Life Sciences Commons^™

The Insect Vector In Relation To Myxomatosis, J A. Button

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The rabbit is undoubtedly the greatest single pest with which agriculturalists in this country have to contend. It is, therefore, not surprising that any new and promising method of controlling the pest should be greeted with considerable interest. Although a great deal has already been written regarding the myxomatosis virus a brief and co-ordinated summary of the situation as it now exists in Australia, with particular reference to this State, should prove of value as a guide to the wider establishment of the disease next summer.

Checking Run-Off On Cultivation

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Many people passing Mr. S. C. Leonard's property in the Perenjori district have been puzzled by the unusual patterns left on his cultivated paddocks (see right hand photograph). They are the result of an interesting experiment to check runoff.

Plant Disease - Crown Gall Of Fruit Trees, W P. Cass Smith

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Crown gall is a widespread bacterial disease which affects many different plants. It is most frequently noticed on fruit trees particularly pome and stone fruits, but it also attacks grapes, berry plants, and ornamentals, including roses.

Seasonal Reminders

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Now that the plant is fully grown and leaves are maturing, growers should be on the way towards commencement of harvesting and curing. These operations can seriously reduce the value of a good crop if handled carelessly. If you have an even crop and are using inexperienced labour, it is possible to go around the crop the day before harvest and say how many leaves are to be picked from each plant. There may be from two to five. In an uneven crop this is impossible.

A Simple And Effective Cow Bail, L C. Snook

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

While visiting the property of Mr. R. Burke, Cowaramup, I saw in use a type of cow-bail which made an immediate appeal because of its simplicity, effectiveness and ease of working. Mr. Burke is obviously skilled at setting up practical time-saving devices but there seems to be no reason why other dairy farmers should not make use of the principle he employed.

List Of Stock Foods

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The following stock foods have been registered with the Department of Agriculture under the Feeding Stuffs Act, 1928-1951, for the year commencing 1st July, 1952

Water Erosion Control - 5, B A'B Marsh

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

working holds rainwater where it falls; as a result erosion is reduced, and the effectiveness of rainfall is increased. Contour working is the working of the land in such a way that a large proportion of the furrows are fairly close to the contour. In short, furrows are level and will hold water.

Plant Disease - Black Rot Of Stocks, R F. Doepel

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Stocks are easily grown plants deserving of a place in every garden. They are adapted to a wide range of cultural conditions and a colourful show of flowers can be obtained by planting suitable varieties. Black rot is a serious bacterial disease (causal organism Xanthomonas incanae) of these plants and is responsible for heavy losses in some plantings.

[Article not present in contents page but present in index and in text]

Farm Fencing Hints - Gates And Gadgets, J A. Mallett

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Apart from the fact that they add immeasurably to the appearance of a property, good gates are permanent assets—sound investments which pay generous dividends over the years, both in peace of mind and in the saving of many man-hours of valuable time.

Here's The Answer

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Recently we had to dismantle and rebuild a Sunshine harvester main wheel. We managed to complete the job fairly satisfactorily but probably a few hints on the correct procedure would have enabled us to do the work with only a fraction of the expenditure of time and labour. Could you publish any notes that might help?

The Hughes Memorial Gateway At Muresk

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

A large gathering of past and present students and members of the staff attended a ceremony at Muresk Agricultural College on Visitors' Day, September 7, when a handsome gateway erected to the memory of Mr. Hugh Jason Hughes the first Principal of the College was officially opened by his widow.

A Successful Method Of Spraying Against Looper Caterpillars And Other Springtime Pests, J C. Rowbotham

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Description of a method which has proved successful over the past two seasons on the orchards of Messrs. J. L. Parke and W. Parke, of Donnybrook, should prove of interest to the large number of apple growers who during past seasons have suffered losses due to excessive blemishing of fruit by looper caterpillars (Chloroclystis lacticostata) and other spring pests.

Season Reminders For November-December

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The main cultivation of orchards and vineyards should now be completed and any further working of the soil should be restricted to the control of weed growth. Continuous cultivation of clean ground serves no useful purpose but can be very harmful by accelerating the loss of organic matter from the soil.

Tree Lucerne, L C. Snook

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Perhaps the greatest need in our agricultural areas is for a hardy legume which year after year will provide palatable green fodder during the late summer months. In the white-flowered Tree Lucerne (Cystisus prolifer) such a legume is available. Surprisingly enough, this hardy perennial shrub has never been exploited. Tree Lucerne is so hardy that self-seeded thickets can be seen growing on virgin land in the Darling Ranges and I have seen seedlings in the streets of Corrigin healthy and robust after six months without rain. The foliage is so palatable that cattle and horses will break down quite large …

Water Erosion Control - 4, J E. Watson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Run-off water must be expected at some time or other from most agricultural land in Western Australia, where high intensity rains are likely to occur both in winter and summer. This run-off water will tend to concentrate in the natural drainage depressions of the slopes, and flow down to the main creeks. Running water is a principal agent of soil erosion, and it is essential that all channels where water flows must be protected if our lands are to be saved from the ravages of severe gully erosion.

Here's The Answer

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Having read with interest the articles on roses which have appeared in the Journal I am inquiring if you can supply some advice on the rooting of Fortuniana cuttings. I have grown two Fortuniana bushes with the idea of striking some cuttings for stocks. I already have some nice roses but all are growing on briar stocks which were obtained by taking up some of the suckers. This query was received in a letter addressed to the author of the rose articles (Mr. C. C. Hillary) but unfortunately you omitted to sign the letter. Fortuniana cuttings are best taken

Internal Parasites Of Cattle, J Craig

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Worm infestation (Parasitic Gastro-Enteritis) is frequently a cause of serious economic loss both in calves and yearlings. It is unfortunate, however, that stock owners do not realise until too late the full extent of the effects of these worm parasites—for the cost can be counted not only in the actual deaths sustained, but in the resultant check in the animal's growth and development.

Farm Fencing Hints - Straining The Wires, J A. Mallett

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Having erected the posts and run the wires, the next task is that of straining the wires and—where barbed wires are used—tying them to the posts. Where wires have to be joined in the fence, the "figure eight knot," or "fencer's knot" as it is often called, is probably the best of all. It is easy to make, once one has mastered the knack, holds safely under strain, and may be pulled through a hole in a fence-post if the points are bent over.

Grain Silos For Muresk

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

On September 7, two grain silos, each with a capacity of 2,000 bushels were formally handed over to Muresk Agricultural College by representatives of the Trustees of the Wheat Pool of Western Australia.

Evicting Bees From Houses, A Kessell

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Every year, the Apicultural Branch receives a number of inquiries from harassed householders concerning methods of evicting bee colonies which have taken up their abode in houses. Cavity walls often provide cosy quarters for swarms seeking accommodation, while others establish themselves in chimneys, ventilators and under floors.

[One of an ongoing series of articles, collectively titled: Bees and Honey]

The Prevention Of Sucker Growth Of Tobacco After Topping, T G. Haney

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Experiments conducted overseas and elsewhere in Australia have shown that the application of mineral oils to the cut surface of the tobacco stem after topping (removal of the flower head) have reduced the amount of sucker growth of tobacco plants. Previous experience in Western Australia has shown that the most appropriate time for topping of tobacco crops has been after the first leaf has been harvested. This operation has the effect of putting more body and width into the tip leaves, which, without topping, tend to be narrow and comparatively light in weight. With late planted crops, however, crops are …

The Control Of Mealy Bug On Vines In Western Australia, P N. Forte

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The mealy bug (Pseudococcus maritimus Ehr.) was first recorded on vines in Western Australia in 1898 (A. M. Lea, 1898). Since then it has been reported present in certain years in large numbers with consequent loss of quality in the vine products.

Farm Fencing Hints, J A. Mallett

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Boring the fence-posts to take the wires is an important operation in fence construction. Unless the holes are well aligned and running parallel with the fence-line and the ground, the task of "running" the wires will be made very difficult, and the appearance and effectiveness of the finished fence will suffer.

Plant Diseases - Entyloma Leaf Spot Of English Marigold, R F. Doepel

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The English marigold or calendula is a hardy ornamental which is widely grown in gardens throughout Western Australia. With the exception of eelworm attack on the roots it is seldom troubled by diseases and this feature has no doubt contributed to its popularity.

Here's The Answer

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Bulk super storage

We are thinking of storing superphosphate in bulk next year, and in order to assess the quantity of storage space likely to be needed we would appreciate some indication of the number of cubic feet required to house a ton of super.

Hormone Weedicide Injury To Grape Vines, W P. Cass Smith

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

During the present season, serious injury to grape vines from 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T, proprietary weedicides, has been noticed on two occasions. In each case the damage, which included killing of vines outright, was brought about by spraying weeds between the rows or on headlands.

Late Or Irish Blight Of Potatoes, W P. Cass Smith

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Late or Irish Blight, caused by the fungus Phythophthora infestans, is the most destructive disease of potatoes in many countries. Fortunately it has proved to be uncommon in the main potato areas of Western Australia as suitable weather for its epidemic development seldom occurs for sufficiently long periods. The disease is encouraged by periods of warm muggy weather during the day, followed by relatively cool night temperatures.

Bacterial Cultures - Price Increases Announces

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Prices of bacterial cultures prepared by the Department of Agriculture for the inoculation of legume seeds have now been increased. The new prices are 2s. for a 1 oz. bottle; 3s. for a 2 oz. bottle and 7s. 6d. for the 8 oz. size. Old prices were Is. 6d., 2s. 6d., and 5s. respectively. Owing to the heavy demand for these cultures it has been found necessary to employ larger laboratory staffs and purchase extra equipment. Postage and materials cost far more today than when the service was inaugurated, and it is felt that a price increase was justified in …

The Farm Bookshelf

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

C. A. Gardner, Government Botanist of Western Australia, is the author of a recently-published 400-page work on the native and introduced grasses of this State. The book is the first part of a projected "Flora of Western Australia" which is expected to comprise at least six volumes.

Raising Queen Bees, R S. Coleman

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Most beekeepers are constantly seeking new and better methods of raising good queen bees and these suggestions, while capable of many refinements, will give good results for small-scale beekeepers when they wish to re-queen their hives. Most commercial apiarists have their own favourite methods incorporating variations of these ideas.

[One of an ongoing series of articles, collectively titled: Bees and Honey]