Life Sciences Commons^™

The Composition Of The Dwalganup Strain Of Subterranean Clover, A B. Beck

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

Subterranean clover is now the major pasture species in Western Australia and according to Elliott (1948) nearly 90 per cent, of the sown pastures of this State have a subterranean-clover base or were originally sown with this species. In spite of its great economic importance, no data have been published showing the chemical composition of the clover growing in this State. In order to fill this gap in our knowledge, series of samples of the Dwalganup strain were collected from three localities. These have been analysed by the Government Chemical Laboratories and the results are presented in this paper.

Muresk Agricultural College

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

The Muresk Agricultural College was founded in 1926 and is situated at Muresk, near Spencers Brook. The standard for admission is the Junior Certificate or its equivalent, and students with suitable advanced qualifications may be exempted from the first year classes of either of the following Diploma Courses:—

Fertiliser Registrations

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

The following Fertilisers have been registered at the Department of Agriculture under the Fertilisers Act 1928, for the year commencing 1st November, 1951.

Rifle Ammunition

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

The Minister for Agriculture (Sir Charles Latham) recently discussed the question of supplies of 0.303 and 0.310 ammunition with the Federal Minister for Supply as the Agriculture Protection Board is anxious that farmers should obtain adequate supplies of ammunition for the control of vermin.

The Webworm, C F.H Jenkins

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

The popular name webworm has been applied to a small caterpillar whose depredations in ploughed-in wheat crops have concerned farmers in this State for many years. The first record of the insect as a pest was made by Newman (1927) under the scientific name of Sclerobia tritialis Wlk. and it has been referred to as such in all subsequent Departmental publications. Recent investigations, how-ever, suggest that either more than one species of insects is covered by the term webworm or that the true webworm is a Crambid moth known as Talis pedionoma Mayr.

Seasonal Reminders

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

Veterinary Notes for May-June By officers of the veterinary branch.

Sheepmen who have not already done so should lose no time in immunising their flocks against infectious entero-toxaemia ("pulpy kidney"). This disease may occur anywhere in the agricultural areas and is often prevalent during the Hush season of the year.

Elephant Grass, H G. Elliott, L C. Snook

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

Elephant Grass, sometimes known as Napier's Fodder, is a hardy, palatable and nutritious plant which under good conditions will give heavy yields. When once established it will remain as a permanent stand so long as it receives good treatment. It grows well in many parts of Western Australia and up to date appears to be free from attack by pests and diseases.

* (Revised from Leaflet No. 600, by H. G. Elliott)

Novel Farm-Made Spray Outfit, L G. Hayward

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

When it became apparent that their power spray unit was unable to spray all the trees in their area in accordance with the pre-arranged baiting schedule, the committee of the Eastern Hills Fruit Fly Baiting Scheme called a meeting to discuss ways and means of augmenting the service. Following upon the discussion, three of the committeemen evolved the cheap and effective spray plant described below.

Gas Storage Of Apples, S E. Hardisty

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

As the storage life of many popular varieties of apples is limited in England by their susceptibility to low temperature breakdown, gas storage was developed as an alternative means of retarding the ripening of the fruit. Although the method does not decrease the susceptibility to low temperature breakdown it does permit longer storage at relatively high temperatures (40 F). It is used extensively in Great Britain and America and it also has general application for storage at 32° F.

As the store is sealed off and no fruit is removed until the end of the storage period, it is essential …

Trees Of Western Australia - Tuart And Illyarrie, C A. Gardner

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

Early settlers of the Swan River Colony soon learnt to value the timber of a tree which the aborigines called "Tooart." It ranked with that of the jarrah in local importance and, because of its toughness, was used for keelsons, stern posts, bridge supports, shafts and wheelright's work—in short for all purposes where great strength, solidity and durability were needed.

Shrubs For The Farm Home, C C. Hillary

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

Shrubs are of value in every garden and, when carefully chosen and properly planted in suitable positions, a collection can provide beauty and interest at all seasons of the year.

"Swelled Head" In Rams, C R. Toop

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

During the summer and autumn months a disease of rams, popularly known as "swelled head" or "big-head" is encountered from time to time in Western Australian flocks. The condition is almost entirely confined to rams of the horned breeds and outbreaks which have come under notice in this State have occurred only among Merinos and Dorset Horns. Young rams and weaners are most frequently affected and the disease results from the infection of wounds about the forehead sustained by the animals when fighting.

Cereal Variety Trials. Results Of 1951 Trials At Research Stations, I Thomas, J Reeves

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

Each year cereal variety trials are conducted on the wheatbelt research stations with the object of determining the most suitable varieties which can be recommended for planting under Western Australian conditions. The location of the five wheatbelt research stations is such that the results obtained from trials on these stations present a reasonably overall picture for the wheatbelt and the farmer is able, by comparison with his own soil and climatic conditions, to translate the results for himself.

Here's The Answer

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

Fowl pox: Could you please advise me how to cure a disease which has affected many birds in my flock of pullets during the past two weeks? The birds were hatched in July last and commenced laying three months ago in December when they were 5 1/2 months of age. They reached a 60 per cent, lay three weeks ago and I thought I was set for a good season but now their production has dropped to a 30 per cent, level, presumably as a result of this disease. Several birds have died and many more are looking very sick …

Poison Plants Of Western Australia: Isotropis, C A. Gardner, H W. Bennetts

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

The genus Isotropis is restricted to Australia. Of the total of nine species six are recorded in Western Australia, two of them being known as "Lamb poisons" while the remainder have no common names. Three are known to be toxic to stock, but concerning the remaining three we have no definite information.

* Poison Plants of Western Australia is an ongoing series of articles. "Toxic Plants of the Genus Isotropis" is the subtitle and primary focus of this article.

Bees In Box Hives, A Kessell

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

The keeping of bees in other than properly appointed hives with standard frames is illegal in Western Australia as such hives make it almost impossible to inspect the swarms in order to check for disease. Nevertheless, beekeepers occasionally encounter swarms which have established themselves or have been established in fruit cases or other types of boxes or containers.

[One of an ongoing series of articles, collectively titled: Bees and Honey]

Preparing Beeswax For Market, R S. Coleman

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

Beeswax is an extremely valuable commercial product in these days, and no apiarist can afford to neglect this important by-product of the honey industry. Apart from the large quantities needed within the industry for the manufacture of foundation comb, beeswax has a wide variety of industrial uses. It is an important component of polishes and is widely used as a waterproofing agent and in the insulating of delicate electrical equipment.

[One of an ongoing series of articles, collectively titled: Bees and Honey]

Brown Rot And Collar Rot Of Citrus, W P. Cass Smith

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

Plant disease

Brown rot is a serious disease of citrus, which fortunately has proved to be readily controllable. It attacks both leaves and fruits causing partial or complete defoliation, and a rather characteristic fruit rot. The disease may also affect the bark of citrus trees in the basal trunk region resulting in "collar rot," or as it is sometimes called, brown rot gummosis. This phase of the disease will be referred to later.

Strain 19 In Western Australia

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

Since the inauguration of its brucellosis control campaign in 1946, the West Australian Department of Agriculture has inoculated nearly 72,000 dairy heifers with Strain 19 vaccine and established a remarkable degree of control throughout the dairying districts. As the success of the control measures is largely dependent upon the vaccination of each year's crop of heifers, the work is now being intensified and members of the field staff are again busy in the dairying areas.

Chart For Packing Apples

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

A chart giving details of the correct method of packing apples is now available at the Department of Agriculture, Perth, or from District Officers. This chart embraces packs for apples of various shapes, such as round, flat, long and medium long types with brief explanatory remarks. It is printed in two forms; a wall-type chart for packing-shed use and a small pocket-size folder.

More Beef From The Kimberleys, Grant A. Smith

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

Beef production in the Kimberleys is an industry which has eked out a precarious existence for many years. Today it is offered an unprecedented opportunity for expansion on sound economic lines, and it is the purpose of this article to offer some suggestions as to how this may best be achieved.

[Part 1 of ongoing series of articles]

Grade Herd Recording: Increase In Fees

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

The Superintendent of Dairying (Mr. M. Cullity) has announced that from March 1, 1952, onward, dairy farmers whose herds are included in the Grade Herd Recording scheme will be asked to pay a fee of 5s. per cow, instead of 3s. 6d.

Tobacco Field Day, J A. Mallett

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

Undaunted by grey clouds and misty rain, about 75 people interested in tobacco culture attended a field day at the Tobacco Research Station, Manjimup, on February 15. Fortunately the threatened downpour failed to materialise and the visitors were able to enjoy to the fullest extent an interesting and highly instructive series of demonstrations and lecturettes.

*Secondary title: Successful event at Manjimup

Diphenyl Wraps For Oranges, F. Melville

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

Diphenyl impregnated wraps have been successfully used on a commercial basis overseas for improving the keeping quality of oranges. Last year Mr. E. G. Hall, of the C.S.I.R.O. Laboratories, Homebush, kindly made available a quantity of diphenyl wraps of American origin and some of these were used in a small storage experiment with Washington Navel oranges.

More Windmill Shut-Offs, "Martingale" .

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

Since we printed the description of a type of automatic windmill shut-off used on Abydos Station, Port Hedland, in the issue of December, 1951, several readers of the "Journal" have written to describe alternative methods of pulling a mill "out of the wind" when the tank is filled. In a number of cases there were variations of the same idea, and in this article the main principles are described, together with some other ingenious gadgets which the author has encountered over the years.

Some Instructive Field Days, "Martingale" .

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

Although fully conversant with the old newspaperman's adage which states that "Yesterday's news is the bath-heater fuel of today," we make no apology for including these reports of field days held after our December issue had gone to press. It is felt that they contain some useful lessons which, even at this late date, are deserving of emphasis.

Aids To Better Shearing, W. L. Mcgarry, J. Reilly, M. Butler

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

The demonstrations and instructional work in shearing that have been carried out in the farming areas have revealed the universal difficulty among learner-shearers in "getting a cut." Experience has shown that this absence of good cutting in handpieces has been due in large measure to the general lack of knowledge regarding grinding and the correct adjustment or "setting up" of the combs and cutters on the handpiece. Poor cutting has also resulted from the common practice of using combs and cutters that do not match, together with faulty handpiece maintenance. These and other factors leading to such poor results will …

Poison Plants - Pituri, C. A. Gardner, H. W. Bennetts

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

Only a few of the drug-yielding plants found on their hunting grounds appear ^* to have been known to the Australian aborigines. Among those used and valued was the plant called "pituri" by the Central Australian tribes. The leaves of this plant, after drying and suitable preparation, were chewed as a narcotic.

Editorial - His Work Endures

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

In presenting the first issue of the "Journal of Agriculture" in its new form, it is with profound sorrow that we chronicle the passing of the Hon. Garnet Barrington Wood, M.L.C., Minister for Agriculture and the North-West, who died suddenly during a Cabinet meeting on January 2. The change of policy in the presentation of this Journal was keenly supported by the late Minister, and only a few hours before his death he had promised to write a foreword to the first issue, which was to have appeared on this page.

Orchard Notes - March-April

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

Cover crops should be planted with the first winter rains to ensure satisfactory growth before the cold wet weather sets in. New Zealand Blue Lupins are the favourite crop, particularly amongst citrus orchardists. The lupin is a vigorous plant and produces excellent bulk. Tick beans may be used as an alternative crop and are useful in shaded positions. They are extensively used in commercial vineyards. Field peas may also be planted but the bulk of green material produced is much less than from lupins or tick beans.