Life Sciences Commons^™

Clearwing Moths Are Key To Dock Control, Kingsley Fisher

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

Two clearwing moths imported from Morocco and France could be the key to controlling dock (Rumex pulcher) - one of the worst weeds of high rainfall pastures in southern Australia

The Potential For Skeleton Weed, John Dodd, F. D. Panetta

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

Since its introduction into Australia during the 900s skeleton weed has become one of the most economically significant weeds. Its presence in cereal crops in south-eastern Australia has caused suvere yield reductions and harvesting problems.

Skeleton weed was first found on a Western Australian farm in 963. Since then it has been the subject of an intensive eradication campaign organised by the Agricultural Protection Board and funded by an annual levy on wheat growers. Such campaigns, which rely mainly on volunteer searchers, do not exist in eastern Australia because the weed is so widespread it would be impossible to eradicate. …

Beating The Blackberry, J H. Moore, E. B. Hoskins

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

The blackberry is an aggressive, strongly-growing plant that has spread throughout parts of the south-west of Western Australia.

Although most blackberry infestations on agricultural land have been dramatically reduced since compulsory control measures were introduced 30 years ago, about 3,600 hectares are still infested today.

Recent research has shown that three new herbicides are highly effective against blackberry, and much safer to use than the older ones.

Effective biological control of blackberry may also be possible.

Wild Oats In W.A, J G. Paterson

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

A summary of background information, recent research findings and current recommendations for the control of wild oats in Western Australia.

Docks In Western Australia, J M. Allen

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

A survey carried out by the Department of Agriculture has shown that docks are the most serious weed of the higher rainfall areas of Western Australia. They are estimated to cost farmers $400 000 annually in lost production. One of the main reasons why they are important weeds is that they regenerate rapidly from tubers and compete with desirable annual pasture species. Also the upright dock flowering stems are woody and unpalatable. Individual plants become intertwined and deter stock from grazing summer pastures.

Results from the survey of the dock problem are given in this article. The findings show that …

The Control Of Annual (Wimmera) Ryegrass In Cereal Crops, Geoffrey A. Pearce, B. J. Quinlivan

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

The annual ryegrasses are valuable pasture plants in Western Australia, yet have become one of the major weed problems in cereal crops.

The key to cultural control of annual ryegrasses in cereal crops is an understanding of the factors which govern germination of the seed.

Covering the seed with soil keeps out light and provides a more stable moisture supply, bringing about a faster rate of germination. This is the basis of control programmes recommended in this article.

Recommendations for chemical control are also included.

The Control Of Weeds In Linseed And Rape, Geoffrey A. Pearce

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

Like all crops linseed and rapeseed can suffer from weed competition.

Linseed is highly susceptible to weed competition, while rape is susceptible to the chemicals used to kill broad-leaved weeds, so both crops pose special problems.

As in other broad-acre crops, cultural methods usually provide the best means of weed control.

Weed Control Research Pays Dividends, G R W Meadly

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

On my bookshelf is a handbook entitled "War on Weeds" or "How to Double our Food Supply."

In many of these countries experiments have been made to ascertain as far as possible the exact damage done by weeds to crops.

Result: In all the experiments, whether made in England or abroad, the mean loss was over 50 per cent.

The level of loss is equally true today, but the methods at our disposal for handling weeds have improved tremendously.

Watsonia (Watsonia Spp. And Chasmanthe Aethiopica (L.) N.E. Brown), G R W Meadly

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

AS the t i t le implies, the vernacular name Watsonia is applied, not only to several species of that genus, but also to the related Chasmanthe aethiopica. At times some small flowered types of Gladiolus are also included.

Control Of Cape Tulip, Geoffrey A. Pearce

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

CAPE TULIP is the worst weed in the Avon Valley and northern areas of the Great Southern districts.

It occurs elsewhere to a limited extent but even then it is regarded as a serious weed.

Control Of Wild Oats, J G. Paterson

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

WILD OATS are widespread throughout the world.

Their importance can be gauged from the fact that in the wheat growing areas of Canada and the U.S.A. some 60 million acres are infested.

Two chemicals are now available for the control of wild oats in wheat. This article compares their relative merits and gives recommendations for their use.

The Control Of Doublegee, Geoffrey A. Pearce

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

FOUR years ago no practical recommendations could be made for the control of doublegee.

With money provided by the State Wheat Research Fund, research has been undertaken into the control of this weed, and there is now no reason why most farmers cannot bring doublegee under control.

Watch Out For Afghan Thistle, J G. Paterson

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

ALTHOUGH known throughout the cereal and sheep districts of Western Australia as Afghan thistle, this plant is not really a thistle at all.

It belongs to the large botanical family of the Solonaceae and is closely related to the garden vegetables tomato and potato.

Weed Control : Cotton Fireweed, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

COTTON FIREWEED is a native perennial plant which has developed as a serious weed in the south coastal areas.

Being a perennial it makes quick, active growth following summer rains and rapidly outgrows annual pasture plants.

Broom Rape, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

BROOM RAPE (Orobanche australiana) is a parasite which becomes attached to the roots of other plants.

It is not very selective regarding hosts and has been found parasitising many species, but particularly clovers.

Saffron Thistle, B J. Quinlivan, H. A. Pearce

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

Saffron thistle is a declared primary noxious weed in Western Australia and is especially troublesome in the northern agricultural areas.

Field trials aimed at finding the cheapest and most effective method of controlling the weed have shown that 2,4-D applied at the correct stage is the best chemical to use.

Weed Control Around The Yard, Geoffrey A. Pearce

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

MANY farmers and city householders have weed problems around houses and sheds which can be readily overcome by treatment with appropriate herbicides.

The risk from fire through weeds and unsightly growth can easily be removed and an area free of any plant growth can be maintained with little effort for a considerable period.

Progress In The Control Of Cotton Fireweed, Geoffrey A. Pearce

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

Cotton Fireweed (Erechtites quadridentata) is native to Western Australia and was first collected by Drummond before 1850. In its natural habitat it is quite insignificant and passes unnoticed.

Cotton fireweed, a native perennial plant, has become a serious weed in the south coastal districts and is now one of the most widespread weeds in the State.

Weeds Of Western Australia : Cape Tulip (Homeria Breyniana (L.) Lewis And H. Miniata Sweet), G R W Meadly

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

SOUTH Africa has provided us with a number of undesirable weeds including doublegee, Berkheya thistle, Guildford grass and stinking roger, but outstanding among the weed introductions from that country are two species of Homeria known as Cape Tulip.

The salmon-coloured flowers and long grass-like leaves are known to farmers in many localities extending from Geraldton to Albany and as far east as Bruce Rock and Merredin. Beyond the metropolitan area the largest infestations occur in the Northam, York, Beverley and Williams districts where thousands of acres of good land are affected.

Soursob (Oxalis Pes-Caprae L.), G R W Meadly

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

DURING winter and spring, the yellow colouration of paddocks is not always due to the flowers of the widely distributed Capeweed.

In some districts, particularly in the Avon Valley, the yellow-flowered soursob (Oxalis pes-caprae L.), has become firmly established.

The genus Oxalis contains 800 or more different species, the two main natural centres of distribution being South Africa and tropical and extra-tropical South America.