Life Sciences Commons^™

Table Grapes From Western Australia At A Glance, Ian Cameron, Geraldine Pasqual

Bulletins 4000 -

The high quality of Western Australian table grapes commands premium prices on both domestic and international markets. The industry has grown rapidly from 1992 to 2004, with production increasing from 2200t to 6500t and exports increasing rapidly from about 100t in 1992 to 1320t in 2003. Western Australia produces about 5 per cent of Australian table grapes.

About 300 commercial table grape vineyards are located near the Western Australia coast, extending from the Gascoyne region in the north of the State, including Carnarvon, to the South-West region, including Harvey, Donnybrook, Margaret River and Busselton areas.

Common Insect Pests And Diseases On Vegetables In The Home Garden, Harald Hoffmann, Stewart Learmonth, Peter Wood

Bulletins 4000 -

Home gardeners frequently see insect pests and diseases affecting their vegetables. Usually they would have seen them in previous seasons, and the symptoms look familiar. However, there are occasions, when an unusual pest (not native to Western Australia) can occur. Exotic pests are a concern for the farming community, as they could threaten the agricultural and horticultural industries and increase the price of production and cost to the consumer.

This bulletin describes the most common insect pests and diseases in home vegetable gardens.

Spectacular Recovery In The Ord River Catchment, A L. Payne, I W. Watson, P E. Novelly

Agriculture reports

Regeneration work on severely damaged country in what is now known as the Ord River Regeneration Reserve (ORRR) commenced in 1960. The ORRR is in the East Kimberley area of Western Australia with an associated small area in the Northern Territory. The work included strip contour cultivation and seeding (which proceeded at various levels of intensity during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s), fencing and destocking of cattle by mustering over many years, and the eradication of donkeys.

The Role Of Farm Dams As Refugia For Aquatic Invertebrates In A Salinised Landscape, South Western Australia, Jean-Michel Benier

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

In a salinised landscape farm dams may represent the last truly freshwater surface resource, and therefore provide refuge habitats for the biota of wetlands affected by increasing salinity. One wetland threatened by increased salinity in south-west Western Australia is Lake Toolibin. It is listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in recognition of its high conservation value, and remediation actions to halt (and possibly reverse) further increases in salinity are being undertaken at this wetland. Farm dams act as aquatic refugia if they convey resistance and/or resilience to the biotic communities of a disturbed habitat. This …

Groundwater Trends In The Kent-Frankland Sub-Region, Arjen Ryder

Natural resources published reports

The South Coast Regional Initiative Planning Team (SCRIPT) has divided the South Coast region of Western Australia into six sub-regions. Kent-Frankland covers the catchments of the Frankland, Gordon and Kent' Rivers. Approximately two-thirds (450,000 ha) has been cleared for agriculture. This publication describes the groundwater trends, risk of shallow watertables, and technical feasibility of salinity management on agricultural land.

Soil-landscape zones are spatial units based on geology and geomorphology. Since most groundwater processes in WA are controlled by the geologic and regolith properties, these zones can be used for allocating hydrological attributes, such as groundwater characteristics and trends. The hydrological …

Agricultural Sub-Regions Of The Avon River Basin, Paul D. Galloway

Resource management technical reports

This report identifies, describes and locates nine sub-regions within the land cleared for agricultural uses in the Avon River Basin in Western Australia. The sub-regions are: Darling Range; Dale/Upper Avon; Avon Valley; Yealering Lakes; Mortlock; Northern Sandplain; south-east Lakes; Carrabin; Southern Cross. The sub-regions are described in terms of their distinguishing biophysical characteristics of: soils and related original vegetative cover; general topography; surface and sub-surface hyrdological stus; underlying geology; and rainfall and evapotranspiration range. Current dominant land use, economic drivers and land use pressures are identified for each sub-region.

Groundwater Trends In The Albany Hinterland Sub-Region, Arjen Ryder

Natural resources published reports

The South Coast Regional Initiative Planning Team (SCRIPT) has divided the South Coast region of Western Australia into six sub-regions The Albany Hinterland is in the western portion (see Figure 1). It is bounded by the Pallinup River in the east. Stirling Ranges to the north and the Kent River catchment boundary in the west. Two-thirds (580.000 ha) of the sub-region has been cleared for agriculture This publication describes the groundwater trends, risk of shallow watertables, and technical feasibility of salinity management within the agricultural land

Soil-landscape zones are spatial units based on geology and geomorphology. Since most groundwater processes …

Investigation Of The Replacement Of Margaret River Hairy Marron Cherax Tenuimanus (Smith) By Smooth Marron C. Cainii Austin, John J. Bunn

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The Margaret River hairy marron, Cherax tenuimanus (Smith, 1912) (Decapoda: Parastacidae) is critically endangered due to the introduction of the widespread marron, C. cainii Austin, 2002. This project investigates the rapid replacement of C. tenuimanus with studies important to its conservation. The ability to identify correctly in the field C. tenuimanuss, C. cainii and hybrids was investigated by linking morphology and marker allozyme loci. C. tenuimanus was readily identified in the field and errors were conservative; no genetically identified hybrids or C. cainii were field identified as C. tenuimauus during tissue samples collection. A prototype field identification guide has been …

In Vitro Propagation Of Some Western Australian Seagrasses, Julia Wilson

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The development of a successful protocol for micropropagating seagrass provides a valuable tool for seagrass-restoration programs and a facility to study their biology (especially their physiology). This work reports on some of the culture requirements of some seagrasses that are commonly found in Western Australia: Posidonia coriacea, P. sinuosa, P. australis and Halophila ovalis. The protocol developed for H. ovalis allows very rapid multiplication and sustainable growth of cultures while the protocol developed for Posidonia requires further development. The culture of Posidonia cariacea proved to be problematic however experimental media that provided insights into its culture conditions. The carbohydrate source …

Growth Trends And Water Use Efficiency Of Pinus Pinaster Ait. In Response To Historical Climate And Groundwater Trends On The Gnangara Mound, Western Australia, Lindsay Bourke

Theses : Honours

In Western Australia, groundwater accounts for about 57% of Perth's water supply. The majority of this is from the Gnangara Mound, the largest superficial aquifer on the Swan Coastal Plain. Prior to the mid 1970's groundwater of the superficial aquifer reached a semi-steady state, however since this period levels have been steadily falling. This decline coincides with a dramatic change in Perth's climate, groundwater abstraction and maturation of pine plantations. The influence of pine plantations upon groundwater recharge is well understood, however there is paucity of information about groundwater use, in particular whether pines directly access shallow groundwater resources. This …

Groundwater Test Pumping In The Tambellup Townsite, Louise Hopgood

Resource management technical reports

Previous studies have concluded that the township of Tambellup is underlain by a perched aquifer. Test pumping and groundwater modelling indicated that groundwater pumping may be an effective way of protecting townsite infrastructure by lowering the water table beneath the town. This report presents results of the test pumping and provides likely bore yields, prediction of pumping influence and likely optimum production bore spacing.

The Translocation Of Golden Perch, Murray Cod And Australian Bass, Into And Within Western Australia, For The Purposes Of Recreational Stocking, Domestic Stocking And Commercial And Non-Commercial Aquaculture. A Discussion Paper., Department Of Fisheries

Fisheries Management Papers

This discussion paper has been prepared to provide information to assist in assessment of the possible impact of the translocation of golden perch (Macquaria ambigua), Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) and Australian bass (Macquaria novemaculeata) into and within Western Australia, for the purposes of recreational stocking, domestic stocking, commercial and non-commercial aquaculture. In assessing the translocation of any aquatic species, economic and social benefits must be balanced with biological and environmental risks.

Groundwater Investigation On Victoria Location 8565, East Binnu, Russell John Speed

Resource management technical reports

Describes a drilling investigation undertaken for the East Binnu area within Victoria location 8565, Western Australia. Groundwater monitoring bores were installed to assess the risk of dryland salinity developing if after clearance of native vegetation, the area is used to grow annual crops and pastures. The investigation confirmed that the risk of further salinity development in this location is extreme.

Moore River : Catchment Appraisal 2003, A Alderman, M Clarke, Natural Heritage Trust (Australia), Moore River Catchment Support Team (Wa)

Resource management technical reports

Using the Rapid Catchment Appraisal process, this report summarises current information for the Moore River catchment, Western Australia. The headwaters of the Moore River commence in Perenjori, Carnamah and Dalwallinu shires and drain southwards through Moora.

Miscellaneous Publication 26/2003 - Benefit -Cost Analysis Of Soil Acidity Research Development And Extension In Western Australia, 1992-93 To 2001-02, Michael O'Connell, Chris Gazey

Farm Systems and Economics published reports

The program of publicly funded soil acidity RD&E' conducted in Western Australia from 1992-93 to 2001-02 is expected to deliver benefits to the farm sector over future years. Benefit-cost analysis indicates that these industry benefits should outweigh the public cost of the RD&E several times over.

Using a 20-year analysis period, the RD&E is estimated to have a net present value (NPV) of $84 million, and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 5.8. Extending the analysis to 30 years results in an NPV of $135 million and a BCR of 8.7. These large returns are due to a combination of factors: …

On-Station Production Of Native Speargrass Hay In Western Australia, G L. Krebs, Robert R. Rouda, S P. Van Wyngaarden

Bulletins 4000 -

This report documents the practical and economic feasibility of on-station harvesting and production of speargrass hay and haylage and its subsequent feeding to cattle and sheep in the extensive regions of south-eastern Western Australia. Four hundred and ten bales weighing an average 275 kg were produced from a total harvested area of 40.6 ha in the vicinity of Duck Dam on Kanandah Station. In the lead up to harvesting, seasonal conditions were among the best on record. Half of the bales produced were further processed into haylage. Two feeding trials, involving wethers at Arubiddy and steers at Kanandah, were undertaken …

Blackwood Catchment : Beaufort Zone (Zone 4) : Catchment Appraisal 2002, Henry Brockman, Blackwood Rapid Catchment Appraisal Team (Wa ), Natural Heritage Trust (Australia)

Resource management technical reports

Using the Rapid Catchment Appraisal process, this report summarises current information for the Beaufort zone, located in the mid to southern part of the Blackwood basin, including parts of the shires of Kojonup, West Arthur, Woodanilling, Katanning, Broomehill, Wagin and Boyup Brook, Western Australia. Assesses the condition of, and future risks to agricultural and natural resources, provides information for reducing those risks and identifies the most suitable options to manage the risk.

Predicting The Effectiveness Of Farm Planning At The Byenup Hill Catchment Using A Groundwater Model, Gregory Paul Raper, L M. Guppy

Resource management technical reports

A catchment model was constructed for the Byenup Hill catchment based on detailed hydrogeological mapping, information on land mapping units and land use collected from landholders. The aim of this work was to assess the likely impact of proposed land management changes to soil salinisation and recharge in the Byenup Hill Catchment.

Successful Field Pea Harvesting, Glen Riethmuller, Ian Pritchard

Bulletins 4000 -

Many thousands of hectares of field peas are harvested trouble free each year. Growers experience together with recent machinery innovations and modifications have solved the majority of harvesting difficulties. Optimum harvesting conditions are in a crop of uniform density on a level soil surface with the machine either working into or across the direction that the crop has been laid by the wind.

To make harvest easier the receival standard for moisture in pulses has been lifted to 14 per cent, which allows harvest to begin sooner when the crop is the range of 14 to 15 per cent moisture. …

The Effects Of The Trawl Fishery On The Stock Of Pink Snapper, Pagrus Auratus, In Denham Sound, Shark Bay, M. Moran, M. I. Kangas

Fisheries Research Bulletins

Snapper stocks in the inner gulfs of Shark Bay are in a depleted condition, both in trawled and non-trawled areas, with the main factor contributing to the depletion considered to be recreational fishing for adult snapper, including some mortality of undersized snapper returned to the water. The commercial prawn trawl fishery catches many small fish species, including small juvenile pink snapper, as part of its unintended bycatch. Some members of the local community believe that mortality of juvenile snapper due to trawling has also been a significant factor in depletion of the adult stock in Denham Sound, Shark Bay. While …

Management Of The Proposed Geographe Bay Blue Swimmer And Sand Crab Managed Fishery., Jane Borg

Fisheries Management Papers

This discussion paper has been prepared following an extensive consultation process, to encourage continued public involvement in the development of management arrangements for the blue swimmer and sand crab resources of Geographe Bay. These proposed management arrangements affect both commercial and recreational fishers.

Information On Pastoral Businesses In The Rangelands Of Western Australia, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Farm Systems and Economics published reports

Edited by William Dalton and Francis Bright

The rangelands make up 87 per cent of Western Australia's landmass and include all but the south-west of the State. Livestock grazing on pastoral leasehold is the dominant commercial land use across 42 per cent (910,000 km*) of the WA rangelands and unallocated Crown lands comprise another 37 per cent.

The rangelands:

• Produce most of the State's mineral and energy wealth.

• Support important segments of the livestock industry.

• Are of special significance to the Aboriginal population.

• Offer major tourism potential.

• Contain essential elements of the State's biological diversity.

• Offer opportunities to produce horticultural …

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East Mortlock : Catchment Appraisal 2002, Don Cummins

Resource management technical reports

This report describes the soils, hydrology, natural vegetation and farming systems of the East Mortlock catchment and provides information on the threats to agriculture, infrastructure and natural resources caused by land degradation. East Mortlock covers over 800,000 hectares in the central wheatbelt. Rapid Catchment Appraisal aims to document salinity risk and management options by addressing all threats to the natural resource base, rather than isolating salinity as a separate issue.

Plan Of Management For The Miaboolya Beach Fish Habitat Protection Area, Shane Alymore, Sarah Anderson

Fisheries Management Papers

The aim of this management plan is to protect and rehabilitate the aquatic habitat of Miaboolya Beach, the associated mangrove ecosystem, and involve the community in their management. By setting the area aside as a FHPA, the Department of Fisheries has established a framework to promote and actively conserve all the habitats within the Miaboolya system, as described in Section 3 of this document.

Fisheries Research Contract Report No. 2 - Towards An Assessment Of Natural And Human Use Impacts On The Marine Environment Of The Abrolhos Islands (Phase 1 : Data Consolidation And Scoping - Final Report For Frdc Project 2000/1 66), C. F. Chubb, K. Nardi

Fisheries Research Contract Reports

This project has drawn together existing research data relating to natural and human impacts on the Abrolhos Islands marine habitats. It has surveyed current uses of these habitats and placed anthropogenic impacts within the context of natural perturbations. Through public forum presentation and debate, this work has allowed real issues, not perceptions, to surface and be addressed properly. This was achieved by defining a strategic programme of research through a scientific workshop process involving all community stakeholders. A two volume Fisheries Research Report (WA) summarizes current knowledge and details the workshop proceedings and strategic research plan.

State Of The Fisheries Report 2002/2003, Jim W. Penn, F Head

Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

The State of the Fisheries document is designed as an essential supplement to the Annual Report to Parliament and provides a more detailed level of information to support the Department of Fisheries' non-financial performance measures. By summarising management changes, compliance activities and research data including stock assessments and breeding stock levels, this document provides a valuable reference point for Western Australian fisheries of major importance to the commercial and recreational sectors. Information relevant to the State's developing aquaculture industries and the Department's Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program is also provided. This year's report follows the ecologically sustainable development (ESD) …

Zone Management In Precision Agriculture By Matching Fertiliser Input To Crop Demand, Daya Patabendige, Mike Wong, Bill Bowden

Bulletins 4000 -

Growers in Western Australia who have been yield mapping since the mid 1990s have come to realise that grain yield varies across different zones of their paddocks in any given year, as well as between years depending on the seasonal conditions and crop type. This within paddock variation can be as much as tenfold. Higher yielding areas can be due to better growing conditions (which increases the demand for nutrients) and/or better nutrient supply (which reduces the need for some fertiliser inputs). Hence, it is essential to determine the cause of the variation before optimum fertilising strategies can be developed.

Fisheries Occasional Publications No. 4 - Research Project Assessment - A Decision Framework, W. J. Fletcher, J. W. Penn, H. G. Brayford

Fisheries Occasional Publications

Determining the relative priority for research proposals within an agency such as the Department of Fisheries, particularly when they are from different program areas, is a difficult task to achieve effectively. Traditionally within the Department, this task has been completed by a sub-group of the executive who have used their combined understanding of the broader issues and their experience of what has been done before and what is most likely to succeed. Such a system, while it has produced satisfactory outcomes, suffers from a lack of transparency and may be at longer-term risk when personnel changes occur and corporate knowledge …

West Mortlock Catchment Appraisal 2002, D G. Cummins

Resource management technical reports

This report describes the soils, hydrology, natural vegetation and farming systems of the West Mortlock catchment and provides information on the threats to agriculture, infrastructure and natural resources caused by land degradation. West Mortlock covers over 700,000 hectares in the central wheatbelt. Rapid Catchment Appraisal aims to document salinity risk and management options by addressing all threats to the natural resource base, rather than isolating salinity as a separate issue.

Draft Aboriginal Fishing Strategy. Frequently Asked Questions., Department Of Fisheries., Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Commission., Fisheries Research And Development Corporation., Department Of Indigenous Affairs.

Fisheries Management Papers

This document is not the draft Aboriginal Fishing Strategy report, but a summary of the most frequently asked questions about the draft report. Submissions should only be made on specific recommendations found in the draft report.