Life Sciences Commons^™

A Note On Chronic Footrot Of Dairy Cattle

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

With the advent of treatment with ™ sodium sulphamezathine for footrot of dairy cattle, many of the troubles associated with this condition have largely been overcome.

However, the importance of early treatment is sometimes overlooked and Fig. 1.—Chronic footrot caused the ragged growth of new bone shown in the two lower pictures. At the top are the bones of a healthy foot from an animal of similar size. some farmers are inclined to blame the drug when treatment has been commenced after the animal has been affected for some time and a cure does not result. Why treatment is not …

Dingo And Wild Dog Destruction, A G. Moore

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

It has often been said that poison is the best means of destroying dingoes and wild dogs. Poison acts silently and does not have the frightening effect of trapping. When used properly—on a well-planned system and at the right times— poisoning has given excellent results in controlling the pests.

Poison Plants Of Western Australia: The Thorn Apples (Datura Species), C A. Gardner, H W. Bennetts

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Many garden enthusiasts are familiar with a shrub or small tree known as the "Angel's Trumpet" or "Trumpet-flowered Brugmansia." Some nurserymen call it "Brugsmania." There is another garden favourite which does not appear to possess a common name but is an annual or perennial plant from one to four feet in height, of summer growth and carrying erect violet or white trumpet-shaped flowers succeeded by large bristly or prickly pods. Both these are species of Datura. Another species is native to Western Australia while four more are introduced noxious weeds.

The Farm Bookshelf

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Dr. Josue de Castro, Chairman of Executive, Food and Agriculture Organisation, is a Brazilian, whose recently-published book "Geography of Hunger" presents an appalling picture of a world in which hunger is still the most potent source of social misfortunes.

Worms In Sheep, C R. Toop

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The parasitic worms of sheep are widely distributed throughout Australia and are a source of serious loss to the sheep and wool industry. This results from the loss of condition which occurs in infested animals as well as from the failure of young sheep to thrive and make normal growth, and there is a consequent reduction both in carcase values and in the quantity and quality of wool produced. Furthermore, heavy infestations with worms are frequently responsible for serious mortalities.

Prickly Pear - Declared Noxious Weed

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Many householders and orchardists seem to be unaware of the fact that the Prickly Pear has been declared a primary noxious weed for the Armadale- Kelmscott, Darling Range, Mundaring and Swan Road Board districts.

Plant Disease - Corm Rots Of Gladioli, Olga M. Goss

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Several diseases of gladioli now present in Western Australia can be very damaging to the plants under certain conditions. The diseases referred to in this article attack not only the above-ground portions of the plant, but the corms also, and their introduction to new areas usually results from the planting of infected corms. When such corms are planted the disease spreads to the developing shoots and leads to inferior growth and flower production, and in some cases to the death of the plant. An even more serious feature of the disease is that the soil becomes contaminated with the organisms …

New Insecticides For The Control Of The Argentine Ant In Western Australia, P N. Forte, T Greaves

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The Argentine Ant (Iridomyrmex humilis Mayr), has been the subject of much investigation in Western Australia. Jenkins (1943), Jenkins and Forte (1946, 1951), Jenkins (1948) and Forte (1949) have reported results of extensive work on the control of this pest. The results of the investigations have shown that effective control can be obtained by the use of DDT sprays but that large scale eradication was not possible with DDT.

Free To Stockbreeders - Booklets On Genetics

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Department of Agriculture has received from the C.S.I.R.O. about 1,000 copies of Dr. A. L. Hagedoorn's booklet, "A Geneticist Talks with Australian Animal Breeders." These are to be made available free of charge to stockbreeders in this State. Readers of the Journal who breed farm livestock, including poultry, should apply for copies without delay to the Director, Department of Agriculture, Perth.

Trees Of Western Australia— The Coolabah, C A. Gardner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The coolabah and the grey box are two common tropical trees which closely resemble each other in bark, foliage and other characters, but which differ widely in their soil requirements and in their timbers. Both are numbered among the most valuable trees of the Kimberley district because of the strength and durability of their exceedingly hard timbers and their resistance to the ravages of the termite.

The Shorthorns, J A. Mallett

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Among "The Stud Farm of the World" the red, white and roan Shorthorns have always been given pride of place in the cattle section. They were the first of the popular cattle breeds existing today to be systematically improved, and at the present time approximately three-quarters of all the cattle in the British Isles carry a preponderance of Shorthorn blood.

The Pruning Of Fruit Trees—Part 1. General Principles, H R. Powell

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

In this series of three articles, an attempt is being made to explain the principles of fruit tree pruning, together with some of the difficulties likely to be encountered. The subject will be treated under three main headings in the following order:— 1—General Principles; 2.—Framework Pruning; 3.—Pruning of various kinds of fruit trees with special reference to treatment of fruiting wood. This first section will be confined mainly to stating the reasons why pruning is considered necessary and will describe the terms used to indicate the various parts of the tree.

Trees Of Western Australia— Coral-Flowered Gum, C A. Gardner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Among the more decorative small trees available for planting in the Eastern Agricultural Areas, there are few more suitable that Eucalyptus torquata. This tree, known also as the "Christmas Tree" of the Coolgardie and Dundas districts usually blooms during December, and its handsome drooping coral-pink blossoms make it a conspicuous object in the woodlands at that season of the year. It was first discovered by L. C. Webster near Coolgardie in 1901, on a stretch of stony dioritic country 25 miles in length and about a quarter of a mile in breadth. It is found at least as far south …

Trees Of Western Australia— White Mallee, C A. Gardner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

This species is usually found in mallee form, growing from 10 to 18 feet tall, but may at times possess a single stem, and is thus a small tree. Both mallee and tree forms have characteristically a broad 'base or stock, so that frequently in the mallee forms the individual stems arise well above the soil level from a large domelike base. As a tree the stem may be as much as 18 inches in diameter. The species is characterised in the field by its white or pink bark which is covered throughout externally with a white smooth talc-like powder. …

The Glorious Gladiolus, F Jackson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Possessing a wide colour range and striking beauty of form, the gladiolus is one of our most popular and spectacular annuals. When grown in large numbers, the mass formations of varied hues make beds of gladioli a sight to be remembered, but the flower is probably displayed at its best when used as a home decoration.

Thin-Shelled Eggs, R H. Morris

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Thin-shelled eggs are responsible for a loss of thousands of pounds annually to the West Australian poultry industry. To a very large extent the flock owner can control the percentage of thin-shelled eggs laid by his flock and this article outlines how this control can be exercised.

Fertilisers, H G. Cariss

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The Fertilisers Act, 1928, requires that all fertilisers sold in this State be registered annually with the Department of Agriculture. A list of fertilisers registered for the year commencing 1st November, 1952, showing the registered brand and name and registered analysis, together with the person or firm by whom the fertiliser is registered and the price of the fertiliser at the time of registration appears in this issue.

Scald In Granny Smith Apples, F Melville, S E. Hardisty

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The Granny Smith has been the most widely grown variety of apple in Western Australia for many years. In 1946 a survey showed that more than one-third of the apple trees growing in this State were Granny Smiths and new plantings and reworkings since then have been predominately of this variety. Production in 1947, a very heavy crop year, exceeded a million bushels, which represented about 40 per cent, of the total apple crop for that year. This decided preference shown by growers for the Granny Smith emanates from its suitability to West Australian conditions and the strong demand for …

Pullorum-Tested Flocks

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The following Is a list of poultry flocks which have been regularly tested under the Voluntary Pullorum Disease Control Scheme conducted by the Department of Agriculture, and which have compiled with the requirements set out therein.

The breeds of poultry are indicated as follows:—A—Australorp; WL—White Leghorn; RIR—Rhode Island Red; XB—First Cross; BL—Brown Leghorn.

Pigs And Poison Plants

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Farmers have frequently asked Departmental officers whether pigs could be grazed with safety in paddocks carrying growths of toxic plants such as York Road Poison (Gastrolobium calycinum) or Box Poison (Oxylobium parviflorum).

[Contributed by the Veterinary Branch - Department of Agriculture]

Beekeepers' Field Day

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

About 80 beekeepers, attended the first apicultural field day organised by the Department of Agriculture in conjunction with the Beekeepers' Section of the Farmers' Union of Western Australia. The field day was held at the Government Apiary, Yanchep, on December 13, and hot, sunny weather made it a successful and interesting innovation.

Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria For The Inoculation Of Leguminous Seeds

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The Plant Pathology Branch of the Department of Agriculture can supply the cultures listed below. Owing to the time taken to prepare the cultures, however, and owing also to the fact that in the busy time of the year there is frequently a tremendous accumulation of orders, farmers are requested to lodge their applications together with the requisite payment at least a fortnight before they wish the culture to be forwarded.

Here's The Answer

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

TICK FEVER

" I am experiencing trouble with young pullets losing the use of their legs, with accompanying form of diarrhoea. Most of the affected birds have dark coloured combs and die within two days of showing the first symptoms of being diseased. I have searched for tick but am unable to locate any trace of them. Can you assist me in this matter?"

The Citrus White Fly, C F.H Jenkins, D G. Shedley

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

For the first time in Western Australia the citrus white fly was recorded on lemon trees at Maddington in 1950 and since then it has been found to be widely distributed in the Maddington-Gosnells area and in scattered situations in the Darling Range, Middle Swan and Perth suburbs. It is also of interest to note that the insect appeared in Mildura citrus orchards in Victoria (Anon 1952), about the same time as it was reported from Western Australia, although there appears to be no explanation for its sudden dispersal over the continent.

The Testing Of Bacterial Strains Used In The Inoculation Of Legumes, Olga M. Goss

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

A part from their value as fodder plants, legumes such as peas, beans, clovers, vetches and lucerne play an important role in increasing soil fertility. Their value in the soil-enriching sphere has been recognised for centuries, but it is only comparatively recently that the reason for it has been fully understood.

Leaflet No 2024 - Mulesing And Tail Stripping. Proved Measures For The Control Of Crutch And Tail Strike In Sheep, J Reilly

Bulletins 1 - 2999

FOR many years, the losses from blowfly strike on the crutch and tail areas imposed a tremendous economic burden on the Merino sheep industry in Australia. Today, the modified Mules operation and the tail-strip treatment have provided a convincing answer to this menace. Breech wrinkles encourage strike, and although as a long-term policy, efforts are being made to eliminate wrinkles by breeding for plainness of breech, it is of the utmost importance to give the sheep IMMEDIATE protection by the most effective methods available.

Please note that “THIS ILLUSTRATED ARTICLE CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES”

Seasonal Reminders

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Poultry Notes

The March-April period affords the poultry farmer an opportunity to prepare the A ground for sowing greenfeed crops such as oats, barley, rape and lucerne. Brooder houses and rearing quarters should be cleaned out, floors disinfected with a 2% solution of caustic soda (1 lb. caustic soda to five gallons water), and all woodwork and lappings in the house sprayed with creosote. This gives the creosote a chance to soak into the woodwork long before the chickens are received.

Caked Superphosphate

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Farmers who have experienced difficulties in handling superphosphate which has caked hard during storage may be interested in this method of reconditioning employed by Mr. J. Trott, of Corrigin, and described hereunder.

St. John's Wort - Beetle Parasites Imported

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Some hundreds of thousands of Chrysomelid beetles, which attack St. John's Wort, were recently forwarded to this State by air freight from the C.S.I.R.O. Division of Entomology, Canberra, and have been liberated at Greenbushes and Forestgrove.

Suppurative Otisis In Pigs, C R. Toop

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Suppurative otitis, an inflammatory condition involving the deeper structures of the ear, is commonly met with in young pigs. Affected animals show characteristic symptoms the most prominent of which is the abnormal carriage of the head which is constantly held on one side and this may be accompanied by difficulty in maintaining balance and direction.