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Crops and Pastures in a Greenhouse World
Grain yields in warm climates are likely to increase much more in response to the greenhouse effect than in cool regions. High levels of carbon dioxide may also increase plants' tolerance to water stress.
These are some of the results from scientists measuring the likely response of crops and pastures to global warming, reported in the latest issue of Rural Research.
Their work also investigates another issue of vital concern to the wheat industry - effects on grain quality. Findings from a range of studies indicate that high carbon dioxide regimes produce lower protein levels in plant tissues.
Contact:
Dr Roger Gifford
A New Pasture Pest
Scientists are monitoring pastures across Australia to learn all they can about an aphid that is wreaking havoc on clover pastures.
Contact:
Dr Wendy Milne
Ley Farming in the Semi-Arid Tropics
After much trial and error and many spectacular failures, a small number of farmers are successfully growing crops in the Northern Territory. Others are using improved pastures for profitable cattle production.
Contact:
Mr Andy Chapman
Getting on Top of 'Dags'
'Winter scours' - a problem affecting up to 40% of sheep in the high rainfall areas of southern Australia is found to be caused by parasites rather than nutrition. Wool growers can take steps to reduce the problem by culling breeding ewes on visual scoring of scouring and 'dagginess'.
Contact:
Dr Norman Anderson
Confusing the Codling Moth
Mating disruption using synthetically manufactured pheromones is a strategy that can provide orchardists with an alternative to chemical control. CSIRO scientists have released recommendations for using the technique.
Contact:
Dr Richard Vickers
These stories and more in the latest issue of Rural Research. For more information contact the editor:
Robin Taylor
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