Life Sciences Commons^™

Thrips Damage Of Grapes, A N. Sproul

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

IN mid-December, a few bunches of Semillon grapes were submitted for examination from a Caversham Vineyard.

Damage to grape berries by thrips has not been recorded before in Western Australia.

The Elimination Of Cultivation In Apple Orchards : A New Approach To Orchard Soil Management, S E. Hardisty

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

THE idea of eliminating cultivation in orchards suggests a reversal of accepted local practice in orchard soil management—but there is plenty of evidence to show that a noncultivation system has much in its favour.

In this article the advantages and disadvantages of the three main forms of orchard soil management are discussed and experimental evidence is presented in support of noncultivation.

An alternative method, "winter sod" culture, is proposed for irrigated orchards.

Linuron : A New Herbicide For Cereal Crops, Geoffrey A. Pearce

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

DURING two years of trials on both pastures and cereals Linuron has proved itself to be a valuable addition to the range of chemicals for the control of weeds in cereals.

It has a good crop tolerance safety factor and controls a wider range of weeds than most other herbicides.

Organo-Phosphorus Insecticides For Control Of Red-Legged Earth Mite And Lucerne Flea, J A. Button

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

MOUNTING CONCERN over residue problems arising from the use of D.D.T. and other chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides on pasture has highlighted the need for alternative chemicals capable of providing satisfactory control without undesirable side effects.

Chemical Thinning Of Apples : Spray Recommendations For 1966, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

ALL indications point to a heavy crop of apples in the 1967 season.

This year gives growers an opportunity to break through the biennial bearing cycle of " o n " and " o f f" years by the thorough application of chemical thinning sprays.

More Sheep Per Acre, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

In the late 1950's agricultural scientists in Western Australia became convinced that much of the improved pasture in the agricultural areas of the State was going to waste.

The results of the early trials resulted in many farm demonstrations of higher carrying capacities on improved pastures in southern agricultural areas.

Why Does Fruit Drop?, K T. Whitely

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

THERE is always a dramatic difference between the number of blossoms that form on a f r u i t tree in spring and the number of fruit which ultimately mature.

This is very obvious to the grower in the " o f f " or light crop year when he feels a personal loss with every young fruitlet or near-mature fruit that falls from the tree.

A Survey Of Citrus Plantings In Western Australia, Frank Melville

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

THE development of the citrus industry in Western Australia has been determined by the requirements of the local market and there is no reason to suppose that this will not continue to be the controlling factor.

Stocking Rate And Rate Of Superphosphate In A Higher Rainfall Area, P P. Mann, B. J. Gorddard, R. N. Glencross, E. N. Fitzpatrick

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

In its virgin state the area carried a forest association of red-gum and jarrah, and the soils are typical of large areas in the south-west of Western Australia.

These gravelly soils have a high requirement for phosphate during their first years under pasture, and this trial was designed to investigate the relationship between rate of phosphate, stocking rate and pasture production over a number of seasons.

Classing Your Own Clip, J Reilly

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

One of the most important activities in the Australian wool industry is the preparation of the clip for sale.

Many growers class their own clips and due to this practice they can reduce production costs.

Stocking Rates On Cyprus Barrel Medic In The Northern Wheatbelt, R J. Parkin

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

IN May 1963, some three weeks after germination, a 4th year stand of Cyprus barrel medic was stocked with Merino wethers.

These same sheep are still grazing the area after three years.

Heavy Rate Set Stocking : Esperance Downs Research Station, R J. Doyle

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

THIS article describes a stocking rate demonstration in one paddock at Esperance Downs Research Station, using Merino wethers.

Since December 1961, the area has supported 530 to 540 Merino wethers under continuous grazing.

A Sick Ewe Why? [Pregnancy Toxaemia], F C. Wilkinson

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

THIS dazed-looking ewe was seen wandering aimlessly around with an unsteady gait.

Three other ewes had died after a similar sickness lasting about four days.

Two more sheep in the flock of 350 ewes were also sick. One of them was down with its head on one side.

Down But Not Out [Milk Fever], F C. Wilkinson

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

The five-year-old Jersey cow pictured had calved overnight.

In the previous year this cow had been the highest producer in the herd, so the farmer was very pleased to see she had produced a heifer calf.

Summer And Autumn Rainfall In Relation To Epidemics Of Wheat Stem Rust In Western Australia, W A. Shipton

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

High summer and autumn rainfalls, followed by rust infection of volunteer plants and favourable conditions during late winter and spring, lead to rust epidemics.

WIDESPREAD outbreaks of wheat stem rust are rare in Western Australia.

Cultivation : Does Haste Mean Waste?, H M. Fisher

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

Many farmers believe that increasing the speed of cultivation and seeding implements will cause deterioration of soils and reduced crop yields.

In a three-year trial on clover ley land at Wongan Hills higher cultivation speeds tended to increase rather than decrease wheat yields. There was some deterioration in the physical structure of the soil.

Trees Of Western Australia, Charles Austin Gardner

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

It is not desirable to give locality names to plants unless their range is fully underwood.

Such names can be very misleading.

Thr following is an illistrated discussion of the identification of five Western Australian trees.

Manure Disposal From Piggeries, P Mcnamara

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

Many new piggeries have been built during the past year as more farmers swing over to intensive housing.

In most cases the problem of effluent disposal has been overlooked. This article shows how some pig raisers are beating the problem.

Hypocalcaemia In Sheep, J Craig

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

Hypocalcaemia can cause trouble among in-lamb and lactating ewes, especially if they are grazing lush pasture or young cereal crops.

Dry sheep can also be affected. The disease can be confused with pregnancy toxaemia.

. . . A timely reminder issued by Senior Veterinary Surgeon J. Craig.

How To Pickle Your Own Olives, K T. Whitely

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

Are you one of the increasing number of people who planted olive trees a few years ago, with an eye to a future ample supply of tasty pickled olives? If so, your trees will now be starting to bear useful crops and you will be interested in this article on . . .

THE increased number of people who now have their own olive trees and also the increased availability of good pickling olives on the local market has produced a rising interest in pickling olives.

Worms In Sheep. 1. The Worms Which Infest Sheep In W.A, R W. Butler

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

Parasitic worms of sheep occur so widely that they are a problem of most flocks.

While a few worms might be of little consequence, worms can kill many sheep and could cause serious economic loss in the agricultural areas of W.A.

This first article describes the types of worms and their effects on sheep.

List Of Department Of Agriculture Publications, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

THE following publications are available on application from the Department of Agriculture.

Most of the bulletins listed are reprints from the Journal of Agriculture and are free of charge (except where a price is stated).

The date of original publication of reprints is stated to facilitate reference to bound volumes of the Journal.

Agriculture In Williams-West Arthur : Report Of A Survey Of Farm Practices, A W. Hogstrom

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

THIS article summarises the results of a survey of 81 farms in the Williams and West Arthur Shires, carried out by officers of the Department of Agriculture at the request of the Central South Zone Development Committee.

Field work for the survey started in 1961.

Beef Cattle And Production In Western Australia, W J O Wilkie

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

IN an article published in the Journal of Agriculture for February, 1963, the growth of the beef cattle population of Western Australia was shown for a number of districts in the State.

Strains Of Stem And Leaf Rust On Wheat In Western Australia Since 1951, I A. Watson, W. P. Cass Smith, W. A. Shipton

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

THE most important wheat rust in Western Australia is stem rust,

Leaf rust occurs infrequently and has not been known to cause serious damage.

The Care Of Young Fruit Trees, R G. Cahill

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

MUCH planning, work and expense must go into a programme of establishing a young orchard.

Orchardists must be prepared to give the care and attention young trees need if they are to become profitable paying units.

Citrus Rootstocks : An Evaluation For New And Replant Areas, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

Widespread decline of citrus orchards in Western Australia associated with Phytophthora root rot, citrus eelworm and other factors has prompted investigation of various citrus rootstocks.

Trifoliata and Troyer citrange are most suitable for replant areas.

Wider use of these and of other stocks such as sweet orange is advocated for new plantings.

Rules Of The Western Australian Pure Bred Dairy Cattle Production Recording Scheme, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

REVISION of these rules was necessary because of the amalgamation of the field work with that of Grade Herd Recording.

Adjustments have been made to facilitate more expeditious handling of records in the Department's Head Office.

Other minor changes have been made to bring the rules into line with present day practice.

A Potential Champ? [Distemper In Dogs], F C. Wilkinson

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

THE mother of this pup was an eight-year-old sheep dog and in the eyes of her owner she was a champion and well worth her keep.

She was perhaps slowing down a little, so the best looking pup out of the last litter had been kept as a possible replacement.

Stop-Drop Sprays For Jonathan And Delicious Apples, N H. Shorter, J. Cripps

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

STOP-DROP sprays prevent excessive pre-harvest drop of Jonathan and Delicious apples.

Recent research has thrown more light on the best methods of employing these materials.

TWO CHEMICALS used as "stop-drop" sprays are available commercially in Western Australia. One of these, alpha napthalene acetic acid (NAA), is also well known as a thinning spray for apples.