Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons^™

Flower : Predicting Flowering Times Of Cereal Crops, G A B Elliott, Stephen Loss

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

FLOWER is a computer program which predicts the flowering date of a given wheat or barley variety at a specified location and sowing date. Department of Agriculture agronomists, breeders and advisers are using the program to provide useful information on how the development of cereals responds to different environments across Western Australia's cereal growing areas.

Increased Returns From Agronomic Inputs In Early Sown Cereal Crops, W K. Anderson

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

When crop variety and soeing dae are matched so that flowering occurs in the 'window' for a particular site, grain yields are increased and yield response to inputs such as nitrogen fertilizer and seeding rate is magnified.

This response occurs because the srop's potential for setting and filling grains is much improved by sowing at the optimum time. However varieties differ in their yield potential because they have different lenghts of growing season, which probably affects grain numbers, and because they have different inherent grain sizes. These differences affect the way varieties react to sowing date. Figure 1 shows how …

Early Sowing Of Ceral Crops In Low Rainfall Areas, R J. Delane, John Hamblin

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

One of the objectives of the Department of Agriculture's crop research in the low rainfall, northern wheatbelt is to develop crop varieties and management practices that will make best use of stored water on both sandplain and fine textured soils. Sowing a crop early will improve its water use efficiency and yiel in low rainfall areas.

Frost Injury To Wheat, S P. Loss

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

Frost injury has not been a major concern to the Western Australian wheat industry despite causing spectacular but irregular crop losses on some farms.

The development of suitable herbicides, direct drilling technology and the adoption of early flowering varieties in the late 1970s and early 1980s led to wheat crops being sown and flowering earlier than previously. This resulted in an increase in the incidence of frost damage.

Research into frost indicates that most wheat producers face low to moderate risks of yield loss caused by frost. However, individual farms in particular years can suffer devestating widespread losses. Grost injury …

Early Sowing : One Key To Improved Yields Of Cereal Crops, M W. Perry, Wal Anderson, Rob Delane

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

Early sowing of cereal crops is one of the most important management practices through which Western Australian cereal growers can increase yields.

Researchers have long known that in theory early sowing should mean improved growth and water use efficiency - which both contribuite to increased yields. Application of this knowledge has had to await new tillage and herbicide technology, but recent research in the northan and central wheatbelt has now demonstrated the advantages of early sowing in practice. And more exciting yet, there is evidence that yield responses to weed control and applied fertilizers may also be greater in early …

Concetta Tm (Papconc) C.V. (Rose Plant), Ellen T. Paparozzi

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the hybrid tea rose class, which was originated as a sport of the rose Gabriella; characterized by its bright orange red, well-formed hybrid tea type blooms with dark velvet overtones on the outer edges of the open flower; disease resistant with everblooming habit and outstanding pot forcing characteristics.

Introducing Onslow, Western Australian Department Of Agriculture

Grain and other field crops published reports

Onslow Barley........ a new breed of barley for the southern high rainfall areas (see map VH,H4 &H5). Suited to May plantings, Onslow is the first barley developed specifically for the long growing seasons in these areas.

For the first time barley growers have a variety designed for those 4 t/ha plus yields which research shows are possible with early sowing.

Onslow is the first of a new breed of barley cultivars developed in Western Australia specifically for the southern high rainfall areas which have a long growing season.

Miscellaneous Production 23/87 - Animal Production In The Spinifex And Shrubland Regions Of Western Australia, D. Burnside

Animal production and livestock published reports

The role of the Rangeland Management Branch is to promote the sustained economic use of the rangeland resource. It provides research and extension services to the pastoral industry, provides advice on the condition of the range resource to Government and provides technical information on rangelands to other rangeland managers. A principal objective to be met in fulfilling that role is the development and promotion of economically efficient place systems that conserve the rangeland resource. At the inaugural Pastoral Soil Conservation Districts Conference in Meekatharra in May 1987, pastoralist delegates emphasized the importance of achieving that objective within the various soil …

Looking At Lupins - Lupin Management In The South Eastern Wheatbelt, W. L. Smart, M. M. Ralph, J. M. Liddle, R.. D. Ramm, C. J. Robinson, E. W. Armstrong

Grain and other field crops research reports

In the past couple of years research into lupins has increased substantially particularly in the fields of weed control, seeding rates, and control of diseases such as brown leaf spot and pleiochaeta root rot. This report is a summary of the lupin trials in the Lake Grace advisory area as well as a guide to better lupin farming.

Considerations In Breeding Endophyte-Free Tall Fescue Forage Cultivars, Jeffrey F. Pedersen, D. A. Sleper

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Breeding tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) cultivars that are free of the endophytic fungus Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones and Gams [previously identified and referred to as Epichloe typhina (Fries) Tulasne] is necessary to improve animal performance. The techniques used in developing new cultivars are not greatly different from those used previously, with one exception. Prior to the evaluation of new tall fescue lines or populations, the endophyte needs to be eliminated from the seed or the plants. Several techniques utilizing aging, heat, or chemical treatment are being used to effectively accomplish this in the seed. Methods for permanently eliminating the endophyte …

Levels And Timing Of Nitrogen Fertilizer Applications For Tall Fescue In Central Alabama, J. W. Odom, Jeffrey F. Pedersen

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), the most important cool season perennial pasture grass in the United States, is generally well adapted to the northern two-thirds of Alabama. Unfortunately, the most commonly grown tall fescue cultivar, Kentucky 31, is of northern origin and is dormant during the winter. To reduce this problem, AU Triumph was selected from Mediterranean germplasm. The Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station released this cultivar to growers in 1981. Compared to Kentucky 31, AU Triumph produces about 80 percent more forage during the winter and produces mature seed about 2 weeks earlier in the spring. Total annual forage production …

Variation In Wheat Protein Content : The Effect Of Environment, G B. Crosbie, Harry Fisher

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

Over the past 20 years, the average protein content of WesternAustralian wheat has ranged from 9.3 to 12.0 per cent, with a mean level of 10.4 per cent. At most grain receival points, in any one season, individual loads can often vary in protein content by as much as 5 per cent protein or more. Rainfall and soil fertility account for much of this variation.

Trends In Wheat Protein/Yield Relationships, G B. Crosbie, Harry Fisher, Bryan Whan

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

The major concern of wheat breeders in WesternAustralia has been to increase grain yield while maintaining quality at an acceptable level. There has been no concious effort to select for protein content. It is of interrest, therefore, to compare the relationship between yield and protein of varieties which have been prominent in Western Australia at various times, to see what effects yield increases have had on protein content and the extent of any variation which might exist.

The Potential For Skeleton Weed, John Dodd, F. D. Panetta

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

Since its introduction into Australia during the 900s skeleton weed has become one of the most economically significant weeds. Its presence in cereal crops in south-eastern Australia has caused suvere yield reductions and harvesting problems.

Skeleton weed was first found on a Western Australian farm in 963. Since then it has been the subject of an intensive eradication campaign organised by the Agricultural Protection Board and funded by an annual levy on wheat growers. Such campaigns, which rely mainly on volunteer searchers, do not exist in eastern Australia because the weed is so widespread it would be impossible to eradicate. …

Evaluation Of Repellent Seed Treatments And Effects On Early Corn Performance, Ann E. Koehler, Ron J. Johnson, Orvin C. Burnside, Stephen R. Lowry

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

A combination of field, field enclosure, and germination chamber studies was used to evaluate the effects of methiocarb [3,5-dimethyl-4-(methylthio)phenol methylcarbamate] and thiram (tetramethylthiuram disulfide) repellent seed treatments on early corn performance. The thiram treatments used (0.08, 0.4,0.8,0.5,1.25, and 2.5% active ingredient by corn seed weight) had negligible effects on germination/emergence time or on com plant heights. The thiram treatments never reduced stand counts in comparison to controls, but apparently increased stand counts in some trials, particularly under wet conditions. The methiocarb treatments evaluated (0.5, 1.25, 2.5, and 5.0% active ingredient by corn seed weight) had only occasional effects on early …

Serena And Circle Valley Medic Establishment, M A B Ewing

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

Since the commercial release of the burr medics Serens in 1983, and Circle Valley ayearlater, much has been learnt about the establishment and management of these pasture legumes. When sown on suitable soils and with appropriate establishment and management techniques, these medics have the potential to dramatically change farm profitability. This results from both increased production from livestock and from improved cereal crops grown in rotation.

Using The Zadoks Growth Scale, M W. Perry, D. G. Bowran, G. Brown

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

The Zadoks growth scale, which is already used overseas as an aid to better crop management, is gradually being adopted in crop production in Western Australia.

By using the scale grain growers are able to identify the various stages of crop development, particularily those growth stages that are closely related to practices such as crop spraying where treatment too early or too late may be ineffective or damaging.

Growth And Magnesium Uptake Of Tall Fescue Lines At High And Low Potassium Levels, J. H. Edwards, Jeffrey F. Pedersen

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Five tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) clonal lines with diverse root and xylem diameters were grown in nutrient solutions with magnesium (Mg) concentrations of 42, 125 and 250 µm and potassium K concentrations of 133 and 333 µm. Leaf Mg concentrations increased with increasing Mg rates at both low and high K concentrations. The tall fescue line with the largest root and xylem diameters had low leaf Mg concentrations, indicating a possible increased Mg tetany potential when consumed by cattle. The response of the K/(Mg+Ca) ratio in the plant, an indicator of tetany potential, to varying solution Mg at low …

Soil Acidity And Legume Nodulation, J G. Howieson, M. A. Ewing

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

Nitrogen is a basic constituent of protien and is essential to all forms of life. Many agricultural plants are legumes - a group of plants which, in co-operation with specialised soil bacteria, fix their own nitrogen from the air. When the legume dies, the organic matter breaks down anf the nitrogen becomes available to the following crops.

Soil acidity is a major factor limitimg the successful association between legumes and their beneficial soil bacteria in Western Australia.

Notes: Differences Among Nematode Populations In Tall Fescue Pastures In North, Central, And South Alabama, Jeffrey F. Pedersen, R. Rodriguez-Kabana

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Surveys of nematode populations in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) pastures in north, central, and south Alabama in 1982 and 1983 showed significant differences in frequency of occurrence of many nematode species by geographical region. Although nematode damage has been implicated in the poor adaptation of tall fescue to the sandy soils of the extreme Southeast, many plant parasitic nematode species occurred in low frequency in south Alabama pastures. There were significant differences in the frequency of occurrence of Paratrichodorus christiei (Allen) Siddiqi by region. This nematode occurred with relatively high frequency in south Alabama in both years. There were …

Nutritive Evaluation Of Warm-Season Grasses In Connecticut, R.W. Taylor, D.W. Allinson

Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station

No abstract provided.

Fisheries Report No 45 - The Short Term Effects Of Brush Harvesting On The Kwongan Vegetation At Eneabba, Western Australia, E. A. Griffin, A. J. M. Hopkins

Fisheries Research Reports

Areas of the kwongan vegetation south of Eneabba are currently being harvested to provide brush for rehabilitation after mining. Because of the botanical importance of the Eneabba kwongan, a study of the effects of the harvesting was initiated. Three areas with different harvest histories were sampled using quadrats paired across cut/uncut boundaries. Floristic and structural differences between quadrats and between areas were assessed. The store of seed in uncut vegetation was measured.

There was a loss of species as a result of harvesting, at least in the short-term. Many species regenerated by resprouting from buds in damaged stems or in …

Ord River Irrigation Area - Potential For A Sugar Cane Industry In Western Australia, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Farm Systems and Economics published reports

The Ord River Irrigation Area is in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia, 3,200 kms from Perth, the State’s Capital City.

The area is located in the arid tropics with a climate suitable for high plant growth rates provided water supply is adequate.

With only 12,000 ha of land developed out of a potential 72,000 ha of clay soils the area has the potential for further development of a major irrigated agricultural enterprise.

The Ord River Irrigation Project has been developed for commercial agriculture following the construction of a diversion dam in 1963, and a major dam in 1974, The …

Effect Of Nitrogen Levels On Metribuzin Tolerance In Tomatoes, Esther H. Nelson, Richard A. Ashley

Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station

No abstract provided.

Leaf Diffusive Resistance And Relative Water Content As Indications Of Varietal Sensitivity To Drought In Potatoes, Darlene A. Wilcox, Richard A. Ashley

Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station

No abstract provided.

Bulletin 3992 - Nitrogenous Fertilisers For Cereal Production, M. G. Mason

Bulletins - 3000 - 3999

Because fertiliser prices continue to rise, it is becoming increasingly important to understand what affects the response to fertilisers by crops.

Among the many factors influencing crop response to nitrogen applications, the most important are the season, soil type, paddock history, time of application and source of nitrogen. Before deciding whether to use nitrogen on a cereal crop, which source to use and at what rate, the farmer needs some understanding of how these factors work.

Ryegrass Toxicity Organism Found On Other Grasses, D L. Chatel, J. L. Wise, A. G. Marfleet

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

Yellow slime disease caused by Corynebacterium sp. has recently been found in three grass species.

The diseased grasses were found in the field growing with each other and with affected toxic annual ryegrass.

Perennial Pasture Measures Up, D A. Nicholas

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

In a trial at Manjimup, a pasture based on the perennial grass, Currie cocksfoot, gave substantially more production than a comparable annual pasture.

Grain Crop Variety Trials Western Australia 1978-1979, H. M. Fisher, G. B. Crosbie

Grain and other field crops research reports

The regional crop variety testing programme conducted by the Western Australian Department of Agriculture covers the final two stages of a four stage process of evaluating locally produced crossbreds and introduced material comprising:-

Plant Breeder Trials

Stage 1: Initial small plot yield tests on early generation material - 1 to 3 sites. Stage 2: Small plot yield tests on selected material (F5 derived) - 3 to 4 sites.

Regional Testing Programme

Stage 3: Large scale preliminary trials - 9 to 10 sites. Stage 4: Large scale final yield trials - 40 to 50 sites.

The basis of the regional programme …

Forage Quality Evaluations Of Twelve Grasses In Relation To Season For Grazing, L. C. Newell, W. J. Moline

Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station: Historical Research Bulletins

A study of forage quality in relation to seasonal yield of important perennial forage grasses was initiated to provide information and to promote a better understanding of their best use for grazing. This information should be particularly valuable in planning seasonal use of pure stands or mixtures of grasses.