RIRDC Completed Projects in 1999-2000 & Research in Progress as at June 2000

To Research in Progress

4.2 RESILIENT AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
COMPLETED PROJECTS

Sustainable production systems development
 

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
BCP-1A	Development of monitoring services for nematode pests	Graham Stirling	O7 3202 7419	Biological Crop Protection
CSE-79A	Strategic R&D in Waste Management and Bioremediation: Policy and Priority setting	John Oakeshott	02 6246 4157	CSIRO Entomology
TAR-3A	What makes pyrethrum paddocks good for subsequent cropping?	Leigh Sparrow	03 6336 5379	Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Tasmania

Impediments/Risks

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
AAN-2A	Guidelines for the operation of advisory services for nematode pests	Graham Stirling	O7 3202 7419	Australasian Association of Nematologists
DAN-144A	Improved technology for mapping and monitoring of serrated tussock and scotch thistle infestations	Ian McGowen	(02) 6391 3195	Agriculture NSW
DAN-173A	Coping with Climate - using RAINMAN in agricultural education	Cameron Archer	(02) 4939 8888	NSW Agriculture
DAV-122A	Impact of rare earth elements on plant physiology and productivity	Jay Maheswaran	(03) 9742 8726	Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
US-26A	Population changes and biocontrol of Meloidogyne on roots of woody perennial	Brian Deverall	02 9351 2531	University of Sydney

New and emerging agri-industry systems

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
TFD-1A	Rural Opportunities Seminar Day	Jane L Reynolds	02 4939 8911	Tocal Field Days Assoc Inc
CSE-84A	Molecular diagnostics for plant pathogens	John Curran	02 6246 4134	CSIRO Entomology
DAN-172A	Harmonisation of Environmental Management Systems in Agriculture	Genevieve Carruthers	(02) 6626 1237	Agriculture NSW
DCM-1A	Agriculture/aquaculture systems integration to enhance farm productivity and water use efficiency	Geoff Gooley	03 5885 2208	MAFRI
HAS-6A	Financial analyses of new rural industries stage II	Michael Clarke	02 9241 5655	Hassall & Associates Pty Ltd

Sustainable production systems development
 

Project Title:	Development of monitoring services for nematode pests
RIRDC Project No.:	BCP-1A
Researcher:	Dr. Graham Stirling
Organisation:	Biological Crop Protection 3601 Moggill Road MOGGILL QLD 4070
Phone:	(07) 3202 7419 or 0412 083 489
Fax:	(07) 3202 8033
Objectives	To establish nematode monitoring services for the vegetable industry which provide growers with the information they need to make informed decisions about nematode management.
Background	Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) is a serious pest of most vegetable crops and many growers routinely fumigate the soil or apply a nematicide as an insurance against losses. This approach to nematode control means that chemicals are sometimes used in situations where nematode populations are not high enough to cause economic damage. This project examined the feasibility of monitoring nematodes in vegetable fields, comparing nematode population densities with threshold levels for various crops, and then using this information to decide whether nematicides or other control measures were required.
Research	Sampling studies in vegetable fields showed that the low populations of root-knot nematode that usually occur prior to planting vegetable crops could be quantified with an acceptable degree of accuracy by dividing fields into 0.4 ha sampling units and taking 30-50 soil cores from each unit. Information on the relationship between nematode density and yield was obtained from the literature, and from field experiments with various crops. Results suggested that for practical purposes, vegetable crops could be separated into two groups in terms of their tolerance to root-knot nematode. In short-term crops such as zucchini and squash, the nematode did not cause losses unless pre-plant nematode densities were greater than 100 nematodes/200 ml soil. However, pre-plant densities of 5-20 nematodes/200 ml soil sometimes reduced yield on crops that grew for 3-5 months before harvest (e.g. tomato, potato, capsicum and rockmelon).
Outcomes	A pilot nematode monitoring service was operated on six vegetable farms in Bundaberg for a period of 22 months. Results showed that the service was useful, as it demonstrated that non-chemical controls (e.g. fallowing and crop rotation) gave satisfactory nematode control in many situations. Since the cost of monitoring was $140-175/ha and nematicides cost $800-1200/ha, savings were considerable when nematode monitoring showed that a nematicide was not needed. Several growers modified their nematode management practices on the basis of the data obtained and those with major nematode problems indicated an interest in continuing a monitoring program.
Implications	This project has shown that it is feasible to apply the principles of IPM to nematode pests of vegetable crops. Monitoring is an important component of IPM and a successful nematode monitoring service was operated on a few farms in the Bundaberg region. The challenge for the vegetable industry and regional pest management consultants is to encourage the more widespread adoption of nematode monitoring as a management tool.
Publications	Nematode Monitoring Strategies for vegetable crops Graham R Stirling, RIRDC February 2000


 
 

Project Title	Strategic R&D in Waste Management and Bioremediation: Policy and Priority Setting
RIRDC Project No.:	CSE 79A
Researcher:	Dr John Oakeshott
Organisation:	CSIRO Entomology, GPO Box 1700 Canberra ACT 2602
Phone:	(02) 6246 4157
Fax:	(02) 6246 4173
Email:	john.oakeshott@ento.csiro.au
Internet:	www.csiro.ento.au
Objectives	The aim of the project was to collate and analyse R&D priorities and effort levels across rural R&D investors and providers in relation to pesticide residues, contaminants and wastes in Australian commodities and the agricultural environment.
Background	Australian agriculture relies heavily on inputs of agricultural and veterinary chemicals to enhance production and to minimise losses caused by pests, weeds, pathogens and spoilage. The major chemical contaminants in Australian agriculture or the environment are pesticide residues and nutrient-rich effluent. Residues of pesticides, growth hormones, antibiotics, toxins and heavy metals in agricultural commodities restrict market access and limit consumer acceptance in domestic and overseas markets. Several of Australia’s trading partners are applying increasingly stringent residue and contaminant assessments to their imports. Various water authorities are now seeking drastic reductions in pesticide and nutrient levels in farm run-off. Pesticide and nutrient contamination is thus both an ecological and economic problem.
Research	There were four stages in the project: 1. A workshop was held examining issues of pesticide residues and wastes in Australian agricultural produce and the environment. It was attended by stakeholders from R&D Corporations, plus State and Commonwealth policy and research agencies who provided comment about these issues. 2. The current R&D Strategic and Operational Plans, or equivalent, from 36 rural R&D Corporations or Councils, the Australian Wool Research and Promotion Organisation and the Murray-Darling Basin Commission were examined for statements regarding their priorities for investment. 3. The Australian Rural Research in Progress (ARRIP) database and other sources were searched for projects during the period June 1996 to August 1999 in the priority areas of pesticide residues, wastes and contaminants. 4. A survey of the Australian Bibliography of Agriculture (ABOA) was conducted (1994-1999) using search terms encompassing the priority areas.
Outcomes	Almost all R&D Corporations identified pesticide residues and nutrient wastes as priorities and most effort was concentrated in these areas (77% of 334 projects retrieved). Other priority issues identified by rural R&D investors included blue-green algal, microbial, marine and plant toxins, antibiotic residues, heavy metals, gaseous wastes and aquaculture impacts. The total funding for the 334 projects was estimated at $21 million annually. The main categories of research were monitoring or management/quality control, with fewer projects in the areas of remediation or reuse. Around 24% of the projects were funded from more than one agency. The analysis identified a number of shared problems among agencies and some potential cross-commodity issues. Information capture and coordination, particularly of third party information, was recognised as an area for further development.
Implications	The project forms the basis for development of multi-agency, cross-commodity R&D strategies that may assist in the reduction of residues and contaminants across Australian agricultural produce and production systems.
Publications	Report entitled: Strategic Research and Development for Reducing Risks of Residue and Effluent Contamination in Australian Agricultural Production and Produce.  V. Haritos, B. England, P. Peterson and J. Oakeshott


 
 

Project Title:	What makes pyrethrum paddocks good for subsequent cropping?
RIRDC Project No.:	TAR-3A
Researcher:	Leigh Sparrow & Bill Cotching
Organisation:	Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research University of Tasmania GPO Box 252-54 HOBART TAS 7001
Phone:	(03) 6336 5379
Fax:	(03) 6336 5395
Objectives	By December 1998, to clarify for growers and industry the soil quality benefits of pyrethrum for subsequent annual vegetable crops so that potential and current pyrethrum growers have better knowledge to help them decide to grow or maintain pyrethrum stands. To deliver this knowledge at industry meetings and through the distribution of a booklet summarising the project findings.
Background	Concerns exist about the long term capacity of soils in north west Tasmania to support intensive horticulture. Pyrethrum, because it is a perennial crop, offers the soil relief from cultivation and a chance for the soil to repair. A number of pyrethrum growers in NW Tasmania have reported that when they plough pyrethrum paddocks in preparation for a subsequent crop, the soil is easier to work than in paddocks following other crops. Some also consider that the subsequent crop grows better than in a paddock which had not come out of pyrethrum. This study sought to find out whether these benefits could be measured by a change in one or more soil properties, whether there was any evidence for better growth of subsequent crops, and whether other pyrethrum farmers agreed with the views expressed above.
Research	Eight pairs of paddocks were studied, each pair comprising one paddock recently out of pyrethrum, the other never having grown that crop. The soil on all paddocks was a red ferrosol, the most commonly used soil for pyrethrum in Tasmania. A range of soil properties were assessed, and the yields of crops, either potatoes or green peas, growing in the paddocks were also measured. Paddocks were selected so that both paddocks in each pair were growing the same crop and were close to each other.
Outcomes	There were no significant differences in yield due to the prior presence of pyrethrum. The only significant differences in soil properties measured were penetration resistance, liquid limit and earthworm numbers. The most significant soil difference was that ex-pyrethrum paddocks had lower resistance to penetration in the top soil, supporting the growers’ views that these paddocks are easier to cultivate. However, the fact that yields were not affected suggests that any benefit of this change is small compared to other influences on crop yield such as plant density, and management of water, weeds, fertilisers, pests and diseases. Earthworm numbers in ex-pyrethrum paddocks were significantly less than in other paddocks, which is consistent with our earlier observations in paddocks still growing pyrethrum. It seems that 1 year is not long enough for worms to return to such paddocks. Further study is needed to determine if earthworms naturally recolonise ex-pyrethrum paddocks or if re-introduction is necessary and desirable. Growers were divided in their views about the benefits of pyrethrum for yield of subsequent crops, and were mostly unsure how long the soil benefits lasted.
Implications	Our conclusion is that cropping pyrethrum offers little significant benefit in rejuvenating soil attributes on red ferrosols, which is consistent with the knowledge that these soils have no capacity for self-repair and that pyrethrum plants do not have vigorous, fibrous root systems.
Publications	Growing Pyrethrum on Red Soils A guide for farmers growing pyrethrum on red soils in northern Tasmania. TIAR/DPIWE, Launceston. Pyrethrum Paddocks - What makes them good for subsequent cropping? Leigh Sparrow and Bill Cotching RIRDC February 2000

Impediments/ Risks

Project Title:	Guidelines for the operation of advisory services for nematode pests
RIRDC Project No.:	AAN-2A
Researcher:	Dr G R Stirling
Organisation:	On behalf of the Australasian Association of Nematologists
Phone:	(07) 3202 7419
Fax:	(07) 3202 8033
Objectives	§ To improve the quality of advisory services for plant parasitic nematodes by producing a booklet containing guidelines for the operation of such services
Background	Plant parasitic nematodes cause losses to Australian agriculture which are estimated at more than $300 million per annum. Control of nematode diseases in many crops is dependent on the use of a limited number of nematicides whose continued availability is declining because of their detrimental effects on the environment. With declining availability of nematicides, growers will find it increasingly difficult to control nematode diseases and many will need to seek specialist advice when making nematode management decisions. At present, such advice is provided mainly be chemical companies and consultants who specialise in insect pest management. Some commercial laboratories provide nematode diagnostic services, but the quality of the information they provide is variable because insufficient attention is given to quality control of sampling and extraction procedures, and data on damage thresholds for many crops is poor. This project aims to improve advisory services for plant parasitic nematodes by providing guidelines on how such services should be operated.
Research	Several senior members of the Australasian Association of Nematologists, together with Dr Stirling as the coordinator, collected and/or produced material suitable for publication in a booklet for personnel advising growers on management of nematode diseases. The following subject areas were included:  § sampling procedures § extraction methods § estimation of extraction efficiencies § nematode identification § quantification of nematodes § damage thresholds § interpretation of results.  Information on nematode diagnostic services in other countries and procedures from the nematological literature were included where appropriate.
Outcomes	The outcome of this project has been a comprehensive publication which covers all of the issues which affect the quality of advice provided to growers to assist them in managing nematode diseases. It is a specialist publication produced for technical end users and should prove extremely useful not only for those wishing to provide a commercial nematode diagnostic service, but also to a wider audience with interests in plant sciences.
Publications	Advisory Services for Nematode Pests: Operational Guidelines, Stirling, Nicol & Reay, RIRDC 1999 R99/041

Project Title:	Improved technology for mapping and monitoring of serrated tussock and scotch thistle infestations
RIRDC Project No.:	DAN-144A
Researcher:	Mr Ian McGowen
Organisation:	Agriculture NSW 161 Kite Street Locked Bag 21 ORANGE NSW 2800
Phone:	(02) 6391 3195
Fax:	(02) 6391 3208
Objectives	This study aimed to develop a methodology for the mapping of serrated tussock and Scotch thistle using airborne and satellite imagery, in order to map their extent across the study areas and provide a means for monitoring their extent, spread and the efficacy of control programs.
Background	Weeds cost Australian agriculture $3.3 billion per annum through lost productivity and control costs. Under the extensive agricultural systems in Australia, they are of major economic importance. However, accurate information on weed distribution, abundance and temporal change is lacking. Such information is essential to determine their rate of spread, economic importance, to evaluate the effectiveness of control strategies and to justify funding for control programs. Remote sensing offers an objective, low cost and repeatable means of mapping weeds at a range of scales. It involves the acquisition of information about a target, using a sensor positioned at some distance from the target. Remote sensing has value for vegetation survey and assessment, and its capability for detecting weeds has been investigated in a number of preliminary studies. For remote sensing to be able to detect and map weed species, there are two major requirements. There must be sufficient differences in spectral reflectance between the target weed and background vegetation, stubble or soil, and the sensor must have an appropriate spatial and spectral resolution to detect the target weed.
Research	The basic methodology for the project involved extensive consultation with various specialists. Following this, field spectral measurements were made to assess the likelihood of discrimination of the target weeds from other vegetation and the best time(s) of year for data capture. Satellite and airborne imagery was captured at these stages and preprocessed, and a range of procedures was investigated to enhance and map infestations of the target weeds. Field measurements were made at the same time as the imagery was captured to provide information for ‘training’ the image classification procedures and for validation of the results. The results of the analyses were provided to stakeholders and cooperators.
Outcomes	It was possible to discriminate both target weeds using remote sensing techniques. Dense to moderate infestations of both weeds could be detected using Landsat TM imagery, although Scotch thistle was mapped more reliably (and at lower infestation levels) than serrated tussock. Landsat imagery was suitable for mapping at a regional to catchment scale. The analysis of field spectral data captured across the growing season proved essential. This was for understanding the best times of year and areas of the spectrum to discriminate the target weeds from other vegetation, and the potential of indices/ratios to improve discrimination. In the future, the difficulties encountered in this study in the use of airborne imagery should be fewer. More advanced systems will have better on-board GPS equipment which should reduce locational errors, and better radiometric calibration will reduce brightness differences. Airborne imagery should be able to map moderate to light weed infestations, and at a farm to subcatchment scale. As hyperspectral systems become available, the potential to map individual plant species will improve, although the need for good field spectral data will increase and new techniques to analyse the huge amount of data produced by such sensors.  The recommended methodology for mapping weeds is to investigate their reflectance characteristics over the growing season to determine the best times of year for discrimination and how differences in reflectance could be maximised using band ratioing. The next step is to use a combination of multi-date imagery with the ratios for analysis.   This study was successful in mapping areas infested by, or likely to be infested by both serrated tussock and Scotch thistle. Such information is of use for a range of purposes, and is in demand by Local Control Authority Weeds Officers, Landcare groups and coordinators, researchers and Government bodies. Such information for particular years can be used as a basis for comparison of change in infestations in the future.
Implications	Studies need to be made on the utility of the techniques used in this study, and other remote sensing procedures, to map other important weeds. Such studies should be coordinated and overseen through bodies who have experience in the area and through the Cooperative Research Centre for Weed Management Systems. This will ensure duplication of effort does not occur, and intensively monitored field sites can be used for both assessment of weed biology, the effectiveness of biological control agents and remote sensing for weed mapping. The remapping of areas mapped in this study after several years is suggested to attempt to quantify change in infestation and the potential of new remote sensing systems which should be available in the future.
Publications	McGowen, I.J. (1995). Remote sensing techniques for mapping and monitoring of weed infestations. In Survey Workshop, Proceedings of a workshop, Wagga Wagga, December 1995. Cooperative Research Centre for Weed Management Systems. December, 1995. p 21. McGowen, I.J. (1997). Weed mapping using GPS, GIS and remote sensing. In: Proceedings of the 9th Biennial Noxious Weeds Conference, 16th – 18th September, Dubbo NSW Australia. NSW Agriculture. pp. 33-42. McGowen, I.J. (1998a). Remote sensing for mapping of herbaceous weeds - the background and a case study. In: Proceedings of the 9th Australasian Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Conference, 20-24th July, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia. (CDROM, Paper No. 115). McGowen, I.J. (1998b). Remote sensing - background to the technology and opportunities for mapping of pasture weeds. In Precision Weed Management of Crops and Pastures, ed. R.W. Medd and J.E. Pratley. Proceedings of a workshop, 5th – 6th May 1998, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia. Cooperative Research Centre for Weed Management Systems, Adelaide. 154pp. McGowen, I.J. (1998c). Remote sensing for mapping of herbaceous weeds. Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry News 7 (2), 12.

Project Title:	Coping with Climate - using RAINMAN in agricultural education
RIRDC Project No.:	DAN-173A
Researcher:	Mr Cameron Archer
Organisation:	NSW Agriculture C B Alexander College TOCAL PATERSON NSW 2421
Phone:	(02) 4939 8888
Fax:	(02) 4938 5549
Objectives	§ To improve the management and long term planning on Australian farms through the adoption of "Australian Rainman" by Australia's education providers and the public and private agricultural extension services.
Background	There has been a lack of suitable specialised resources in the area of climate and farm management, for vocational education, training and advisory activities. A national climate home study unit which compliments the Australian Rainman (version 3) computer program was identified as a key task of the project.
Research	Investigation highlighted the need for the climate unit to emphasise an understanding of climate variability and a knowledge of local climate. In addition, instructional design that showcases Rainman’s potential to be used in farm decision making, based on national competencies standards was identified.
Outcomes	Collaboration between NSW Agriculture, Queensland Centre of Climate Applications, and the Bureau of Meteorology has produced a national climate home study unit titled ‘Weather and Climate in Farming—Managing Risk for Profit’. This complements the Australian Rainman program which also had educational input from this project.
Implications	Climate resources designed for educational and advisory use are now available to improve farm decision making in a variable climate.
Publications	Bayley, D and Brouwer, D (1999), Weather and Climate in Farming—Managing Risk for Profit, NSW Agriculture, Continuing Education, Tocal.


 
 

Project Title:	Impact of rare earth elements on plant physiology and productivity
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-122A
Researcher:	Dr Jay Maheswaran
Organisation:	State Chemistry Laboratory Agriculture Victoria Cnr Sneydes & South Roads WERRIBEE VIC 3030
Phone:	(03) 9742 8726
Fax:	(03) 9742 8700
Email	mahesj@slim.agvic.gov.au
Objectives	To study the effect of rare earth elements (REE) applications on selected crops and pastures in order to: i. determine the rates, forms and methds of applications in the field ii. investigate the impact on plants under moisture stress iii. investigate the impact on photosynthetic and enzymic activity\
Background	Chinese scientists have claimed for over 20 years that foliar and soil applied REEs can result in yield increases in a large range of agricultural plant species. It has been reported that REE’s can affect plant enzyme activity, chlorophyll production and the uptake of several macro nutrients. Glass house trials conducted in Victoria had shown that low levels of lanthanum applied to wheat, barley, canola and perennial ryegrass on a number of agricultural soils can cause enhanced rates of development, darker foliage and increased dry matter yield. Preliminary glasshouse studies also showed that lanthanum increased the ability of barley to withstand enforced low soil moisture on a typical Mallee cropping soil.
Research	Field trials with selected crops and pastures were established on different soil types. REES were soil and/or foliar applied at different growth stages and different rates to determine the optimal methods of application. Glasshouse trials using selected soils and crops were established to investigate the impact of REEs on photosynthetic pathways and enzymatic activity. The effect of REE application on the ability of the plant to withstand low moisture conditions was investigated by imposing controlled moisture stress on selected crops grown in a range of agricultural soils in glasshouse trials.
Outcomes	In this study, the application of REEs to agricultural grain crops has been shown to influence both agronomic and physiological changes. Physiological changes in particular indicate that drought tolerance mechanisms are triggered in plants when low rates of REE are applied. Under water limiting conditions (eg low rainfall in the Mallee region of Victoria), application of REE has shown to increase production by up to 18% in barley. Even if an increase of yield of 10% is assumed, the benefit to the grain industry could be in the order of $2.6 million in a dry year. The mining industry will also benefit where REE is a by product, currently not utilised.

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