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

Bulk super storage

We are thinking of storing superphosphate in bulk next year, and in order to assess the quantity of storage space likely to be needed we would appreciate some indication of the number of cubic feet required to house a ton of super.

Plant Diseases - Entyloma Leaf Spot Of English Marigold, R F. Doepel

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

The English marigold or calendula is a hardy ornamental which is widely grown in gardens throughout Western Australia. With the exception of eelworm attack on the roots it is seldom troubled by diseases and this feature has no doubt contributed to its popularity.

Pet Rabbits

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

A number of inquiries have recently been received by the Department of Agriculture concerning the legality of keeping rabbits as pets. The Chief Vermin Control Officer (Mr. A. R. Tomlinson) states that anyone keeping or purchasing rabbits as pets should note that the Vermin Act provides a heavy penalty for the keeping of live rabbits unless a permit has been obtained. This applies to all types of rabbits. The permits allow domestic breeds of rabbits to be kept as pets conditional upon them being confined in hutches within rabbit proof enclosures. They must not be permitted to roam loose on …

Poison Plants Of Western Australia: Toxic Plants Of The Genera Gastrolobium And Oxylobium, C A. Gardner, H W. Bennetts

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

Since the early days of settlement in Western Australia very heavy stock losses have resulted from the many poisonous species of the two closely related genera, Gastrolobium and Oxylobium which, with two exceptions, are widely distributed throughout the southern areas of the State. They constitute the largest groups of native poisonous plants and have been responsible for a large proportion of the economic losses due to plant poisoning.

Wheat Crop Competitions, I Thomas, H G. Cariss

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

The last issue of the Journal gave a review of the results of the 50-acre wheat crop competitions sponsored by the W.A. Flour Millowners' Association in 1948/49, 1949/50 and 1950/51, together with the championship awards for 1951/52 In this issue are set out the results for the individual zones in the 1951/52 competition, together with the judges' reports and details of each competitor's cultural operations.

Insect Pests And Their Control - The Red-Legged Earth Mite, C F.H Jenkins

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

The red-legged earth mite is not a true insect, but is included in this series because the injury caused by the mite is very similar to that done by many insects and because the study of ticks and mites and their control is usually the work of an entomologist.

Gascoyne Research Station First Field Day - Successful Field Day At Carnarvon

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

About 100 banana-growers and local residents were present at the Gascoyne Research Station, Carnarvon, on May 28 when the station's first field day was opened by the Deputy-Director of Agriculture (Mr. A. L. McKenzie Clark).

Training A Sheep Dog, E G. Riley

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

An untrained sheep dog pup doesn't cost very much, even in these days of inflated prices, but when he is properly trained he will perform in a few minutes, work that ten men could not accomplish in as many hours. That is a point worth remembering when training a dog—you are developing an asset, that will save you a hundred times his cost in time and temper—so it is well worth your while to train him properly.

Late Or Irish Blight Of Potatoes, W P. Cass Smith

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

Late or Irish Blight, caused by the fungus Phythophthora infestans, is the most destructive disease of potatoes in many countries. Fortunately it has proved to be uncommon in the main potato areas of Western Australia as suitable weather for its epidemic development seldom occurs for sufficiently long periods. The disease is encouraged by periods of warm muggy weather during the day, followed by relatively cool night temperatures.

Shot Hole Of Stone Fruits, W P. Cass Smith

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

Shot hole of stone fruits caused by the fungus Clasterposporium carpel s philum occurs yearly and is more difficult to control than Leaf Curl. It is often particularly damaging on early almonds, peaches, plums and apricots which come into growth in late winter or early spring while the weather is still cold and wet.

Mesquite - Aerial Spray To Be Tested

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

An intensification of the spread of Mesquite in the North-West of the State was reported by the Chief Weed Control Officer of the Department of Agriculture (Mr. G. R. W. Meadly). He stated that a spineless form of this tree had been introduced on certain North-West stations some years ago as it was thought that the plant would provide valuable topfeed in its highly nutritious pods and beans. Unfortunately, the trees had reverted to the spined type and dense thickets had developed in some areas. Approval was recently given for experiments in aerial spraying of these thickets in an attempt …

The Control Of Mealy Bug On Vines In Western Australia, P N. Forte

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

The mealy bug (Pseudococcus maritimus Ehr.) was first recorded on vines in Western Australia in 1898 (A. M. Lea, 1898). Since then it has been reported present in certain years in large numbers with consequent loss of quality in the vine products.

Farm Fencing Hints - Boring The Posts, J A. Mallett

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

Boring the fence-posts to take the wires is an important operation in fence construction. Unless the holes are well aligned and running parallel with the fence-line and the ground, the task of "running" the wires will be made very difficult, and the appearance and effectiveness of the finished fence will suffer.

Season Reminders, T G. Haney

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

Now that the sales are over, growers should be ready to take good care of the tobacco seedlings for next season's crop. A good stand of healthy seedlings goes a long way towards an even crop, and is the first step towards better tobacco.

The Winter Pruning Of Roses, C C. Hillary

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

Next to picking armfuls of blooms, I doubt whether any phase of rose growing gives the gardener greater pleasure than pruning. To cut off a misplaced branch, or to relieve the plant of worn-out wood which has already produced its share of flowers; to snip away the spindly growths and twiggy bits which overcrowd the centre of the bush; to stand off and visualise just how lovely the plant will look when covered with flowers in three months' time, only to return again and cut off an inward-growing shoot which threatens to upset the symmetry of the bush; all this …

Trees Of Western Australia - Salmon Gum And Scarlet Pear Gum, C A. Gardner

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

The name salmonophloia, meaning salmon-barked, was given to this tree in 1878 by Ferdinand Mueller, the famous Australian botanist. The title of "Salmon- Barked Gum-Tree" had already been bestowed upon this tree by the early settlers, a name which apparently referred to the colour of the bark in fracture when it resembles the colour of cooked salmon flesh. The external colouration varies from a brownish pink at the end of summer to almost white in winter, usually with greyish-purple patches.

Citrus-Growing In Western Australia, H R. Powell

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

The 1952 Crop Reviewed

Western Australia in a normal year produces approximately 500,000 bushels of citrus fruits comprising 70% oranges, 20% lemons and the remainder made up mainly of grapefruit and mandarins. A general decline in production has occurred over the past three years due largely to the unfavorable seasons which have been experienced. In 1949 just over 500,000 bushels were produced. The 1950 figure was below 450,000 bushels while in 1951 approximately 375,000 bushels of citrus fruits were harvested.

Vibriosis (Vibrio Foetus Infection) Recorded In South-West Herds, J Craig

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

Vibriosis of dairy cattle was recently diagnosed for the first time in several herds in the South-West part of this State. This disease is not a new one, since Vibrionic abortion has been recognised for some considerable time in Europe and America, while within recent years it has been identified as causing abortion and sterility in cattle in the Eastern States of Australia.

Trees Of Western Australia And Poison Plant Series

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

Owing to the absence from Perth of the Government Botanist (Mr. C. A. Gardner), we regret that the drawings and letterpress for the series, "Trees of W.A." and "Poison Plants of W.A." were not available in time to be included in this issue.

Incubator Hygiene, J E. Peterson, A R. Wright

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

The rapid expansion of the poultry industry is due in no small measure to the introduction of the cabinet type of incubator. However, the widespread use of these machines in which large numbers of chickens are confined, for a period, to a very small space, has also favoured the spread of many diseases, and unless steps are taken to prevent the introduction of these diseases to the newly-hatched chickens disastrous losses are likely to occur.

Actinomycosis And Actinobacillosis, J Shilkin

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

Actinomycosis and actinobacillosis, commonly known as "lumpy jaw" and "wooden tongue" respectively, are chronic infective diseases which are most commonly encountered in cattle, occasionally in pigs, and much less frequently in the other domestic animals and man. They are characterised by the presence of tumour-like swellings and exude pus containing yellow sulphur-like granules. These swellings are commonly found in or on the jawbones and tongue, but may be found on occasions, in other parts of the body such as the lungs, liver, spleen, etc.

Water Erosion Control - 2, L C. Lightfoot

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

Earthworks are frequently used to help to control or prevent soil erosion where the adjustment of farming methods—as discussed in the March-April issue—is unlikely to be sufficient. Contour earthworks have proved extremely valuable in many cases and incidentally have caused much less inconvenience than most farmers anticipated. Landowners in need of advice on contour earthworks should get in touch with the Soil Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture, Perth, and arrangements will be made for an officer to visit their properties.

Applying Orchard Fertiliser A Handy Home-Made Aid, H S. Argyle

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

Fertilisers such as sulphate of ammonia and nitrate of soda, being rich in nitrogen are used extensively by orchardists and market gardeners. Both these compounds are readily soluble in water and are easily carried through the soil to the rooting areas of plants and trees.

Dahlias - Lifting And Storing The Tubers, F Jackson

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

Now that the flowering season for dahlias has finished, arrangements must be made for lifting and storing the tubers. Many losses occur each year during the dormant period and most of these are due either to carelessness or lack of knowledge. While the storage provided for dahlias during the winter months may be thoroughly satisfactory, tubers are often lost because of the treatments received by the plants during the growing period.

Reduction Of Pre-Harvest Drop Of Washington Navel Oranges By 2,4-D Sprays, N J. Halse

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

The uses of various synthetic "plant hormones" in agriculture are many—one of the most generally known of these uses being their action in reducing pre-harvest drop of fruit. Naphthalene acetic acid, commonly known as N.A.A. is widely used for this purpose with apples, but 2,4-DichIorophenoxyacetic acid, commonly known as 2,4-D, is much more effective with citrus fruit.

On The Trail Of The Dingo, A R. Tomlinson, A G. Moore

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

A successful motorised expedition to collect information on the breeding areas and migratory movements of wild dogs was completed in March of this year. This was the second expedition of this nature organised by the Agriculture Protection Board and much valuable information was obtained which should simplify the work of the Board's doggers in the guarding of the sheep-breeding areas.

White Cabbage Butterfly

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

During January a consignment of small wasp which parasite the white Cabbage Butterfly were received in this State from the C.S.I.R.O., Canberra, and were released on cabbages in the Coogee area.

More Beef From The Kimberleys, Part 2, Grant A. Smith

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

Low phosphorus content and low protein content of pastures usually go hand in hand and as most dry feed is deficient in both of these important nutritional needs, it is easy to understand why our Kimberley cattle do well in the "wet" when ample green feed is available, but fall away rapidly in condition as the feed dries out. Increasing the protein content is essentially a long-term project, but I feel that the remedying of phosphorus deficiency is an economic possibility, which could be put into effect fairly rapidly.

*Ongoing serial, publication reviews. Original title: "More beef from the Kimberleys". …

Snails And Slugs, C F.H Jenkins

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

Before giving any details concerning these pests, it will be well to explain that slugs and snails are, of course, not insects. They have been included in this series of articles, however, because the damage they do resembles very much that done by various insects and because the lot of recommending control measures usually falls to an entomologist. The snail could more correctly be called a shellfish than an insect as it is a true mollusc, but one which has become adapted to a life on land instead of in the water.

Cultivation Of The Cape Gooseberry, Roy L. Cailes

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

The Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) is a member of the large family Solanaceae, which includes the potato, the tomato and the capsicum. The plant is a native of Peru and Chile, where the species is known to have been cultivated for over two centuries. Records show that by 1807 it had been introduced into the settlement at the Cape of Good Hope, and shortly afterwards found its way to New South Wales, where it became known as the "Cape Gooseberry," and was the chief fruit that the colonists cultivated at that time. Cape Gooseberries have been grown for many years …