Life Sciences Commons^™

Deep And Continuous Root Development In Ameliorated Soil Improves Water And Nutrient Uptakes And Wheat Yield In Water-Limited Conditions, Gaus Azam, Kanchana Wickramarachchi, Craig Scanlan, Yinglong Chen

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Background and aims

Despite the widespread co-occurrence of subsoil acidity and compaction, the interaction between these factors and their combined effects on root system development under water-limited conditions is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate how the removal of soil strength and acidity influenced root development and examine relationships between root system properties and shoot growth under field conditions.

Methods

Images of root growth were obtained in situ by using rhizotron facilities to assess the temporal effects of soil improvement through loosening and lime incorporation on wheat root development in the 2018 season. Following this, we examined the relationship …

Profitable Improvement In Rangeland Conditions: Cunyu Station’S Achievement Of Synonymous Objectives In The Highly Variable Southern Rangelands Of Western Australia, Bradley Plunkett, Christophe D'Abbadie

Natural resources research reports

This case examines the objectives and management practices of Cunyu Station in Western Australia from 1990–2017. The owners’ objectives were to apply best practice knowledge augmented with localized management skills to rigorously adjust total grazing pressure (TGP) from all species (cattle, kangaroos, camels, horses, and donkeys) to levels commensurate with improved landscape conditions, minimized operating costs, and stable cash flows. A combination of infrastructure investment, feral herbivore control, use of the native apex predator (dingo) for kangaroo control, creation, and maintenance of around 18 months of ‘buffer’ pasture, and finishing 30-month-old steers on the Station were key management practices for …

Phosphorus Buffering Determines How Soil Properties And Rainfall Influence Wheat (Triticum Aestivum) Yield Response To Phosphorus Fertiliser, Craig Scanlan, Raj Malik, Gustavo Boitt, Mark Gherardi, James Easton, Zed Rengel

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Context

Current decision support systems (DSS) for phosphorus (P) fertiliser were developed using data from historical cropping systems. An understanding of how soil properties and rainfall influence wheat (Triticum aestivum) response to P fertiliser in current systems is required to optimise P management. Aims

The aims of this study were to: (1) assess the soil properties that have the greatest influence on relative yield; (2) examine how rainfall conditions influence relative yield; and (3) examine whether there were interactive effects between rainfall and soil properties on relative yield. Methods

Forty P rate-response field experiments were completed in Western …

Evaluation Of The Impact Of Heat Stress At Flowering On Spikelet Fertility And Grain Quality In Barley, Camilla Beate Hill, Tefera Angessa, Sharon Westcott, Lee-Anne Mcfawn, Hamid Shirdelmoghanloo, Yong Han, Chengdao Li

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Against the backdrop of a warming climate, heat stress has become one of the most limiting factors to crop productivity and food security worldwide. The flowering stage is susceptible to high temperatures in cereal crops, leading to severe grain yield losses by decreasing fertility and seed-setting rate. Our objective was to (1) assess a global panel of 572 barley varieties with contrasting genetic backgrounds for various agronomic traits related to spikelet fertility and grain quality, (2) identify barley germplasm with superior spikelet fertility and seed set under extreme heat conditions, and (3) understand the relationship between spikelet fertility and grain …

Ices Roadmap For Marine Recreational Fisheries (Mrf), International Council For The Exploration Of The Sea (Ices), Karina L. Ryan

Fisheries Research Articles

Purpose of the roadmap

The overarching goal of this roadmap is to guide the development of robust marine recreational fisheries (MRF) assessments through data and methodological improvements, in line with current and future management needs. To address the requirements of the policy and legislative instruments in relation to MRF and to plan future steps in ICES, there is need to further improve and operationalize the required MRF dataflows and assessment procedures. Better integration of MRF into advice is in line with ICES vision and mission alongside its advisory framework and principles. This will assist not only managers but also the …

Value Of Horticulture Industries In Western Australia 2022-2023, Manju Radhakrishnan, Rohan Prince

Horticulture published reports

The horticulture sector in Western Australia (WA) produces high quality fruit, vegetables, nuts and amenity horticulture. Western Australians benefit from consuming this steady supply of diverse, affordable and sustainably grown fresh fruit and vegetables. Amenity horticulture, in the form of parks and gardens, adds a great richness to the quality of life in WA.

It is estimated that WA produced $1.75 billion worth of fruit, vegetables, nuts and amenity horticulture in 2022–23. The real value1 of production at the wholesale level increased by 4% when compared to the 2020 figures presented in the report, Situation analysis of horticulture in Western …

Western Australian Soil Groups - A Diagnostic Key To Identify Soils In Western Australia (5th Edition), Paul Galloway, Dennis Van Gool, Angela Stuart-Street, Edward A. Griffin, Shahab Pathan, Noel R. Schoknecht

Resource management technical reports

The aim of the Western Australian soil groups (WA soil groups) is to classify soils of Western Australia into a limited set using criteria that are easy to recognise in the field. It is a general-purpose classification with a focus on agronomic and rangeland grazing potential. The WA soil groups are designed for WA needs. It complements the Australian Soil Classification (ASC) by grouping the continuum of soils into a limited set of soil types, which simplifies soil variability for generalists, allows soil surveyors to create standardised soil-type legends for mapping products and permits further analyses of spatial data for …

Fisheries Research Report No. 347: Recreational Fishing For Marron In South-West Western Australia From 2000 – 2024: Estimates Of Participation, Effort And Catch, Claire B. Smallwood, Karina L. Ryan, Eva Lai, Fabian I. Trinnie, Aidan Long

Fisheries Research Reports

The Smooth Marron (Cherax cainii) (‘Marron’) is endemic to freshwater dams and rivers of south-west Western Australia. The Recreational Marron Fishery is managed as a single stock within the South-West Recreational Freshwater Resource and is highly vulnerable to over-exploitation due to the biological characteristics of the species (e.g., low fecundity, localised populations) as well as external environmental (e.g., habitat loss, reduction in rainfall) and human factors (e.g., fishing, land clearing).

Due to this vulnerability, this species has been the focus of research, monitoring and management since the 1970’s. Recreational fishing for Marron was first licensed under the Amateur Fisherman’s licence …

Fisheries Research Report No. 349: South-West Freshwater Angling In Western Australia From 2000/01 – 2023/24: Estimates Of Participation, Effort And Catch, Aidan Long, Claire B. Smallwood, Karina L. Ryan, Eva Lai, Fabian I. Trinnie

Fisheries Research Reports

The South-west Freshwater Angling fishery (SWFA) in Western Australia is a licensed, low participation fishery primarily targeting the introduced Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) and Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), which are stocked in popular dams and rivers across the region. Other licensed species include the introduced Redfin Perch (Perca fluviatilis) and the native Freshwater Cobbler (Tandanus bostocki). Freshwater angling is also managed by input and output control rules including gear regulations (one rod and line or handline with a small landing net), minimum size limits and a daily mixed freshwater species bag limit of 4 individuals (excluding Redfin Perch which has …

Draft Management Plan For The South Coast Scallop Managed Fishery, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Management Papers

The Minister for Fisheries (Minister) intends to transition the South Coast Trawl Fishery (SCTF) to formal management by determining a management plan for the fishery in accordance with section 54(1) of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 (FRMA).

Section 54(1) of FRMA provides for the Minister to determine by instrument in writing published in the Government Gazette, a management plan for a fishery. Not less than two months prior to determining a management plan, the Minister must, in accordance with section 64(2) of FRMA, prepare a draft of the plan and by notice in the Gazette, state their intent to …

Research Angler Program Newsletter: Recognition Of Two Decades Of The Research Angler Program, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Research Reports

For over two-decades, volunteer recreational fishers have been diligently filling in angler logbooks as part of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Research Angler Program (RAP). The program, which began in 2004, was initially designed as a tool to enhance data collection for estuarine finfish in the West Coast Bioregion.

Throughout time, the program expanded to collect data on all species, habitat types and bioregions, generating community involvement all over the state. To date, fishers have reported data on over 19,000 fishing trips and more than 450 different fish and invertebrate (crustaceans and molluscs) species.

Fishers participating …

Recreational Fishing For Western Rock Lobster: Estimates Of Participation, Effort And Catch In 2023/24, Claire B. Smallwood, Karina L. Ryan, Alissa C. Tate

Fisheries Research Reports

The Western Rock Lobster (WRL) (Panulirus cygnus) is the most commonly caught Rock Lobster (RL) species in Western Australia. Catches from the commercial and recreational sectors are required to determine and monitor Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC), Total Allowable Recreational Catch (TARC) and the proportion of Allowable Harvest Level (AHL) achieved. The TARC is set at 5% of the AHL and evaluated in the harvest strategy based on a 5-year average.

Data for the recreational sector are obtained using phone-recall surveys to provide annual estimates of participation, fishing effort and retained catch (by numbers) from recreational fishers who hold a …

Diversity Of Gibberellin 2-Oxidase Genes In The Barley Genome Offers Opportunities For Genetic Improvement, Jingye Cheng, Yong Jia, Camilla Hill, Tianhua He, Ke Wang, Ganggang Guo, Sergey Shabala, Meixue Zhou, Yong Han, Chengdao Li

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Introduction

Gibberellin (GA) is a vital phytohormone in regulating plant growth and development. During the “Green Revolution”, modification of GA-related genes created semi-dwarfing phenotype in cereal crops but adversely affected grain weight. Gibberellin 2-oxidases (GA2oxs) in barley act as key catabolic enzymes in deactivating GA, but their functions are still less known.

Objectives

This study investigates the physiological function of two HvGA2oxgenes in barley and identifies novel semi-dwarf alleles with minimum impacts on other agronomic traits.

Methods

Virus-induced gene silencing and CRISPR/Cas9 technology were used to manipulate gene expression of HvGA2ox9 and HvGA2ox8ain barley and RNA-seq …

Accounting For Post-Release Mortality In Data-Limited, Length-Based Assessments For Four Demersal Fish Species With Varying Life Histories, Brett Crisafulli, Sybrand A. Hesp, Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah, Ute A. Mueller, Karina L. Ryan, David V. Fairclough, Norman G. Hall, Johnny Lo

Fisheries Research Articles

Released (or discarded) fish from recreational and commercial line fisheries can experience significant levels of post-release mortality (PRM), affecting sustainability. Although PRM effects are often considered in data-rich (integrated model) assessments, this is uncommon in data-limited assessments. This study investigates impacts of PRM when applying data-limited, length-based assessment methods for four reef-dwelling demersal fish species in temperate Western Australia (Glaucosoma hebraicum, Chrysophrys auratus, Choerodon rubescens and Epinephelides armatus). These species differ considerably in their biology and susceptibility to PRM. For each species simulations were undertaken to (1) evaluate the reliability of a length-based catch curve (LBCC) …

Narrow Orchard Systems For Pome And Stone Fruit - A Review, Alessio Scalisi, Mark G. O'Connell, Dario Stefanelli, Shuangxi Zhou, Tim Pitt, Darren Graetz, Kevin Dodds, Liqi Han, Roberta De Bei, Jill Stanley, Ken Breen, Ian Goodwin

Horticulture Research Articles

The main characteristics of Narrow Orchard Systems (NOS) are (i) narrow canopies, with (ii) multiple closely-spaced upright leaders and (iii) narrow inter-rows, regardless of tree spacing within the row. In NOS, planting density can be reduced compared with super-high and ultra-high density planting systems on dwarfing rootstocks, utilising a wider range of rootstock vigours coupled to proportional increases in both within-row tree spacing and upright leader number per tree. This paper reviews the development of NOS and results of research carried out on apple, pear, sweet cherry, peach, nectarine, apricot and plum in production regions worldwide. The history of orchard …

Recreational Fishers’ Attitudes To Fisheries Management And Compliance, Karina L. Ryan, Clinton Syers, Kane Holtom, Timothy J. Green, Jeremy M. Lyle, Kate E. Stark, Sean R. Tracey

Fisheries Research Articles

Recreational fisheries policy decisions have social and ecological outcomes that depend on whether regulations are understood and meet expectations, which in turn enhances compliance. This study investigates perceptions of management and compliance among boat-based recreational fishers in Western Australia with consideration of demography (age, residence) and fishing behaviour (avidity, bioregion fished). Most respondents considered themselves to be informed about rules governing their fishing and there was strong support for current input and output controls, including area and seasonal closures and possession and size limits. There was less support for alternative regulations that are not currently in practice, such as annual …

Pangenome And Pantranscriptome As The New Reference For Gene-Family Characterization: A Case Study Of Basic Helix-Loop-Helix (Bhlh) Genes In Barley, Cen Tong, Yong Jia, Haifei Hu, Zhanghui Zeng, Brett Chapman, Chengdao Li

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Genome-wide identification and comparative gene-family analyses have commonly been performed to investigate species-specific evolution linked to various traits and molecular pathways. However, most previous studies have been limited to gene screening in a single reference genome, failing to account for the gene presence/absence variations (gPAVs) in a species. Here, we propose an innovative pangenome-based approach for gene-family analyses based on orthologous gene groups (OGGs). Using the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family in barley as an example, we identified 161–176 bHLHs in 20 barley genomes, which can be classified into 201 OGGs. These 201 OGGs were further classified into 140 …

Evaporation Basins For Salinity Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

An evaporation basin is an engineered earth structure designed to safely store and evaporate saline water discharged from drainage or pumping, while protecting high-value agricultural land, natural assets or built infrastructure.

DPIRD recommends that evaporation basins should form part of an integrated water and salinity management program. Information on this page is a guide only.

It is recommended that landholders seek expert advice plus engineering design and related support from qualified contractors.

Rabbit Control: Bait Products, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

This factsheet is part of the bait and poison directory for vertebrate pests in Western Australia (WA). It provides information on bait, poison, and toxin (bait) products available for use in WA to control rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

For information on how to access bait, poison and toxin (bait) products, training required, animal welfare considerations and legal requirements, refer to the Bait and poison directory for vertebrate pests’ page on the website at dpird.wa.gov.au. Information on bait, poison, and toxin (bait) products available for use in WA for rabbits, is provided below.

Managing Salinity: Fence And Volunteer Pasture, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

This treatment is recommended for saline sites that can support a mix of salt tolerant species and some non-tolerant pasture species, where livestock are present. It may also be the preferred solution for farmers who wish to see an improvement in their land at low cost.

The department recommends that any dryland salinity management is part of a whole farm, and preferably a whole catchment, water management plan.

Shallow Relief Drains In Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Shallow relief drains are easy to construct and a cost-effective way to:

• remove accumulated surface water from depressions and low-lying land
• divert run-off from land that is prone to inundation or flooding
• remove surface water to a safe disposal area, to reduce the length of time the land is inundated or flooded
• reduce the potential for localised recharge and the development of secondary salinity
• improve the continuity of flow within the catchment along the valley floor.

Cane Toad, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

This factsheet provides information about the identification, biology, impact, and management of the cane toad.

The cane toad (Rhinella marina), or giant toad, is native to central and South America. It has been introduced to many countries, including northern and eastern Australia. The cane toad is a declared pest under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) in Western Australia (WA). The Western Australian Organism List (WAOL), available on the website at dpird.wa.gov.au) contains information on the area(s) in which this pest is declared, and the control and keeping categories to which it has been assigned in WA.

Measuring Soil Salinity, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

To make sound decisions on managing saline sites, you need to know the source of salt, how salinisation is occurring, the landscape context, and most importantly, the actual salt concentration of the soil.

The most common 'measures' of salt concentration are actually estimates based on electrical conductivity of a soil and water solution. Soil salt content can be measured in a laboratory by measuring the total dissolved solids in a sample. In the field, salt concentration can also be estimated using electromagnetic induction-based soil sensors.

Drinking Water Requirements For Livestock Grazing Saltbush, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Livestock grazing - saltbush and other plants that have adapted to living in highly saline habitats (known as halophytes), require more water to excrete those salts in urine. If the water they drink is also saline, the total salt intake may limit feed intake, and the animal will be less productive, and its welfare might be compromised.

This page gives a technical explanation of how livestock requirements for water quality and quantity interact with saltbush intake. The information here is a guide only, and you should consult a veterinarian or livestock adviser for specific advice

Sheep Worm Control In Wa, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Effective, sustainable control of sheep worms involves a combination of planned stock and farm management, monitoring worm burdens using faecal worm egg counts (WEC), strategic timing of drenches and the genetic selection of worm resistant sheep.

Levels of drench resistance of sheep worms in WA are some of the highest in the world and without resistance management action at individual farm level, it will continue to worsen and spread.

Although effective drench options are generally available, many sheep owners are unaware that resistance has reduced the effectiveness of worm control programs, and this can affect profitable sheep production.

Early Weaning Of Lambs In A Poor Season, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

The feed requirements of a ewe with a lamb at foot are higher than if the ewe and lambs are fed separately. In a difficult season with short feed supplies, it is better to early-wean lambs from their mothers to lower feed costs and ensure that the ewes regain condition before joining. This issue becomes even more important as the costs of feeds increase.

Ewe's milk provides the main source of nutrition for lambs until about eight weeks of age. Lambs will sample pasture from about two weeks after birth but by eight weeks of age pasture overtakes milk as …

Sheep Lice Spread And Detection, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

The most common lice affecting sheep are body lice (Bovicola ovis).

Knowledge of the lice life cycle and relevant features of their biology assist in our understanding of how lice survive and spread.

Better understanding and ability to find and monitor lice populations will improve sheep farmer decision making around eradicating lice.

Knowledge of when an infestation may have occurred, or alternatively that lice was not eradicated at the last shearing, is important information that will assist future treatment decisions.

Managing The Beef Breeder Herd In Southern Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Kilograms of beef produced per hectare is a significant driver of profit for a beef business. Cow longevity (length of productive life) plays an important role in achieving a profitable business. A balanced approach to genetic selection and nutritional management are essential factors underpinning the efficiency of the breeding herd.

Opportunities Using Eid – Tahara Case Study, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Starting from 2025, Electronic Identification (EID) will become mandatory in Western Australia. This requirement might cause some farmers to focus solely on the increased costs, potentially overlooking the opportunities these systems can bring to their farms. Clayton South, who manages his property ‘Tahara’ near Wagin in the Great Southern region of WA, operates a farm with approximately 4,000 Dohne ewes. They started using EID in 2014.

Guide To Supplementary Feeding And Budgeting, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Supplementary feeding of sheep, with grain, hay or silage is necessary when pastures or stubbles are deficient in energy and protein.

A good supplementary feeding program will ensure sheep utilise as much dry paddock feed as possible as well as provide sufficient supplementary feed for maintenance or growth.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends supplementary or confined paddock feeding to maintain livestock productivity and avoid animal welfare and soil erosion problems.