bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propagation of some woody Australian plants from cuttings
Authors: Dawson IA , King RW
Published: March 2005

For successful propagation of some woody Australian plants by cuttings it was beneficial to dip the lower 2 cm of the stem in an ethanolic solution of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). For Chamelaucium uncinatum (Geraldton wax), 90% of cuttings rooted following treatment with the optimal IBA dose of 4000 mg/L for 40 s, while non-treated cuttings rooted poorly or not at all. After 21 days each rooted cutting had formed 4.2 � 0.4 roots, with each root having an average length 42.5 � 3.2 mm. Powder formulations of 3 g IBA/kg talc (0% rooting after 21 days) or a commercial preparation containing 0.05 g �-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 0.02 g indole-3- acetic acid (IAA)/kg (30% rooting after 60 days) were less effective. When rooting was rapid, with extensive root formation within 3 weeks, >90% of cuttings survived transplanting. Rapid rooting required the bottom heat of the propagator to be run at 25-30�C when air temperature was maintained at 20�C. Rooting was good (85%) for cuttings taken from parent plants grown at 24/19�C (day/night) and 18/13�C but was less (43%) for cuttings taken from plants grown at 30/25�C. Propagation is usually less successful where the stem is woody rather than young and fleshy; parent plant condition, therefore, will have some effect on propagation success. Sixteen other woody Australian species examined also rooted well when propagated with a quick dip in a solvent-IBA mix and had a similar positive response to root-zone warming.
Maize silage as a supplement for pasture-fed dairy cows in early and late lactation
Authors: Stockdale CR
Published: March 2005

Eight experiments were conducted over 2 years with 92 lactating dairy cows individually fed various combinations of irrigated perennial pasture and maize silage in an indoor feeding facility. Responses to different amounts of maize silage and pasture in early and late lactation were measured. Daily pasture intake ranged from 6.2 to 12.4 kg dry matter (DM)/cow, while maize silage intake ranged from 0 to 12.4 kg DM/cow. The marginal return to feeding maize silage at up to 5 kg DM/cow.day to cows in early lactation eating about 7 kg DM/day of pasture as their basal ration was 0.89 kg extra milk for each kg DM maize silage eaten. In late lactation, this was reduced to 0.63 kg milk/kg DM. Milk yield responses to maize silage at both stages of lactation were lower at higher levels of pasture feeding. Although milk fat content was maintained over a wide range of maize silage, feeding large quantities of maize silage in early lactation was detrimental to milk production. The likely explanation for poor animal performance at the high levels of maize silage was dietary protein insufficiency.
Effect of selection for wool growth on seasonal patterns of yield, fibre diameter, and colour in Romney lines
Authors: Wuliji T , Weatherall IL , Andrews RN , Dodds KG , Turner PR , Wheeler R
Published: March 2005

Seasonal wool growth and associated wool characteristics were measured in a Romney line selected for high fleece weight and an unselected control line in 1990 and 1991. Both had a significant (P<0.01) decline in wool growth rate in winter compared with summer. The wool growth rate advantage (P<0.001) of the selected line over the control averaged 19 and 33% for ewes, and 24 and 36% for hoggets, in summer and winter, respectively. Staple strength, yield, and fibre diameter differences were closely associated with wool growth. Colour analysis showed no difference between lines in either brightness (Y) or yellowness (Y - Z). However, both the Y and Z values were lower in spring and summer, while Y - Z was highest in summer. The results suggest that selection for high fleece weight also improves major wool characteristics and reduces the relative winter wool growth decline in Romneys.
Evaluation of cobalt pellets for sheep
Authors: Judson GJ , Woonton TR , McFarlane JD , Mitsioulis A
Published: March 2005

Vitamin B12 concentrations were measured in plasma and liver, and cobalt (Co) concentrations determined in faeces, of sheep given intraruminal Co pellets with or without steel grub screws (grinders). The Co pellets contained 30 or 60% by weight Co oxide (Co3O4). Sheep were maintained on pasture at 2 sites in the South East of South Australia in an area where sheep have been shown to respond to Co supplementation. All pellets, apart from one given without a grinder, maintained above-adequate vitamin B12 concentrations in liver (>200 nmol/kg wet weight) and plasma (>400 �mol/L) for 1 year. In the second year, some pellets containing 30% Co3O4 failed to maintain adequate vitamin B12 concentrations in the liver of sheep at 1 site when untreated sheep were at risk of seasonal Co deficiency (liver vitamin B12 concentrations <100 nmol/kg wet weight). Under these circumstances, a more recently formulated pellet containing 30% Co3O4, when given with a grinder, maintained adequate vitamin B,? status of sheep for 3 years. The 'traditional' pellet containing 60% Co3O4 increased vitamin B12 concentrations to high normal values (in plasma >I500 pmol/L, in liver >200 nmol/kg wet weight) for at least 3 years. Pellets containing 30% Co3P4 may only prevent Co deficiency for 1 year, depending on the source of the pellets.
Mineral balance of sheep fed pasture, tagasaste, or tagasaste with a mineral supplement
Authors: McGowan AA , Mathews GL , Moate PJ
Published: March 2005

Eighteen young sheep (average weight 34 kg) were fed about 750 g DM/day of green pasture, freshly harvested tagasaste, or tagasaste supplemented with minerals [phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na)], for 18 days in metabolism cages. The in vivo digestibility of the pasture was significantly greater than that of the tagasaste (730 v. 674 g/kg); the digestibility of the supplements plus tagasaste (651 g/kg) was similar to that of the tagasaste alone. The daily intake of N, P, S, K, Ca, Mg, and Na was less for sheep on the unsupplemented tagasaste diet than on the pasture diet. Retention of minerals by the sheep was similar on all diets, except that there was greater retention of P and S on the pasture diet. Mineral supplementation did not increase retention of any mineral.
Assessing sulfur status in lupins and wheat
Authors: Robson AD , Osborne LD , Snowball K , Simmons WJ
Published: March 2005

The effect of sulfur (S) supply on growth and S distribution within lupin and wheat plants was studied in a glasshouse experiment using pots containing 11 lupin or 15 wheat plants in 6 kg soil. Shoot growth and grain yield increased with increasing S supply, and both species produced maximum grain yield at 60 mg S/pot. Wheat yielded a lower percentage of maximum grain yield than lupin where no S was applied. Sulfur concentrations in all shoot parts increased with increasing S supply in both wheat and lupins. In wheat, S concentrations decreased with increasing plant age. At all rates of S, concentrations in old leaves were higher than in the youngest leaves. In lupins, S accumulated in stems when supply was adequate but decreased markedly with S deficiency and plant age. Concentrations in other parts of lupins generally did not change with plant age. Sulfur concentrations in the youngest open leaf blades were higher than those in old leaves at all rates of S. For lupins, critical S concentrations in the young leaves (0.28%), stems (0.07%), and whole shoots (0.15%), and the critical nitrogen (N) to S ratio in young leaves (22), are likely to be valid as diagnostic indices for S deficiency as they do not appear to be affected by plant maturity. In contrast, critical S concentrations (0.14-0.31% S) and N to S ratio (9-19) in young leaves of wheat plants changed sharply with plant age; neither is useful as a diagnostic aid unless the maturity of the plant in known. Field surveys were conducted in the agricultural regions of Geraldton and Dowerin in Western Australia to investigate the incidence of S deficiency in lupin and wheat crops. Sulfur concentrations in lupins and wheat from Dowerin were higher than those sampled at Geraldton. Lupin crops from both regions and wheat from Dowerin had an adequate S supply. Of the wheat sampled at Geraldton, 36% was deficient or marginal in S.
Influence of foliar-applied fungicides on seed yield of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in northern New South Wales
Authors: Marcellos H , Moore KJ , Nikandrow A
Published: March 2005

The effects of 5 foliar-applied fungicides on seed yield of faba bean (Vicia faba) cv. Fiord were studied over 3 years at Tamworth in northern New South Wales. In 2 seasons when the diseases chocolate spot (Botrytis fabae) and rust (Uromyces viciae-fabae) were significant, 5 applications of foliar fungicides after flowering increased yield, by up to 1.6 t/ha in 1990 and nearly 0.9 t/ha in 1992, compared with the unsprayed treatment.Mancozeb, dichlofluanid, and tebuconazole were the most effective fungicides for preventing yield reduction, and vinclozolin and procymidone had little or no effect. Mancozeb and tebuconazole were effective in reducing the severity of both diseases, whereas procymidone was only active against chocolate spot. Differences between the most effective fungicides when applied 5 times or twice (at early and mid flowering) were seldom significant. Seed yields following 2 applications of tebuconazole were significantly higher than from 1 application, but for mancozeb, 2 applications were better than 1 in 1992 only. It was estimated that rust accounted for most of the yield loss in 1990 and 1992, and did so mainly by reducing seed size. Application of mancozeb early and during late flowering provided an effective and economical increase in grain yield in 1990 and 1992.
Effect of pollen parent and stages of flower development on almond nut production
Authors: Vezvaei A , Jackson JF
Published: March 2005

Pollination of the Nonpareil almond cultivar at 6 successive stages (days) of flower development showed that flowers are more fertile when newly opened than at other stages of development. This occurred using pollen from 17 almond cultivars. Pollen from IXL Seedling was incompatible with Nonpareil. Pollen from 8 cultivars was compared for proportion of pollinated Nonpareil flowers setting nuts and for quality of nuts produced. There were significant differences in proportion of flowers setting nuts, but no significant differences in physical and chemical traits of nuts produced. Pollen from cvv. Peerless, Fritz, Keane, and Price set highest numbers of nuts; Grant, Mission, and Ne Plus Ultra set intermediate numbers; and Carmel set the lowest numbers on Nonpareil. Comparing 5 pollen donors on cvv. Price and Keane female recipients, pollen from Keane produced nuts on Price that were significantly heavier than the others. Pollen donors did not influence kernel weight of nuts set on Keane. Ne Plus Ultra pollen was incompatible with Price.
Lucerne reduces soil moisture and increases livestock production in an area of high groundwater recharge potential
Authors: Crawford MC , Macfarlane MR
Published: March 2005

A grazing experiment was conducted on an area with high groundwater recharge potential in northeastern Victoria from 1988 to 1992. Merino wether weaners were grazed on either lucerne (Medicago sativa) or a pasture consisting of annual species (Trifolium spp., Lolium rigidum, Vulpia bromoides, Hordeum leporinum) at 5.0, 8.75, or 12.5 wethers/ha. Lucerne pastures were rotationally grazed and annual pastures were set-stocked. Measurements included herbage mass, lucerne plant density, sheep liveweight, wool production and fibre diameter, and soil moisture potential. Herbage mass in both pasture treatments decreased with increasing stocking rate, but at 12.5 wethers/ha, lucerne herbage mass was significantly (P<0.001) greater than annual pasture herbage mass. Sheep liveweight showed similar trends. On annual pastures, wool production per sheep decreased with increasing stocking rate, whereas on lucerne, it was maintained as stocking rate increased from 8.75 to 12.5 wethers/ha. Mean wool production per ha on lucerne pasture was 14.5, 23.5, and 32.1 kg for 5.0, 8.75, and 12.5 wethers/ha, respectively, and on annual pasture it was 13.8, 21.7, and 24.8 kg. Supplementary feeding was needed on annual pastures every year at the high stocking rate. On lucerne pastures, it was unnecessary except for 3 weeks in 1991. Soil moisture under lucerne was less than under annual pasture, indicating that lucerne used more water than the annual pasture and created a larger soil water deficit, thus leading to potentially less groundwater recharge. In this environment, lucerne could be productively stocked at 12.5 wethers/ha, whereas annual pastures were less productive and could only be stocked at 8.75 wethers/ha. Furthermore, lucerne was more effective at using soil water and reducing the potential for groundwater recharge.
Sulfur requirements during early growth of Trifolium balansae, Trifolium subterraneum, Medicago murex, and Phalaris aquatica
Authors: Pinkerton A , Randall PJ
Published: March 2005

Sulfur (S) requirements for early growth were determined for 3 legumes (Trifolium balansae, T. subterraneum, Medicago murex) and 1 grass (Phalaris aquatica). Plants were grown in sand culture in a glasshouse and supplied with nutrient solutions containing 6 rates of S (1-32 �g/mL). Legumes were supplied with nitrogen (N) at 168 �g/mL, and phalaris with 28 or 168 pg N/mL. Plants were sampled twice, the second sampling coinciding with flowering of the legumes. Diagnostic indices [total S (St), HI-reducible S (sulfate-S), oxidised S (S6+)], and ratios (sulfate-S/St, S6+/St) were derived for whole shoots (WS), youngest open leaves (YOL) of legumes, and youngest expanded blades (YEB) of the grass. The largest responses to S by the legumes were made by balansa clover and murex medic, which both outyielded subterranean clover, but subterranean clover was the most efficient user of S and had the lowest external S requirement. Concentrations of S6+ were always higher than concentrations of sulfate-S, but the 2 were highly correlated and much lower than St. No S fraction or plant part sampled was consistently superior as an indicator of S status. The larger relative increases and sharper breaks in gradient of the relationships between yield and sulfate-S or S6+ compared with St were offset by their greater relative variability. All indices were subject to Piper-Steenbjerg effects, although these did not seriously affect the critical values. Critical values of St and S6+ in YOL, St in WS of balansa clover, and S, and S6+ in WS of subterranean clover changed little up to 60 days after sowing, but it was necessary to know plant age when assessing the S status of murex medic or phalaris. Critical concentrations of S, in phalaris were little affected by N supply, but critical concentrations of sulfate-S and S6+ were higher with 28 than 168 �g N/mL. Critical values for subterranean clover agreed well with previously published data.
Resistance in annual Medicago species to Phoma medicaginis and Leptosphaerulina trifolii under field conditions
Authors: Barbetti MJ
Published: March 2005

Advanced breeding lines and potential new cultivars of annual Medicago species were screened for resistance to phoma leaf and stem disease (caused by Phoma medicaginis) and pepper spot (caused by Leptosphaerulina trifolii) in the field, and their performances were compared with appropriate control cultivars. Medicago murex had the best overall disease resistance of the Medicago species tested. There were large differences between varieties in the incidence of both diseases. Based on end-of-season scores, the most resistant to phoma leaf disease included M. murex cv. Zodiac and SAR 3490, M. tornata SA10012, and M. truncatula cv. Parabinga, with scores 52.8 on a 0-10 scale (0, nil disease; 10, >90% leaves affected). On the basis of area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), the most resistant to phoma leaf disease, with AUDPC values of <157, included all M. murex varieties except 87FB2.30, and M. truncatula cv. Caliph. Based on end-of-season scores, the most resistant to phoma stem disease, all with scores c4, included M. murex cv. Zodiac, SAR 3490, and 87F01.48; M. sphaerocarpos cv. Orion (SEP 29.1), SEP 29.2, and SEP 30.3; and M. tornata cv. Tornafield and SA10012. Resistance to phoma stem disease in these lines was confirmed by AUDPC values, especially for M. murex cv. Zodiac, SAR3490, and 87FO1.48, and for M. tornata SA10012, with values <154. Based on end-of-season scores, the most resistant to pepper spot leaf disease included M. polymorpha cvv. Serena and Circle Valley, with scores 52.8. On the basis of AUDPC, all M. murex varieties except SAR3490 and 87FO1.5 could be included among those most resistant to pepper spot leaf disease, with AUDPC values <275. Coumestrol levels in stems ranged from 117 to 1420 mg/kg DW, with lowest levels (5330 mg/kg) in M. murex cv. Zodiac, 87FO 1.48, and GRC 87; M. sphaerocarpos cv. Orion (SEP 29.1), SEP 29.2, and SEP 26.2.1; M. tornata cv. Tornafield; and M. truncatula Z601. There was positive correlation between the severity of phoma disease on stems and end-of-season (September-November) coumestrol concentrations.
Soil organic matter changes and crops responses to fertiliser under conservation cropping systems in the semi-arid tropics of North Queensland, Australia
Authors: Cogle AL , Littlemore J , Heiner DH
Published: March 2005

Soil organic matter changes due to cropping in the semi-arid tropics were studied in an area with cropping potential. Soil organic carbon and total nitrogen (N) decreased after clearing and tillage, but decline was less where pasture-crop rotations were used. Crop N removal was high and exceeded the recommended fertiliser N rate. These results suggest that if cropping expansion occurs, careful management the is necessary for long-term productivity and land resource protection.
Critical nitrate-nitrogen and total nitrogen concentrations for vegetative growth and seed yield of Linola (edible-oil linseed) as affected by plant age
Authors: Hocking PJ
Published: March 2005

Edible-oil linseed (Linola, CSIRO Australia) was grown in a sand culture experiment in a glasshouse to develop tissue tests for assessing the nitrogen (N) status of the crop. Seven rates of N, provided as nitrate, were used to obtain critical N concentrations. Plants were tissue-tested at 3 developmental stages: early tillering (TL), flower buds visible (BV), and the start of flowering (SF). Suitable tissues for tests based on nitrate-N were the upper half of the main stem and the whole main stem. Leaves were unsuitable as their nitrate-N concentration was unresponsive to N supply until well above the rate for maximum growth. For tests based on total N, suitable tissues were upper stem, upper leaves, total stem, total leaves, and whole shoot. Critical N supply rates for vegetative growth at TL, BV, and SF, respectively, were 85, 145, and 145 mg/L. The critical N supply rate for seed yield was 65 mg/L. Excessive N supplies (350, 700 mg N/L) reduced both seed oil percentage and seed yield. Critical nitrate-N concentrations in fresh, upper stem tissue for vegetative growth decreased from-0.26 to 0.16 mg/g fresh weight (FW) between stages TL and BV. A critical nitrate-N concentration for seed yield could only be obtained for fresh stem tissue at TL, and this value was 50% lower than that for vegetative growth. Critical nitrate-N concentrations [mg/g dry weight (DW)] in dried stem tissue for vegetative growth at TL, BV, and SF, respectively, were 2.3, 1.7, and 0.7 (upper stem); and 2.1, 1.1, and 0.6 (whole stem). Critical nitrate N values (mg/g DW) for seed yield at TL, BV, and SF were 1.1, 0.8, and 0.3 (upper stem); and 1.0,0.7, and 0.2 (whole stem). Critical total N concentrations (% DW) for vegetative growth at TL, BV, and SF, respectively, were 3.0, 2.3, and 2.2 (upper stem); 5.3, 5.8, and 4.5 (upper leaves); 2.2, 1.7, and 1.6 (whole stem); 5.5, 4.9, and 4.5 (total leaves); and 4.5, 3.1, and 2.7 (whole shoot). Corresponding total N values (% DW) for seed yield at TL, BV, and SF, respectively, were 2.9, 2.2, and 2.0 (upper stem); 5.2, 4.8, and 4.3 (upper leaves); 2.1, 1.4, and 1.4 (whole stem); 5.2, 4.4, and 4.2 (total leaves); and 4.3,2.8, and 2.6 (whole shoot). The upper stem is the preferred tissue when testing for nitrate-N, and the whole shoot is the most convenient tissue for total N. Tissue testing for N status of Linola needs to be matched closely to plant age or stage of development because of the decline in critical N concentrations between early tillering and flowering.
Effect of sampling time and leaf position on leaf nutrient composition of Protea 'Pink Ice'
Authors: Maier NA , Barth GE , Cecil JS , Chvyl WL , Bartetzko MN
Published: March 2005

Seasonal fluctuations in the concentrations of 12 nutrients were assessed over 3 years for Protea 'Pink Ice' in 3 plantings in the Mount Lofty Ranges of South Australia. Nutrient concentrations in youngest fully expanded leaves (YFEL) generally showed strong seasonal trends, reflecting seasonal vegetative and flowering patterns. During May-August and December-February, YFEL concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), sulfur (S), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) were relatively stable, making these suitable times for sampling. The effects of sampling error and leaf position were also determined. The error associated with our sampling procedure was within acceptable limits (coefficients of variation 45%) for N, P, K, Ca, magnesium (Mg), Na, S, and boron (B). Differences in nutrient composition between YFEL and YFEL - 1, YFEL - 2, YFEL + 1, YFEL + 2, and YFEL + 3 were of little practical significance. Nutrient removal by flowering stems and concentrations of nutrients in different fractions (bloom, stem + leaves, axillary shoots) of flowering stems were determined for each site. Nutrient concentrations in flowering stems were generally lower than in leaves. Nitrogen concentrations in axillary shoots and K concentrations in blooms were significantly higher than in other fractions. For preferred sampling times, seasonal trends showed that concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Na, S, Cu, and Fe were fairly stable over May-August. Similarly, concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, S, Zn, and Mn were relatively stable during December-February, after completion of the spring vegetative flush.
Mortality, wastage, and lifetime productivity of Bos indicus cows under extensive grazing in northern Australia. 1. Seasonal mating in the speargrass region
Authors: O'Rourke PK , Fordyce G , Holroyd RG , Loxton ID
Published: March 2005

Mortality and wastage rates and lifetime productivity for seasonally mated, Bos indicus cows were studied over 8000 cow year records from 1972 to 1992 at Swan's Lagoon in the subcoastal speargrass region of North Queensland. The proportional hazards model was used to estimate age-specific mortality and wastage rates, adjusted for cohort and genotype effects. The 1970-72 cohorts had an average mortality of 1.7% (range 0-4.2%), with this low overall rate tending to increase with age. The average mortality rate for the 1973-87 cohorts was 1.2% (range 0.5-2.6%), with no pattern with age. For 1970-72 cohorts, the average wastage rate was 8.9% and ranged from 2.1 to 18.3% with no clear age pattern. However, there was a clear age pattern for the 1973-87 cohorts, with an average wastage rate of 9.2% comprising very high rates (27.5%) for 2-year-olds and low rates (2.8-8.9%) for 3-7-year-olds, increasing to 11.9% for 8-year-olds and 14.2% for 9-year-olds. The heifer replacement rates to maintain a stable herd size were 17.5 and 19.2% for the 2 herds. Lifetime productivity was very low, with 1970-72 cohorts rearing 3.3 calves over 4.7 years at a rate of 57.5% calves per year, and 1973-87 cohorts rearing 3.1 calves over 4.9 years at a rate of 45.0% calves per year. Total weaner weights reared up to 10 years of age were 578 kg for 1970-72 cohorts and 315 kg for 1973-87 cohorts. However, variability between individual cows was high, indicating scope for selection based on productivity, provided that better performing cows can be identified from predictors early in life.
Mortality, wastage, and lifetime productivity of Bos indicus cows under extensive grazing in northern Australia. 2. Continuous mating in the semi-arid tropics
Authors: O'Rourke PK , Sullivan RM , Neale JA
Published: March 2005

Mortality and wastage rates and lifetime productivity were studied over 4800 cow years from 1981 to 1990 with continuous mating and minimal management in the semi-arid tropics at Kidman Springs, Northern Territory. The proportional hazards model was used to estimate age-specific mortality and wastage rates, adjusted for cohort effects. Annual breeder mortality rate averaged 11.5%, with similar rates in the range 9.0-12.0% for 2-9-year olds, increasing to 15.5% for 10-year-olds, 17.9% for 11-year-olds, and >20% for older cows. A further 20.8% of the cows that calved failed to rear the calf to branding. Wastage included mortalities and physical culls but minimal discretionary culls based on reproductive performance or maximum age. The wastage rate averaged 16.7%, ranged from 11.1 to 14.4% for 2-9-year-olds, increased to 21.1% for 10-year-olds and 34.3% for 11-year-olds, and exceeded 50% for older cows. The heifer replacement rate to maintain a stable herd size was 16.3%. Typical lifetime productivity up to 10 years of age in this harsh north-western environment was 3.1 calves reared over a lifetime of 6.5 years in the breeding herd, at a rate of 44.5% calves per year. Timing of first pregnancy was identified as a useful predictor of lifetime productivity when overall productivity was low. Cows that were lactating as 2-year-olds reared 4.0 calves in their lifetime up to 10 years of age, cows pregnant at this age reared 3.2 calves, and non-pregnant cows reared only 2.6 calves.
The effect of protein supplements on the production and composition of milk from dairy cows fed high levels of grain with pasture silage in early lactation
Authors: Valentine SC , Bartsch BD
Published: March 2005

Milk production and composition were measured for 42 days in 76 Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle in early lactation fed a 3 : 1 barley-lupin grain mixture with protein supplements of lupins, meat meal, blood meal, or cottonseed meal. The crude protein content of all grain-protein supplement mixtures was 21%. The cows were fed 9 kglday of the grain-protein supplement mixtures, and perennial ryegrass-subterranean clover pasture silage was available ad libitum. When data from all cows were analysed, no significant differences were recorded in the production and composition of milk from cows fed the different protein supplements. However, analysing only data from those cows producing >25 L/day, there was a significant (P<0.05) difference in the production per day by cows fed blood meal (29.6 L milk, 0.81 kg protein) compared with those fed lupins (27.0, 0.76), meat meal (26.9, 0.75), or cottonseed meal (27.6, 0.75). The rate and extent of degradation of nitrogen in the protein supplements incubated in dacron bags in the rumen of steers was significantly (P<0.05) less for blood meal than for the other protein supplements. Under the conditions of this experiment, blood meal was a more suitable protein supplement than lupins for the production of milk and milk protein in dairy cows in early lactation producing >25 L milk/day.
Accumulation and dissipation of dieldrin in mature wethers in the south-west of Western Australia
Authors: Albertsen TO , Casey RH , Croker KP
Published: March 2005

The concentrations of dieldrin in body and wool fats of wethers grazed on 6 dieldrin-contaminated sites in the south-west of Western Australia were monitored over 2.5 years. Soil and pasture concentrations of dieldrin, a legacy of previous horticultural activities at these sites, were also measured. The concentrations of dieldrin in the soils varied from about 0.2 to 1.7 m a g . The production of the pastures at all sites showed a typical Mediterranean pattern with peak production in spring. The quantity of dry matter available ranged from <1000 kg/ha during summer-autumn to 10000 kg/ha in spring. In some samples the concentration of dieldrin in the dried plant material was above the accepted limit of 0.01 m a g for fresh material, but there were decreases over spring because of the substantial increase in the amount of dry matter available. The concentrations of dieldrin in the body and wool fats of the wethers increased during the winter and peaked at the start of spring, with the highest mean concentrations (mg/kg) in 1989 of 0.09-1.10 in body fats and 0.07-0.63 in wool fats. During spring the concentrations decreased and were at relatively low levels at the start of summer, with mean concentrations (mg/kg) of 0.02-0.72 in body fats and 0.01-0.18 in wool fats. Detailed results from 2 sites are discussed: Carbunup, with poorly structured loam soil; and Donnybrook, with good loam soil. On paddocks contaminated with dieldrin, production of wool with low concentrations of dieldrin is possible. If sheep grazed on contaminated paddocks are to be slaughtered, they should be sold in late spring, when concentrations of organochlorines in body fat should be low, or they should be run on uncontaminated land for about 2 months before their sale for slaughter.
Pigmentation relationships among young Merino sheep and their processed wool
Authors: Fleet MR , Foulds RA , Pourbeik T , McInnes CB , Smith DH , Burbidge A
Published: March 2005

This paper reports the relationships between isolated pigmented fibres in hogget Merino fleeces, the levels of pigmented fibres in processed wool from these fleeces, and changes in various types of visible pigmentation in young sheep. The sheep sampled were hogget Merinos classed within paternal groups on the basis of indicators of isolated pigmented wool fibres in the fleece, forming 17 batches of fleeces processed to top (combed sliver). There was a strong correlation (r > 0.95) between the counts of pigmented fibres from measurement of the raw wool and the top. The concentration of pigmented fibres in top was at least equal to that found in the raw wool grid sample. Most of the pigmented fibres removed from the tops were assessed as having the potential to cause problems in wool processing. Sheep with pigmented leg fibres had greater amounts of other types of visible pigmentation than sheep without pigmented leg fibres, at 1 or more stages from birth to 18 months. There were also differences in agerelated changes in pigmentation associated with presence or absence of pigmented leg fibres. Presence of pigmented leg fibres was the best indicator of isolated pigmented wool fibres in the fleece and processed top; however, this positive relationship was evident only in progeny of sires with a high degree of expression of leg fibre pigmentation. In this sample of sheep, which were crutched to remove urine stain, classing based on leg fibre pigmentation alone was sufficient to keep the levels of pigmented fibres below the often-quoted upper limit of 100 dark fibres/kg for tops used for products in which dark fibres affect acceptability. Other types of pigmentation were also associated but provided little additional indication of isolated pigmented fibres in the fleece. Pigmented leg fibres will be readily discernible at crutching and shearing.
Evaluation of Stylosanthes hamata (L.) Taub. accessions for livestock and crop enterprises in subhumid Nigeria
Authors: Tarawali SA
Published: March 2005

Stylosanthes species have featured prominantly in the forage evaluation programme at Kaduna in the subhumid zone of Nigeria. This paper describes the evaluation of an Australian collection of 163 S. hamata accessions using small plot observations, agronomic trials, and assessment of the effects of selected accessions on maize production. Accessions comparable, or superior, to S. hamata cv. Verano, which is currently used for pasture developments, include ILCA 15876 (CPI 110073) and ILCA 15868 (CPI 110063), both of which remained greener in the dry season and had higher biomass yields.
A cost-based index of anther culture response in diverse wheat-breeding germplasm
Authors: Ling DC , Luckett DJ , Darvey NL , Ding XL
Published: March 2005

Anther culture response in a diverse range of Australian wheat-breeding genotypes was tested and expressed as a 'culturability index' based on the actual costs of the various laboratory procedures. When the delay from harvest to plating was up to 12 h, the use of low dose gamma irradiation did not increase the anther culture response in this array of genotypes. This is in contrast to previous findings for which spike harvesting, irradiation, and plating was completed within 3 h and the irradiation treatment increased the anther culture response. Internal contamination of immature spike explants with Fusarium poae caused significant loss of cultures and may be a persistent problem for cereal anther culture. For the genotypes producing green regenerants, costs ranged from $A1.40 to $85/green regenerant.
An isotope injection technique to measure agronomic effectiveness of different phosphate sources in undisturbed soils
Authors: Di HJ , Harrison R , Campbell AS
Published: March 2005

This paper describes the use of an isotope injection technique for assessing the agronomic effectiveness of phosphate sources in undisturbed soils in field and glasshouse experiments. A special injection apparatus consisting of 20 syringe needles linked to a common reservoir was used to label soil cores 150 mm in diameter and 150 mm in height, without significantly disturbing the soil structure and established perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) root patterns. Variations in the amount of phosphorus (P) taken up by plants from single superphosphate (applied at 30, 60, and 100 kg P/ha), from 30% acidulated North Carolina phosphate rock (60 g P/ha), and from 'as received' North Carolina phosphate rock (60 kg P/ha) were indicated by the specific activity of the plant P. Percentages of plant P derived from the fertilisers were calculated on the basis of the specific activity of the fertilised treatments and the controls. The technique provides a simple method of comparing the agronomic effectiveness of phosphate sources in undisturbed soils and, unlike total dry matter yield and P uptake, is relatively unaffected by environmental factors.
Controlled traffic to increase productivity of irrigated row crops in the semi-arid tropics
Authors: Braunack MV , McPhee JE , Reid DJ
Published: March 2005

The tropical environment generally allows 2 crops/year to be grown. Controlled traffic has been suggested as a means of improving soil conditions, which may also lead to increased crop yield. A field trial at Millaroo Research Station, North Queensland, on a cracking clay (Entic Chromustert) studied the effect of controlled traffic (in conjunction with direct drilling and tillage) and conventional ridging on soil properties and crop yield. Maize (Zea mays L. cv. Hybrid 50) was grown as the winter crop and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Canapolis] as the summer crop. With few exceptions, there was no significant difference between any pair of treatments in sowing line water content, bulk density, aggregate size distribution, seedling emergence, mean time of seedling emergence, and final yield. Differences that did occur between crop cycles were due to climatic variation. Cone index measurements indicated no lateral spread of compaction from the traffic lanes in the controlled traffic system to the soil in the plant growth area. Under the ridged area, however, it appeared that a plough pan began to develop just below the depth of tillage. Although no marked benefit in soil properties or plant yield resulted from controlled traffic, it was possible to grow 2 crops/year for the duration of the experiment. In one season, only the controlled traffic treatments could be planted, due to unsuitable conditions for seedbed preparation. Double cropping under conventional cultivation systems is unreliable, due to the limited opportunity for seedbed preparation at the beginning of the wet season and the large number (up to 8) of operations required to prepare a seedbed. Controlled traffic, restricting soil compaction to the traffic lanes, is a system that helps to maintain a zone more favourable for plant growth, as indicated by the cone index measurements.
Leaf chemical composition and nutrient removal by stems of Leucadendron cvv. Silvan Red and Safari Sunset
Authors: Cecil JS , Barth GE , Maier NA , Chvyl WL , Bartetzko MN
Published: March 2005

Chemical analysis was used to determine the concentrations of 12 nutrients in youngest fully expanded leaves (YFEL) of Leucadendron cvv. Silvan Red and Safari Sunset at 2 sites in the Mount Lofty Ranges. Leaves were sampled every month for 3 years, commencing in July 1990. The leaf nutrient data were used to define seasonal nutrient trends, thereby identifying the most suitable time for leaf analysis; to determine the magnitude of the differences in leaf nutrient composition between Leucadendron cultivars, and between Leucadendron and Protea hybrids; to calculate total nutrient removal by harvested stems, which can be used to formulate maintenance fertiliser programs; and to determine the correlations between nutrients. The seasonal increase in concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sodium (Na) in YFEL corresponded with the spring growth flush, after which concentrations decreased with time, particularly during summer and autumn. Concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were unstable during October-April and the seasonal trends were not consistent between sites or with other mobile nutrients (e.g. N, P, K). Concentrations of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), sulfur (S), and boron (B) at site 1 decreased early in the season, were lowest when vegetative flushing peaked, and tended to increase during autumn and winter. Seasonal variation in the main nutrients removed in marketable stems (i.e. N, Ca, K, Mg) was minimal during June-August. However, to assess the overall nutrient status of plantings, sampling in June is most suitable. Crop nutrient surveys conducted at this time, in conjunction with productivity and quality data, can be used to develop interpretation standards for leaf analysis. For all nutrients, the seasonal trends were similar for the 2 cultivars, but concentrations of Mn were consistently lower in YFEL of Silvan Red than Safari Sunset. In contrast to the small differences between cultivars, there were large differences in leaf nutrient composition between the Leucadendron cultivars and Protea 'Pink Ice'. For example, Mg, Na, and Mn concentrations were consistently lower, and N, K, Ca, and Fe higher, in YFEL of Pink Ice than in the Leucadendron cultivars. For these nutrients, different interpretation standards may be required for Leucadendron and Protea hybrids. The major nutrients removed in harvested stems were Na, N, Ca, K, and Mg. Based on nutrient uptake data alone, we suggest annual applications of N and Ca at 20-30 g/plant, and Mg and K at 10-15 g/plant, on acid sands. Significant (P<0.05) correlations were found between many nutrients. For example, N concentrations were positively correlated with P, K, Na, and Zn, and negatively correlated with Ca, Mg, and Fe concentrations. These significant relationships may indicate synergistic and antagonistic interactions between nutrients, which need to be considered when interpreting plant test data.
Incidence on Polypogon monspeliensis of Clavibacter toxicus and Anguina sp., the organisms associated with 'flood plain staggers' in South Australia
Authors: Bertozzi T , McKay AC
Published: March 2005

During 1991-92, a survey was conducted in South Australia to determine the distribution of the nematode Anguina sp. and bacterium Clavibacter toxicus associated with 'flood plain staggers'. Polypogon monspeliensis (annual beardgrass) was examined at 265 sites in flood-prone areas in the South East. Seed-galls produced by Anguina sp. were observed at 96 sites, and at 78 of these, seed heads infected with C. toxicus were observed. Infected sites were observed throughout the survey area, with the greatest concentration between Naracoorte and Kingston. No infected Agrostis avenacea (annual blowngrass) was found in the South East or along the flood plains of the Murray River.
Growth, persistence, and rust sensitivity of irrigated perennial temperate grasses in the Queensland subtropics
Authors: Lowe KF , Bowdler TM
Published: March 2005

The growth, persistence, and rust sensitivity of a range of temperate grasses were measured to assess their potential for irrigated pastures in the subtropics. Characteristics considered important for adaptation to the subtropics include a relatively even growth rate throughout the year, rust tolerance, and the ability to persist under humid conditions. Cultivars and experimental lines from Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass), L. rnultiflorum (Italian ryegrass), Festuca arundiizacea (fescue), Festuca x Lolium (festulolium), Bromus spp. (prairie grass and bromes), Dactylis glomerata (cocksfoot), and Phalaris aquatica (phalaris) were sown at Gatton, south-eastern Queensland, in pure stands or mixtures of annual and perennial grasses, using high seeding rates, 50 kg N/ha.defoliation, and full irrigation throughout the year. As a group, the fescues were the highest yielding and most persistent over 2 years, with AU Triumph the highest yielding cultivar. Maru phalaris was the most persistent grass, increasing from a frequency of 85% at the end of the first year to 100% at the end of the second year. Perennial ryegrass yields were about two-thirds those of the fescues, with a frequency of around 70% after 2 years. Dobson was the best ryegrass, producing a greater proportion of its forage in summer and increasing its density over the 2 years compared with the other perennial ryegrasses. Mixtures of annual ryegrass and fescue cultivars produced yields equivalent to pure fescue swards, with production dominated by annual ryegrass in the first year and by fescue in the second. Matua prairie grass was high yielding, but under frequent cutting was not as persistent as the ryegrasses. Felopa festulolium was inferior to the perennial ryegrasses and fescues in yield, the distribution of that yield, and persistence. Weeds contributed 1-10% of total yield over 2 years. The experiment suggests that the fescue cultivars are the most productive temperate grasses for perennial irrigated pastures in the subtropics, although better animal performance would improve farmer acceptance. The addition of a ryegrass component to fescue swards increased yields during establishment but did not improve overall yields. Late-maturing cultivars are the highest yielding of the perennial ryegrasses. Rust sensitivity needs improvement as all the present lines are highly susceptible.
Responses of wheat cultivars to time of sowing in the southern wheatbelt of Western Australia
Authors: Shackley BJ , Anderson WK
Published: March 2005

Experiments were conducted at 4 locations on an east-west transect in the 300-500 mm average annual rainfall zone in the southern wheatbelt of Western Australia, to determine whether promising crossbreds differ from existing wheat cultivars in their response to time of sowing. Nine cultivars and 2 crossbreds were examined at 3 sowing dates each year, ranging from late April to early July 1989, 1990, and 1991. Grain yield, grain quality (protein, hectolitre weight, grain weight, small grain sievings), crop development, and soil and weather variables were measured. The average decrease in grain yield with delay in sowing after early May was 20 kg/ha.day. All existing wheat cultivars and new crossbreds examined produced their highest yields when sown in early May. Yield decline for the crossbreds and cultivars was almost linear after early May; however, the rate of decline could not be entirely predicted from a knowledge of the crossbreds' maturities. Spear, the cultivar with longest maturity, was one of the highest yielding cultivars when sown in early May or June. The yields of the 2 shortest season cultivars, Kulin and Gutha, were only comparable to the yield of Spear when sown in June. Therefore, in the southern wheatbelt of Western Australia, we do not advise retaining a number of cultivars to suit a range of sowing times. The optimum flowering periods over the 3 seasons were 17 September-7 October in the medium rainfall zone of the southern wheatbelt and 3 September- 23 September in the low rainfall area at the most easterly location, reflecting the importance of terminal drought. There is still a risk of frost damage to wheat crops in about 1 year in 3 for the periods estimated. Therefore some risk of yield loss from frost damage must be accepted if yields are to be maximised.
Production practices for high protein, hard wheat in Western Australia
Authors: Anderson WK , Crosbie GB , Lemsom K
Published: March 2005

Field experiments were conducted at 18 sites over 4 years in the eastern and north-eastern wheatbelt of Western Australia where average annual rainfall is <400mm, to investigate suitable techniques for the production of high protein (>13%) wheat in an area that traditionally produces grain of a much lower average protein percentage. Wilgoyne yielded as well as, or better than, any of the cultivars accepted into the Special Hard (SH) grade in Western Australia but 5-10% less than cultivars suitable for the Australian Standard White (ASW) grade. Differences between cultivars were greatest at the optimum sowing time in late May. Lower yields in early May were attributed to water stress during early growth or to frost damage during grain filling. The addition of nitrogen (N) fertiliser to crops sown after 1 June was less effective in increasing grain yield and grain protein than N added to earlier sowings. Most crops that produced >13% protein followed medic or field peas. The addition of N fertiliser was seldom required to produce this concentration of protein in crops that followed medic or peas. Crops following pasture with a low legume content or wheat had lower grain protein concentrations. Friable red-brown earth soils in a medic or pea rotation were able to achieve the required grain protein, but other combinations were not extensively tested. From these experiments, cultivars with inherently small grains due to their propensity to produce high levels of small grain screenings (whole grain through a 2-mm, slotted sieve) may be less able to increase yields economically by increasing kernel numbers per unit area under conditions in Western Australia.
Genetic variation in resistance to Pratylenchus neglectus in wheat and triticales
Authors: Farsi M , Vanstone VA , Fisher JM , Rathjen AJ
Published: March 2005

The root lesion nematode Pratylenchus neglectus occurs throughout the South Australian cereal belt, where it potentially contributes to yield loss. Genetic material was examined for resistance to P. neglectus, and included 2 susceptible local commercial wheat varieties (Spear, Molineux), 2 derivatives from Spear (RAC 613-27, RAC 613-47), wheat varieties varying in reaction to I? thornei, rye and rye derivatives, triticales, and 1R substitution lines in Chinese Spring. Seeds were surface-sterilised and germinated, and 3-day-old seedlings were inoculated with about 250 larvae and 150 eggs. Plants were grown in pots containing pasteurised soil and transferred to a controlled temperature waterbath at 22 � 1�C. After 7 weeks, nematodes were extracted and counted. A significant difference for the number of nematodes per plant and per gram dry root was found between the 3 main groups of genetic material: the wheat varieties, the substitution lines, and lines with the whole genome of rye (including triticales). The triticales Abacus and Muir showed the lowest number of nematodes (per gram root and per plant). None of the wheat varieties was resistant, so genetic mechanisms conferring resistance or tolerance to P. thornei are not effective against P. neglectus.