bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcium concentration in tomato fruits in relation to the incidence of blossom-end rot
Authors: Millikan CR , Bjarnason EN , Osborn RK , Hanger BC
Published: March 2005

Tomato fruits (CV. Grosse Lisse) were grown in sand cultures irrigated with nutrient solutions containing either normal- (120-160 p.p.m. Ca) or low-calcium (40 p.p.m. Ca) levels. Data were collected from the first five trusses, and restricted to fruits arising from the first three flowers of each truss. A greater yield of fruit and fewer fruit affected by blossom-end rot (BER) were produced by the normal than the low calcium treatment. Irrespective of treatment or BER incidence, the calcium concentration was higher in the stem end than the calyx end, and the concentrations of calcium and potassium were greater in trusses 1 and 2 than 4 and 5. BER affected the largest fruit in the normal, but the smallest in the low calcium treatment. Within the same trusses affected fruit had a lower calcium concentration in the stem end than did healthy fruit. For all fruits the ranges in calcium percentage (on dry basis) recorded were : Healthy fruits-stem end 0.086-0.029, calyx end 0.057-0.018 ; affected fruits-stem end 0.072-0.022, calyx end 0.045-0.020. Differences in magnesium and potassium concentrations in stem or calyx ends between healthy and affected fruits were recorded. The K: Ca ratio was higher in affected fruits, but the incidence of BER was unrelated to the Mg : Ca ratio. For both calcium and magnesium the stem end : calyx end concentration ratio was lower in affected than healthy fruit.
A study of the growth rate of F2 and F3 Africander cross, Brahman cross and British cross cattle from birth to 18 months in a tropical environment
Authors: Kennedy JF , Chirchir GIK
Published: March 2005

The mean birthweights and weaning weights of approximately 1200 male and female calves of the F2 and F3 generations of Africander cross (AX), Brahman cross (BX) and Shorthorn X Hereford cross (SH) cattle, together with the weights at four months, and nine months post weaning for approximately 500 of the females, for the years 1964-1968, are presented. BX calves (29.7 kg) were lighter at birth than AX (31.0 kg) or SH (31.8 kg), but at weaning (eight-nine months) they were 13.7 kg heavier than the AX, and 28.9 kg heavier than the SH. In the first four months postweaning, at the end of the dry-season, female AX gained 21.5 kg, BX gained 18.5 kg, and the SH 11.7 kg, and in the next five months, which included the wet-season, AX gained 78.6 kg, BX 83.1 kg, and SH 63.2 kg. At approximately eighteen months old the AX weighed 282.8 kg, BX 294.8 kg, and SH 244.2 kg. There were substantial differences between years but the rank order of the breeds at each growth period did not change.
Digestible energy of wheat and oat grains when fed to sheep
Authors: Nottle MC
Published: March 2005

In pen feeding trials with eight Merino wethers, digestion coefficients were estimated for rations of cereal chaff-wheat grain-oat grain mixture, and wheat grain and oat grain fed separately at two levels of intake. Digestion coefficients for wheat and oat grain fed at 675 g/day in a double crossover experiment were dry matter 89.4, 80.8 per cent, organic matter 90.1, 82.6 per cent, protein 82.3, 77.6 per cent, ether extract 84.1, 90.9 per cent, crude fibre 33.2, 59.9 per cent, nitrogen free extractives 93.2, 85.8 per cent, energy 88.1, 81.0 per cent, total digestible nutrients 91.6, 87.1 per cent, and starch equivalents 90.7, 85.7. When these grains were fed at 785 g/day there was about 10 per cent improvement in crude fibre digestibility for both grains and 1-2 per cent improvement for other estimations with oats but not with wheat. The gross energy content of the wheat and oat grains when fed at 675 g/day was 4407 and 4700 calories/g dry matter. The digestible energy of the wheat in calories/g dry matter and organic matter was 3869 � 30, 3933 � 30 and for oats 3791 � 59, 3910 � 61. When fed at 785 g/day these values for wheat were 3850 � 50,3911 � 51 and for oats 3796 � 34, 3913 � 51. A highly significant relationship was found between energy and dry matter digestibility which for wheat diets was Y = 1.074x 7.840. r = 0.993 (P<0.001), and for oats and the mixed diet of cereal chaff-oat grain-wheat grain, Y = 0.983x + 1.550. r = 0.996 (P<0.001) where Y = energy and X = dry matter digestibility and r = the coefficient of correlation. Because of the similar digestible energy content of, and the body weight gains of sheep on, these two grains it was concluded that under the present conditions these grains were equivalent weight for weight.
A sex-linked recessive miniature phenotype in White Leghorn poultry
Authors: Dolling CHS , Lowe AG , Polkingborne RW
Published: March 2005

The mode of inheritance of a miniature phenotype in a line of White Leghorn poultry is shown to be due to a sex-linked recessive gene. Females with the gene are 41 per cent and homoqgous recessive males 49 per cent lower in body weight at 25 weeks than normal birds. Curling of the middle toe is present in many miniature birds. Possible uses to which this mutant may be put are discussed.
Calf production of Droughtmaster cows grazing a Townsville stylo-spear grass pasture
Authors: Edye LA , Ritson JB , Haydock KP
Published: March 2005

An experiment was conducted to measure the calf production over four annual calvings of 96 Droughtmaster cows grazing a Townsville stylo-spear grass pasture. There were two replicates of twelve treatments, which were factorial combinations of superphosphate (three levels), stocking rate (two levels) and conservation of hay (two levels). The three rates of application of superphosphate were nil = F0, 126 kg/ha/yr = F1, and 377 kg/ha/yr = F3. Superphosphate had no significant effect on calf birth weights but significantly increased the weaning weight of the calves in three of the four years. The mean annual weaning weights at l80 days of age were F3 = 202.5, F1 = 197.9 and F0. = 180.2 kg. Superphosphate was only the treatment which significantly (P<0.01) increased the mean annual weaning percentage (F3 = 82, F1 = 73, and F0 = 64 per cent), and the mean annual calf liveweight weaned per cow mated (F3 = 165, F1, = 144, and F0 = 116 kg). The stocking rate treatment had a significant effect on calf birthweights and weaning weights in two out of four years. Averaged over four years the respective weights were 30.0 kg and 199.3 kg for the low stocking rate and 28.6 and 187.5 kg for the high stocking rate. The fodder conservation treatment had its greatest effect on calf birthweights and weaning weights during the 1965-66 drought. The respective liveweights were 29.3 kg and 194.1 kg for conserved paddocks and 26.2 and 184.9 kg for unconserved paddocks.
The selective chemical control of Wimmera ryegrass in wheat with di-allate and tri-allate
Authors: Reeves TG , Tuohey CL
Published: March 2005

Two herbicides, di-allate and tri-allate, were compared for the pre-emergence control of Wimmera ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) in wheat at three different locations in the Victorian wheatgrowing areas. Both herbicides significantly reduced ryegrass populations in the crop, but di-allate was consistently more effective than tri-allate. Grain yields were generally enhanced by spraying, but 1.12 kg a.i. per hectare of either material sometimes caused crop damage when applied before sowing. On an economic basis, di-allate at 0.56 kg a.i. per hectare was superior to all other treatments whether applied just before or just after sowing.
Promoting fruit-set and yield in sweet orange using plant growth substances
Authors: Moss GI
Published: March 2005

Experiments were done over four years to see if certain growth substances would increase the yields of sweet orange by increasing fruit-set. The main object was to find a method to increase yields during an off-year, and so control biennial bearing. Gibberellic acid (GA) was the most promising substance and under glasshouse and controlled environment conditions increased fruit-set when several applications were made, but had only a temporary effect when a single spray was applied. In the first instance a greater volume of fruit was produced although the mean size of the fruit was less. In the second instance some changes in fruit size and shape were found. In the field, a single spray (to part of a tree) of 400 p.p.m. GA at petal fall in one season on both Late Valencia and Washington Navel increased fruit-set, and in the following season 100 p.p.m. GA applied at petal fall increased fruit-set in Washington Navels. When a 50 p.p.m. GA spray was applied to whole Washington Navel trees in successive seasons there was a 20 per cent increase in the number of fruit harvested, but this was barely significant. However, there was a greater percentage of small fruit from the treated trees. This treatment had no effect the following season. Single applications of GA from 25 to 200 p.p.m. applied to Late Valencia trees from petal fall onwards in an 'off year' had relatively little effect. Some treatments retarded fruit-drop, but had insignificant or only minor effects on yield. Applying gibberellic acid to improve fruit-set is not a practical means for controlling yields of sweet orange trees.
The fate of urea applied at various intervals after the sowing of a wheat crop on a sandy soil in Western Australia
Authors: Mason MG , Rowley AM , Quayle DJ
Published: March 2005

Nitrogen at the rate of 77.28 kg/ha was applied as urea at seeding and two, four or eight weeks after seeding, to a wheat crop grown on a deep yellow sand. Measurements of the nitrogen contents in the top 91 cm of soil, plant nitrogen content and dry matter yields were made at regular intervals. All urea treatments gave marked yield increases, with later applications giving higher yields and higher recovery of applied nitrogen by plant tops. There was considerable movement of nitrogen down the profile studied and losses of nitrogen were greatest with earlier applications. However, the time taken for the level of nitrogen in the soil to fall to that of the control was similar for all times of application. Differences resulting from treatments appeared to be related to the stage of development of the plants at the time of application of urea, the later applications being made to plants with presumably better developed root systems, which took up the nitrogen more rapidly than plants receiving urea earlier. Grain yields were closely related to the nitrogen uptake into the plant tops. Leaching of applied nitrogen was more marked when urea was applied closest to seeding.
Correlation of soil phosphorus analyses with response of tropical pastures to superphosphate on some north Queensland soils
Authors: Bruce RC , Bruce IJ
Published: March 2005

From the results of twenty-one field experiments dealing with the establishment of tropical pastures, correlations between per cent yield and soil phosphorus analyses showed significant relationships for the Kerr- von Stieglitz and Colwell methods but not for the Bray P2 method. To separate responsive and non responsive soils critical values of 17.5 p.p.m. P for the Kerr-von Stieglitz and 20 p.p.m. for Colwell methods are proposed. Correlations with the main Chang and Jackson soil phosphorus fractions are reported and discussed.
Comparative drought resistance of Bos indicus and Bos taurus crossbred herds in Central Queensland. 1. Relative weights and weight changes of maiden heifers
Authors: Frisch JE
Published: March 2005

Observations were made during a drought in Queensland in 1969 of the comparative weight changes of Brahman X British (BX), Africander X British (AX), and British X British (SH) crossbred heifers which were grazed together under field conditions at the National Cattle Breeding Station 'Belmont', Queensland. The animals were weighed in February and October, 1969, and in January 1970. At all weighings the BX heifers were significantly heavier than both the AX and the SH heifers and the AX were significantly heavier than the SH. From February 1969 to October 1969, when nutritional conditions were most severe, the mean weight loss of the breeds was 42.1 kg. Breed differences in absolute weight losses were not significant but were least for the BX. When the weight losses were adjusted for differences in initial weight, the BX lost 34.9 kg, the AX lost 39.3 kg and the SH heifers lost 50.5 kg. The difference between the Zebu crossbreds (AX and BX) was not significant. From October 1969 to January 1970 the pasture conditions improved and the mean gain of the breeds was 52.1 kg. The BX heifers gained 55.8 kg, 7.4 kg more than the SH heifers. From February 1969 to January 1970, BX and AX heifers gained 12.0 kg and 8.2 kg respectively more than the SH heifers (3.7 kg) ; the difference between the Zebu crossbreds was not significant. Purebred Brahman and Africander heifers lost less weight than any of the crossbreds from February 1969 to October 1969 and made only slightly lower gains from October 1969 to January 1970. Overall gains from February 1969 to January 1970 were highest in the purebred Brahmans. Some possible reasons for the differences in breed performance are advanced.
The performance of young sheep grazing pastures sown to combinations of lucerne or subterranean clover with ryegrass or phalaris
Authors: Reed KFM , Snaydon RW , Axelsen A
Published: March 2005

Young sheep were rotationally grazed, at two stocking rates, on pasture sown to combinations of two legume species (lucerne or subterranean clover) and two grass species (a mixture of annual and biennial ryegrass or phalaris) at Canberra. Liveweight gains were 45 per cent greater, and wool production was 10 per cent greater, on the lucerne dominant pasture (87 per cent lucerne) than on the grass dominant subterranean clover pasture (8 per cent subterranean clover). The differences were maximum during summer, but also occurred during spring. Mortality and supplementary feed requirement on grass dominant pasture was double that on lucerne pasture. Liveweight gains were 13 per cent greater on pasture sown to ryegrass than on pasture sown to phalaris. Sheep mortality was eight times greater on the phalaris than on the ryegrass pasture, and survival feed requirements at least double. The superior animal production from lucerne pasture was due mainly to the ability of lucerne to grow during periods of low rainfall and to maintain a high production of legume in the pasture.
Molasses in broiler and layer diets
Authors: Connor JK , Burton HW , Fuelling DE
Published: March 2005

The use of molasses in broiler diets was examined in three experiments and in layer diets in one experiment. Up to 20 per cent molasses was fed in broiler diets with no reduction in bodyweight gain but the moisture content of excreta increased as the molasses level in the diet increased. There were no detrimental effects on egg production when up to 16 per cent molasses was fed in layer diets. There was no deterioration in the nutritive value of diets containing molasses stored for four months.
A field study of rugose leaf curl virus infection in stoloniferous Trifolium species
Authors: Grylls NE , Galletly JC , Campbell RC
Published: March 2005

A field study was made of rugose leaf curl virus (RLCV) infection in four stoloniferous clovers ; New Zealand White and Irrigation White, cultivars of Trifolium repens, and two species from Africa, T. semipilosum and T. burchellianum. Half of the plants used were inoculated in the greenhouse, and, of these, 20 per cent showed symptoms of RLCV when they were planted in the field. The plants were grown in two field experiments on different sites at the Queensland Agricultural College, Lawes. The disease vector Austroagallia torrida was generally present over site 1 in larger numbers than over site 2. Pre-inoculated plants maintained a higher level of infection throughout the experiment. Over 40 per cent of plants not pre-inoculated developed the disease symptoms in the field, but the level of infection was consistently higher at site 1. T. semipilosum showed higher rates of infection than other species, but this species has greater drought resistance, and drought stress tended to mask symptom expression in the other species. Of 733 plants that showed infection during the experiment, 530 wholly or partially recovered from the disease, and, of these, only 38 became re-infected later in the experiment. The high percentage of recovery of infected plants, and the low percentage of re-infection of these recovered plants in the field supports earlier greenhouse studies, and suggests a possible reason for the low incidence of RLCV in old established stoloniferous clover pastures in southern Queensland.
Nutritional value of Townsville stylo (Stylosanthes humilis) and of spear grass (Heteropogon contortus)-dominant pastures fed to sheep. 2. The effect of superphosphate fertilizer
Authors: Playne MJ
Published: March 2005

Penned sheep were used to measure the voluntary dry matter intake, digestibility and chemical composition of Townsville stylo and of black spear grass fertilized at three different annual rates of superphosphate -0, 125 and 750 kg ha-1. Dry matter intake of spear grass fertilized at 125 kg ha-1 was greater (P<0.05) than that of spear grass fertilized at 750 kg ha-1, which in turn was greater than that of grass not fertilized (P<0.05). Dry matter digestibilities were generally similar, although the digestibility of the grass fertilized at 125 kg ha-l tended to be greatest. In Townsville stylo, no significant differences in intake or digestibility occurred with different fertilizer treatments.
Growth and chemical composition of lotononis (Lotononis bainesii) under simulated winter conditions
Authors: Bryan WW
Published: March 2005

Lotononis remains green in subtropical winters. To determine the effect of low temperature on growth, experiments were done under controlled temperature and light conditions. With a simulated midwinter day of three hours of frost and 10i hours of light and no other stress imposed, plants made slight but definite growth. It is inferred that winter temperatures do not completely prevent growth. When additional stress of partial defoliation was imposed, the amount of growth was reduced to about 15 per cent of that of undefoliated plants. This suggests that if lotononis is grazed in winter any further growth would be of insignificant practical value. Cold stress had little or no effect on mineral composition of the plants. The composition of nodules is recorded.
Cultivar variation in nitrogen uptake and distribution in wheat
Authors: Woodruff DR
Published: March 2005

Cultivar differences in nitrogen yield per unit area were identified at both heading and maturity, the ranking at both periods being similar. These differences were associated, initially, with the time at which leaf growth and expansion on a plant basis ceased. This period was later where the cultivar had a high tiller number, a large spread in phenological development between tillers, and a late appearance of the flag leaf relative to anthesis. The nett soil nitrogen uptake thereafter was associated with the leaf area duration and in the Mexican cultivars with grain yield. This association between total nitrogen uptake and grain yield and the possibility of influencing them independently is discussed.
Carbon dioxide and maturity as factors affecting Victorian pears in controlled atmosphere storage
Authors: Little CR , Peggie ID , Taylor HJ
Published: March 2005

Packham's Triumph, Beurre Bosc, Josephine de Malines and Winter Cole pears grown in Victoria were stored under controlled atmosphere storage at 11�C with 0, 3, and 6 per cent CO2 at a standard O2 level of 2.5 per cent. Wastage and quality decline of fruit at different maturities were measured and an acceptability index was used to integrate wastage and quality into a single value. All varieties stored well under controlled atmosphere and remained in an acceptable condition for much longer than expected in air storage. Maturities resulting in acceptable fruit outturn were well defined in three of the four varieties. Carbon dioxide levels of 0 and 3 per cent gave better storage results than 6 per cent for Packham's Triumph, Beurre Bosc and Josephine, but 6 per cent was best for Winter Cole.
Liveweight gains of Shorthorn steers on native and improved pastures at Adelaide River, Northern Territory
Authors: Wesley-Smith RN
Published: March 2005

Data from over 40 grazing trials conducted with Shorthorn steers during 1961-1968 in a tropical monsoonal climate, mean rainfall about 127 cm, at Adelaide River, Northern Territory, Australia, are presented. The average yearly liveweight gain on native pasture at 1 beast to 4-8 hectares was 18 kg, due to gains in November-December but weight maintenance or loss during most of the year. The average yearly liveweight gain on Townsville sty10 based pastures at 1 beast to 0.4-1.2 hectares was 95 kg, with gains of about 0.5 kg a day in the wet season and weight maintenance in the dry. These results are lower than those reported for Katherine, Northern Territory. Other pastures, including phasey bean, were also shown to be useful. Some evidence is presented of compensatory gain, and of a comparison of Brahman cross-bred steers with the Shorthorns. Possible reasons for the better performance by steers at Katherine compared to Adelaide River are discussed.
Some effects of formaldehyde treatment of hay on the production of Corriedale weaners fed in pens
Authors: Sharkey MJ , Pearce GR , Simmons EK , Jeffery RS , Clark J
Published: March 2005

A high protein hay (16 per cent crude protein) was treated with formalin, either during baling or before feeding. During one three-week feeding study, the acceptability and voluntary intake of both treated and untreated hay by Corriedale weaner sheep were similar. In another 12-week feeding study where the formalin treated and untreated hay were fed at 1 kg dry matter per day there were no differences between sheep in wool growth, liveweight gain, nitrogen retention, and the apparent digestibility of dry matter. In vitro fermentation tests showed that treatment with formaldehyde reduced the solubility of the crude protein from 50 to 35 per cent. High losses of formaldehyde occurred when formalin was applied to hay during baling. Methods of reducing these losses have not been defined.
The performance of subterranean, rose, and cupped clovers under set-stocking
Authors: Rossiter RC , Taylor GB , Anderson GW
Published: March 2005

Pasture swards of the annual clovers Trifolium subterraneum (CV. Geraldton), T. hirtum (CV. Kondinin), and T. cherleri (CV. Yamina), and a mixture of all three were sown on a gravelly soil at Bakers Hill, Western Australia, in 1964. All pastures were set-stocked at 5 sheep ha-l from April 1965-April 1968, and at 8 sheep ha-1 from April 1968-March 1970. From 1966 onwards the amount of pasture dry matter on offer in July and September was two to four times as great on the subterranean clover pasture as on rose or cupped clover pastures. Moreover, the subterranean clover pasture resisted invasion by volunteer annuals more strongly. The mixed clover pasture was dominated by subterranean clover by 1966, and remained so thereafter. For the first four seasons of grazing, wool production was consistently higher (on average, 14 per cent higher) on rose clover than on subterranean clover pasture, and slightly lower still on cupped clover. In the fifth season, when grazing pressure was higher than previously, the rose and cupped clovers 'crashed', and subterranean clover produced most wool. We argue that the higher wool production on rose clover during 1965-1969 was due to some factor additional to digestible organic matter intake.
Studies in flock mating of sheep. 5. Incidence, duration and effect on flock fertility of initial sexual inactivity in young rams
Authors: Mattner PE , Braden AWH , George JM
Published: March 2005

Seventy-five 1 1/2-year-old Merino rams from four different studs were given three 20-minute libido tests followed by a 48 hour association with oestrous ewes in a flock. Seventeen rams showed no sexual activity during these tests. These inactive (I) rams and some of the active (A) rams were then joined, in pairs (A-A, A-I, or I-I combinations), with 17 flocks of 67 or 125 mature ewes for five weeks. At the end of this period, three rams had still not become sexually active; the remaining 14 began mounting ewes two hours to 34 days after introduction into the flock. Although the effect of ram combination on the number of ewes marked by the rams was not significant, the proportion of marked ewes that lambed was higher (P < 0.05) in the flocks joined with A-A pairs than in those joined with A-I or I-I ram pairs. The proportion of marked ewes that did not lamb to their first marking was lower (P < 0.001) in A-A than in A-I or 1-1 matings. The lower fertility in the flocks joined with A-I or I-I ram pairs could be ascribed to poor mating dexterity and lower libido in the I rams. Observations of ram behaviour were made during the mating period. Competition and aggression between active and inactive rams was only seen after inactive rams became sexually active.
Trichostrongylosis and wool growth. 1. Feed digestibility and mineral absorption in infected sheep
Authors: Barger IA
Published: March 2005

Subclinical infection of sheep with Trichostrongylus colubriformis resulted in reductions in the apparent digestibilities of nitrogen, organic matter, and dry matter; apparent digestibility of nitrogen was affected to the greatest extent. Net absorption of phosphorus was similar in infected and non-infected sheep, but calcium absorption in the infected sheep was only one tenth that of the non-infected controls. Wool growth was reduced by 17 per cent in the infected group, and those sheep that displayed resistance to the infection tended to grow less wool. The infected sheep produced 0.36 g wool per g nitrogen apparently absorbed, compared with 0.46 g wool per g nitrogen apparently absorbed by the non-infected sheep, which suggests that the depression of wool growth in infected sheep may be attributed to differences in their post-absorptive protein metabolism.
Factors affecting competition between subterranean clover and a barley cover crop
Authors: McGowan AA , Williams WA
Published: March 2005

Subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) was sown with barley (Hordeum vulgare) in autumn under a variety of management treatments. Clover seed production was increased when barley emergence was delayed by seed treatment with CCC or paraffin wax, or by delayed sowing, when barley seeding rates were reduced, or when barley was clipped in late winter. The main factor limiting growth of the undersown clover was competition for light, especially in late winter and early spring when light transmission through the barley crop dropped below 60 per cent. Despite a dry spring, interspecific competition for moisture evidently imposed very little restriction on clover growth and seed production. Competition for nitrogen may have occurred earlier in the season.
Chemical control of wild oats in wheat with di-allate and barban
Authors: Reeves TG , Smith IS , Tuohey CL
Published: March 2005

Results are presented from experiments in which di-allate and barban were used for wild oat control in wheat at 21 sites in the Wimmera and Northern Districts of Victoria. Both chemicals significantly reduced the wild oat densities at most sites but where direct comparisons were made di-allate was more effective than barban. Wheat yield response to applied herbicide was obtained in 17 of the 21 experiments. However, the yield response to barban application showed greater variation than the yield response to di-allate application. Barban was more effective, at all tested rates, n the Wimmera than it was-in the Northern District.
The effect of frequency and severity of cutting on yield and persistence of Desmodium intortum cv. Greenleaf in a subtropical environment
Authors: Jones RJ
Published: March 2005

The effect of three cutting intervals (CI)-4,8, and 12 weeks, and three cutting heights (CH)- 3.8, 7.5, and 15.0 cm, on the yield of Desmodium intortum cv. Greenleaf over a three year period are reported. Total yield and yield of legume increased with increasing CI; the mean legume yields were 4.23, 6.54, and 8.03 tonnes DM ha-1 year-1 for the three CI treatments. Increasing the CH reduced weed yield and total yield at each CI. For yield of legume the CI x CH interaction was significant (P < 0.01 ). At 4-weekly CI a CH of 3.8 cm gave the lowest legume yield whereas at the 12-weekly CI a CH of 3.8 cm gave the highest yield. At the 8-weekly CI the CH treatments had little effect on total legume yield. Weed percentage declined as both CI and CH were increased. However, there was an increase in the grass weed component (mainly Cynodon dactylon) with time. Legume persistence was good for all treatments, but plant numbers increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increase in CH from 7.2 to 9.5 plants m-2. Growth pattern of desmodium was more closely linked to mean temperature than to either evaporation or to rainfall. As a result growth was limited to about seven months of the year and peak growth rate for the 4-weekly cutting regime never exceeded a mean of 6 g m-2 day-1 (60 kg ha-1 day-1).
Effect of gibberellic acid on rind quality and storage of coastal Navel oranges
Authors: Bevington KB
Published: March 2005

The effects of gibberellic acid (GA3), at various concentrations and application times, on the susceptibility of the rind to injury, the incidence of physiological disorders, and the storage life of Washington Navel oranges were examined over three seasons. Susceptibility of the rind to injury, the incidence of water spot, puffing and creasing, and green mould wastage in stored fruit were reduced by GA3 treatment. Resistance of the rind to puncture increased with increasing GA3 concentration. Early May sprays were more effective than early June sprays in increasing. the resistance of the rind to puncture and decreasing the incidence of puffing and creasing. Split applications were no more effective than single applications at the combined concentrations. There were no undesirable effects on internal fruit quality. Although colour development was delayed by GA3 treatment, with late harvest colour development progressed to a commercially acceptable level while internal fruit quality was still satisfactory.
The effect of roughage and buffers in the diet of early weaned calves
Authors: Kellaway RC , Grant T , Chudleigh JW
Published: March 2005

Eighty-four calves were weaned at five weeks of age on to barley-based pellets containing 0, 2, or 4 per cent of mixed buffers. An additional treatment was to provide access or no access to straw chaff. Growth rates from six to twelve weeks of age were 0.94 and 0.71 kg day- 1 for calves with and without access to straw chaff. With 0, 2, and 4 per cent buffers in the pellets the growth rates after weaning were 0.79,1.00, and 1.02 kg day-1 respectively for calves eating chaff and 0.66,0.71 and 0.77 kg day-1 respectively for calves without access to chaff. There were two deaths due to bloat at each of the 0 and 2 per cent levels of buffers when chaff was not available. The responses to buffers and roughage are discussed in relation to saliva production and rumen function.
Fertility studies of pasture soils in the wet tropical coast of Queensland. 5. Mixed alluvial soils
Authors: Teitzel JK , Bruce RC
Published: March 2005

Results of sixteen plant growth experiments examining the nutritional status of mixed alluvial soils in the wet tropics are presented. A phosphorus deficiency is widespread and, in certain situations, extreme. Significant plant growth responses to calcium, copper, molybdenum, calcium + sulphur, magnesium + sulphur, and molybdenum + sulphur + manganese treatments were also recorded.
Spray damage and residue levels in tobacco treated with various concentrations of 2,4-D at different stages of growth
Authors: Fung KH , Belcher RS , Whitfield DM
Published: March 2005

The effects of 2,4-D on tobacco at various stages of growth were investigated. Symptoms of damage were recorded and illustrated. The herbicide had no obvious effect on mature plants at any concentration used, but it caused considerable damage to plants at other phases of growth at moderate and high concentrations. A chemical method was developed for accurate determination of 2,4-D residues in tobacco. Investigation of the herbicide residues in irrigation water was necessary following the discovery of 2,4-D residues in control plants.
Wheat as a survival ration for sheep. 2. The effect of frequency of feeding and formaldehyde treatment on wool production and liveweight change
Authors: Langlands JP
Published: March 2005

Wool production of sheep supplemented with whole wheat containing 2.46 per cent N and grazing under simulated drought conditions was increased by 7 per cent by feeding twice weekly instead of daily, and by a maximum of 24 per cent by feeding once weekly. Wool production was increased by a maximum of 16 per cent by treating wheat with formaldehyde and feeding twice weekly but the addition of urea evoked no response. Liveweight and liveweight change were not significantly affected by any of the treatments imposed.
The effect of barley supplementation on the liveweight gains of autumn-born calves reared on whole or skimmed milk diets
Authors: Clark J , Watts JI
Published: March 2005

Forty, Friesian x Jersey bull calves were fed diets comprising factorial combinations of milk, either whole (4.0 per cent fat) or skimmed (0.1 per cent fat) milk, fed at the rate of 4.5 kg day-1 until the calves were ten weeks old, with crushed barley at four levels from two to 18 weeks of age. The four levels of barley were 0, 25, 50 and 75 per cent of the dry matter intake of the calves. The calves had access to hay ad libitum throughout the experiment. The restricted quantities of skimmed milk fed to the calves did not support rapid gains in liveweight, even when supplemented with high levels of barley. The addition of barley to the diet of the calves reared on whole milk produced no response in terms of growth rate (0.54 kg day-1). However, the calves reared on skimmed milk had greater growth rates when their diet contained 25 per cent barley than with no barley, 0.36 kg day-1 and 0.28 kg day-1 respectively. Further additions of barley did not produce additional responses in growth rate.
Effect of times, height and frequency of defoliation on growth and development of Townsville stylo in pure ungrazed swards at Katherine, N.T
Authors: Fisher MJ
Published: March 2005

A one-year experiment was done in the field at Katherine, Northern Territory, to determine the influence of defoliation at different times (January, February, and March) and heights (5, 13 and 20 cm) on the growth and development of Townsville stylo (Stylosanthes humilis) in ungrazed swards grown with complete fertilizer and irrigation. Townsville stylo withstood repeated defoliation at 5 cm provided that cutting started in January, but, when the first defoliation was delayed, single cuts at 5 cm in either February or March killed 82 and 53 per cent of the swards. Defoliation to 5 cm early in the season reduced total cumulative yield by less than 450 kg ha-1, and did not affect pod yield or nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations at the end of the growing season. Immediately after defoliation nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were reduced, but there was rapid recovery to higher levels with 5-cm and the same levels with 13-cm defoliation. Successive defoliation at 4 3 cm in February and March increased yield of pods. Defoliation at both 5 and 13 cm increased relative growth rate compared with the control and less frequently defoliated treatments. Defoliation to 5 cm each four weeks altered the stand morphology to a dense mat of foliage at cutting height. The ability of Townsville stylo to withstand continued defoliation suggests that sustained grazing during the growing season may be successful in controlling grass weeds vulnerable to grazing without greatly reducing pod yield or total dry matter production of Townsville stylo.
Correction of manganese deficiency in barley crops on calcareous soils. 1. Manganous sulphate applied at sowing and as foliar sprays
Authors: Reuter DJ , Heard TG , Alston AM
Published: March 2005

Barley was grown in six field experiments from 1963 to 1969 on calcareous (>80 per cent CaCO3) soils of southern Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. Manganous sulphate was applied to the soil at sowing at 0 to 16 kg ha-1 Mn and to the plants as foliar sprays (1.3 - 1.8 kg ha-1 Mn per application). The effects on shoot and root growth, and manganese uptake in the shoots were measured during the season, and grain yields were determined. Application of manganous sulphate to the soil at sowing increased shoot and root growth and the manganese content of the shoots, and progressively delayed the appearance of manganese deficiency symptoms. However, all crops showed symptoms by the time of stem extension irrespective of the amount of manganese applied to the soil. The maximum grain yield response to soil application was obtained with 6 kg ha-1 Mn. Foliar application of manganous sulphate delayed the appearance of deficiency symptoms and increased grain yield in three of the experiments. Two or three sprays were more effective than a single spray, particularly where no manganese was applied to the soil at sowing. A combination of both soil and foliar application of manganous sulphate (6 kg ha-1Mn added to the soil at sowing and two or three foliar sprays) produced the highest grain yields and usually prevented the occurrence of deficiency symptoms.
Correction of manganese deficiency in barley crops on calcareous soils. 3. Application of elemental sulphur
Authors: Reuter DJ , Alston AM , Heard TG
Published: March 2005

Infield experiments elemental sulphur (0 to 126 kg ha-1), incorporated in mixed and compound fertilizers with superphosphate (19 to 39 kg ha-1P) and manganous sulphate (0 to 16 kg ha-1Mn) was applied to calcareous soils of southern Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. The response of barley was measured in terms of grain yield, dry weight, and the manganese, phosphorus, and sulphur content of the shoots. Elemental sulphur (40 mg) alone or in compound fertilizers was incubated with 20 g surface soil for up to 52 weeks. The rate of oxidation of the sulphur and its effect on extractable manganese was measured. During 52 weeks' incubation, 20 to 50 per cent of the sulphur added to the soil was oxidized. The sulphur had little effect on the amounts of divalent and easily-reducible manganese extracted from the soil. Grain yields were increased by application of manganese and by increasing the amount of phosphorus applied from 19 to 39 kg ha-1. Elemental sulphur increased grain yield only at the low rate of phosphorus application. In one experiment a greater response to sulphur was obtained in the absence than in the presence of applied manganese. Sulphur applied with low amounts of phosphorus increased the uptake of manganese and phosphorus in the barley shoots sampled at stem extension in one experiment. In another experiment the effect on phosphorus content was not significant. Sulphur uptake was not affected. In no case did sulphur prevent the occurrence of manganese deficiency and its use to increase manganese availability and hence barley yields on these soils is not justified.
The intake and performance of cattle grazing irrigated pastures. 2. Effect of pasture length on growth of steers
Authors: Hennessy DW
Published: March 2005

The organic matter intakes (OMI) and liveweight of twenty-four weaner steers grazing either short or long irrigated annual pastures were compared during May to November in 1964 and 1965 at Leeton, New South Wales. The OMI were estimated from determinations of faeces organic matter output using chromic oxide dilution, and of digestibility estimated from a faeces nitrogen-digestibility relationship for pen-fed cattle. Weaners that grazed the short or long pasture did not differ significantly in final liveweights (356 v.361 kg respectively, 1964; 357 v.361 kg, 1965) or OMI (4.99 v.5.42 kg day-1, 1964; 5.78 v.6.06 kg day-1, 1965) although available dry matter was less (P < 0.05) in short than in long pastures in both years. The OMI were commensurate with the 0.6 kg mean daily liveweight gains of weaners, which however were smaller than other reported growth rates, and an unsatisfactory production from the costly pastures. The reasons for the small liveweight gains are unknown but it is suggested that high moisture contents (85 per cent) of pastures restricted intake, or that high clover contents (58 per cent) caused bloating and rumen distension which thereby restricted intake.
Fattening steers on hay and oats
Authors: Corah LR , Saxton IE , Bishop AH , Jackson SA
Published: March 2005

Hereford steers aged 18 to 20 months were confined in feedlots and given rations of baled pasture hay and whole oat grain during late summer in two successive years. Mid-season hay ad libitum plus 1.4, 2.7, or 4.1 kg of oats a day were used in experiment 1 and early hay with 1.4, 2.7, or 4.1 kg of oats and mid-season hay with 2.7, 4.1, or 5.4 kg of oats in experiment 2. Steers were slaughtered when they had reached liveweights of approximately 370 kg in the first experiment or 41 6 kg in the second experiment. As the level of oats in the ration increased, the liveweight gain of the steers increased. Those receiving the highest oat rations gaining at 0.8 to 1.1 kg per day. The addition of grain to the diet reduced the time to slaughter, lowered the daily intake of hay, and reduced the quantity of fodder required per unit of liveweight gain. The mean conversion ratios declined by 1.8 units for each additional ten per cent of oats in the ration. The higher levels of grain tended to increase dressing percentage, fat thickness and the quantity of fat in the carcase. The results are discussed in relation to market requirements, availability and relative costs of ration components and the economic implications of fattening in late summer on the price and seasonal distribution on the production of meat. It is concluded that the system would have application in southern Australia for properties raising steers on pasture.
Effects of soils, fertilizers and stocking rates on pastures and beef production on the Wallum of south-eastern Queensland. 1. Botanical composition and chemical effects on plants and soils
Authors: Bryan WW , Evans TR
Published: March 2005

A complex pasture mixture was grazed by cattle at three stocking rates (1.23, 1.65 and 2.47 beasts a hectare) at Beerwah, south-eastern Queensland over six years. There were four fertilizer treatments involving two rates of superphosphate and three of KCl. On the basis of species frequencies, the seven major soil types on the area fell into two groups, the podzolic soils in one and the humic gleys in another. The podzolics were favoured by Chloris gayana, Desmodium intortum, D. uncinatum and Lotononis bainesii, whereas Paspalum dilatatum and Trifolium repens were more frequent on the humic gleys. The light stocking rate favoured Paspalum commersonii, Digitaria decumbens and both Desmodium species. At the high stocking rate P. dilatatum, T. repens and L. bainesii were more prominent, as were weeds in general. Application of KCl had no effect on botanical composition but the K content of soils and plants increased with increasing levels of application. As the superphosphate rate was increased, the proportion of all sown species except P. dilatatum and L. bainesii increased and the weed content decreased. Over time, the legume content in all plots decreased, weeds increased and the grass content remained about the same. The effects were more marked at low rates of superphosphate and high stocking rate. There was a lower legume content and a higher weed content in winter than in summer, but soils and treatments had similar effects in both seasons. Compared with virgin soils, those under fertilized pastures for eight years contained more organic C, available P, K and Ca, total N, and Zn and Fe.
Effect of time of cessation of wet season grazing on Townsville stylo-annual grass pasture at Katherine, N.T
Authors: Norman MJT , Phillips LJ
Published: March 2005

A Townsville stylo (Stylosanthes humilis)-annual grass pasture at Katherine, N.T., was subjected to a series of treatments in 1969-70 and 1970-71 under which plots were grazed heavily from the beginning of the wet season for a period and then allowed to recover undefoliated for the remainder of the season. The dates at which heavy grazing ceased were spaced at 2-week intervals from November 24 to March 16. At the end of the wet season, total dry matter yield was linearly related to length of recovery period. Townsville stylo yield declined as recovery period was reduced from 18 to 8 weeks, but showed little response to a further reduction to 4 weeks. In contrast, annual grass yield showed little change as recovery period was reduced from 18 to 8 weeks, but fell with a further reduction to 4 weeks. As a result, the proportion of Townsville stylo in the pasture at the end of the season was high with long and short recovery periods but reached a minimum with an 8 - 10 week recovery period. Dry conditions prevailed in the first half of both seasons. The evidence suggests that young Townsville stylo is sensitive to heavy grazing when under water stress, and that early grazing for grass control should be imposed only during periods of active growth.
Grass-white clover relationships during pasture development. 1. Effect of superphosphate
Authors: Wolfe EC , Lazenby A
Published: March 2005

The effects of superphosphate (0, 42, 125, and 375 kg ha-1 year-1), grass species (tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and phalaris) and grass seeding rate (0, 1.1, 4.5, and 17.9 kg ha-1) on the productivity and botanical composition of grass-white clover pastures were investigated from 1967 to 1970 on a previously unfertilized site at Armidale, New South Wales. In all years, total pasture yields were increased by each additional increment of superphosphate applied. During the establishment year, the addition of 375 kg ha-1 superphosphate increased clover dry matter yield by more than 3500 kg ha-1, whereas grass production was low (< 1500 kg ha-1) on all treatments. Thereafter, the increases in grass yields at each level of superphosphate were the equal of, or exceeded, the clover responses, which were mainly linear throughout the experiment. Neither grass seeding rate nor grass species had a major effect on total pasture productivity. Their effects on the relative yields of the grass and clover components were most evident at the highest rate of superphosphate. At SP0, grass and clover percentages declined from 1967 to 1970 and at SP125 the proportions of grass, clover and weeds were about equal in all years. At SP375, the strong overall trend from clover-dominance in 1967 to grass-dominance in 1970 was most rapid in treatments sown with 4.5 or 17.9 kg ha-1 grass and least rapid in phalaris-white clover pastures. In 1969 and 1970, when most pastures at SP375, had reached the grass-dominant stage of their development, within-year fluctuations in grass and clover content were least in the fescue-white clover pastures.
Effect of maturity, carbon dioxide and storage duration on controlled atmosphere stored Jonathan apples
Authors: Little CR , Peggie ID , Taylor HJ
Published: March 2005

Jonathan apples stored at 0�C in an atmosphere of 0 per cent CO2 and 2.5 per cent O2were softer, more yellow and more susceptible to breakdown and superficial scald but less susceptible to flesh browning than where CO2 was 3 per cent. Increasing the CO2 from 3 to 6 per cent did not greatly affect fruit firmness or yellow colouring but did increase susceptibility to flesh browning and breakdown. Air stored fruit were more susceptible to superficial scald and breakdown but did not develop flesh browning. Flesh browning and breakdown decreased as picks were made earlier, but the effectiveness of maturity as a control measure was limited by loss of flavour where harvesting was too early.