bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of potassium in determining fruit quality of sweet orange
Authors: Moss GI
Published: March 2005

The causes of poor fruit quality, particularly high acid content, of oranges in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Areas (M.I.A.) were investigated. In a two year sand culture experiment, using Washington Navel orange cuttings, the fruit quality factor most affected by potassium nutrition was juice acidity, with low K levels resulting in low acidity, and thinner peel, In the second season the no potassium treatment also had some adverse effects on fruit quality. Regression analyses on data obtained from a long term citrus experiment showed that high leaf potassium was associated with high acidity in Washington Navel, and with low juice content, high acidity and thick peel in Late Valencia. High leaf P was associated with high juice content, low acidity, thin peel and, for Late Valencia, low sugar content also. Data obtained from Washington Navel fruit taken from nine farms in the M.I.A. were subjected to regression analyses. Rootstocks were rough lemon (eight farms) and sweet orange (one farm). Mineral contents of leaves and juice were correlated, but juice contents were more strongly correlated with quality. High levels of K in the juice were associated with high acidity, while high P levels were correlated with low acidity. High levels of P were associated with high juice content.
Changes in soil nitrogen following different establishment procedures for Townsville stylo on a solodic soil in north-eastern Queensland
Authors: Crack BJ
Published: March 2005

The effect of the legume Townsville stylo (Stylosanthes humilis) on soil nitrogen status was studied under mown plots with different conditions of establishment and fertilizer application on a solodic soil in north- east Queensland. Increase in soil total nitrogen 0-7.5 cm of 180 kg N per ha and total nitrogen accession (plant and soil) of 460 kg N per ha was measured over a four year period where the legume was sown into existing spear grass and fertilized with superphosphate at 375 kg per ha per year. Soil nitrogen increases did not occur until the pasture was legume dominant and main increases took place where superphosphate was applied. Under these conditions there was also a dry season accumulation of soil nitrate nitrogen.
Effects of liming on soil pH and manganese toxicity in a Goulburn valley pear orchard
Authors: Selimi A , Nickelson RR
Published: March 2005

The effects of low soil pH and its correction by liming on the performance of Josephine de Malines and Packham's Triumph pear trees, under irrigation conditions, in the Goulburn Valley were studied for 14 years. Under low soil pH conditions, Mn, Fe, and Al became more available in the soil, but the only element to be found in toxic quantities in plant tissues was Mn. Under these acid conditions, Josephine de Malines pears grew and yielded poorly and exhibited Mn toxicity symptoms in the form of internal bark necrosis and coarse fruit skin russet. Packham's Triumph pear trees were not affected adversely by acid soil conditions. When low soil pH was corrected to the desired level by lime applications, the Mn became less available in soil, its concentration in the plant tissue was reduced, and Mn toxicity symptoms largely disappeared.
A study on pollination of Packham's Triumph pears
Authors: Langridge DF , Jenkins PT
Published: March 2005

The availability of pollen for fertilizing Packham's Triumph pear flowers and its dispersal aerially and by honeybees was studied in the laboratory and in a pear orchard. Ripening and dehiscence of anthers were promoted by higher temperatures and lower relative humidities. More airborne pollen was in the orchard between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. than during the remainder of the day. Flight activity of bees was related to ambient temperature but not to visits to pear trees. Enclosing trees in beeproof cages did not cause significant effects on yield of fruit or seed counts. The apparent failure of bees to effect pollination of Packham's Triumph pear flowers is discussed.
Eucalyptus populnea shrub woodlands. Control of regenerating trees and shrubs
Authors: Moore RM , Walker J
Published: March 2005

In a Eucalyptus populnae shrub woodland, trees and shrubs more than 60 cm tall were killed by stem injections or basal stem applications of chemicals. Moody plants regenerated from seed following treatment of the original stand but numbers were fewer on plots sown to introduced grasses than on those sown to annual medics or left unsown. Intermittent heavy grazing with sheep controlled seedling regeneration of all woody species except the dominant tree, Eucalyptus populnae, and an unpalatable shrub, Pimelea pauciflora. After two years only 5 per cent (50 ha-1) of the trees and shrubs present at the commencement of grazing survived on plots sown to grasses and grazed intermittently by sheep. Burning two years after the application of the initial treatments reduced the number per hectare of the three most abundant shrubs, Eremophila mitchellii, Cassia nemophila, and Dodonaea viscosa, on ungrazed plots from 3665 to 90 ; the total number of trees was reduced from 4017 to 119 per hectare. Grazing after burning reduced shrub density to 55 per hectare. The results indicate the significance of heavy intermittent grazing by sheep for controlling shrubs that regenerate following thinning of Eucalyptus populnae shrub woodlands.
Control of lupin flower initiation by vernalization, photoperiod and temperature under controlled environment
Authors: Rahman MS , Gladstones JS
Published: March 2005

Controlled environment studies of the effects of vernalization, photoperiod, and growing period temperatures were carried out on selected cultivars of four annual Lupinus species. All responded to both vernalization and photoperiod to varying degrees, and in at least two there were indications of an additional effect of growing period temperatures specifically on flower initiation. Flower initiation in L. angustifolius was found to be controlled mainly by its vernalization requirement, with subsidiary control by photoperiod. In L. cosentini vernalization, photoperiod, and an acceleration of initiation by high temperatures all appeared to play important roles, with critical control by photoperiod under short days. L. luteus responded strongly to both vernalization and photoperiod, but long days were able to substitute for vernalization to a marked degree. The results are discussed in the context of the ecology of lupins and the breeding of new crop cultivars.
The effect of seed pretreatment with gibberellic acid on germination and early establishment of grain sorghum
Authors: Yen S-T , Carter OG
Published: March 2005

The effect of presoaking grain sorghum seed in gibberellic acid (GA,) on germination was studied in petri dishes at 10,15, and 20�C. There was no effect at 20�C, a slight stimulation at 15�C and a marked speeding up of germination at 10�C. Seed of grain sorghum presoaked in GA3 gave more rapid emergence in pots and in the field. Greatest acceleration of emergence occurred with early (September) sown sorghum when soil temperatures were lowest. Higher seedling mortality usually gave lower final plant stand .with GA3 ptesoaked seed. The fungicide thiram improved sorghum establishment specially at low soil temperatures and gave no interaction with GAS presoaking of grain sorghum seed.
Effect of stocking rate and liveweight on production from crossbred ewes
Authors: Russell HM , Blackburn AG
Published: March 2005

Clean wool and dressed meat production from Border Leicester x Merino ewes mated with Southdown rams were measured for three years in an experiment conducted in Central Victoria. Improved pastures stocked at 9.9, 11.1, 12.3, 13.6, 14.8, 16.0 and 17.3 ewes per hectare were continuously grazed except for a period of seven weeks after the opening autumn rains. For this period the ewes were restricted to one-sixth of their plot areas and fed a supplement. Mean minimum or maximum liveweight of the ewes was closely associated with wool and meat production in each year. Maximum liveweight was more closely associated with production in the drought affected season and minimum liveweight in the other seasons. Wool production per ewe and average rate of liveweight gain for lambs decreased as stocking rate increased.
The value of protein content of sorghum grain in pig diets
Authors: Beames RM , Daniels LJ , Sewell JO
Published: March 2005

In three experiments, a total of 112 pigs were individually fed sorghum grain-soybean meal diets based on either high protein grain (10.9 to 13.3 per cent crude protein, air dry basis) or low protein grain (6.5 to 7.4 per cent crude protein, air dry basis). Soybean meal was incorporated in the diets at four levels-16.6, 13.8, 10.7, and 7.4 per cent. In experiment 1 the experimental diets were fed from weaning to 86 kg liveweight. In experiment 2 the experimental diets were supplied from weaning to 45 kg liveweight with a common standard diet being provided from 45 kg liveweight to slaughter, In experiment 3 a common standard diet was supplied from weaning to 45 kg liveweight. The experimental diets were commenced at this liveweight and continued until slaughter. Level of protein in the grain had no significant effect on growth rate or feed efficiency in any experiment, but in experiment 2 the mean eye muscle index of the pigs receiving the high protein sorghum diets was significantly greater than that of the pigs receiving the low protein sorghum diets. As level of soybean meal in the diet decreased, there was a general tendency for growth rate and feed efficiency to decrease. In experiment 1, growth rate and feed efficiency were lower in pigs receiving the 10.7 and 7.4 per cent soybean meal diets, but only prior to a liveweight of 45 kg. In experiment 2, each reduction in level of soybean meal resulted in a reduction in growth rate and feed efficiency prior to 45 kg liveweight. There was no difference between groups from 45 kg to slaughter, when all pigs received the same ration. In experiment 3, which commenced at 45 kg liveweight, growth rate and feed efficiency were reduced only when the level of soybean meal was lowered to 7.4 per cent.
Relations between fibre and water soluble carbohydrate contents of pasture species and their digestibility and voluntary intake by sheep
Authors: Michell PJ
Published: March 2005

Neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) levels were determined on 80 samples of known apparent dry matter digestibility (DMD) and voluntary intake of dry matter (DMI). The pastures consisted of regrowths of six species: Trifolium repens (white clover cv. Grasslands Huia), Lolium perenne x L. multiflorum (short rotation ryegrass c.v Grasslands Manawa), Lolium perenne (long rotation ryegrass cv. Grasslands Ariki), Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass cv. Tasmania No. I), Dactylis glomerata (cocksfoot cv. Currie) and Dactylis glomerata (cocksfoot cv. Grasslands Apanui), cut eight times between May 1969 and August 1970. Overall, white clover had a lower NDF and a lower WSC content than the ryegrasses but both groups had similar ADF contents. Cocksfoots had higher NDF and ADF, and lower WSC contents than the ryegrasses. NDF and ADF could be used to predict the DMD of all species in all seasons with residual standard deviations (RSD) of 3.0 and 3.2 DMD units (per cent) respectively. No significant relations (P < 0.05) were present between DMD and WSC content. Seasonal differences were present in the relations between DMI and chemical composition. The RSD of the overall regressions of intake with NDF, ADF, and WSC contents were 9.3, 9.4, and 8.9 DMI units (g/day/kg0.75) respectively. Within seasons, DMI was best predicted by regressions with detergent fibre content and here the RSD had a range of 3.4 to 5.2 DMI units. Within species over all seasons, DMI was predicted best by regressions with WSC content and the RSD had a range of 5.7 to 7.9 DMI units. The usefulness of the chemical composition measurements in explaining the reason for the low intakes, previously found with winter pasture, is discussed.
The effect of defoliation and sward density on the growth of some annual pasture species
Authors: McIvor JG , Smith DF
Published: March 2005

The comparative production from pure and mixed swards of capeweed (Arctotheca calendula), subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), and annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) grown in containers was measured over a 12-week period. Densities of one to 64 plants dm-2, and clipping frequencies of two- and four-weekly intervals and no defoliation were combined factorially. Plant survival decreased as density rose for all swards. More frequent defoliation increased the survival of capeweed and clover in mixed swards and capeweed in pure swards. In both pure and mixed swards, capeweed produced the most herbage at low densities, but this advantage was not maintained at the highest density in undefoliated swards when ryegrass was the most productive. Increased defoliation reduced root weights. The treatments only affected the root : shoot ratios of capeweed grown at high densities-clipping at four-week intervals gave higher ratios. In the mixed swards, capeweed content declined and clover and ryegrass content increased as density was increased. Capeweed content was little altered by defoliation, but subterranean clover increased and ryegrass decreased with more frequent defoliation.
Competitive growth of capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) and some annual pasture species
Authors: McIvor JG , Smith DF
Published: March 2005

A comparison of the relative growth rates (RGR) of plants of capeweed (Arctotheca calendula), subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) under high soil fertility conditions showed capeweed to have a higher RGR in the early weeks of growth, offsetting the effect of smaller seed size. However, when grown in mixed swards with the clover, under conditions of high NPK and water availability, capeweed did not readily suppress clover growth. If the capeweed and clover began growth together, clover growth was reduced by associated capeweed only after twelve weeks of growth, and then only slightly. If the capeweed was established four weeks before the clover there was a marked reduction of clover growth at the harvest eight weeks after the clover was sown. The results suggest that 'smothering' of clover by capeweed through competition for light is unlikely in grazed pastures in southern Australia.
Effect of wax coatings containing diphenylamine on apples and pears during storage and ripening
Authors: Farooqi WA , Hall EG
Published: March 2005

Wax coatings containing diphenylamine (DPA) reduced weight loss from apples and pears in storage, kept the fruit firmer and greener, improved its external appearance and significantly reduced rates of respiration and ethylene production. In addition they reduced the incidence of superficial scald and other storage disorders. The preferred wax concentration for practical application to apples was 8 per cent total solids (ca. 6 per cent wax) as higher concentrations tended to produce off-flavours, particularly during holding at 20�C after cool storage. Waxing of pears prevented normal ripening at 20�C, and so cannot be recommended as a storage aid for this fruit.
Correction - Importance of the timing of chlorfenvinphos and fenitrothion sprays for the control of corbie and winter corbie in Tasmania
Authors: Hardy RJ
Published: March 2005

Two field trials, one each on the insecticidal control of corbie (Oncopera intricata Walker) and winter corbie (O. rufobrunnea Tindale) were conducted in Tasmania in 1968 and 1969 respectively and the results are presented and discussed. In both trials chlorfenvinphos at 46, 69 and 92 g active ingredient (a.i.) ha-1 and fenitrothion at 131 164, and 196 g a.i. ha-1 were applied at three times. All treatments significantly reduced larval numbers. The effectiveness of the sprays was not directly influenced by the incident of rain or temperature. In both trials the later sprays reduced numbers more than earlier sprays. However, it was notable that there was considerable natural mortality in the untreated plots during the experiments. It is concluded that chlorfenvinphos and fenitrothion are suitable replacements for DDT in the control of corbie and winter corbie. However, when chlorfenvinphos is used against heavy populations of small larvae the rate of application should be higher than that used later in the season against larger larvae and care should be taken to ensure that the pasture is short at the time of spraying.
Selection of cultivars for soft wheat quality. 1. Tests for softness in flour
Authors: Moss HJ , Goodchild NA , Edwards CS
Published: March 2005

Cultivars are not always placed in the same order in respect of soft wheat quality when grain from different trials is examined. This is largely because the relative importance of the underlying components varies from place to place and from year to year. The hydrophilic components-damaged starch, protein, and fibrous material-are the principal features limiting soft flour quality as they affect water absorption, flour colour, and cookie spread. Of the tests most commonly applied to flour, the water absorption as measured by the Brabender Farinograph appears to provide the most useful single test for soft flour quality.
Xanthomonas translucens on Japanese millet (Echinochloa crus-galli var. frumentacea)
Authors: Moffett ML , McCarthy GJP
Published: March 2005

A Xanthomonas sp. was isolated from a bacterial streak disease of Japanese millet Echinochloa crus-galli var. frumentacea leaves. The isolates were found to be distinct from two isolates of X. holcicola on the basis of comparative biochemical tests and pathogenicity on the gramineous hosts wheat, barley, oats, rye, prairie grass (Bromus unioloides), sorghum, and maize. The Japanese millet organism was identified as X. translucens. Host studies also indicated that the organism could be a race of X. translucens f. sp. cerealis.
Wool production, ground cover and botanical composition of pastures grazed by Merino wethers in central western New South Wales. 2. Barrel medic pasture
Authors: Brownlee H
Published: March 2005

Two grazing experiments were performed between 1965 and 1969 at the Agricultural Research Station, Condobolin, to determine the carrying capacity of Jemalong barrel medic (Medicago truncatula) pasture. In each experiment the pasture was set stocked with Merino wethers at 3.1, 4.1 and 6.2 ha-1. An additional treatment stocked at 6.2 ha-1 was included in which two-thirds of the pasture area was saved during autumn or periods of feed shortage while stock were confined to the other one-third. In both experiments the pasture supported 3.1 wethers ha-1 under set stocking for three years with little supplementary feeding and regenerated successfully each year. No major changes in botanical composition were recorded, and Jemalong medic remained the major component of the pasture. Autumn saving at 6.2 ha-1 mitigated the effects of the high stocking rate on both animal and pasture, but did not result in worthwhile animal production increases.
Phosphorus nutrition of beef cattle. 3. Effect of supplementation on the phosphorus content of blood and on the phosphorus and calcium contents of hair and bone of grazing steers
Authors: Cohen RDH
Published: March 2005

The effect of phosphorus supplements of 35 and 70 g per head per week on the calcium and phosphorus contents of bone and hair and on plasma inorganic phosphorus levels of steers was compared with those of unsupplemented steers which grazed carpet grass (Axonopus affinis) pasture of low phosphorus content at Grafton, New South Wales. The supplements had no effect on plasma inorganic phosphorus concentration. Hair phosphorus content was not affected by either dietary phosphorus or season. Hair calcium was not influenced by pasture calcium but was related to season, with highest levels in summer and lowest in winter. Supplementation increased the amount of phosphorus in dry fat-free rib-bone (P < 0.05) but this effect was not apparent in the first three months of supplementation. The amount of calcium in bone (Y) was influenced by pasture calcium content (X1) and bone phosphorus content (X2). This relationship was described by the equation: Y = 51.0 + 140.81X1 - 3.33X2(R2 = 0.71; P < 0.001) It is suggested that bone phosphorus levels below 14.3, 13.5, and 12.7 per cent of dry fat-free bone may represent a phosphorus deficiency state in 15-27-month-old steers when pasture calcium levels are 0.18, 0.15, and 0.12 per cent respectively. Further, when estimates of the calcium status of beef steers are made from measurements of bone calcium content, corrections should be applied for bone phosphorus content. It is concluded that measurement of bone phosphorus and calcium provides the most sensitive indication of the phosphorus and calcium status of beef cattle and that when phosphorus supplementation has no effect on liveweight of beef steers its effect on mineralization of bone tissue may justify its use, particularly in areas where poor bone development and lameness occur.
A comparison of the effects of autumn deferment and continous grazing on the growth of an annual pasture
Authors: McIvor JG , Smith DF
Published: March 2005

The effects of deferred autumn grazing on a pasture comprising nearly equal proportions of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) and annual grasses were measured over two growing seasons. Autumn deferment increased the survival of capeweed seedlings in both years and of clover in one year but had little effect on the annual grasses. Although there was more herbage present on the deferred plots in early winter, under later set stocking at normal levels by spring the amount of herbage present, plant density, botanical composition and seed numbers were similar on all plots. The accumulation of herbage under deferred grazing caused an elevation of shoot apex height in capeweed, but not in clover. When combined with subsequent intensive grazing, the number of capeweed plants surviving to flowering was sharply reduced. However, this management also resulted in a reduction in herbage production in spring.
Seeding rate, time of sowing and fertilizers for subterranean clover seed production
Authors: Quinlivan BJ , Devitt AC , Francis CM
Published: March 2005

In two experiments in successive years on a sandy soil in Western Australia, seed production of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) when sown as a commercial crop was greatly influenced by time of sowing, phosphate rates and seeding rate. Early (April) sowing, high phosphate (up to 600 kg ha-1) and higher seeding rates (up to 24 kg ha-1) all increased seed set but the major effect was that of earliness of sowing. Time of sowing interacted with phosphate rates, the time of sowing differences being only fully expressed at high phosphate rates. Artificial nitrogen applied had a significant effect on seed yield in one of the trial years.
Effect of waterlogging on the growth of annual Medicago species
Authors: Francis CM , Poole ML
Published: March 2005

Nine annual Medicago species, including several lines of each, and three cultivars of Trifolium subterraneum were tested for sensitivity to waterlogging in a glasshouse experiment. The Medicago species were generally more sensitive to waterlogging than T. subterraneum, but there were large differences between species, and in some instances between lines of the one species. The most tolerant species were M. polymorpha, M. arabica and M. intertexta. The most sensitive were M. scutellata, M. tornata and M. minima.
Gross energy levels in regrowths of six pasture species, and relations with digestibility and chemical composition
Authors: Michell PJ
Published: March 2005

Gross energy levels and energy digestibilities were determined on 80 single species pasture samples of known dry matter digestibility. Crude protein, ash and ether extract levels were also determined. The pastures consisted of regrowths of six species, Trifolium repens (White clover cv. Grasslands Huia), Lolium perenne x multiflorum (manawa ryegrass cv. Grasslands Manawa), Lolium (multiflorum x perenne) x L. perenne (ariki ryegrass cv. Grasslands Ari ki), Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass cv. Tasmanian No. 1), Dactylis glomerata (currie cocksfoot cv. Currie) and Dactylis glomerata (apanui cocksfoot cv. Grasslands Apanui), harvested eight times between May 1969 and August 1970. The gross energy levels in pasture dry matter and pasture digestible organic matter were highest with white clover (means 4.64 and 4.98 K cal g-1) and lowest with the ryegrasses (4.50 and 4.80 K cal g-1). They were also higher in the winter (4.60 and 4.91), autumn (4.53 and 4.90) and spring (4.56 and 4.86), and lower in the summer (4.49 and 4.77). Relations between gross energy levels and chemical composition were weak. The strongest relation was with crude protein content (r = +0.41, P < 0.01). Relations of energy digestibility and digestible energy level in pasture dry matter, with dry matter digestibility had high correlations (r = +0.97, P < 0.01, and r = +0.92, P < 0.01) and were similar to previously published relations. However, seasonal differences occurred in both relations and, at low dry matter digestibilities, winter pasture had higher energy digestibilities and higher levels of digestible energy than spring-summer pasture. Species differences occurred in the latter relation and, at high dry matter digestibilities, white clover had higher levels of digestible energy than the grasses.
Utility of a simple soil water budget model in agronomic research. 2. Estimates of available soil water in relation to profile changes of soil water content and potential
Authors: Fawcett RG , Carter OG
Published: March 2005

A study was made of the effects of plant density, time-of-sowing and level of fallow water on profile changes in soil water content and potential during the growing season of spring wheat. The pattern of soil moisture extraction was affected by all treatments although water depletion occurred chiefly in the 0-90 cm zone. The results are discussed in relation to limitations of a simple soil water budget model and to wheat cropping on the north-west slopes and plains of New South Wales.
An assessment of the nutrient status of soils in northern East Gippsland
Authors: Spencer K , Govaars AG
Published: March 2005

Likely nutrient disorders were identified in an omission-type pot trial with white clover. The soils, taken from four virgin sites, were developed on the four main parent materials in the area, viz., tuff, basalt, shale, and granite. All were deficient in phosphorus and sulphur; three were deficient in molybdenum (the exception was the granitic soil), but only the granitic soil was deficient in copper. No other nutrients were deficient or in toxic amounts for clover growth, but oats responded to nitrogen on all four soils. The variability between soils sharing similar parent materials was studied in four easily defined suites by interpreting the analysis of 12 samples from each suite. Soils derived from acid volcanic rocks were consistently moderately acid, deficient in P, S, and Mo but variable in K and Cu status. Soils derived from basalt were typically less acid than those of the previous suite, had a wide range in P, K and Mo status, contained adequate Cu, but were consistently deficient in S. Soils derived from sedimentary rocks were typically moderately acid, consrstently deficient in P, S and Mo, but were variable in K and Cu status. The granitic soils ranged from moderately acid to neutral in reaction, had a wide range in P status and K status, were consistently deficient in S and often in Mo or Cu. The phosphorus sorption capacity was consistently low in the granitic soils but very variable in the other suites. Estimates of the amount of phosphorus required as a corrective dressing in the field suggest consistently low requirements by the granitic soils (10-30 kg P ha-1) whereas requirements ranged up to 120 kg P ha-1 in the other suites.
Soil physical properties and root concentrations in an irritated peach orchard
Authors: Richards D , Cockroft B
Published: March 2005

The root concentrations of irrigated peach trees were measured under three soil management treatments (cultivation, bare soil, and straw mulch) and at three different sites across the tree rows. The study was made in a typical Goulburn Valley soil where roots mass in the shallow A horizon above the heavy clay of the B horizon. Root concentrations were related to soil water suction, aeration, and mechanical resistance. The root concentration was influenced by the site rather than soil management treatment. The treeline bank contained 60 per cent of all surface soil roots, apparently due to its open, stable structure. In contrast, the hard traffic line supported very few roots. The inter-row contained less roots than the tree line for reasons which differed according to soil management treatment.
Cool storage and post-storage treatment of strawberry runners for summer planting
Authors: Little CR , Kroon KH , Proctor RG
Published: March 2005

Winter dug strawberry runners of the cultivar Red Gauntlet were stored in sealed or ventilated polyethylene bags at -2.2�C for 63 months. After storage and before planting, runners received post storage treatments at 256�C. Crown and root growth occurred where treatment duration at 25.6�C exceeded two days. This did not adversely affect vigour in the field after planting, but did reduce fruit yield in the autumn crop. Pre-storage benomyl dusting reduced mould infection after cool storage and before planting. Crown and root growth and weight loss was reduced where runners were contained in sealed polyethylene bags, and significantly higher fruit yield was subsequently obtained from these treatments.
Effect of time of sowing on flowering and growth of Townsville stylo (Stylosanthes humilis)
Authors: t Mannetje L , Bennekom KHLvan
Published: March 2005

A midseason maturity type of Townsville stylo sown at monthly intervals throughout a year in a glasshouse in Brisbane (27�30' south) started flowering from 42 to 76 days after sowing between February and September, with dry matter yields at flowering ranging from 0.05 to 5.82 g/per plant. Sowings between October and January resulted in flowering after 98 to 157 days, with yields ranging from 26.41 to 54.75 g/per plant. Flowering was mainly determined by daylength, although low temperatures during winter delayed inflorescence elongation. Growth after onset of flowering was measured in plants sown in winter, spring and late summer. Plant weights increased after flowering in all sowings. In the spring sowing this consisted entirely of stem and inflorescence, but in the other sowings leaf was formed after onset of flowering as well. Winter and spring sowings gave the highest, late summer sowing the lowest final yields. The main agronomic implication is that sowing early in the growing season is necessary for obtaining a good first year's yield, but that seed production is little affected by sowing date, ensuring good regeneration even in years with a late start of the growing season.
Effects of gibberellic acid on fruit, 'hen and chicken' condition, and vine development in the following season of Waltham Cross grapes
Authors: Stannard MC , Peterson JR , Sproule RS
Published: March 2005

Three experiments were conducted to assess the effects of GA on Waltham Cross grapevines. In the first-at Coomealla-a bunch dipping experiment-larger berries were produced and bunch weight was increased from 426 g to 840 g by dipping in a 10 p.p.m. solution and to over 1000 g with 40 or 160 p.p.m. at full bloom. The percentage of seeded berries was reduced from 97 per cent to 29, 14, and 10 respectively by these treatments. Later treatments were less effective. The two other experiments-one at Griffith and one at Coomealla-involved spraying whole vines at 10 and 20 p.p.m. Effects were much less clear cut, bunch weight was sometimes reduced and at Griffith the 'hen and chicken' condition was accentuated. In the year following whole vine treatment, serious crop losses were recorded as a result of failure of buds to burst. Bunch number per vine was reduced from 52 to as few as 11.4 where 20 p.p.m. had been applied at the shatter stage. Abnormal shoot development was also apparent.
Factors affecting weaning weight of beef cattle in a tropical environment
Authors: Seifert GW , Rudder TH , Lapworth JW
Published: March 2005

Age corrected weaning weights from a commercial property in central Queensland were analysed by the least-squares method. The breeder herd composition varied from low to high grade Brahman cross cows, and Belmont Red, Brahman, Droughtmaster, Hereford and Santa Gertrudis bulls were used in a rotational crossbreeding programme. Age of dam had the largest effect on weaning weight. Cows 11 years and older, produced calves 36 kg heavier than 2-year-old cows. Breed of sire effects were highly significant (P < 0.005), with the Belmont Red sired calves being heavier than Brahman, Hereford, Santa Gertrudis and Droughtmaster sired calves. Day of birth had a significant effect on weaning weight representing an extra 0.14 � 0.04 kg per day of age. Over the whole group, heifer calves were 4.2 per cent lighter than steers, but this varied according to the breed of sire ranging from 9.6 to -0.5 per cent.
The effect of protein content of wheat grain on its nutritive value in pig diets
Authors: Williams KC , Beames RM
Published: March 2005

In two experiments pigs were individually and restrictively fed from approximately 24 to 83 kg liveweight. The diets consisted of wheats of varying protein content supplemented with four levels of soybean meal. In experiment 1, wheats of 19.2 per cent and 11.5 per cent crude protein were compared and in experiment 2, the per cent crude protein content of the wheats was 14.9 and 13.1. Average daily gains, feed conversion ratios and carcase characteristics were not significantly affected by source of wheat in experiment 1, whereas in experiment 2, the 14.9 per cent protein wheat resulted in average daily gains and feed conversion ratios significantly superior to the 13.1 per cent protein wheat. Average daily gains and feed conversion ratios in both experiments and carcase quality in experiment 2 improved with increasing level of soybean meal supplementation. The interaction of wheat source x soybean meal level was significant only for backfat thickness in experiment 2. The level of soybean meal at which backfat thickness significantly increased was 6 per cent and 3 per cent with wheats of 14.9 per cent and 13.1 per cent protein respectively. The observed growth performance and carcase quality between the wheats fed appeared to be unrelated to the determined essential amino acid content of the wheat.
Effect of an associate grass, cutting interval, and cutting height on yield and botanical composition of Siratro pastures in a sub-tropical environment
Authors: Jones RJ
Published: March 2005

Plots of Siratro and Siratro plus Nandi setaria were cut every 4, 8, 12 or 16 weeks at either 7.5 cm or 15.0 cm above ground over three years. At the end of three years plant density and the residual effect of treatment on yield over ten weeks in spring and summer were measured. The yield of Siratro was reduced by about 30 per cent when grown with Setaria (4.04 and 2.86 t ha-1/yr-1). But total annual yield was increased at all cutting intervals, by an average of 4 t ha-l when the grass was included (1 0.6 and 6.6 t ha-1yr-1). Siratro yield increased by an average of 225 kg ha-l yr-1 for each week extension of the cutting interval. Associated with this increase was a decline in weed yield and an increase in the percentage of Siratro. Cutting at 15 cm reduced total yield by 2.44 t ha-1 yr-1 compared with cutting at 7.5 cm, but only reduced Siratro yield at the 12 and 16 week cutting intervals. In the plots cut to 7.5 cm every four weeks Siratro declined in yield over three years and was replaced by invading white clover. Siratro density was reduced in the grass-legume plots to one third of that in the corresponding legume plots. In both pastures, Siratro density increased linearly as cutting interval increased but was not affected by cutting height. Grass density also increased linearly with cutting interval up to 12 weeks but then declined sharply when cut every 16 weeks. This decline was attributed to the very heavy shading by the associated Siratro. There were large residual effects of cutting interval on total and Siratro yield which were associated with plant density and plant vigour.
Suppression of wheat seedling establishment by maneb
Authors: Kuiper J
Published: March 2005

Seed of eight wheat cultivars dusted at 2 g kg-1 with the new bunticide maneb (75 per cent) was compared for possible phytotoxicity with seed dusted with phenyl mercuric acetate (1.5 per cent Hg), previously used for bunt control, and with untreated seed. Maneb and PMA did not affect field establishment when the seed was sown two months after treatment. Field establishment of all cultivars was reduced when dusted seed was stored for more than one year. The reduction was greater with maneb-treated seed than with PMA-treated seed except for the cultivar Summit, which was more susceptible to PMA. Cultivars varied in their susceptibility to maneb: Eagle was most affected, giving less than 50 per cent establishment compared with untreated seed. Grain yields, 1000-grain weights, and hectolitre weights, however, were not reduced. It is concluded that prolonged storage of seed treated with maneb should be avoided and that prospective commercial wheat cultivars should be tested for tolerance to current bunticides.
Pruning and trellising trials with the Vitis vinifera cultivars Shiraz and Semillon under irrigated conditions
Authors: Peterson JR , Turkington CR , Evans JC
Published: March 2005

Two trellises (single wire and 37 cm wide 'T') and four pruning methods were compared on irrigated Shiraz grapevines, Vitis vinifera at Griffith. The pruning treatments were 'spur', 'rod and spur', 'hare's ear' and 'cane' pruning. Similar trellises and 'spur' and 'cane' pruning were compared on the vigorous cultivar Semillon. Yields were generally increased as node numbers increased. Thus 'T' trellises outyielded single wire trellises for each cultivar. There was no evidence of bud fruitfulness or photosynthetic capacity being increased by the 'T' trellis. Cane pruning generally produced larger crops in the early years of the experiments, but over all years there was little difference between pruning systems on individual vine yields. Cane pruning simply offered a means of increasing the node numbers of young vines. It is concluded that spur pruning, as the cheapest, is the most desirable method although cane pruning may be necessary in the future for mechanical harvesting.
Correction - Integrating sheep and wheat production: effect of substituting wheat production for pasture on the wool production of wethers
Authors: Cannon DJ
Published: March 2005

The wool production and liveweight of Corriedale wethers was measured when both stocking rate and the proportion of land to wheat and pasture varied. The nominal stocking rates (R) were 6.8, 8.6, 10.5, 12.4 and 14.2 wethers ha-1, and the proportion sown to wheat was 0, 15 or 30 per cent. Clean wool production per head declined linearly with increase in stocking rate and the proportion of land sown to crop. Generally both maxima and minima liveweights declined with increase in cropping and minima liveweights with increase in stocking rate. The effect of cropping on wool production was attributed to the increased stocking rate on the uncropped portion of land during the period when the cropped area was unavailable to grazing. 'Average' stocking rates per ha (S) were calculated on the basis of the proportion of land to crop and the fraction of the year stubbles were available for grazing. S was found to be a more useful measure of stocking rate than R, in a system of dual use of land.
The role of sulphur in maintaining lucerne yields in the Lockyer Valley
Authors: Dickson T , Asher CJ
Published: March 2005

Results of a long-term field experiment at Gatton in the Lockyer Valley of south-eastern Queensland showed that sulphur fertilizer was necessary for the maintenance of high production in irrigated lucerne stands. A single application of 125 kg S ha-1 was effective in maintaining vigorous growth of lucerne for five years, and an application of 250 kg S ha-1 maintained stand vigour for nine years. No advantage of smaller more frequent applications was demonstrated. Flowers of sulphur, gypsum and superphosphate were equally effective as sulphur carriers. In addition to maintaining stand vigour and reducing weed invasion, application of sulphur raised both the sulphur and the nitrogen content of forage. However relationships between yield and sulphur content, and yield and N : S ratio in the forage were too variable from harvest to harvest to permit precise detection of sulphur deficiency by means of plant analysis.
Response of subterranean clover to rock phosphates as affected by particle size and depth of mixing in the soil
Authors: Alston AM , Chin KW
Published: March 2005

Samples of Christmas Island and Florida rock phosphates with different particle size ranges were applied to a phosphorus-deficient acid sandy soil. The rock phosphates were compared with monocalcium phosphate at various levels of addition of phosphorus. The fertilizers were mixed uniformly with either the top 1, 5, or 10 cm of the soil. Dry matter yield and phosphorus uptake in the tops of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and the distribution (by weight) of the roots in the soil were determined. Monocalcium phosphate produced higher dry matter yields (tops and roots) than rock phosphates, even when the latter were applied in amounts containing four times the amount of phosphorus added as monocalcium phosphate. The concentration and uptake of phosphorus in the tops was also higher when monocalcium phosphate was applied, although the difference in concentration decreased as the plants matured. Dry matter yield and phosphorus concentration in the clover tops were increased by increasing the fineness of grinding of rock phosphate and by increasing the depth of mixing with the soil. Increasing the depth of mixing also produced a greater weight and more even distribution of roots. The yield of tops and roots was unaffected by the depth to which monocalcium phosphate was mixed, although shallow placement concentrated the distribution of the roots near the soil surface. Florida rock phosphate was a better source of phosphorus for subterranean clover than Christmas Island rock when the samples were coarsely ground, but both rocks were equally effective when ground to give 70 per cent < 100 mesh B.S.S.
Chilling requirements of the apple cultivar Stoke Red
Authors: Thompson WK , Nichols DG , Jones DL
Published: March 2005

Trees of the apple cultivar Stoke Red were chilled at temperatures between 2�C and 10�C for periods up to 3000 hours. Extension growth and budbreak increased with increasing hours of chilling and decreasing temperatures. The cultivar was shown to require more chilling than is provided by southern Victorian winters.
Management of lucerne for sheep grazing on the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales
Authors: McKinney GT
Published: March 2005

Eight whole-farm systems of managing lucerne pasture were compared at one high (near optimum) stocking rate of breeding ewes. These systems were continuous grazing (C), a 2-paddocks (2P), two 3-paddocks (3P), three 6-paddocks and one 12-paddocks rotations. Pasture density, yield and composition were almost solely dependent on spelling time. Maximum lucerne density was maintained when spelling times averaged more than 50 days over the year. Near maximum contributions of annual grasses were achieved when spelling times were less than 45 days. Therefore, to optimize persistence of important pasture components a 'minimum spelling time' policy is suggested. This time ranges approximately from 53 weeks in summer to 8 weeks in winter. Animal production appeared to depend on botanical composition and the extent to which lucerne stem was allowed to develop. Where lucerne failed to persist, or spelling times were long, liveweight gain was low over summer. Thus production was lower on C and 12P respectively, than other systems, and 2P and 3P gave the best overall production.
Cereals for winter grazing on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales
Authors: Lovett JV , Matheson EM
Published: March 2005

In field experiments conducted over three years at Armidale, New South Wales, the total winter forage production by barley, oats, wheat and rye was similar. However, barley and rye tended to outyield wheat and oats at early harvests, the reverse applying at late harvests. It is suggested that these characteristics of the cereals could be exploited to meet specific seasonal requirements for dry matter production more effectively than is possible with a single species. Response to high seeding rates in forage production was similar in all cereals and was confined to a late sowing. Significant differences in in vitro digestibility over the winter period were recorded and differences were also apparent in subsequent grain yield.
Rearing dairy beef calves by multiple suckling. 1. Effects of liveweight change, onset of oestrus and post-weaning milk production
Authors: Kaiser AG
Published: March 2005

Three experiments were conducted to study the effects of multiple suckling during early lactation on liveweight change, the interval to first postpartum oestrus, and post-weaning milk production of cows. The effects of liveweight change and butterfat production during the first six weeks of lactation on the interval to first postpartum oestrus in milked cows were studied in a fourth experiment. Multiple suckling caused greater liveweight loss in suckled cows during the first six months of lactation and stimulated postweaning milk production in two out of three experiments. Multiple suckling also delayed the onset of first postpartum oestrus. In experiment 4 the correlations of liveweight change and butterfat production with interval to first postpartum oestrus were low and non-significant. As suckled and milked cows received the same nutritional treatment, these results indicated that suckling per se, rather than nutritional effects, was the likely factor responsible for the delay in first postpartum oestrus in multiple suckled cows. A possible relationship between the stimulatory effect of suckling and plane of nutrition, and the application of the multiple suckling system to the dairy farm situation are discussed.
Grazing time and pattern of grazing of Friesian cows on a tropical grass-legume pasture
Authors: Cowan RT
Published: March 2005

Grazing time and pattern of grazing were recorded for 40 milking Friesian cows grazing a Panicum maximum var. trichoglume-Glycine wightii cv. Tinaroo pasture at stocking rates of 1.3, 1.6, 1.9 and 2.5 cows ha-1. These measurements were taken during summer and winter in a tropical upland environment. In a second experiment the effect on grazing time of feeding 4.5 kg crushed maize cow-1 day-1 was assessed using 16 milking Friesian heifers grazing P. maximum var. trichoglume-G. wightii cv. Tinaroo pasture at a stocking rate of 1.3 cows ha-1. Daily grazing time was similar at approximately 600 minutes in summer and winter, though in summer cows reduced day grazing and increased night grazing time. Reduction in day grazing was closely associated with daily maximum temperature. Grazing patterns showed a lower percentage of cows grazed during the middle of the day in summer than in winter and a higher percentage of cows grazed throughout summer nights than during winter nights. There was some evidence of a positive relationship between grazing time and milk yield. No significant relationship between pasture yield and grazing time was established. Feeding 4.5 kg maize cow-1 day-1 reduced grazing time per day by approximately 15 per cent.