Agriculture Commons^™

Insect Pest - Fuller's Rose Weevil, C F.H Jenkins

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

Fuller's rose weevil is a comparatively recent pest to reach Western Australia and so far its activities have only been reported from one or two restricted areas. It is such a serious pest, however, and has such a wide distribution over the globe that all orchardists should be on guard against the beetle and should be prepared to carry out control measures immediately the insect is detected.

A Simple And Effective Cow Bail, L C. Snook

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

While visiting the property of Mr. R. Burke, Cowaramup, I saw in use a type of cow-bail which made an immediate appeal because of its simplicity, effectiveness and ease of working. Mr. Burke is obviously skilled at setting up practical time-saving devices but there seems to be no reason why other dairy farmers should not make use of the principle he employed.

A Successful Method Of Spraying Against Looper Caterpillars And Other Springtime Pests, J C. Rowbotham

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

Description of a method which has proved successful over the past two seasons on the orchards of Messrs. J. L. Parke and W. Parke, of Donnybrook, should prove of interest to the large number of apple growers who during past seasons have suffered losses due to excessive blemishing of fruit by looper caterpillars (Chloroclystis lacticostata) and other spring pests.

Internal Parasites Of Cattle, J Craig

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

Worm infestation (Parasitic Gastro-Enteritis) is frequently a cause of serious economic loss both in calves and yearlings. It is unfortunate, however, that stock owners do not realise until too late the full extent of the effects of these worm parasites—for the cost can be counted not only in the actual deaths sustained, but in the resultant check in the animal's growth and development.

Plant Diseases - Lettuce Mosaic, H L. Harvey

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

Preliminary surveys of metropolitan market gardens during July and August showed that the virus disease known as lettuce mosaic was present in amounts varying from one to 90 per cent. If not checked it is likely to become one of the most serious diseases of local winter lettuce crops.

Water Erosion Control - 4 - Selecting, Making, And Safe-Guarding Waterways, J E. Watson

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

Run-off water must be expected at some time or other from most agricultural land in Western Australia, where high intensity rains are likely to occur both in winter and summer. This run-off water will tend to concentrate in the natural drainage depressions of the slopes, and flow down to the main creeks. Running water is a principal agent of soil erosion, and it is essential that all channels where water flows must be protected if our lands are to be saved from the ravages of severe gully erosion.

Evicting Bees From Houses, A Kessell

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

Every year, the Apicultural Branch receives a number of inquiries from harassed householders concerning methods of evicting bee colonies which have taken up their abode in houses. Cavity walls often provide cosy quarters for swarms seeking accommodation, while others establish themselves in chimneys, ventilators and under floors.

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

Grain Silos For Muresk

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

On September 7, two grain silos, each with a capacity of 2,000 bushels were formally handed over to Muresk Agricultural College by representatives of the Trustees of the Wheat Pool of Western Australia.

Farm Fencing Hints - Straining The Wires, J A. Mallett

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

Having erected the posts and run the wires, the next task is that of straining the wires and—where barbed wires are used—tying them to the posts. Where wires have to be joined in the fence, the "figure eight knot," or "fencer's knot" as it is often called, is probably the best of all. It is easy to make, once one has mastered the knack, holds safely under strain, and may be pulled through a hole in a fence-post if the points are bent over.

Here's The Answer

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

Having read with interest the articles on roses which have appeared in the Journal I am inquiring if you can supply some advice on the rooting of Fortuniana cuttings. I have grown two Fortuniana bushes with the idea of striking some cuttings for stocks. I already have some nice roses but all are growing on briar stocks which were obtained by taking up some of the suckers. This query was received in a letter addressed to the author of the rose articles (Mr. C. C. Hillary) but unfortunately you omitted to sign the letter. Fortuniana cuttings are best taken

Tree Lucerne, L C. Snook

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

Perhaps the greatest need in our agricultural areas is for a hardy legume which year after year will provide palatable green fodder during the late summer months. In the white-flowered Tree Lucerne (Cystisus prolifer) such a legume is available. Surprisingly enough, this hardy perennial shrub has never been exploited. Tree Lucerne is so hardy that self-seeded thickets can be seen growing on virgin land in the Darling Ranges and I have seen seedlings in the streets of Corrigin healthy and robust after six months without rain. The foliage is so palatable that cattle and horses will break down quite large …

Muresk Agricultural College - Memorial To Foundation Principal

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

The Hughes memorial gateway at Muresk.

A large gathering of past and present students and members of the staff attended a ceremony at Muresk Agricultural College on Visitors' Day, September 7, when a handsome gateway erected to the memory of Mr. Hugh Jason Hughes the first Principal of the College was officially opened by his widow.

Seasonal Reminders For November-December

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

The main cultivation of orchards and vineyards should now be completed and any further working of the soil should be restricted to the control of weed growth. Continuous cultivation of clean ground serves no useful purpose but can be very harmful by accelerating the loss of organic matter from the soil.

The Prevention Of Sucker Growth Of Tobacco After Topping, T G. Haney

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

Experiments conducted overseas and elsewhere in Australia have shown that the application of mineral oils to the cut surface of the tobacco stem after topping (removal of the flower head) have reduced the amount of sucker growth of tobacco plants. Previous experience in Western Australia has shown that the most appropriate time for topping of tobacco crops has been after the first leaf has been harvested. This operation has the effect of putting more body and width into the tip leaves, which, without topping, tend to be narrow and comparatively light in weight. With late planted crops, however, crops are …

Bacterial Cultures - Price Increases Announces

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

Prices of bacterial cultures prepared by the Department of Agriculture for the inoculation of legume seeds have now been increased. The new prices are 2s. for a 1 oz. bottle; 3s. for a 2 oz. bottle and 7s. 6d. for the 8 oz. size. Old prices were Is. 6d., 2s. 6d., and 5s. respectively. Owing to the heavy demand for these cultures it has been found necessary to employ larger laboratory staffs and purchase extra equipment. Postage and materials cost far more today than when the service was inaugurated, and it is felt that a price increase was justified in …

Foreword, A L. Mckenzie Clark

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

The soil is a nation's heritage —a rich legacy from past generations of pioneers who laboured and endured hardships in order that the land should produce for the nourishment and clothing of mankind. We

Hormone Weedicide Injury To Grape Vines, W P. Cass Smith

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

During the present season, serious injury to grape vines from 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T, proprietary weedicides, has been noticed on two occasions. In each case the damage, which included killing of vines outright, was brought about by spraying weeds between the rows or on headlands.

Raising Queen Bees, R S. Coleman

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

Most beekeepers are constantly seeking new and better methods of raising good queen bees and these suggestions, while capable of many refinements, will give good results for small-scale beekeepers when they wish to re-queen their hives. Most commercial apiarists have their own favourite methods incorporating variations of these ideas.

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

Water Erosion Control - 3 - Designing Contour Bank Systems, J P. Fallon

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

Contour Bank is the name applied to a ridge or bank of earth built across sloping ground between points of equal or nearly equal heights. The basic function of a contour bank is "interception of run-off water is then either absorbed or conducted slowly from the land, depending on the condition of the soil conservation work contour banks are not a substitute for, but supplementary to, suitable plant cover and careful land management.

Peach Leaf Curl, W P. Cass Smith

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

Peach leaf curl caused by the fungus Taphrina deformans is a very common disease in this State during the spring and early summer. In addition to attacking both edible and flowering peaches, the fungus also attacks nectarines, almonds and apricots. When preventive measures are neglected the disease may be anticipated yearly commencing in spring.

The Farm Bookshelf

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

C. A. Gardner, Government Botanist of Western Australia, is the author of a recently-published 400-page work on the native and introduced grasses of this State. The book is the first part of a projected "Flora of Western Australia" which is expected to comprise at least six volumes.

Here's The Answer

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 …

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).

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.

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.