Agriculture

Crop Agronomy Research

Dr Natalie Moore, Research Agronomist I&I NSW Grafton (right) with Paul Fleming, north coast soybean producer and board member of Soy Australia inspect variety evaluation trials at GPII.

‘Moonbi’ is a new soybean variety released from the Australian Soybean Breeding Program at Grafton in partnership with Soy Australia in 2010. The breeding program’s coastal evaluation node is located at GPII.

Dr Natalie Moore, Research Agronomist with I&I NSW at Grafton, presents results of soybean variety development to 120 soybean producers at the North Coast Soybean Growers field day held at Grafton in 2010. The North Coast of NSW is the largest soybean producing area in Australia with 250–300 soybean growers planting the crop each season.

The Crop Agronomy Research team works closely with growers and industry organisations to develop improved varieties of broad acre crops (eg. soybean, triticale and barley) for the diverse farming systems of the NSW North Coast. Variety development meets the demands of expanding markets for Australian grain, particularly the domestic and export markets for human consumption soybean grain, and improves crop performance and agronomic traits such as weathering tolerance, which is a high priority for coastal growers.  Grafton is the coastal evaluation node for the Australian Soybean Breeding Program, a national partnership between I&I NSW, CSIRO, GRDC and Soy Australia. The program released the new soybean variety ‘Moonbi’ in 2010. Moonbi is a quick maturing variety suited to coastal and northern inland production regions of NSW and produces culinary quality beans with high protein, clear hilum and large seed size.  

In a Grower Group Innovation Project with SRDC, BSES and NSW Sugar, the Crop Agronomy research team are measuring nitrogen benefits from soybean crops in subtropical sugar cane farming systems. The aim is to reduce the rates of synthetic fertiliser nitrogen in sugar cane following soybean.

Crop Agronomy staff have also contributed to ACIAR funded research project to restore cropping in Aceh province of Indonesia following the tsunami. 

Grafton Weeds Research Unit

Grafton Weeds Research Unit is ideally located and resourced to conduct research into agricultural and environmental weeds both terrestrial and aquatic. The aquatic weeds research program works with industry to develop integrated control systems for aquatic weeds. Current work focuses on cabomba a 'weed of national significance' (WONS) which currently has no effective registered herbicide.

Researchers at Grafton were first to observe the effects of a crown rot disease in giant Parramatta grass (GPG). The disease is caused by Nigrospora oryzae, a naturally occurring fungus, and has been shown to severely deplete dense stands of GPG over a couple of years. Current research has measured the effects of the disease in the laboratory and natural infections in the field. Work has also commenced to determine the host specificity of the disease agent. Research is planned (waiting on funding approval) to investigate the potential for the spores of this fungus to be grown artificially and commercialised as a myco-herbicide.

Research Capabilities

The Grafton weeds research team consists of research agronomist David Officer and technical officer Suzanne Hayward. We have experience in terrestrial and aquatic weeds research and have good facilities available to us here at Grafton Primary Industries Institute.

Cabomba Herbicide Research

Research has been conducted to identify herbicides (in enclosed non potable water bodies) that are soft on the environment but tough on cabomba in a range of climate zones. Additional work has sought to improve our understanding of the interaction of cabomba with native aquatics and the role of non chemical management strategies.

Cabomba growing in 100 L tubs was treated with different herbicides. Twelve weeks after treatment the picture above shows the cabomba biomass that remained.

Carfentrazone-ethyl has been identified as the most effective herbicide tested against cabomba in field and tub trials.

A commercial company has applied to APVMA for registration of carfentrazone-ethyl for use against cabomba in non-potable non flowing water.

Project: July 2007 to Present
Contacts: David Officer and Sue Hayward
Former Partners: Commonwealth DWM Funding, NT Government, CSIRO

Giant Parramatta grass biological control research

Nigrospora oryzae is a naturally occurring fungus that is pathogenic to pasture weed giant Parramatta grass (GPG) in the field, causing a crown rot disease. This fungus has the potential to be used as a myco-herbicide once additional research has been conducted.

Proposed research includes:

Close-up of Nigrospora oryzae infected giant Parramatta grass looking at the crown end of the shoot (Photo A Lawrie)

1. Complete an assessment of the specificity of N. oryzae against selected pasture, crop and environmental species.
2. Given specificity of the fungus to GPG, test the initial efficacy of inoculation of GPG with a spore suspension of N. oryzae in the field. 
3. Continue to monitor the progress of the disease at existing trial sites. 
4. Develop culture techniques to produce sufficient spores to treat all the areas in Australia infested with GPG and, if time permits, produce a stable formulation.
5. Seek to develop means of inoculating and inducing disease in other weedy Sporobolus grasses.

Contacts
David Officer and Sue Hayward

Partners
Commonwealth AWRC (09-10); RMIT, Professor Ann Lawrie and Dr Sethu Ramasamy (2007-present); Potential partner RIRDC (11-12)

Removal of Protozoa from the rumen of cattle

Project aim 
Develop a protocol for the removal (defaunation) of protozoa from the rumen of cattle.

Background
The rumen is an integral component of the digestive tract of the ruminant animal. It is inhabited by a diverse population of anaerobic microbes (chiefly bacteria, fungi and protozoa) that are active in the digestion (fermentation) of ingested feed. However permanently removing protozoa (defaunation) from the rumen increases the outflow of nutrients from the rumen (notably amino acids) and often results in an improvement in production. In addition it has been reported that defaunation may be associated with lower methane emissions from steers. The removal of protozoa from the rumen is therefore a more attractive strategy for improving ruminant production and possibly reducing methane emissions than using rumen modifiers that require regular administration.

Grafton trial
A trial is currently being conducted in the cattle facility with 10 Brangus heifers. The anti-protozoal effects of a combination of dietary manipulation and oral drenching are being tested. If this protocol proves to be successful methane emissions from the defaunated animals will be measured and compared with emissions from a contemporary group of heifers that have a normal rumen population of micro flora and fauna.

Contact
Dr Simon Bird ph 61⁺ 02 6770 1834

Beef Cattle Muscle Selection Research

Beef Cattle Muscle Selection Research

It has been demonstrated that increased muscularity in beef cattle results in increased prices to the producer at the saleyard. There has been no work to indicate whether breeding for increased muscling has any negative effects on other productive characteristics. There is industry apprehension that selection for muscling will be deleterious to maternal productivity and hence industry uptake of this technology is inhibited. The aim of this experiment is to study the effects of increased muscularity within a pure breed herd with maximal divergence in muscling. The project aims to examine the effect of selection for increased muscling on progeny growth, progeny carcass attributes and female productivity over a number of production cycles.

This project has also incorporated studies to determine the genes responsible for muscling and meat yield differences, in particular myostatin. The project has been funded by I&I NSW, Beef CRC and MLA.

Contact
Bill McKiernan 61⁺ 02 6770 1801 or Linda Cafe 61⁺ 02 6770 1825

Soils Research

Phil Hirst, I&I NSW: investigating lateral seepage of groundwater at Grafton

Current research is investigating the chemistry of acid sulfate soils and associated water quality. Two current projects involve:

1. Investigating the formation of blackwater (low oxygenated waters) linked with temperature, salinity and organic material on coastal floodplains, and

2. The effect of inundation and fire regimes on surface water, pore water and soil geochemistry in iron and organic rich acid sulfate soil material.

Both projects are in collaboration with Southern Cross University.

Monitoring of the effects of drain infilling on a wetland continues at Shark Creek, Clarence River. 

Fisheries

Research into the aquaculture, biology, ecology and conservation of native freshwater fishes is undertaken at the Grafton Fisheries Centre (GFC).

Between 1986 and 1990, there was a conservation project for the endangered eastern freshwater cod (Maccullochella ikei). As part of the project, hatchery techniques were developed and 30,000 fingerlings were stocked into parts of the Clarence and Richmond river systems where the species had become extinct. Since 2002, aspects of the ecology and life history of eastern freshwater cod have been studied, including age and growth, reproduction, larval behaviour and development, diet, movement and habitat use. Findings of these projects and subsequent fisheries management and conservation actions have lead to increases in both distribution and abundance of eastern freshwater cod, and a reduced risk of extinction of this threatened species.  

Between 1990 and 2009, there was a major research project to develop techniques for the intensive pond and cage culture of silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus). Research topics included production and fish husbandry, nutrition and development of practical, least-cost diets, feeding, water quality, diseases and health management, broodfish management and breeding, larval rearing, off-flavour, genetic improvement, tank-based recirculation systems and cage culture.
 
The life cycle of silver perch is closed, and an artificial breeding program was undertaken each year to produce fingerlings for research and stocking. Silver perch is an excellent species for commercial aquaculture in both ponds and cages, and the techniques developed at the GFC provide a basis for industry development through-out Australia and in some Asian countries. An extension service was provided by GFC staff to transfer technology to the aquaculture industry and to handle public enquiries about aquaculture and fisheries. All aquaculture research and extension at GFC ceased in 2009.  

Pond located at Fisheries Grafton

Current research involves three major projects on freshwater fish in coastal and inland drainages. The effects of flows and barriers on fish communities in the Clarence River System are being studied using regular, seasonal sampling and by tagging fish with PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tags and radio tags or acoustic tags. PIT tags provide information on growth and movement of fish when they are recaptured. Radio and acoustic tags emit signals that are detected by an array of listening stations that has been deployed over 600 km of the Clarence River System, enabling small-scale movements, large-scale migration and habitat use of individual fish to be quantified. A project is investigating possible spatial and temporal differences in reproduction and age and growth between Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii) in the northern and southern tributaries of the Murray-Darling Basin that, if present, will have significant implications for the fisheries regulations across NSW. In addition, this project is evaluating potential effects of stocking and coldwater pollution on cod, other species and fish communities in the Dumaresq River and other tributaries. Another project is evaluating the effectiveness of stocking Australian bass (Macquaria novemaculeata) in the Snowy River in southern NSW. 

The projects at GFC will lead to a significantly better understanding of key freshwater species in both coastal and inland drainages, improved fish passage, improved stocking practices, and where appropriate improved fisheries management.      

Current staff consists of a Scientist-in-Charge/Principal Research Scientist, one Research Scientist, one Fisheries Technician and one PhD student (Southern Cross University). 

Forests NSW

Production Nurseries Tree & Seed Resources – Grafton Forest Technology Centre

Controlled pollination of eucalypt flowers for the breeding program

Eucalyptus pilularis clonal seed orchard for production of genetically improved seed

Tree Improvement Program clonal propagation facilities completed in 2008

During 2010 the Forest NSW’s Production Nurseries operations were amalgamated in one management team with the Tree Improvement Program to form a new branch – Production Nurseries, Tree & Seed Resources. This group is responsible for delivery of  genetic improvement of both pinus and eucalypt species for deployment of improved material into Forest NSW’s operational plantations statewide. The Grafton Forest Technology Centre (GFTC) is a key component of this program and brings together the Northern Plantation production utilising facilities and resources for germplasm capture, storage and propagation. Other major facilities of the group are located at Tumut, Narrandera and Bathurst.

Grafton Production Nursery

• Specialist growers of sub tropical Eucalyptus and Pinus species
• Holding capacity of 7 million seedlings
• Over 50 million seedlings produced since 1996
• The site features all year round growing conditions
• Complete growing area coverage by hail protection netting
• Excellent tracking ,logistic and quality systems
• Environmental leadership in water management, pest, disease and weed controls
  Employs up to 20 staff

Contact
Nursery Manager
Phone: +61 02 6644 7001
Fax: +61 02 6644 7041
Mobile: +61 0429 63453
Email: kathrynf@sf.nsw.gov.au

Northern Region and Northeast Region

• Grafton Production Nursery has a holding capacity of 7 million seedlings
• Approximately 100 ha establishment of hardwood plantings for the Tree Improvement Program are continuing on the Grafton Agricultural and Research Advisory Station site.
• Preparedness of the upper Northeast Fire Control Centre is on target for the next fire season. The centre will be responsible for all fire management and suppression on State Forests tenure north and west of the Clarence River to the Queensland border.
• The Forests NSW offices and nursery provide accommodation and support for approximately 40 employees.

Grafton Primary Industries Institute as seen from the air