Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons^™

Learning To Live With Spotted Alfalfa Aphid, M Grimm

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

The spotted alfalfa aphid which can devastate lucerne crops and perhaps also medic pastures, has been established in Western Australia since early 1978. However several methods of control are being developed, which could allow continued production of lucerne.

How To Select A Tractor, W T. Brown

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

A look at some of the factors to be considered when choosing a tractor for your farm. There is no one answer

A. Minimum Tillage Investigations. B. Evaluation Of Stubble Management Techniques, D Jasper

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

77WH17 Continuous cropping site, Wongan Hills Research Station 77WH18 Rotational site, Wongan Hills Research Station 77M13 Heavy land continuous cropping site, Merredin Research Station 78M25 Light land continuous cropping site, Merredin Research Station 77M56 Rotational site, Merredin Research Station 77A16 Continuous cropping site, Avondale Research Station 77A43 Rotational site, Avondale Research Station 77E52 Rotational site, Esperance Downs Research Station 78BA42 Continuous Cropping Site, Badgingarra Research Station 77MT15 Continuous Cropping Site, Mt Barker Research Station 79WH6, Evaluation of stubble management practices, Wongan Hills Research Station 79M6 Heavy Land, Merredin Research Station 79M7 Light land, Merredin Research Station

Replacing Farm Machinery, R Crossman

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

In talking of machinery replacement it seems implied that the replacement items of plant are bigger and therefore better than their predecessers. It is also implied that plant replacement is becoming more costly.

Before any decision to replace machinery, the reason for replacement should be carefully considered.

There may be alternatives to the bigger and better solution.

Options For Machinery And Labour, A F. Herbert

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

Machinery is one of the highest costs in farming today. It is not unusual for capital investment in machinery to be 20 to 30 percent of the total investment in the farm.

On an annual basis, expenditure directly attributable to machinery can be 40 per cent or more.

This article cannon be a panacea for everyone to reduce machinery costs - each farm is different. But some of the issues might be of help.

Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus In Barley And Oats (79mt20, 79pe13) Experimental Summary 1979, G D. Mclean, T N. Khan, M Grimm, J D. Sandow

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

(1) Yield assessments have continued similar to those used in 1977 and 1978. Essentially, plants with symptoms typical of BYDV are marked in the early spring as well as a similar number without symptoms. Yield differences were obtained both for Clipper Barley and an oats variety. (2) Two pilot experiments using viruliferous aphids were carried out at Mount Barker (79MT20) and at South Perth · (79PE13). Both Rhopalosiphum padi and R. maidis were used. Infection at Mt Barker failed, and therefore no data is presented. The Perth experiment was planted on August 31, 1979. The original plan was to have …

Screening Of Clovers For Resistance To Clover Scorch, D L. Chatel

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

One thousand one hundred and seventy clover cultivars, varieties and crossbreds were screened in the field for susceptibility to the clover scorch disease fungus.

Lupin Yields Are Not What They Should Be : Viewpoint, M Ferguson, S. Trevenen

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

Mike Ferguson has been in charge of the Three Springs office of the Department of Agriculture since 1977.

Based on trials he has done and others he has seen, he believes farmers can greatly increase their yield of lupins.

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 …

Summary Research Results 1979, G A. Pearce

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

DPX4189 for weed control in wheat 79N27. Location - Toodyay. Herbicide mixtures for broadleaved weeds in wheat. Location - Toodyay. Diuron mixtures for broad leaf weeds in cereals. Location - "Glencoe" C/- P.O. Bindoon. Herbicides for early planting 79MO42. Location – N. Tonkin – Coomberdale. Broad leaf weeds in cereals 79MO45. Location - Miling (J. Lewis, Plympton). Herbicides for early planting 79LG27. Location – Karlgarin.

Long Term Rotation Trials, I Rowland

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Locality: 66M29, 67Cl3, 67N4, 68E5, 68SG5, 73SG16. Soil type, history, rainfall and wheat/lupin yields.

Matching Tractors And Implements, I W. Grevis-James

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

Tractor and implement matching involves balancing implement load characteristics with tractor output characteristics to obtain the best output from the combination. Too much or too little can be costly.

Contour Cultivation : Cheap Erosion Control, T R. Negus, B. Barrett

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

Although the benefits of contour cultivation are well recognised, it makes cultivation more difficult, particularly if the paddock is split by contour banks and grassed waterways. However, a comparison east of Pingelly indicates that contour cultivation is little more expensive or time-consuming than ordinary cultivation.

Experimental Summary 1979, J R. Peirce

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Contents 79ME28 Soursob (Oxalis caprae) control along Roadsides. 79NO30 A & B.

79NO29 Pre and post emergent applications of Diuron for soursob control in cereals.

79ME31 Post emergent control of soursob in cereals. 79NO39

79ME26 A & B Control of Matricaria (Pentzia sp.) in cereals.

79NO40 Dormancy of Cape Tulip (homeria sp.).

79NO38 Patersons curse (Echium plantagineum) Control in pastures. Afghan thistle (solanum hoplopetalum) Control in pastures. 79ME28 and 79N030 A & B Soursob Control Along Roadsides. Chemicals: Roundup 1, 2 and 3 1ha-1, Diuron 1, 2 and 3 1ha-1, Sencor TD 1, 2 and 3 kgha -1 ) applied …

Investigations Of Ryegrass Toxicity, B A. Stynes

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Development of toxicity in the field. Experiment – 79KA13. Location – C. Butterworth, Katanning. The effect of herbicides and growth regulants on gall development. Experiment – 79KA14. Location - C. Butterworth, Katanning. Effect of burning on the production of galls. Experiment – 79KA9. Location - L. Blight, Gnowangerup; K. Butterworth, Katanning; C. Hanna, Katanning; J. Shepherdson, Gnowangerup. Table 1 Previous land use and characteristics of fires at four farms where fields were burnt in autumn to reduce the level of toxicity of ryegrass in the subsequent spring pasture. Table 2 The numbers and relative proportions of galls retained in the …

Cereal, Pasture Legume And Water Supply Prospects At Forrestania : Results Of Experimental Work East Of Hyden, Western Australia, T E. Mcdowell, M G. Mason, J W. Gartrell, William J. Toms, I A F Laing

Technical Bulletins

The agricultural potential of the Forrestania area appears at least equal to that of much of the settled eastern wheatbelt. The scrubplain soils of the Forrestania area have an average yield potential of at least 1 000 kg/ha wheat and carrying capacity of 1.8 to 3.7 sheep per hectare on improved pastures. The use of clover ley rotations would maintain these levels of potential yield. Partial crop failures caused by adverse seasonal conditions could be expected 10 years in every 100.

Soil And Plant Analysis : A Guide To Fertilizer Usage, Walter Jacob Cox

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

Soil and plant analysis can be used to identify problems in soils, diagnose nutrient deficiencies and as a guide to fertiliser usage.

Soil testing is particularily useful where large amounts of phosphorus and potassium are leached or removed from the paddock in hay or silage.

Actual rates of fertiliser can only be recommended from soil testing and only in conjunction with additional biological and economic information.

Producing 20-Month Old Beef Steers Off Annual Pasture, K D. Greathead, D. J. Barker, W. J. Ryan

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

A recent Mt Barker experiment compared two systems of fodder conservation with continuous grazing, using two types of steers, at three stocking rates. Year-round performance, carcass composition, and resulting costs and returns per hectare were assessed.

Production per hectare was greatest from crossbred steers at the intermediate stocking rate with either type of fodder conservation.

New Header Treatment Aids Weevil Control, J H. Moulden

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

A new insecticide formulation supplied in high pressure cylinders simplifies weevil control in headers.

Tincurrin : A New Biscuit Wheat, J T. Reeves, H. M. Fisher, G. B. Crosbie

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

Although a demand has existed both locally and overseas for soft wheat suitable for biscuits, cakes and various confectioneries, production has been very limited.

In 1978 farmers in the soft wheat area will be able to grow the higher yielding variety Tincurrin.

It is recommended for general sowing to replace all varieties grown at present in the soft wheat areas as defined.Exceptions may prevail in areas prone to rust snd septoria problems.

Farm Syndication Has Advantages, G T. Kennedy

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

Sharing of single items of plant between farmers is common in Australian Agriculture but it is quite rare for farmers to amalgamate their holdings and farm them as a single unit.

This article looks at the advantages of syndicate farming. It is based on a study of four whole farm syndicates in the Wimmera of Victoria.

Wesreo : A Blackleg Resistant Rapeseed, N N. Roy

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

A new rapeseed variety, Wesreo, has recently been released after an unusually rapid and successful breeding programme by the Department of Agriculture.

Wesreo has fairly good resistance to the disease blackleg, which virtually halted the expanding rapeseed industry in 1973.

Progress In Clover Scorch Research, A Bokor, D. L. Chatel, D. A. Nicholas

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

Considerable progress has been made with the clover scorch problem since the devastation of the 971 epidemic when intensive research began.

Over 2000 varieties and crossbreds of subterranean clover from various collections have been screened for resistance resulting in the release of the first resistant clover, Esperance, this year.

Benefits of fungicidal spraying have been demonstrated and low cost spraying programmes for grazed pastures, and seed and hay crops are under field investigation.

How Efficient Are Seeding Operations : Kondinin Work Study, E J. Roberts, C. R. Lester, J. E. Young

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

The efficiency of machinery and labour during seeding operations was studied in 1977 by the Kondinin and Districts Farm Improvement Group and the Department of Agriculture. The aim was to find what influenced efficiency during cropping.

Time spent on activities during the working day was measured, and it was found that repairs, maintenance, meals and other incidental jobs considerably reduced the time spent driving the tractor.

Each farmer participating in the study was given the results of his own farm compared to the group, indicating tasks most needing improvement.

Bulletin No 3573 - Wheat Diseases In Western Australia, A. G. P. Brown, G. C. Mac Nish

Bulletins - 3000 - 3999

Diseases caused by pathogenic organisms can seriously affect the yield of wheat. Some diseases are comparatively rare whereas others occur over a large area of the wheatbelt year after year.

it is important to be able to identify diseases correctly so that the appropriate control measures can be applied, In the following article the diseases of wheat caused by pathogenic organisms are illustrated, with their symptoms described, and where possible, the control measures given.

Potassium Deficiency In Lupins : Identification, Rates, Times And Method Of Application, Walter Jacob Cox

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

Large areas of sandplain soils north of Perth are low in potassium levels, and responses to applied potassium have been large for both sub. clover and grain lupins.

This article indicates where potassium might be needed, and how to diagnose and overcome deficiencies in lupins.

Trials Indicate Best Lupin Seeding Rates, G H. Walton

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

Trials on the seeding rate of lupins have shown that for most crops, at least 80kg of seed per hectare gives best yields. However the yields varied considerably, and in higher yielding situations, lower seeding rates were better.

Nitrogenous Fertilisers For Cereals, Rape And Linseed Results From 1978 Trials., M G. Mason

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Effect of AGRAS 18:18, AGRAS 12:24 and D.A.P. on germination of wheat, 78C2, 78A2, 78GE1, 78N2, 78ES2.

Rates and sources of N and P for wheat, 78LG2, 78ME1, 78NA2, 78GE2, 78KA1, 78MO3, 78NO2, 78TS2.

Agras no. 1 and D.A.P. for wheat production, 78SG15.

Effect of stubble treatment on nitrogen fertiliser requirement, 78C3, 78WH3, 78M2.

Sulphur-coated urea for wheat, 78TS1, 78E2, 78M01, 78NA1.

Sulphur-coated urea for oats, 78MO2.

Sulphur-coated urea for barley, 78NO1.

Nitrogen fertiliser requirement in alternate crop-pasture rotation, 78BA1, 78WH2.

Effect of placement of Nitrogen fertiliser on wheat direct drilled or conventionally sown, 78WH1,

78E1, 78M1.

Effect of placement …

Investigations Of Ryegrass Toxicity., Brian A. Stynes

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Effect of burning on the production of galls, 78KA13.

Effect of the nematicide Nemacur, on the development of toxicity in ryegrass pasture, 78KA15.

Survival of Anguina sp and emergence from galls, 78KA14.

Study of populationsof Anguina sp on plants, 78KA31.

Grain Legume Agronomy, G H. Walton

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Wheat yield following Ultra and Unicorp lupin, 77A21.

Grain legume species comparison, 78A10, 78B9, 78B10, 78NA6.

Lupin cultivar evaluation, 78B7, 78WH16

Cicer variety comparison, 78HA4.

Cicer arietinum agronomy, 78HA5.

Miscellaneous legume species comparison, 78M4, 78MT9.

Lupin cultivar split-seed comparison, 78M012.

CB49 Agronomy (continuing experiment), 77M017.

Faba bean evaluation, 78MT10.

Undersowing crops with subclover (cereal phase), 77NA25.