Biosecurity Commons^™

The Insect Vector In Relation To Myxomatosis, J A. Button

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

The rabbit is undoubtedly the greatest single pest with which agriculturalists in this country have to contend. It is, therefore, not surprising that any new and promising method of controlling the pest should be greeted with considerable interest. Although a great deal has already been written regarding the myxomatosis virus a brief and co-ordinated summary of the situation as it now exists in Australia, with particular reference to this State, should prove of value as a guide to the wider establishment of the disease next summer.

Plant Disease - Black Rot Of Stocks, R F. Doepel

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

Stocks are easily grown plants deserving of a place in every garden. They are adapted to a wide range of cultural conditions and a colourful show of flowers can be obtained by planting suitable varieties. Black rot is a serious bacterial disease (causal organism Xanthomonas incanae) of these plants and is responsible for heavy losses in some plantings.

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Plant Disease - Crown Gall Of Fruit Trees, W P. Cass Smith

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

Crown gall is a widespread bacterial disease which affects many different plants. It is most frequently noticed on fruit trees particularly pome and stone fruits, but it also attacks grapes, berry plants, and ornamentals, including roses.

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 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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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.

A Hospital Paddock

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

Wherever many head of stock are kept on a farm there are two things that will always pay very handsome dividends— a loose box and a small hospital paddock.

Oriental Fruit Moth, C F.H Jenkins

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

In recent weeks a new insect pest for Western Australia has been recorded. This -•- is the Oriental fruit moth, sometimes known as the Oriental peach moth and the peach tip moth, both names indicating that peaches are the most susceptible of a wide variety of host fruits.

Cobalt, L C. Snook

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

Cobalt is one of the most interesting of the so-called "trace" elements. Particularly is this so to West Australians as the use of cobalt has permitted farmers to rear healthy sheep and cattle where previously this was impossible. Also, it was in this State that Filmer and Underwood carried out much of the fundamental work which led to the discovery of the vital importance of cobalt.

A Reminder

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

Have you registered your orchard? One fruit tree or a single vine is an orchard for the Purposes of the Plant Diseases Act and must be registered accordingly. The registration fee for less than one acre of trees or vines is 1s. Apply Department of Agriculture, Perth.

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.

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.