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The Protection Of Primary Production : The Role Of The Agriculture Protection Board Of Western Australia, A R. Tomlinson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THE main function of the Agriculture Protection Board of W.A. is, as its name implies, "protection", and, in this case, it is the State's primary production which is being protected from pest animals, birds and weeds.

In general, the Board's activities are centred on the prevention, destruction or management of animals and plants which are troublesome to agricultural or pastoral production, or are capable of being troublesome.

The Spice Finch, John L. Long

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THE Spice Finch (Lonchura punctulata) is also known as Nutmeg Finch or Mannikin, Spice bird, Spotted Munia, Common Munia, Ricebird and Scaly-breasted Munia.

It is an east and south east Asian species inhabiting Malaya, Singapore, Penang, India, Ceylon, Burma, Indo-China, Yunnan, Formosa and the Philippines.

The dangers associated with such a species being introduced to Western Australia are great.

The Indian Crow, John L. Long

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THE Indian crow occasionally reaches the shores of Australia from southern Asia via ships travelling between Indian and Australian ports.

Supplementary List Of Diseases Recorded On Various Hosts In Western Australia, G. C. Macnish

Bulletins - 3000 - 3999

THIS supplement follows a previous supplement compiled by the same author' and published in 1964. It contains the diseases recorded on all hosts during the period July 1, 1963 to June 30, 1966 inclusive. Three disease records omitted from previous census have been incorporated. A list of previous publications in this series is appended. Also appended is a list of common names of host plants to facilitate reference.

Insect Pests And Their Control, Clee Francis Howard Jenkins

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

METHODS of insect control are sometimes classified under the following four headings— Quarantine, Cultural Methods, Biological Control and Chemical Treatments.

Each method has its own particular part to play in preventing the spread and multiplication of insect pests and it is essential for maximum results that everyone— whether he be a commercial grower or a backyard gardener—has a general understanding of the principles involved.

Plant Disease - Black Spot (Anthracnose) Of Grapes, W P. Cass Smith, H L. Harvey, W R. Jamieson

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

Black spot or Anthracnose of grapes caused by the fungus Elsinoe ampelina is a widespread and serious disease. In commercial vineyards it is often responsible for considerable reduction in yield and quality of fruit, and in home gardens also it may prove very damaging. Under commercial conditions the disease has proved difficult to control in seasons favourable for its development despite the routine application of accepted fungicides. Fortunately, preliminary results of recent spray trials indicate that greatly improved control is likely to result in future from the use of a number of new fungicides.

Bracken Fern Control, F E. Ryan

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

Bracken fern occurs over a large proportion of the civilised world and is recognised in all countries as a serious pasture pest. Its control is a matter of great concern. In Western Australia large areas have been invaded by bracken, and recommendations for its control have been made from time to time. Generally speaking, control measures are aimed at the removal of the frond cover and stimulating pasture growth beneath.

Dingo Destruction 2—Some Hints On Shooting, A G. Moore

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

These articles have been written to assist professional and amateur doggers, as well as farmers, to destroy dingoes or wild dogs (the term "wild dogs" is generally used to include both dingoes and domestic dogs which are running wild). The information given has been gathered from extensive experience in most of the areas of the State to the south of the Transcontinental railway line.

Infectious Pneumonia Of Pigs, C R. Toop

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

Infectious pneumonia is by far the most common disease of pigs in Western Australia and 1 is a source of serious loss to the pig industry. It has a wide distribution, and evidence of its existence in one form or another may be found in a large proportion of piggeries throughout the State. It is largely confined to young pigs and is most frequently observed in weaners and slips. For the most part it occurs as a chronic disease with symptoms of coughing, unthnftiness and retarded growth, but it may occasionally assume an acute form accompanied by serious mortality.

Crop Spraying With Hormone-Like Weedkillers, G R. W Meadly

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

Although a considerable amount of investigational work on various weeds was carried out during last season it is intended to devote this article to experience gained from large scale undertakings as distinct from experiments. A very successful aerial spraying project was undertaken against water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) at Lake Monger and pasture weeds such as thistles and Cape tulip (Homeria spp.) were treated with hormone-like preparations in a number of districts, but by far the greatest activity with these chemicals was associated with the selective control of weeds such as wild turnip (Brassica Tournefortii), wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) and mustard …

Plant Disease - Early Blight Or Target Spot Of Potatoes, W P. Cass Smith, M Hardie, B N. Lowe

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

Early blight or target spot caused by the fungus Alternaria solani is a widespread disease of potatoes which in Western Australia is most prevalent in crops dug in autumn and early summer. The disease may attack both foliage and tubers, but the tuber rot phase of the disease has hitherto caused most concern to local growers because it causes obvious losses in storage. The less obvious but more serious effects of the foliage blight have generally been overlooked, chiefly because the disease usually develops late in the season when the crops are approaching maturity. However recent spray trials with new …

Wild Dogs

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

The Agricultural Protection Board has again pointed out that the time being spent by the Government doggers in hunting Individual wild dogs in farming areas was seriously hampering the more important work of destroying dogs by large-scale poisoning and trapping in their outback breeding areas.

Dingo And Wild Dog Destruction, A G. Moore

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

It has often been said that poison is the best means of destroying dingoes and wild dogs. Poison acts silently and does not have the frightening effect of trapping. When used properly—on a well-planned system and at the right times— poisoning has given excellent results in controlling the pests.

Worms In Sheep, C R. Toop

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

The parasitic worms of sheep are widely distributed throughout Australia and are a source of serious loss to the sheep and wool industry. This results from the loss of condition which occurs in infested animals as well as from the failure of young sheep to thrive and make normal growth, and there is a consequent reduction both in carcase values and in the quantity and quality of wool produced. Furthermore, heavy infestations with worms are frequently responsible for serious mortalities.

Plant Disease - Corm Rots Of Gladioli, Olga M. Goss

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

Several diseases of gladioli now present in Western Australia can be very damaging to the plants under certain conditions. The diseases referred to in this article attack not only the above-ground portions of the plant, but the corms also, and their introduction to new areas usually results from the planting of infected corms. When such corms are planted the disease spreads to the developing shoots and leads to inferior growth and flower production, and in some cases to the death of the plant. An even more serious feature of the disease is that the soil becomes contaminated with the organisms …

The Citrus White Fly, C F.H Jenkins, D G. Shedley

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

For the first time in Western Australia the citrus white fly was recorded on lemon trees at Maddington in 1950 and since then it has been found to be widely distributed in the Maddington-Gosnells area and in scattered situations in the Darling Range, Middle Swan and Perth suburbs. It is also of interest to note that the insect appeared in Mildura citrus orchards in Victoria (Anon 1952), about the same time as it was reported from Western Australia, although there appears to be no explanation for its sudden dispersal over the continent.

St. John's Wort - Beetle Parasites Imported

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

Some hundreds of thousands of Chrysomelid beetles, which attack St. John's Wort, were recently forwarded to this State by air freight from the C.S.I.R.O. Division of Entomology, Canberra, and have been liberated at Greenbushes and Forestgrove.

Suppurative Otisis In Pigs, C R. Toop

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

Suppurative otitis, an inflammatory condition involving the deeper structures of the ear, is commonly met with in young pigs. Affected animals show characteristic symptoms the most prominent of which is the abnormal carriage of the head which is constantly held on one side and this may be accompanied by difficulty in maintaining balance and direction.

Black Spot Or Early Blight Of Tomatoes, R F. Doepel

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

Black spot disease is one of the most important limiting factors to tomato production in the Geraldton district of this State. All above ground parts of tomato plants are affected and, under weather conditions favourable to the disease, serious defoliation and reduction of fruit yields are experienced.

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.

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.

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.