Life Sciences Commons^™

New Danger From Hoary Cress, G R W Meadly, R. D. Royce

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

HOARY CRESS is undoubtedly one of the worst weeds introduced into Australia. It is a vigorous deep rooted perennial which competes strongly with crop plants and seriously decreases yields.

The importance of three recent discoveries of this weed in Western Australia therefore need hardly be stressed.

G. R. W. Meadly, Offlcer-in-Charge of the Weeds and Seeds Branch, and R. D. Royce, Offlcer-in- Charge of the Botany Branch, report on two recently found infestations of hoary cross in the Great Southern, and one at Jerramongup.

An intensive eradication programme is under way.

Special Seeds Help Weeds To Spread, Robert Dunlop Royce

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

PERHAPS the most important characteristic of a plant which establishes it as a weed is that it serves no useful purpose under the circumstances in which it occurs.

The Papaw : A Fruit For The Tropics And Sub-Tropics, K S. Cole, M. G. Hawson

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

TOE fruit of the papaw (Carica papaya) has a unique flavour and is a welcome addition to any diet.

In the tropics and sub-tropics the papaw is quite easy to grow and is adapted to a wide range of soils and climate.

Skeleton Weed : A Menace To The Wheat Industry, G R W Meadly

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

If introduced into Western Australia skeleton weed could become a greater problem to the wheat industry in this State than it is in the Eastern States.The risk of introduction is increasing.

Study these illustrations so that you will be able to recognise skeleton weed if you see it; early recognition may mean the difference between eradication and infestation.

Trees Of Western Australia. No. 99. The Mottlecah (Eucalyptus Macrocarpa Hook.). No. 100. The Bald Island Marlock (Eucalyptus Lehmannii Preiss Ex Schau.), Charles Austin Gardner

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

This species, a shrub between six and 15 feet in height, is the largest-flowered of all the species of Eucalyptus.

The name is intended to indicate this fact, but unfortunately the Greek work makros means "long" and actually the fruit "karpos" is remarkably short in comparison to its diameter, being in fact the broadest fruit within the genus.

Hard Seeds In Lupins, B J. Quinlivan

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

A study of hard seeds in the W.A. blue lupin is yielding some interesting facts about this important survival mechanism of pasture plants.

The knowledge gained will be useful in future pasture plant breeding projects.

SOME interesting facts on hard seeds in lupins have come from experiments commenced several years ago.

This article outlines the reasons for the experiments and the results with lupins so far.

Subsequent articles will cover subterranean clover and techniques for softening hard seeds in both species before planting.

The Certified Strains Of Subterranean Clover In Western Australia, B J. Quinlivan

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

THE agricultural districts of Western Australia have a typically Mediterranean climate.

Most of the annual rains fall in the late autumn, winter and early spring. The winters are relatively warm, with day temperatures between 50° and 80° Fahrenheit, while the summers are very hot and dry.

Mesquite (Prosopis Juliflora D.C.), G R W Meadly

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

A TREE grown for shade and ornamental purposes and bearing nutritious pods would appear to be welcome anywhere.

This description applies to Mesquite; however it has certain undesirable characteristics which usually outweigh the advantages and pose a major agricultural problem.

That, in fact, is the position in Western Australia.

Delayed Foliation In Apple Trees, J E L Cripps

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

DELAYED foliation refers to the late leafing out and production of small leaves by fruit trees.

However, the weak and protracted blossoming which precedes the appearance of the leaves has more serious consequences for it may lead to a reduced set of fruit.

Selection Of Fruit Trees, W J. Hart

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

Every winter almost a quarter of a million fruit trees are offered for sale by stores and nurserymen throughout the State.

Unfortunately, many of the trees fail to thrive or do not produce satisfactory crops of fruit.

Latest Recommendations For Chemical Thinning : An Aid To Apple Crop Regulation, S E. Hardisty, N. H. Shorter

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

FIELD trials and experience have shown that chemical thinning is a valuable aid to crop regulation in apple trees.

Research Report : Chemical Thinning Of Apples, J E L Cripps, N. J. Halse

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

MANY progressive fruit growers have adopted spray thinning of apples, and have found that it pays well.

More widespread adoption to reduce costs of production in the face of returns which show no tendency to rise, would benefit the apple industry.

For this reason improved recommendations have been formulated, based on local research.

The Cape Gooseberry, K T. Whitely

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

THE CAPE GOOSEBERRY — which is quite different from the English Gooseberry — is a popular berry fruit which is in good demand on the local market.

Stinkwort : A Troublesome Summer Weed, G R W Meadly

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

ONE of the commonest weeds in Western Australia is stinkwort, a vigorous plant which can be a nuisance in many parts of the State during late summer.

Fodder Shrubs In The Murchison, D G. Wilcox

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

THE Murchison pastoral country is usually thought of as either having a perennial grass cover, as in the Wandarrie, or as Mulga country with trees and short grass.

It is easy to overlook the small shrubs which occur all over the Murchison in every type of situation, and can provide high quality feed for sheep.