MJ
Published: March 2005

In a field experiment on a phosphorus (P) deficient soil in south-western Australia, lupin seed (Lupinus angustifolius cv. Danja) of the same size (157 mg/seed) but with 2 different phosphorus (P) concentrations in the seed (2.0 and 2.8 g P/kg) was sown with 4 levels of superphosphate (5, 20, 40 and 60 kg P/ha) drilled with the seed in May 1988 to examine the effect of seed P concentration on subsequent dry matter (DM) and grain yields. Increasing the amount of superphosphate applied from 5 to 60 kg P/ha almost doubled yields. In addition, lupins grown from seed containing the higher P concentration produced larger yields of dried whole tops in early August (69-day-old) for all levels of superphosphate drilled with the seed, the difference decreasing from about 45 to 10% as the level of superphosphate increased from 5 to 60 kg P/ha. By maturity (mid- November), however, plants grown from seed containing the higher P concentration in seed produced higher DM yields of tops and grain only when 5 and 20 kg P/ha superphosphate was drilled with the seed, the differences being about 40 and 20%, respectively.
Soil type influences the relative yields of different cereals and crop legumes in the Western Australian wheatbelt
Authors: French RJ , Ewing MA
Published: March 2005

Crop choice depends on the relative yields of different species, and will vary according to soil type and seasonal conditions. Crop legumes are a relatively new component of agriculture in southern Australia, especially on the drier fringe of the agricultural areas. In this study wheat, barley, field peas and narrow-leafed lupin were compared at Merredin, Western Australia (mean annual rainfall 310 mm) from 1984 to 1986 on a red brown earth, a solonised brown soil, a solodic soil and, in 1984 and 1985, on an acid earthy sand. Oats, cereal rye and triticale were included in 1984, and chickpeas in 1984 and 1986.
Highest mean seed yields were produced on the red brown earth and solonised brown soil, although the red brown earth produced very low yields in a dry season. Lowest yields were produced on the earthy sand. Triticale, oats and cereal rye yielded less seed than wheat or barley on all soils except the earthy sand where triticale yielded more than wheat. Legumes yielded less seed than cereals, although the yield for peas was close to that for wheat on the red brown earth. Peas yielded more than lupins or chickpeas on all soils. Lupin yield was closest to pea yield on the solodic soil and earthy sand. A separate series of experiments comparing peas and lupins in different seasonal conditions but on similar soils showed that lupins yielded more than peas when growing season rainfall was high. Peas are the most suitable crop legume for the Merredin area on all fine-textured soils. Lupins remain the choice on coarse-textured soils until pea stubbles can be managed to minimise erosion. In wetter areas lupins are a better choice on coarse-textured soils.
Effect of nitrogenous fertilisers on soil inorganic nitrogen levels and uptake by wheat on very acid soils
Authors: Mason MG
Published: March 2005

Urea, ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate were compared as sources of nitrogen (N) for wheat grown on very acid soils at 2 sites in 1980, in the absence of lime or where lime at 2 t/ha was incorporated into the top 10 cm of soil.
The plots were soil sampled each week for the first 5 weeks after sowing, and further samples were collected at 9 weeks. Wheat tops were sampled 4 times during the first 6 weeks after sowing. Soils and plants were analysed for ammonium-N and nitrate-N.
Application of each fertiliser initially caused increased soil levels of ammonium-N which fell with time at both sites. Increases in nitrate-N were small and were usually not significant. At 1 site (Bunketch), and with ammonium sulfate as the N source when no lime was added, there was a slower rate of decline in ammonium-N than in the presence of lime. Fertiliser type did not result in any significant differences in ammonium and N concentrations in the soil, apart from the higher levels of nitrate-N in the ammonium nitrate treatments.
At both sites and particularly at Perenjori both in the absence and presence of lime, nitrate-N concentrations in plants were higher for the treatments with N fertiliser than for the unfertilised controls. This suggests that the N applied as fertiliser ammonium is nitrified before it is taken up by the plants. At the first plant sampling at Perenjori and at the first 2 samplings at Bunketch, ammonium-N levels in the fertilised plants were higher than in the unfertilised plants, suggesting that ammonium-N was readily taken up by the plants. Plant nitrate levels were lower at Bunketch in the absence of lime, than where lime was added.
Grain yields were significantly increased at both sites by N fertiliser application. The 3 fertilisers were equally effective and there was no significant response to lime. Both nitrate and ammonium-N appeared to be readily utilised by the plant.
Effect of tillage practice on the persistence of atrazine in two contrasting soils in northern New South Wales
Authors: Ferris IG , Felton WL , Holland JF , Bull MS
Published: March 2005

Grain sorghum was sown at 2 sites at Tamworth in northern New South Wales in 1980 in order to examine the influence of fallow tillage practices and post harvest cultivation on the persistence of atrazine.
In a non-cracking red clay (pH 5.7) atrazine (3.2 kg/ha) was applied both to the sorghum fallow and at sowing (1.8 kg/ha). The concentration of carryover atrazine 3 months after sorghum harvest was 0.11 µg/g in the 0-5 cm mil layer and 0.06 µg/g in the 5-15 cm layer. By contrast, the same treatment resulted in 0.61 and 0.52 µg/g in the 0-5 and 5-15 cm zones of a grey clay (pH 7.5).
Cultivation after the sorghum was harvested reduced the atrazine residue in the surface soil (0-5 cm) by 20-40%, depending on the initial rate of application. There was no associated increase in the 5-15 cm zone. Despite the reduction in the amount of atrazine residue, cultivation increased the severity of atrazine injury to wheat sown at the grey clay site. There was no evidence of phytotoxicity at the red clay site.
Assessment of the phosphorus status of oilseed rape by plant analysis
Authors: Pinkerton A , Spencer K , Govaars AG
Published: March 2005

Phosphorus (P) concentrations in young plants of rapeseed (Brassica napus cv. Wesway) were related to seed and oil yields to develop a tissue test for the diagnosis of P deficiency. Critical P concentrations were defined as those concentrations required to sustain 90% of maximum yield.
In 2 field experiments in successive seasons on a P-deficient soil, rates of triple superphosphate from 2.5 to 120 kg/ha were banded with the seed. The lowest P concentration in young shoots (17-19 weeks from sowing) associated with a P supply that was adequate for plant growth was approximately 0.31%. The youngest fully-expanded leaf was a reliable plant part to sample, its P concentration being about 0.05% lower than the concentration of the whole shoot.
Critical P concentrations in young plants for sustaining 90% of maximum seed and oil yields were higher, namely 0.33 and 0.28% for whole shoots and youngest fully-expanded leaves respectively. The critical P concentration in seeds was about 0.35%.
Use of high soil solution electrical conductivity to improve the quality of fresh market tomatoes from coastal New South Wales
Authors: Cornish PS , Nguyen VQ
Published: March 2005

High electrical conductivity (EC) in the soil solution or hydroponic medium is thought to increase the concentration of total soluble solids (TSS) and thereby improve the flavour of tomato fruit. We used trickle irrigation in 2 field experiments (1988, 1989) to apply KC1 at rates up to 4.4 t/ha to tomatoes to raise soil solution EC and examine the effects on TSS and other components of fruit quality, as well as yield. The KCl was subject to leaching in both years and EC varied widely despite regular additions of KCl. Where a high EC was achieved in 1988 (3.9 mS/cm) there was no effect on fruit firmness or TSS, but titratable acids (TA) increased from 7.25 to 8.0 m.e./100 mL. In 1989, high EC (>7mS/cm) resulted in a small increase in TSS (0.3%) in 1 of 6 harvests but significant (P<0.05) increases in TA in 4 harvests. Yield was unaffected (P>0.05). We conclude that irrigation with salinised water is unlikely to be an effective means of raising the TSS of tomatoes grown on freely draining soils in the high rainfall environment of coastal New South Wales.
Evaluation of Sultana grapevine selections for table grape production
Authors: Deer TWW , Whiting JR
Published: March 2005

Eight selections of Sultana grapevine were assessed over 3 seasons for their suitability for table grape production by using specialised cultural techniques to enhance berry size. Moss Sultana consistently produced greater berry weights than did the other selections and on average was about 27% heavier than H5 (6.1 v. 4.8 g) a commercially popular selection. The larger berry weights of Moss Sultana were reflected in greater berry length (mean 28.4 mm) and greater berry diameter (mean 18.9 mm) compared with the other selections. Moss Sultana had the lowest sugar levels and the highest pruning weights in all seasons. There were no significant differences between selections for marketable yield (range 13.4-16.0 kg), bunch number per vine, bunch weight, titratable acid and 0Brix : acid ratio. Moss Sultana has potential to be cultured specifically for table grape production to increase the berry size of Sultana (Thompson Seedless) grapes.
Effects of different weaning strategies on postweaning growth rate, mortality and fertility of Bos indicus cross cattle
Authors: Holroyd RG , O'Rourke PK , Tyler R , Stephenson HP , Mason GWJ , Schroter KL
Published: March 2005

Three drafts of Brahman cross calves (phenotypically half to three-quarters Bos indicus) were either early weaned (EW) in April (mean age 5 months) or late weaned (LW) in July (mean age of 8 months). Their postweaning performance on native pastures in the dry tropics of North Queensland was monitored through to 2.5 years of age for females and 3.5 years for males. At late weaning, LW calves of both sexes were significantly (P<0.01) heavier than EW calves. Mean liveweight differences over the 3 drafts were 53.8 kg for males and 54.4 kg for females. From late weaning until final liveweight, EW animals partially compensated in growth and were on average 13.6 kg lighter at 3.5 years for males and 20.3 kg lighter at 2.5 years for females than LW animals. In draft 2, pregnancy rate at 2.5 years favoured LW heifers (P<0.05) by 38% units. Mortalities occurred only in the first dry season postweaning with 0, 5 (11.1%) and 5 (8.9%) deaths from poverty in the EW group in drafts 1 to '3 respectively but none in the LW group. Pooled data across treatment groups showed that older calves at weaning had lower growth rates during the first dry season but still had heavier final liveweights. Age at weaning did not influence subsequent growth rate in the first wet season or males in year 2 or year 3 postweaning.
Maternal behaviour in Border Leicester, Glen Vale (Border Leicester derived) and Merino sheep
Authors: Alexander G , Stevens D , Bradley LR , Barwick SA
Published: March 2005

Ewe and lamb behaviour in traditional Border Leicesters, Glen Vale Border Leicesters of the NSW Agriculture and Fisheries, Glen Vale x Border Leicester crosses and medium-fine-wool Merinos, all running in paddocks of 3-4.5 ha, were compared in spring 1983 at Glen Innes, N.S.W. Twenty-eight aspects of behaviour with a known or reputed influence on lamb survival, especially of multiples, were examined in undisturbed and contrived situations. The Glen Vales and their crosses were superior to the Border Leicesters and Merinos in behaviour and lamb survival, particularly behaviour concerned with the ability of ewes to keep their lambs together. The study indicates that contrived twin-care tests could form the basis of a selection program to improve maternal care and survival of multiples.
The effect of bentonite on wool growth, liveweight change and rumen fermentation in sheep
Authors: Murray PJ , Rowe JB , Aitchison EM
Published: March 2005

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the use of 3 bentonite clays in sheep. Seventy-eight Merino ewes (about 20 months of age) were housed individually and fed either a pelleted diet based on lucerne, lupins and barley or chaffed wheat-hay. The experiment consisted of an initial period (8 weeks) during which all animals received these diets without bentonite, followed by a 9-week experimental period when bentonite clays were included in the feed at a level of 25 g/kg. None of the 3 bentonite clays had any significant effect on liveweight change or wool growth in sheep fed either diet. There was also no significant effect of the clays on rumen ammonia or volatile fatty acids concentrations in sheep fed wheat chaff. In sheep fed the pelleted diet, 2 of the clay samples increased the molar proportions of acetate and decreased the molar proportion of propionate relative to the control group.
Increasing the amount of leucaena on offer gives faster growth rates of grazing cattle in South East Queensland
Authors: Quirk MF , Paton CJ , Bushell JJ
Published: March 2005

We measured the effect of increased supply of leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala cv. Peru) on the growth of steers grazing native pasture in South East Queensland. Steers grazed paddocks of black speargrass (Heteropogon contortus) pasture in which either 0, 25 or 100% of the area was sown to 3 m-wide rows of leucaena. In the 25% leucaena treatment, the leucaena portion was ungrazed in summer. Mimosine toxicity was avoided by dosing cattle with mimosine-detoxifying rumen bacteria. The growth rate of steers increased with the proportion of the paddock covered by leucaena. Steers grazing paddocks with 0, 25, and 100% of the paddock covered by leucaena rows gained 90, 127 and 205 kg/steer.year, respectively. The amount of leucaena foliage on offer appeared to be the major factor increasing steer growth.
Influence of an acid soil on the herbage yield and nodulation of five annual pasture legumes
Authors: Evans J , Dear B , O'Connor GE
Published: March 2005

Balansa, persian and subterranean clover and barrel and murex medic were grown in acidic sandy loam in pots in a glasshouse. Four lime treatments (0, 1, 2, 3.5 t/ha) resulted in pH levels of 4.2, 4.7, 5.1 and 6.0 (1:5 CaCl2). After addition of plant nutrients, total exchangeable cations in the nil lime treatment averaged 2.197 cmol(+)/kg, increasing to 4.738 cmol(+)/kg at pH 6.0. With increasing pH, aluminium saturation of the soil exchange was 38, 14, 4 and 3%. The effect of soil acidity on dry matter production was compared between legumes by determining relative yield (yield/maximum yield) responses over the pH range. Subterranean clover was the most tolerant legume, followed by murex medic and balansa clover (similar), persian clover and then barrel medic. All legumes except barrel medic produced at least 90% of maximum yield at pH 4.7; only subterranean clover produced more than 90% of maximum yield at pH 4.2. Establishment of nodules was more sensitive to acidity than indicated by relative yields of dry matter, especially in murex medic and persian clover. Average nodule weight usually increased at lower pH. The dry matter yields of murex medic and persian clover at lower pH were probably reliant on compensatory increases in nodule volume as nodule number declined with increasing acidity.
Resistance in Paspalum dilatatum to Ascochyta paspali
Authors: Williams BL , Price TV , Morley TB
Published: March 2005

Twenty-two accessions of Paspalum dialatatum Poir from Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Natal and Uruguay, an Australian commercial line and I1 Australian ecotypes were screened for resistance to Ascochyta paspali. Disease incidence ranged from 0 to 81%. Purple anthered plants which included 11 Australian ecotypes were all susceptible, but 2 accessions were more resistant than the local commercial line. All except 1 of the yellow anthered accessions were highly resistant, but the one considered to be susceptible was more resistant to disease than the purple anthered accessions. A. paspali was re-isolated from symptomless yellow anthered accessions indicating that limited colonisation had occurred. The yellow anthered character appeared to be a useful indicator of resistance to A. paspali.
Efficacy of post-emergence herbicides for weed control in chemical fallows in southern Queensland
Authors: Pope VA , McConville PN
Published: March 2005

Out-of-patent herbicides (2,4-D, MCPA, dichlorprop, amitrole, ametryn, atrazine and linuron) were screened at 3 rates of post-emergence application for weed control during fallow periods in southern Queensland. Herbicide efficacy was assessed on 26 weeds at 1 or more stages of growth. Each herbicide had a limited spectrum of activity over the range of species encountered, with amitrole being the most effective. The chlorophenoxy compounds controlled only some of the broad-leaved species and had no effect on grass species. Where more than 1 growth stage for each weed was encountered, differences in susceptibility to the herbicides were evident amongst stages. Most herbicides were ineffective on large weeds. The rate of herbicide application also influenced the level of activity on most species. Most of the weeds in the Brassicaceae group were susceptible to all rates of the chlorophenoxy herbicides.
Winter cereal production on the Darling Downs dash a comparison of reduced tillage practices
Authors: Marley JM , Littler JW
Published: March 2005

Five experiments, 1 of which was continued over 3 years on the same site, were established on non-sloping Darling Downs cracking clays to compare conventional, reduced and zero tillage systems of fallowing for annual wheat production. Average values for soil water storage efficiency (percentage of fallow rainfall stored) were 14.0% for stubble burnt and conventional cultivation with tined implements (TI); 19.8% for stubble retained and conventional cultivation with tined implements (T2); 25.3% for stubble retained and zero tillage with chemical control of fallow weed growth (T3); 21.1% for stubble retained with no tillage but chemical weed control until early March, followed by cultivations with tined implements until sowing (T4); and 21.1% for stubble retained and fallow cultivations with a sweep plough (T6). Nitrogen mineralisation during fallow periods was measured over 3 seasons at the final site. No major treatment differences occurred. A small mean grain yield advantage of 4.6% to T3 over T1 was established in those seasons when improved fallow water storage was obtained with T3. The lack of yield improvement by reduced tillage treatments (T4, T5 and T6) over T1 is attributed largely to above-average crop period rainfall in those seasons when the treatments had resulted in improved presowing water.
Yield losses in wheat caused by stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis West.) in northern New South Wales
Authors: Ash GJ , Brown JF
Published: March 2005

Three field trials were established at Tamworth in northern New South Wales to quantify the effect of stripe rust on the yield of wheat. The yield parameters were total grain yield per plot, 1000-grain weight, number of grain produced per head. tiller number and grain yield per plant. In addition, grain protein and dough and flour quality were determined. The total yield losses were found to be dependent on the cultivar, the timing of the epidemic and the yield potential of the crop. In most cases, early stripe rust epidemics had a greater effect on yield than late epidemics. Total grain yield and 1000-grain weight were most often affected. Long season epidemics affected all the yield parameters, with losses of up to 50% in grain yield being recorded in susceptible cultivars. The quality of dough and flour was unaffected by the fungicide treatments. The results suggest that the levels of resistance of the currently recommended wheat cultivars were sufficient to protect them from yield losses from stripe rust epidemics in most years.
Estimation of inoculum potentials of Phytophthora megasperma f.sp. medicaginis in chickpea fields and the development of a glasshouse resistance assay
Authors: Dale ML , Irwin JAG
Published: March 2005

A survey of chickpea (Cicer arietirium) fields in south-eastern Queensland revealed that Phytophthom megasperma f. sp. medicaginis (Pmm) was the major cause of root rot in 1988. Eleven sites were each sampled 3 times during the growing season and the levels of infective units of Pmm present in the soil samples collected from each site were determined using a modified baiting technique in combination with Most Probable Number (MPN) analysis. Inoculum potentials of field soils ranged from 0.01 to 10.95 infective units per g dry weight of soil. Pmm was usually not detected by baiting unless soil samples were collected from the vicinity of diseased plants, and inoculum potentials declined markedly in the absence of a growing chickpea crop. A glasshouse assay for resistance was developed using levels of inoculum that corresponded to the inoculum potentials encountered in naturally infested field soils. Infestation of potting mix at the rate of 13 oospores/g produced an MPN of 0.3 infective units/g. This screening technique differentiated between a partially resistant chickpea cultivar (CPI 56564) and a highly susceptible line (ICC 6334). Different levels of zoospores were also tested as the inoculum source, but variability in plant response was higher than that encountered with oospores.
Control of experimental Phytophthora cinnamomi stem infections of Rhododendron, Leucadendron and Eucalyptus by dimethomorph, fosetyl-Al and metalaxyl
Authors: Marks GC , Smith IW
Published: March 2005

The efficacy of dimethomorph, (E,Z)-4-[3- (4-chloropheny1)-3-(3,4-dimethoxypheny1)-1 -acryloyl] morpholine, in controlling Phytoplzthora cinnanionii stem infections of Rhododendron, Leucadendron and Eucalyptus was compared with that of fosetyl-Al, metalaxyl and phosphonate (potassium dihydrogen phosphonate) in a phytotron and greenhouse. The plants were inoculated on the stem and the effect of the fungicides applied either as foliar sprays or root drenches on lesion development was measured. The results showed that dimethomorph inhibited lesion extension when applied as a soil drench at rates of 0.6 and 1.2 mg a.i./mL. When used as a soil drench dimethomorph was about as effective as fosetyl-A1 and somewhat less effective than metalaxyl. When applied as foliar sprays, dimethomorph was ineffective and phosphonate was markedly superior to fosetyl-Al. Single applications of the fungicides tested were not able to kill P. cinnanzonzi in established infections within the duration of the experiment and under the test conditions which strongly favoured the fungus. Dimethomorph was slightly phytotoxic to Eucalyptus sieberi at dosages of 1.2 mg a.i./mL.
The relation between organochlorine residues in animal feeds and residues in tissues, milk and eggs: a review
Authors: Noble A
Published: March 2005

Tolerance levels for organochlorine pesticide in stockfeed have been set by legislation in Queensland. The purpose of this review was to derive accumulation ratios from trials which have involved feeding organochlorine pesticides to cattle, poultry and pigs. These ratios can be used with the maximum residue limits already established for food products from these animals to calculate maximum permissibleresidue levels in feed. It was concluded that the levels for aldrin and dieldrin should be reduced from 0.05 to 0.01 nig/kg and that a level for benzene hexachloride, other than the y isomer, of 0.01 mg/kg be included. In all other cases where information was available the levels set by legislation are already below those calculated from trial results.
Reproduction, growth and survival of Merino ewes and lambs in south-western Queensland and their response to trace element supplementation
Authors: Norton BW , Hales JW , Stockwell TGH
Published: March 2005

The effects of cobalt (Co), selenium (Se), copper (Cu) and Co + Se + Cu plus manganese, iodine and zinc (All) supplements on the liveweight change, fleece weights, reproduction and survival of Merino ewes and their lambs were studied on 3 commercial properties (W, B and G) in south-western Queensland during 1978 and 1979. There was no significant effect of supplementation on ewe and lamb liveweights or ewe fleece weights in 1978 (723 mm rain). In 1979 (303 mm rain), ewes given Co and All supplements were significantly (P<0.05) heavier than all other ewes at weaning, but lamb weaning weights were not improved by any supplements. Zinc and manganese may have only been effective for a short period following dosing. Weaner lambs given supplements of Co, Se and Co+Se had significantly (P<0.05) higher greasy fleece weights (3.67 kg) than unsupplemented lambs (3.38 kg). In 1978, there was no significant effect of supplementation on reproductive rate. On property W, only 68% of maiden ewes successfully mated and this flock had a significantly (P<0.05) higher rate of reproductive wastage (27%) than did flocks on properties B (12.5%) and G (16.5%). The mean liveweights of maiden ewes for properties W, B and G in this year were 39.1, 35.1 and 37.1 kg, respectively. In 1979, ewes given the All supplement had significantly (P<0.05) lower overall rates of reproductive wastage (12.2%) than did ewes without supplement (30.2%). Supplementary treatments did not improve ewe or lamb survival. In 1978, ewe mortality between joining and weaning was significantly (P<0.05) higher on property W (24.2%) than on property G (7.0%). In 1979, there were no significant effects of either age or property on ewe mortality between joining and weaning. Neither trace element supplementation to ewes nor the sex of the lamb had a significant effect on lamb survival between marking and weaning.