bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of nitrogen on the availability of previous and current applications of copper fertiliser for grain yield of wheat grown in south-west Western Australia
Authors: Brennan RF
Published: March 2005

Twenty-one field experiments located in different rainfall zones on a range of soils that had been fertilised with copper (Cu) fertiliser 16-23 years previously were used to examine the effect of level of nitrogen (N) fertiliser on the grain yield of wheat. At 1 site (experiment 15), no Cu fertiliser had been applied. The effect of applied N on Cu concentrations in the youngest emerged blade (YEB) and in the grain was also studied. At 20 sites, there was no further response to currently applied Cu fertiliser. The highest level of N fertiliser applied (46-92 kg N/ha) did not induce Cu deficiency in wheat plants. The addition of Cu increased Cu concentration in the YEB and grain, whilst increasing the rate of N fertiliser generally decreased these concentrations of Cu. At 2 sites in the Jerramungup district, the addition of N induced Cu deficiency in wheat, which reduced grain yields. Increasing the rate of N fertiliser reduced Cu concentration in the YEB to deficient levels (< 1.0 mg Cu/kg); Cu concentrations in grain were <0.8 mg/kg. Only 50% of the recommended Cu fertiliser had been applied in previous years at 1 site (experiment 12). At the other site, Cu appears not to have been previously applied, because the ammonium oxalate soil-extractable Cu measured in soil samples collected from the site and adjacent uncleared soil were identical and very low (0.25 mg Cu/kg). At 1 high-yielding site (>3.0 t/ha), the highest level of N (92 kg/ha) reduced Cu concentration to 1.0 mgkg in the YEB and 1.0 mg/kg in the grain without reducing grain yield. It is concluded that high levels of N fertiliser application did not increase the wheat plants' requirement for Cu fertiliser where Cu fertilisers had been applied at the recommended level in the past 23 years. Where Cu fertiliser has been applied at lower-than- recommended levels in previous years, Cu deficiency occurred where high levels of N were applied.
Effects of raising the receival moisture content on the storability of Australian wheat
Authors: Desmarchelier JM , Ghaly T
Published: March 2005

The receival moisture content of wheat was raised experimentally from 12 to 13% (w/w, wet basis) at sites near Cowra and Forbes (New South Wales) and Port Giles (South Australia) that were fitted with cooling (aeration), during the 1989-90 and 1990-91 seasons. At Cowra and Forbes, no wheat was received above 12% moisture content. At Port Giles, large quantities of wheat were received in the range 12.1-13.0% moisture content, reaching a maximum of 56% of receivals in 1 bin. However, the average moisture content in each bin did not exceed 12.0% and changed, on average, only 0.01% during aerated storage. No significant effect on quality was detected from studies on viability, bread-making quality, and mycotoxins. All wheat was successfully passed for export, meeting all normal standards including the 'nil tolerance' for live insects.
A comparison of seed yields of winter grain legumes in Western Australia
Authors: Siddique KHM , Walton GH , Seymour M
Published: March 2005

Field trials were conducted in 2 seasons at 13 sites on neutral to alkaline soils in Western Australia, to compare the growth and seed yield of 6 winter grain legume species: field pea (Pisum sativum L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), faba bean (Vicia faba L.), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik), narrow leaf lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.), albus lupin (L. albus). In a dry year (1991), overall site mean seed yield was highest for field pea (1.35 t/ha), then faba bean (1.22 t/ha) and narrow leaf lupin (0.85 t/ha). Chickpea, lentil line ILL5728, and albus lupin produced an average seed yield of 0.64 t/ha. Rainfall in 1992 was above average and seed yields of all species except field pea were higher than in 1991. Heavy rainfall in winter and spring caused transient waterlogging at several sites, affecting growth and seed yield of most species. Faba bean responded positively to the increase in rainfall and produced exceptional seed yields of >4 t/ha at 3 sites. Mean seed yield was highest for faba bean, at 2.87 t/ha, then narrow leaf lupin (1.19 t/ha), chickpea (1.1 t/ha), and field pea (1.0 t/ha). Field pea performed poorly at several sites due to its susceptibility to transient waterlogging and black spot disease (caused by Mycosphaerella pinoides). Albus lupin and lentil line ILL5728 produced similar seed yields (0.78 t/ha). Lentil cvv. Laird (1991) and Kye (1992) had low seed yields due to poor adaptation. Seed yield differences between species at various locations were not simply related to any soil chemical parameters or to depth to clay. On a calcareous soil of pH(CaC12) 8 at Dongara, the growth of narrow leaf lupin was severely affected and the crop failed. Days to flowering varied between species; faba bean was earliest to flower (76 days), then field pea. Faba bean and field pea (particularly in 1991) generally produced the most dry matter, both early and at final harvest. The relationship between seed yield and rainfall was complicated by transient waterlogging and fungal disease (e.g. black spot in field pea) at many sites. Seed yield was significantly positively related to final dry matter production but not to harvest index.
An improved soil insect rating for seedling sunflowers
Authors: Simpson GB
Published: March 2005

A complex of soil-dwelling insects damages sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and other seedlings in Queensland. This paper compares the relative damage potential of the black field earwig, Nala lividipes (Dufour) (Dermaptera:Labiduridae), and crickets Lepidogryllus spp. and Teleogryllus oceanicus (Le Guillou) (Orthoptera : Gryllidae) to sunflowers in laboratory feeding studies. The results were converted to injury equivalents based on documented damage caused by Pterohelaeus alternatus Pascoe (Coleoptera : Tenebrionidae). The injury equivalents were added to the existing multispecies soil insect rating model currently used for other soil-dwelling insect pest species of sunflowers. Populations of additional pest species can now be more accurately assessed for their damage potential before crop planting.
Influence of rootstock and trellis systems on the productivity of Sultana grapevines
Authors: Prior LD , Cullis BR , Sarooshi RA
Published: March 2005

Sultana vines, either own-rooted or grafted to Dog Ridge or Ramsey rootstocks, were trained to 4 trellis systems: 0.3-m narrow T, 0.9-m wide T, arch cane, swing-arm. The swing-arm trellis generally gave the highest yields over the 9 years of the trial. Average annual yields were 19.5, 22.0, 15.6, and 26.2 kg/vine (1442 vines/ha), respectively, for the 4 trellis systems. Vines grafted to Ramsey rootstock had higher overall yields than own-rooted vines and vines grafted to Dog Ridge rootstock (24.0 v. 20.8 v. 17.8 kg/vine). The yield advantage conferred by Ramsey rootstock was greatest in years 1-3 of the trial. There was no significant trellis x rootstock interaction. Trellis effects on yield were primarily due to effects on bunch number, while rootstock had a greater effect on berry and bunch weight. Grafted vines were less fruitful than own-rooted vines. There was no significant difference in quality of fruit dried in a dehydrator, but when fruit was trellis-dried, quality was higher for the swing-arm than for the wide T-trellis, with the other trellises intermediate. Own-rooted vines produced better quality trellis-dried fruit than did vines grafted to Ramsey rootstock. The swing-arm trellis was not well suited to commercial production, but it produced good yields and had other desirable characteristics that are incorporated in some new trellis systems being developed in major dried vine fruit production areas in Australia.
A review of plant analysis in Australia
Authors: Handson PD , Shelley BC
Published: March 2005

This review of plant analysis in Australia examines sample preparation, instrumentation, problem analytes, calibration, detection limits, and quality assurance. The issue of turnaround time v. analytical accuracy is discussed and the role of 'plant sap quick tests' in nutrient analysis is assessed. Results of a survey of Australian plant-testing laboratories are included.
Modern interpretation systems for soil and plant analyses in the United States of America
Authors: Jones JB Jr
Published: March 2005

Although over 3 million soil samples and over a half a million plant tissue samples are assayed in the some 450 soil-testing and plant analysis laboratories in the United States of America, both techniques are considerably under utilised by farmers. It has been estimated that <15% of the cropland is soil-tested each year and about 30-40% of farmers seldom soil test. Plant analysis is primarily used as a diagnostic tool, except for fruit and nut growers, many of whom test yearly in order to formulate fertiliser recommendations for next year's crop. Considerable standardisation of assay procedures and methods of reporting soil and plant analysis results have occurred in the last decade, although much has yet to be done. Laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing are current issues that will begin to impact the laboratories, while environmental issues will probably demand increasing testing by farmers to insure that fertiliser practices are not contributing to soil and water degradation. This paper reviews past, current, and future roles of soil testing and plant analysis in the U.S.A.
Interpretation of soil tests: a review
Authors: Blair G , Lefroy R
Published: March 2005

Soil tests tell how much nutrient is extractable, some of which may be present in a plant-available form, and/or the amount that may become available to the crop or pasture. This is a quantitative measure of nutrients. Interpretation depends on the skill of interpreters, and a major factor in interpretation is experience. Accurate interpretation is only possible when the sample collected from the field is representative of the site, and this can best be achieved using monitor plots rather than the traditional zig-zag method of sampling. One of the main deficiencies in experimental data used to interpret soil tests is the poor characterisation of experimental sites and of the climatic conditions during the experiment. Better characterisation would allow better interpretations to be made. With the development of equipment that is able to analyse multiple elements (e.g. ICP-AES), investigation of multiple extractants should be expanded in Australia. Of these, the Mehlich No. 3 and AB-DTPA extractants would seem the most appropriate. Because of the frequent relocation of agriculture advisers, experience is often lost; hence, there is a need for GIS/Expert systems to gather this experience. The development of such systems will allow new personnel to understand more rapidly the characteristics of soils, climate, and crops in an area. The final decision on fertiliser rates depends on the financial situation of the farmer. Soil testing and interpretation of these results is just 1 factor used to make the fertiliser decision.
Environmental effects, in particular of rainfall, on the digestibility of dry mature subterranean clover
Authors: Rossiter RC , Taylor GB , Klein L
Published: March 2005

In vitro dry matter digestibility (DMD) was determined in dry mature subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) from a field survey and from 2 field experiments. From the survey, the range in DMD between sites for individual cultivars was 9 percentage units (45-54%) through to 25 percentage units (35-60%). Differences in pattern of end-of-season rainfall over 3 years (experiment 2) resulted in changes in DMD ranging from 4 to 11 percentage units for the 4 genotypes examined. The 3 instances of midsummer rains were followed by decreases of 5-16 percentage units in DMD (experiments 1 and 2). The greatest range in DMD found in our study was 29 percentage units (37-66%). In the 2 cases of genotype x environment interaction (1 in each experiment) the key factors appeared to be genotype flowering (or senescence) time together with end-of-season rainfall pattern. Genetic differences can be caused by 'haying off effects with late genotypes, and by marked leaching effects with early genotypes due to prolonged or intense end-of-season rains. Such effects are likely to override most intrinsic genetic differences other than those due to flowering time. We suggest that environmental effects on DMD are sufficiently large and important to warrant further detailed study, and that an adequate understanding of such effects is needed for appropriate management practices (e.g. supplementary feeding) and for the identification of genotype differences.
Hatching, motility, and infectivity of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) following exposure to sodium hypochlorite
Authors: Stanton JM , O'Donnell WE
Published: March 2005

The potential for disinfestation of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) in irrigation water and hydroponic growing media using sodium hypochlorite was assessed by studying its effects on hatch, motility, and infectivity of the nematode. When eggs of M. javanica were exposed to 200-10000 pg available chlorine/mL for 5 min-24 h, hatch and infectivity of second-stage juveniles (J2s) were unaffected. However, exposure of eggs to 50000 or 125000 �g available chlorine/mL for >1 h reduced hatch during the following week. Exposing J2s in water to >2 �g available chlorine/mL for >24 h prevented their motility and ability to produce galls. An established infestation of root-knot nematode in a peat-vermiculite mix was unaffected by post-plant treatment with chlorine but was controlled by adding >4 �g available chlorine/mL to the nutrient solution for 4 weeks before planting.
Control of banana burrowing nematode (Radopholus similis) by fenamiphos applied through micro-irrigation in North Queensland
Authors: Schipke LG , Ramsey MD
Published: March 2005

Nematicide application through micro-irrigation was evaluated over 5 years for control of banana root rot caused by the burrowing nematode (Radopholus similis). Fenamiphos emulsifiable concentrate (e.c.) applied monthly from April to November at 31 g a.i.1100 m row and in December at 125 g a.i.1100 m row, through drip and mini-sprinkler irrigation, was compared with the standard treatment of fenamiphos granules applied at 125 g a.i.1100 m row in April, August, and December. All treatments resulted in a total of 375 g a.i. 1100 m row.year. The fenamiphos treatments reduced (P<0.05) the severity of root rot in the final year of the experiment compared with the untreated control. Significant yield effects from the interaction between fenamiphos and irrigation were not detected until the fourth ratoon crop. Fenamiphos e.c. applied monthly through minisprinklers significantly (P<0.05) increased bunch weight and plant girth compared with all other treatments. Fenamiphos e.c. applied monthly through drip irrigation was equivalent to the granular treatment. Application of fenamiphos through micro-irrigation is simpler, safer, and more cost-effective than conventional nematicide application methods.
Anthocyanin decolorisation and its role in lychee pericarp browning
Authors: Underhill S , Critchley C
Published: March 2005

Mature red lychee fruit were stored at 3 different temperature and relative humidity regimes. Total anthocyanin concentration, pigment distribution, pH of the pericarp homogenate, Hunter a values (redness index), and visual colour were measured as a function of pericarp weight loss. Pericarp colour rapidly deteriorated during both ambient and high temperature storage, resulting in a uniform browning of the pericarp surface. The degree of tissue browning was proportional to the rate of pericarp desiccation. Although anthocyanin degradation occurred concurrently with tissue browning, visual colour and Hunter a values were not consistent with total anthocyanin concentration. Instead, a more significant correlation was seen between Hunter a values and the pH of the pericarp homogenate. Pericarp colour could be altered by external pH. Acidification of whole fruit increased pericarp redness, whereas alkaline treatment caused discoloration. Both colour responses occurred independently of anthocyanin synthesis and degradation and were completely reversible. These results question the current theory that browning is due to anthocyanin degradation. No evidence of browning was observed in the anthocyanin-containing mesocarp, and acidification of already brown tissue significantly increased pericarp redness independently of anthocyanin synthesis. We believe that anthocyanin pigments were progressively decolorised during ambient storage, possibly due to changes in pericarp pH. Once colourless, independent tissue browning became visual and was enhanced.
Suppression of Sclerotinia soft rot of lettuce with organic soil amendments
Authors: Asirifi KN , Morgan WC , Parbery DG
Published: March 2005

The incidence of sclerotinia soft rot of lettuce and survival rate of sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were reduced by the addition of organic amendments to field plots at the Frankston Research Station, Seaford, Vic. Of the 6 materials tested, stable manure, fowl manure, and lucerne hay were the best, and all except brown coal significantly reduced disease compared with control. Composting of the already mature materials (as supplied) made no difference to their effectiveness. Incorporating the amendments into soil increased the number (to 229% of the control) and fresh weight (to 202% of the control) of marketable lettuce. Stable manure provided the greatest number of marketable heads (270% of the control), while fowl manure gave the greatest increase in head weight per plot (268% of the control). These benefits were less evident following the first applications of amendments (experiment 1) than the second to the same soil plots (experiment 2).
Seed production and its components in bred populations and cultivars of winter-green Setaria sphacelata at two levels of applied nitrogen fertiliser
Authors: Hacker JB
Published: March 2005

Seed production of 2 experimental winter- green varieties of Setaria sphacelata, EHB (released as cv. Solander) and EHC, was compared with the winter-green cv. Narok in a split-plot experiment with 2 levels of applied nitrogen (N) fertiliser. The experiment continued for 3 years (6 harvests), and 3 subharvests at 1-2-week intervals were taken at each major harvest to allow for possible phenological differences between varieties. Total numbers of basal tillers, and of basal and aerial tillers with inflorescences, were counted at each harvest. Ripe and shedding inflorescences were counted, dried, and threshed by hand, and the seed was sieved and aspirated. The aspirated seed was stored for 6 months, the percentage of spikelets containing caryopses was evaluated, and samples were germinated in petri dishes. Aspirated seed yields of Solander were mostly 50-100% higher than those of Narok, except where yields were generally low, associated with low levels of applied N, and in later harvests of the experiment. All 3 entries showed a progressive decrease in seed production over time, and no consistent phenological difference was apparent. The improved seed production of Solander was associated with a markedly higher tiller fertility, lower basal tiller density, and slightly longer inflorescences. Germination percentage of Solander was consistently lower than that of Narok, and it was postulated that this was due to a higher level of seed dormancy. Nitrogen fertiliser had a marked positive effect on seed production, inflorescence numbers, tiller fertility, basal tiller density, and inflorescence length in all populations.
Effects of defoliation management on the productivity of an irrigated Persian clover sward
Authors: Stockdale CR
Published: March 2005

A field experiment investigated the effects of frequency and height of defoliation on the productivity of an irrigated Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum) sward. Combinations of 4 intervals of harvest (3, 6, 9, 12 weeks) and 2 heights of defoliation (to ground level or 5 cm above ground level) were used in a randomised block experiment, with 2 additional treatments of 4 and 18 weeks between harvests defoliated to ground level. Total herbage accumulation ranged from 8.46 to 13.90 t DM/ha and varied according to defoliation management. Except for the very short defoliation intervals, harvesting to 5 cm was less productive than harvesting to ground level. The effects of leaf area index, herbage yield, and infection with leaf fungal disease on growth rates were assessed. Leaf area had a positive effect, and fungal disease a negative effect, on herbage growth rates, while maximum growth rates in autumn-winter were achieved when herbage yield reached about 2.0 t DM/ha. Dead matter accumulation increased with the interval between harvests, and weeds invaded the plots at both the shortest and longest defoliation intervals. The quality of seed produced (seed weight) was not influenced by defoliation treatment (0.1112 g/100 seeds, on average). Defoliation interval was positively related to number of inflorescences and quantity of seed set, but height of defoliation did not significantly affect these variables. It was concluded that the optimum interval of harvest was 6-9 weeks. Height of defoliation had only minor effects, due to the small difference in residual dry matter between the treatments.
Direct drilling effects on early growth of wheat: studies in intact soil cores
Authors: Fischer RA , Kono Y , Howe GN
Published: March 2005

Tillage experiments with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were conducted at 2 sites in south-eastern Australia: one cool and wet (Murrumbateman), the other warmer and drier (Yanco). Following crop residue removal, direct drilling treatments with complete surface disturbance to 3 cm depth of the medium-textured topsoils (D), or with disturbance only in the narrow seeding slots (DN), were compared with drilling into a surface prepared by cultivating to about 7 cm depth (control). At the 4.5 leaf stage, seedlings from D and DN treatments had less shoot dry weight than the control except at Murrumbateman under very wet post-seeding conditions. Simulation of the above tillage treatments in intact soil Cores from both sites kept under controlled temperature and moisture conditions confirmed that DN treatment, with only 11% of the volume of soil disturbance of the control, reduced early growth, especially at Yanco and if post-sowing conditions were drier. Reduced shoot growth was associated with relatively larger effects on the extent of root exploration. Treatment D, with 43% of the volume of disturbed soil, did not reduce shoot growth relative to the control under any circumstances. Although results suggest a minimum volume of disturbed soil for maximum growth, interactions with biotic stresses as reported recently cannot be ruled out.
Effect of an acidifying nitrogen fertiliser and lime on soil pH and wheat yields. 2. Plant response
Authors: Mason MG , Porter WM , Cox WJ
Published: March 2005

This paper reports the effects of an acidifying fertiliser on wheat yields and mineral composition in the first 10 years of trials at Merredin, Wongan Hills, and Newdegate, described in the previous paper. There were grain yield increases from application (kg/ha.year) of 17.5 N + 7.6 P and 35 N + 15.2 P in all years except 1980 (Wongan Hills and Newdegate) and 1989 (Merredin). At Merredin, 3 t/ha of limestone increased grain yields in all years except 1982 and 1983. At Wongan Hills, limestone increased yields in the continuous cropping system, in the presence of high N + P, during 1986 and 1989. At Newdegate, grain yield responses to lime were recorded in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1988, and 1989; limestone resulted in decreased wheat yields in 1984 because of an increase in the severity of the root disease take-all (caused by Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici), and decreased lupin yields in 1987 because of manganese deficiency. There were a few responses at Merredin and Newdegate to low rates of limestone with each N + P application. Application of the magnesium (Mg) + potassium (K) + molybdenum (Mo) in addition to limestone gave isolated responses at all sites. Concentrations of calcium (Ca), Mg, and K at the 1989 plant sampling were highest at Wongan Hills and lowest at Merredin. Calcium concentrations were higher at Merredin and Newdegate following N + P application, but lower at Wongan Hills. Application of N + P reduced the concentration of Mg at Merredin and Wongan Hills, but increased Mg at Newdegate. The concentration of K was decreased at all sites by N + P. Limestone had no consistent effect on Ca concentrations but increased the concentrations of Mg and K at Merredin and K at Newdegate. Where Mg + K + Mo had been applied in 1980, concentrations of Ca decreased and K increased, while there was no consistent effect on Mg concentration. The Mo concentration in plant shoots was reduced at all sites by increasing rate of N + P and increased by application of lime and Mo in 1980. Grain Mo concentrations were very low at Merredin and Wongan Hills, even in the absence of N + P. Concentrations at Newdegate were reduced by increasing N + P rate. Application of limestone increased grain Mo concentrations at all sites, but these were still lowered by N + P application. Concentrations were also increased by the application of Mo in 1980, but fell with time, particularly with application of N + P.
Effect of sowing time on growth, yield, and oil characteristics of irrigated sunflower in southern New South Wales
Authors: Thompson JA , Heenan DP
Published: March 2005

The effect of sowing time on the growth, yield, and oil characteristics of irrigated sunflower was studied for 3 consecutive seasons at Leeton (34�28�S., 146�25'E.), in southern New South Wales. The hybrid cultivar Hysun 32 was sown at monthly intervals from late October to late January. Duration of growth from sowing to physiological maturity was reduced by I5 days when sowing time was delayed from late October to late December. Dry matter production at flowering was lowest from the late December sowing, and harvest index was always lowest from the late January sowing. Late October and late November sowing produced similar yields (>4 t/ha), but delaying sowing further to late December and late January reduced yields by 18 and 37%, respectively. Effect of sowing time on yield was mainly related to effects on seed number per head. Seed oil content averaged 50%, with the late November sowing producing the highest value in all seasons. To be confident of producing a linoleic acid level >62% as required for the margarine industry, sowing should be delayed until mid November.
Fungicidal control of anthracnose (Microdochium panattonianum) on lettuce
Authors: Wicks TJ , Hall B , Pezzaniti P
Published: March 2005

In field experiments in 1990 and 1991, 16 fungicides were evaluated for the control of anthracnose (Microdochium panattonianum) on lettuce. Prochloraz, chlorothalonil, and propiconazole were the most effective. No phytotoxic effects were observed in lettuce treated with either 0.23 g prochloraz/L or 1.15 g chlorothalonil/L, and both provided significantly better control than the recommended rates of mancozeb, propineb, and cupric hydroxide, widely used on lettuce in Australia. A mixture of prochloraz and chlorothalonil did not reduce the severity of anthracnose compared with either fungicide applied alone. Propiconazole at rates of 25 and 62.5 mg/L severely stunted plants, and this fungicide is not recommended for use on lettuce. Fungicides applied weekly were more effective than those applied on a 14-day schedule or those applied only after periods of leaf wetness. In most experiments unsprayed plants were severely diseased and weighed less than half of those treated with fungicides.
Glycine max (L.) Merr. (soybean) cv. Leichhardt
Authors: Lawn RJ , Imrie BC
Published: March 2005

No abstract availabl
Photoperiodic rhythm of wool growth and its contribution to seasonal wool production by the Merino, Polwarth, and their reciprocal crosses in southern Australia
Authors: Butler LG , Head GM
Published: March 2005

Twelve wethers of each of the Merino and Polwarth breeds and their reciprocal crosses were fed at1 of 2 levels in individual pens for 14 months. Periodic clean wool weight, yield, fibre diameter, and the coefficient of variation (CV%) for fibre diameter were measured from midside patches harvested every6 weeks.There was a significant effect of time of wool harvest on clean wool weight per cm2, yield, fibre diameter(all P<0.01), and its CV% (P<0.05). A trough in wool production occurred about August-September and a peak in January. The amplitude of the photoperiodic rhythm of wool growth (difference between maximum and minimum wool growth per cm2 per 42 days as a percentage of the average) was 40%. Yield also displayed a substantial photoperiodic rhythm, but that of fibre diameter was less pronounced. Mean staple strength was 32.3 N/ktex, the mean break occurring at a distance of 60% of the staple length from the tip; there was no effect of genotype or level of feeding. From comparison with published Tasmanian field data, the seasonal wool growth pattern of sheep at pasture appears similar to the photoperiodic rhythm but occurs about a month earlier. It was concluded that the photoperiodic rhythm of wool production of Tasmanian Merino-based breeds should not be a barrier to manipulation of wool quality (staple strength and fibre diameter) by nutritional management.
Energy and protein value of combinations of maize silage and red clover hay for ruminants, using adult sheep as a model
Authors: Margan DE , Moran JB , Spence FB
Published: March 2005

Four combinations of maize silage and artificially dried red clover were fed consecutively to adult wether sheep ad libitum and at a level designed to maintain liveweight. On a dry matter (DM) basis, the diets contained silage and clover at ratios 1 :0, 2: 1, 1:2, and 0:1. A fifth diet contained maize silage plus urea (as 1% of the silage DM). Energy, nitrogen (N), and carbon balances were measured at both feeding levels and while fasting. The maize silage contained 11 g N and 41 1 g cell wall organic matter/kg DM; corresponding values for red clover hay were 37 and 290 g. Energy and protein metabolisms were monitored on the 5 diets and were related to dietary N content. Feed intake and digestibility increased with the proportion of clover in the diet and, hence, with increasing dietary N content. Energy losses from methane and heat production did not differ among diets, whereas urine energy losses were smallest, and therefore, efficiencies of utilisation of metabolisable energy (ME) greatest, on the silage-only and silage + urea diets. Greater urinary N losses on the diets of 1 : 2 silage: clover and clover-only led to lower N balances at the same apparently digested N intake on these 2 diets. There were positive associative effects between the silage and clover for voluntary feed consumption; digestibilities of energy, N, and cell wall organic matter; and energy and N balances. A ratio of ME to digestible energy of 0.81 underestimated the content of ME in silage by 0.5 MJ/kg DM, yet overestimated it in clover by 0.4 MJ/kg DM. The ME value of the silage + urea diet (11.6 MJ/kg DM) was one of the highest reported in sheep for maize silage using indirect calorimetry.
Energy and protein value of lupin seed as a production ration or as a supplement for sheep fed chaffed wheaten hay
Authors: Margan DE
Published: March 2005

Lupin seed was evaluated as a supplement to cereal hay and as the sole component of a production ration, by measuring energy, nitrogen (N), and carbon balances in 4-6 adult wether sheep. Seven diets of different combinations of lupin seed and chaffed wheaten hay were fed in sequence to 4 sheep. The hay was offered as a restricted ration of 800 g/day with and without 100 g lupin seed/day, and ad libitum with and without 2 levels of lupin seed (100, 400 g/day). In addition, lupin seed alone was offered at near maintenance and ad libitum to 6 sheep. The dry matter (DM) content of the wheaten hay contained 7.7 g N/kg DM and 572 g cell wall organic matter (CWOM), and its gross energy (GE) value was 18.1 MJ/kg DM. The GE was 49% digestible, and its metabolisable energy (ME) value was estimated at 6.4 MJ/kg DM at ad libitum intake levels. Corresponding values for the lupin seed fed alone were 49 g N, 199 g CWOM, 20.1 MJ GE, 86% digestible energy, and 15.7 MJ ME/kg. Ad libitum intakes of wheaten hay were below that required to sustain energy maintenance, but total DM intake was increased substantially with 100 g/day of lupin seed supplement. At higher levels of supplementation some substitution did occur, although the response was variable. Methane production was reduced by increasing the level of lupin seed in the ration, but ME and heat (both expressed in relation to DE) and energy balance (expressed in relation to ME) could each be effectively described by single rectilinear relationships, suggesting that the energy value of lupin seed was similar if used as a production ration or as a supplement. Energy values of lupin seed fed alone compared favourably with published values for other leguminous seeds and some cereal grains. Net availability of ME for gain was estimated to be 61%. Urinary N loss, in terms of apparently digested N or available energy, was very high when lupin seed was fed alone, indicating that protein retention was low compared with legume forages of similar N and cereal grain (e.g. oats). Therefore, although leguminous seeds have rely high levels of protein and obvious potential as energy and N supplements, it may not be valid to presume they are ipso facto important sources of amino acids for ruminants. High energy availability and a low potential for protein deposition would imply a significant diversion of energy into fat with such diets.
Methods of feeding grain supplements and measuring their intake by adult sheep
Authors: Holst PJ , Curtis KMS , Hall DG
Published: March 2005

Grazing Merino wethers were given 4 consecutive treatments of lupin seed, alone and with oaten g r a i n , using 2 methods of supplementation: trailing over the ground, and stationary feeder. Intake of lupin seed was estimated from ytterbium (Yb) levels in faeces following 24 h during which seed labelled with Yb acetate was offered. Considerable variation in supplement intake was observed between sheep, whether the supplement was trailed (CV 47%) or offered from a feeder (CV 78% over 3 treatments). This was not associated with initial liveweight and should be considered when rations are being prepared. The Yb acetate marker technique was suitable for measuring intake of supplement under field conditions provided animals can be yarded for faecal collection.
Selection of perennial grasses as a component of legume-based pastures on light-textured soils in the dry tropics of Queensland
Authors: Hall TJ , Walker RW
Published: March 2005

Adaptation indices for introduced perennial grasses were derived for a site in the seasonally dry tropics of North Queensland to determine the suitability of grasses as a component of sown legume pastures. Grasses are required to replace native species that are intolerant of the heavy grazing pressure imposed on these legume-based pastures. Agronomic, production, morphological, and reproductive data on 143 accessions of 20 perennial grass genera were compared from 1983 to 1987. The grasses were grown in rows in a grazed Seca and Verano stylo pasture. The seed production potential of 40 Digitaria accessions grown in swards under irrigation was also assessed. The stoloniferous species Bothriochloa pertusa, Digitaria milanjiana, D. taatalensis, B. insculpta, and Urochloa mosamhicensis had the highest adaptation indices under continuous grazing. Digitaria accessions with the ability to produce appreciable viable seed were identified. Andropogon gayanus, a tussock species, had the highest yield and most spread in the first 2 years in the absence of wet season grazing. The potential of B. pertusa and D. milanjiana for stabilising legume pastures has been identified, and the need for wet season grazing management of tussock species has been shown. The range of genetic material in D. milanjiana requires further environmental evaluation.
Influence of lime rate and particle size on soil pH and vegetative and seed yields of subterranean clover in the South East of South Australia
Authors: Hodge TJV , Lewis DC
Published: March 2005

The effect of 2 rates (2, 4 t/ha) and 5 particle size grades of applied lime on vegetative and seed yields of subterranean clover on an acid siliceous sand in the South East of South Australia is reported. The movement of the lime down the soil profile was assessed through its effect on soil pH. Vegetative yield responses to lime were recorded in 4 of 5 harvests; there was a significant particle size x rate interaction at 2 harvests. When seed yield was significantly increased by lime application, the particle size treatments were not significantly different. Vegetative and seed yields were not increased by doubling the lime rate. Five years after mixing lime in the top 2.5 cm of soil, there was a significant particle size x rate x depth interaction for soil pH. Soil pH was significantly increased to a depth of 12.5 cm by the application of 4 t/ha of lime, with the finer lime particle sizes causing the greatest increase in soil pH at depth
Internal phosphorus requirements of six legumes and two grasses
Authors: Pinkerton A , Randall PJ
Published: March 2005

Critical phosphorus (P) values, both total (P,) and inorganic Pi, for the diagnosis of P deficiency were derived for a number of pasture species that are increasingly used in Australia. Trifolium balansae and Medicago murex, with T. subterraneum for comparison, were grown for 2 seasons in field experiments to which 7 rates of phosphate fertiliser were applied. The legumes T. balansae, M. murex, M. polymorpha, Ornithopus compressus, and Lotus pedunculatus, and the grasses Phalaris aquatica and Danthonia richardsonii, were grown in sand culture in glasshouse experiments and provided with nutrient solutions containing 6 rates of P (0.05-1.6 mmol/L). Diagnostic indices were derived for blades of the youngest open leaves (YOL) or youngest expanded blades, and for whole shoots. Critical Pt concentration in the YOL of T. balansae did not decline until full flowering and was the most stable indicator. The range of critical concentrations was 0.45-0.50% for both diagnosis of deficiency and prediction of seasonal yield. A Pi concentration of 150 mg/kg was critical for T. balansae during vegetative growth only. Critical concentrations in M. murex declined from an early stage, but a Pt concentration in YOL of 0.40% was the most useful indicator for diagnosis until flowering. The critical values for T. subterraneum agreed well with previously published data. Critical P concentrations in O. compressus were similar at 2 sampling times. For the remaining species, critical concentrations declined with time and it was necessary to know plant age when interpreting them.
Nodulation studies on legumes exotic to Australia: symbiotic relationships between Chamaecytisus palmensis (tagasaste) and Lotus spp
Authors: Gault RR , Pilka A , Hebb DM , Brockwell J
Published: March 2005

Strains of rhizobia were isolated from soil around the roots of tagasaste (Chamaecytisus palmensis) growing at 15 widely separated locations in south-eastem Australia. A further collection of strains of both Rhizobium loti and Bradyrhizobium sp. (Lotus) was assembled from 18 legumes including Lotus and other species symbiotically related to Lotus. The strains were used to inoculate tagasaste and 4 species of Lotus in experiments conducted under bacteriologically controlled conditions in a temperature-controlled glasshouse. Tagasaste formed nodules and fixed N2 with all of its homologous rhizobia but there was a wide range of effectiveness among the 15 strains. Tagasaste also formed nodules with each of the 18 strains from other species but fixed N2 with only 10. Four species of Lotus were inoculated with 3 tagasaste strains. One strain nodulated each species and fixed N2 with L. conimhricensis and L. corniculatus but not with L. parviflorus or L. pedunculatus. A second tagasaste strain formed nodules with all 4 Lotus spp. but did not fix N2, while the third nodulated only L. pedunculatus but did not fix N2. A pattern analysis based on the nodulating ability of the host plants in association with 21 strains showed that tagasaste and L. corniculatus formed 1 symbiotic group, and the other 3 Lotus species formed a third group. The pattern analysis procedure based on nodulating capacity of 21 rhizobial strains in association with the 5 host species indicated substantial symbiotic diversity within the collection, with the strains comprising 8 different symbiotic groups. No strain was highly effective on both tagasaste and any of the 4 species of Lotus. Data were insufficient to classify the root-nodule bacteria of tagasaste as either Rhizobium loti or Bradyrhizobium sp. (Lotus).
Effect of time of sowing on flowering in faba bean (Vicia faba)
Authors: McDonald GK , Adisarwanto T , Knight R
Published: March 2005

Sequential sowings of faba bean (Vicia faba) were conducted to examine the effect of sowing date and a vernalisation treatment on the phenology of a range of faba bean accessions. There was very little difference between accessions in the rate of germination. Delayed sowing increased the time to establishment, but the thermal time from sowing to emergence did not vary greatly. On average 208�C.day was required for emergence and the base temperature for germination was near 0�C for all accessions. The shortest time from emergence to first flower averaged over all sowing dates was 43 days for Accession 286 (range 29-52 days), and the longest was 73 days for Accession 863 (50-96 days). The greatest response to vernalisation occurred when the seed was sown in early autumn (April). When sown in late winter (August), however, there was little response to vernalisation despite the plants being exposed to higher mean temperatures. In that case, long and lengthening days partly overcame the vernalisation requirement of some cultivars. For the range of sowing dates normally expected in dryland crops in southern Australia, there was little effect of vernalisation on the time to flowering and the major controls of development were through responses to temperature and daylength. The range of maturity types in the current breeding program appears sufficient to extend the range of environments in which faba bean is grown.
Studies on alternative means of legume inoculation: appraisal of application of inoculant suspended in irrigation water (water-run inoculation)
Authors: Gault RR , Bernardi AL , Thompson JA , Andrews JA , Banks LW , Hebb DM , Brockwell J
Published: March 2005

Water-run inoculation is a novel means of inoculating crop legumes with species of Rhizobium or Bradyrhizobiunz. Inoculant suspended in irrigation water is delivered into the seedbed. This procedure may be apt for situations when a farmer has limited time to sow a large area and more conventional and timeconsuming means of inoculation may create a bottleneck during sowing. Field experiments with water-run inoculation of irrigated soybeans were conducted at 2 sites using furrow or flood irrigation. With furrow irrigation immediately after sowing, rhizobia-laden water had to infiltrate the soil laterally a distance of about 18 cm to reach the seed sown in single rows on hills (parallel ridges). With flood irrigation before sowing, water needed to percolate vertically only 5 cm to sowing depth. A peat inoculant of B. japonicum remained uniformly in suspension during flow of irrigation water over periods of 45 min and distances of 80 m from the point where the inoculant was introduced. With furrow irrigation on a poorly structured red brown earth, water-run inoculation applied at the normal (commercially recommended) rate did not initiate a satisfactory soybean symbiosis and was inferior to the more conventional methods, seed coat and seedbed inoculation. Rhizobial colonisation of seedling rhizospheres was limited, nodulation was sparse, and low numbers of B. japonicum re-established in the soil after harvest. Symbiosis was improved by higher rates of inoculation and was particularly enhanced in an area where the irrigation water ponded for 3-4 h allowing more time for the rhizobia-laden water to percolate the soil. With flood irrigation on a grey clay, an approximately normal rate of water-run inoculation induced an effective symbiosis especially when compared with lower rates of inoculation. Substantial populations of rhizobia developed in soybean rhizospheres, plant growth and nitrogen (N) content were enhanced, and higher levels of N2 fixation led to increased levels of N in the seed. We conclude that water-run inoculation is not an appropriate means of legume inoculation in furrow-irrigated systems on poorly structured soils but it may be a practical option for inoculation of crop legumes grown under flood irrigation.
Soil pH, extractable phosphorus, and exchangeable cations as affected by rates of fertiliser nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium applied over several years to Valencia orange trees
Authors: Sarooshi RA , Weir RG , Barchia IM
Published: March 2005

The long-term, annual application of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) to the drip area of Valencia orange trees growing in a Tiltao sandy loam soil in the Sunraysia district of the lower Murray was investigated for its effect on soil pH, Bray 1 extractable soil P, and exchangeable cations calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), K, sodium (Na), and aluminium (Al) at 5 soil depths.Nitrogen (applied as ammonium nitrate) generally lowered soil pH to a depth of 30 cm, the effect increasing with rate of applied N. At 20 cm depth, the highest rate of applied N (450 kg/ha) reduced soil pH from 7.6 to 3.9, while 150 kg N/ha resulted in a soil pH of 5.0. Consequently, levels of exchangeable Ca, Mg, K, and Na in the soil were lower. There was a strong negative correlation between soil A1 and soil pH. At soil depths of 10-30 cm, the highest rate of applied N resulted in high levels (>20%) of exchangeable A1 as a proportion of the effective cation exchange capacity (CEC). Available soil P increased with rate of applied P, but the effect decreased with depth. Significantly (P<0.05) increased levels of available P were found to 30 cm depth when P was applied at 30 and 90 kg/ha, and to 60 cm depth at 180 kg P/ha. At 180 kg P/ha, Ca from superphosphate decreased Mg to 60 cm depth. Soil K levels were higher with increased rate of applied K and increased soil depth. The highest rate of applied K (360 kg/ha) depressed available P to 90 cm depth. Exchangeable Mg, K and Na percentages of the CEC in most treatments and at most soil depths were above the desirable range. Soil Na levels for some treatments and depths approached the level for sodic soils.
The importance of pest and disease damage as a cause of commercial downgrading of apple fruit
Authors: Dodds KA , Penrose LJ , Bower CC , Nicol H
Published: March 2005

A 2-year study of downgrading and wastage in apples was part of a pest and disease control project in the Batlow district of New South Wales. Records were kept of specific reasons for rejection.One-third of the annual harvest was downgraded to grade 2, juice, or wastage. The main cause was physical damage (around 20%), especially due to bruising and injuries. Disease damage generally caused rejection of <1% of fruit, while insects generally damaged <5%. Other physical damage such as limb rub, sunburn, hail damage, russetting, and bitter pit accounted for most of the remaining downgrading.