Life Sciences Commons^™

Learning To Live With Spotted Alfalfa Aphid, M Grimm

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The spotted alfalfa aphid which can devastate lucerne crops and perhaps also medic pastures, has been established in Western Australia since early 1978. However several methods of control are being developed, which could allow continued production of lucerne.

W.A. Alert For Aphid On Lucerne, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The spotted alfalfa aphid which is devastating lucerne crops in the Eastern States, could be introduced to Western Australia on lucerne hay which is fed en route to imported livestock. The Department of Agriculture has therefore alerted all inspection points about the possible danger.

The Department of Agricultureis maintaining traps specifically for the aphid, and has found no evidence of it yet.

The Place Of Lucerne In Western Australian Agriculture, N J. Halse, C. M. Francis

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Lucerne, the world's most important fodder legume, has never won largescale acceptance in West Australian farming, largely because of our success with productive subterranean clover pastures. But recent disease problems on sub. clover stands have led to greater interest in alternative species, especially lucerne, for higher rainfall areas.

This article summarises our knowledge of lucerne establishment and management in W.A. and reviews current research aimed at achieving better results from lucerne.

Management Of Dry Land Lucerne In The South-West, R Sprivulis

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

MANY dry land lucerne stands have been successfully established in the dairying areas of the South-West.

With good management these can remain productive for many years; poor management can greatly reduce their productive life.

Lucerne Establishment In High Rainfall Dairying Districts, R Sprivulis

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

LUCERNE is one of the oldest of perennial forage plants. It originated in the Middle East and because it flourishes under a wide range of climatic and soil conditions it is being grown in many parts of the world.

Lucerne was introduced to Australia in the early years of British settlement. The original introductions proved suitable for the alluvial flats of the Hunter and Peel River valleys of N.S.W.

Lucerne is basically a summer growing legume with or without winter dormancy.

Canberra Creeping Lucerne Outyields Hunter River In Denmark Trial, F E. Ryan

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

LUCERNE is successfully grown as a fodder crop in high rainfall areas in Western Australia without irrigation and there is scope for expansion.

Establishment problems can be largely overcome by choice of a well drained site, spring planting to avoid weeds and pests, an application of 1 ton of limestone to the surface 5 to 6 inches of soil before sowing, and sowing of innoculated and pelleted seed.

Lucerne Establishment On The West Midland Sandplain, J W. Gartrell

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

WEST of Dandaragan and the Midland line from Watheroo to Mingenew there are four million acres of scrubplain commonly called the Western Sandplain.

All virgin soils in this region are acutely nitrogen deficient so that the agricultural future of the region depends on how successfully legumes are grown.

Foliage Diseases Of Lucerne, S C. Chambers

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Lucerne is subject to several foliage diseases in Western Australia, the more important being common leaf spot, rust and downy mildew.

These fungal diseases are all favoured by humid conditions and are especially prevalent in lucerne stands growing under irrigation.