Plant Biology Commons^™

Saffron Thistle, B J. Quinlivan, H. A. Pearce

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

Saffron thistle is a declared primary noxious weed in Western Australia and is especially troublesome in the northern agricultural areas.

Field trials aimed at finding the cheapest and most effective method of controlling the weed have shown that 2,4-D applied at the correct stage is the best chemical to use.

Why Not Take Another Look At The Loquat?, W J. Hart

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

Loquats were introduced to Australia in New South Wales in the early days of the colony.

Although they hare since been established throughout the country, loquats have never found a prominent place in the horticulture industry.

In this article W. J. Hart of the Horticulture Division says Why not take another look at the loquat ?

Docks, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

Some very encouraging results have been obtained by spraying docks with a solution containing Dicamba.

This herbicide was previously known as Banvel D and is distributed under the trade name of Banex, which contains 20 per cent, active ingredient.

Plants For Saltland : Samphire, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

THE photograph shows two bushes of "samphire" (mainly Arthrocnemum spp).

This common name is ascribed to several plants, all of which occur naturally in the agricultural areas in Western Australia.

A Chemical For Doublegee, Geoffrey A. Pearce

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

DURING the past two years, finance has been made available from the State Wheat Research Fund for an intensive study on doublegee.

A newly-developed herbicide has been shown to give complete control of growing plants, while ecological studies have started to yield valuable information about seed behaviour.

Crabgrass, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

Crabgrass growing in lawns can be controlled by spraying with a solution containing D.S.M.A. (dosodium methyl arsenate).

Linseed Growing In The Ord River Valley, D F. Beech

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

Experimental work with linseed at the Kimberley Research Station began in 1952 and has been intensified in the last four years.

Fertiliser requirements and methods of land preparation, sowing, irrigation and weed control have been established.

Suitable varieties have been selected. Farm-scale crops have been grown in the area and, although cotton is very much more remunerative as an establishment crop, it is expected that linseed will ultimately have a place in the Ord irrigation scheme.

Roses : The Ideal Garden Flower, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

THE popularity of roses is increasing year by year and there is no need for any comment on the virtues of these flowers.

Apart from isolated areas right on the coast and similar extremely windy locations, roses can be grown with confidence, and you will be rewarded with a wealth of choice blooms.

Weed Control Around The Yard, Geoffrey A. Pearce

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

MANY farmers and city householders have weed problems around houses and sheds which can be readily overcome by treatment with appropriate herbicides.

The risk from fire through weeds and unsightly growth can easily be removed and an area free of any plant growth can be maintained with little effort for a considerable period.

Lawns : Their Establishment And Management, H G. Elliott, F. E. Ryan

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

THERE is nothing more pleasing to the eye than a well kept lawn, be it in a home garden or covering a sporting area, and under Western Australian conditions there is no reason why a good lawn or turf cannot be developed and maintained—always provided that there is enough water and proper care and attention.

Creeping Knotweed, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

Creeping knotweed (Polygonum prostratum) is a native perennial species which has exhibited weed tendencies, especially on land which retains moisture during the summer.

Progress In The Control Of Cotton Fireweed, Geoffrey A. Pearce

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

Cotton Fireweed (Erechtites quadridentata) is native to Western Australia and was first collected by Drummond before 1850. In its natural habitat it is quite insignificant and passes unnoticed.

Cotton fireweed, a native perennial plant, has become a serious weed in the south coastal districts and is now one of the most widespread weeds in the State.

The Doublegee, G R W Meadly

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

DOUBLEGEE, like a number of other major weeds, is native to South Africa. It was introduced to Western Australia during the first years of settlement.

There is no more troublesome weed in Western Australia than doublegee. It competes strongly with crop and pasture and its spiny fruits penetrate the hoofs of stock, causing lameness.

Bracken Fern Poisoning In Cattle, P B. Lewis

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

ONE of the major problems facing farmers in the South-West of Western Australia is the hazard of bracken fern poisoning.

Bare Patch And Poor Emergence Of Cereals. 4. Quality Of The Seed, S C. Chambers

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

The importance of using fresh good quality grain for sowing wheat crops was emphasised by results obtained in recent plot trials.

Seedling emergence was less for broken, pinched and small types of seed than for large grain and was further reduced with ageing of the seed.

Pruning Citrus Trees, D B. Argyle

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

PRUNING is one of the less important operations in citrus culture but if properly carried out it can contribute to the economy of production and the general wellbeing of the orchard.

A Progress Report On Commercial Cotton Growing On The Ord River Project, William John Toms

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

The recommendations given in this article have been built up from the experience of the author in growing 200 acres of cotton in the Ord River area during the 1962-63 season for the Department of Agriculture, from findings made by Kimberley Research Station, and from discussions with the present farmers in the area.

When a new form of agriculture is introduced into a new area techniques and ideas change rapidly as farmers become acquainted with their new environment and the new crops. The recommendations will therefore require constant revision.

Deep Sowing Of Wheat : The Effect On Root Systems, S C. Chambers

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

DEEP sowing appears to be an important cause of poor emergence in wheat and care should be taken to seed at the recommended depth of 1 to 1J inches.

Nevertheless some growers in drought liable areas, persist in sowing at 2 to 3 inches in the belief that it will encourage a deep root system.

The Mango In Western Australia, K S. Cole

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

ALTHOUGH normally considered a tropical tree, the mango does well in the sub tropics of Western Australia.

The main commercial area in the State is Carnarvon but a few trees grow as far south as Perth.

Weeds In Lawns. 1. Identification Of Weeds In Lawns, Robert Dunlop Royce

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

ACCURATE identification of weeds is the first principal of weed control with modern chemicals.

This is as true for weeds in lawns as any other weeds.

Take-All Of Wheat On The Esperance Downs, S C. Chambers

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

THE agricultural development of the Esperance Downs was reviewed recently by Shier, Dunne and Fitzpatrick (1963) who indicated the great potential of this region.

They described the establishment of clover ley pastures capable of supporting heavy stocking rates. Crops of oats or linseed also give excellent returns.

Weed-free rotations which include linseed, oats or vetches may reduce wheat losses caused by take-all on the Esperance Downs.

Pruning Citrus Trees. 2. Pruning The Mature Tree, D B. Argyle

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

EXAMINATION of a mature tree in full production will show the natural pattern of growth already explained.

It will be seen that over the years the frame has developed by a system of layers with new growth, stimulated by sunlight, constantly appearing on the top side of the older wood.

Eventually the terminal portions of the older layers are weakened by lack of light, they become unproductive and in turn adversely affect the general fruitfulness of the rest of the tree by shading and crowding.

The Papaw : A Fruit For The Tropics And Sub-Tropics, K S. Cole, M. G. Hawson

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

TOE fruit of the papaw (Carica papaya) has a unique flavour and is a welcome addition to any diet.

In the tropics and sub-tropics the papaw is quite easy to grow and is adapted to a wide range of soils and climate.

The Cape Gooseberry, K T. Whitely

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

THE CAPE GOOSEBERRY — which is quite different from the English Gooseberry — is a popular berry fruit which is in good demand on the local market.

New Danger From Hoary Cress, G R W Meadly, R. D. Royce

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

HOARY CRESS is undoubtedly one of the worst weeds introduced into Australia. It is a vigorous deep rooted perennial which competes strongly with crop plants and seriously decreases yields.

The importance of three recent discoveries of this weed in Western Australia therefore need hardly be stressed.

G. R. W. Meadly, Offlcer-in-Charge of the Weeds and Seeds Branch, and R. D. Royce, Offlcer-in- Charge of the Botany Branch, report on two recently found infestations of hoary cross in the Great Southern, and one at Jerramongup.

An intensive eradication programme is under way.

Stinkwort : A Troublesome Summer Weed, G R W Meadly

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

ONE of the commonest weeds in Western Australia is stinkwort, a vigorous plant which can be a nuisance in many parts of the State during late summer.

Delayed Foliation In Apple Trees, J E L Cripps

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

DELAYED foliation refers to the late leafing out and production of small leaves by fruit trees.

However, the weak and protracted blossoming which precedes the appearance of the leaves has more serious consequences for it may lead to a reduced set of fruit.

Skeleton Weed : A Menace To The Wheat Industry, G R W Meadly

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

If introduced into Western Australia skeleton weed could become a greater problem to the wheat industry in this State than it is in the Eastern States.The risk of introduction is increasing.

Study these illustrations so that you will be able to recognise skeleton weed if you see it; early recognition may mean the difference between eradication and infestation.

Trees Of Western Australia. No. 99. The Mottlecah (Eucalyptus Macrocarpa Hook.). No. 100. The Bald Island Marlock (Eucalyptus Lehmannii Preiss Ex Schau.), Charles Austin Gardner

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

This species, a shrub between six and 15 feet in height, is the largest-flowered of all the species of Eucalyptus.

The name is intended to indicate this fact, but unfortunately the Greek work makros means "long" and actually the fruit "karpos" is remarkably short in comparison to its diameter, being in fact the broadest fruit within the genus.

Mesquite (Prosopis Juliflora D.C.), G R W Meadly

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

A TREE grown for shade and ornamental purposes and bearing nutritious pods would appear to be welcome anywhere.

This description applies to Mesquite; however it has certain undesirable characteristics which usually outweigh the advantages and pose a major agricultural problem.

That, in fact, is the position in Western Australia.