Mario D'Antuono - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Mario D'Antuono

The Journal of Agricultural Science

Nitrogen fixation from pasture legumes is a fundamental process that contributes to the profitabi... more Nitrogen fixation from pasture legumes is a fundamental process that contributes to the profitability and sustainability of dryland agricultural systems. The aim of this research was to determine whether well-managed pastures, based on aerial-seeding pasture legumes, could partially or wholly meet the nitrogen (N) requirements of subsequent grain crops in an annual rotation. Fifteen experiments were conducted in Western Australia with wheat, barley or canola crops grown in a rotation that included the pasture legume species French serradella (Ornithopus sativus), biserrula (Biserrula pelecinus), bladder clover (Trifolium spumosum), annual medics (Medicago spp.) and the non-aerial seeded subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum). After the pasture phase, five rates of inorganic N fertilizer (Urea, applied at 0, 23, 46, 69 and 92 kg/ha) were applied to subsequent cereal and oil seed crops. The yields of wheat grown after serradella, biserrula and bladder clover, without the use of ...

Weed Science, 2019

Agronomic surveys of summer weed species are necessary to identify future research directions for... more Agronomic surveys of summer weed species are necessary to identify future research directions for optimal weed control, but usually focus on agricultural fields in a single season. To survey all species in the absence of weed control measures and determine species variability between seasons, a survey of 133 sites was conducted on roadsides adjoining agricultural fields throughout the Western Australian grainbelt in early 2015 and repeated in 2016 and 2017. The survey identified 144 species, but only 19 species were evident at more than 10% of sites. The most common species were weeping lovegrass [Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees], fleabane (Erigeron sp.), windmillgrass (Chloris truncata R. Br.), and wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L). The survey highlighted that weed species incidence varied between years. For example, C. truncata incidence was 30% in 2015 and 55% in 2016, while stinkgrass [Eragrostis cilianensis (All.) Vignolo ex Janch.] ranged from 20% in 2015 to 50% of sites...

Australasian Plant Pathology, 2019

Crown rot of wheat (Fusarium pseudograminearum) and dryland salinity cause significant economic l... more Crown rot of wheat (Fusarium pseudograminearum) and dryland salinity cause significant economic losses to the Australian grains industry especially under water stressed conditions during grain filling, but association between them has not been previously reported. We collected opportunistic data on electrical conductivity (EC) and crown rot disease assessments in a replicated wheat germplasm field experiment at Nangeenan, a low rainfall area of Western Australia (WA). A positive correlation (r = 0.63, P < 0.001, df = 28) was found between crown rot index and the composite measure of salinity, computed as the log 10 (product of EC values at depths). The simple linear relationship above can be further improved by fitting different intercepts and common slopes for each variety (adjusted R 2 = 0.54). These observations indicate that crown rot symptoms are more severe in saline soils and have implications for the practical advice given to growers as well as for the planning of research experiments on biotic and abiotic factors.

The Breast, 2000

The correlation between angiogenesis as assessed by endothelial cell proliferation in blood/lymph... more The correlation between angiogenesis as assessed by endothelial cell proliferation in blood/lymphatic vessels in primary breast carcinomas, and axillary lymph-node metastasis was studied using a case-control design. Primary breast carcinomas, < 2 cm in diameter, from 26 axillary node positive patients (case), were compared with neoplasms from 45 node-negative patients (control). Vascularity, as assessed by vessel density, and endothelial cell proliferation were measured in a single tissue section using a double immunohistochemical staining technique using MIBI (Ki-67) and FVIII antibodies. No association between vascularity and node status was found (P > 0.70). Node positive breast carcinomas had, on average, significantly smaller proliferating vessels (140±7m in perimeter) in the primary lesion when compared with node negative tumours (164±7m in perimeter (P<0.02). In addition, the frequency of relatively small vessels (less than 180 m in perimeter) with proliferating endothelium was higher in node positive carcinomas than lymph-node negative neoplasms (P<0.03). This association between node status and the size and frequency of blood/lymphatic vessels with proliferating endothelium in primary carcinoma may have important implications in metastasis.

Soil Research, 2017

Interactions between soil pH and phosphorus (P) for plant growth have been widely reported; howev... more Interactions between soil pH and phosphorus (P) for plant growth have been widely reported; however, most studies have been based on pasture species, and the agronomic importance of this interaction for acid-tolerant wheat in soils with near-sufficient levels of fertility is unclear. We conducted field experiments with wheat at two sites with acid soils where lime treatments that had been applied in the 6 years preceding the experiments caused significant changes to soil pH, extractable aluminium (Al), soil nutrients and exchangeable cations. Soil pH(CaCl2) at 0–10cm was 4.7 without lime and 6.2 with lime at Merredin, and 4.7 without lime and 6.5 with lime at Wongan Hills. A significant lime×P interaction (P<0.05) for grain yield was observed at both sites. At Merredin, this interaction was negative, i.e. the combined effect of soil pH and P was less than their additive effect; the difference between the dose–response curves without lime and with lime was greatest at 0kgPha–1 and...

PLoS ONE, 2012

Polyploidization results in genome duplication and is an important step in evolution and speciati... more Polyploidization results in genome duplication and is an important step in evolution and speciation. The Malus genome confirmed that this genus was derived through auto-polyploidization, yet the genetic and meiotic mechanisms for polyploidization, particularly for aneuploidization, are unclear in this genus or other woody perennials. In fact the contribution of aneuploidization remains poorly understood throughout Plantae. We add to this knowledge by characterization of eupolyploidization and aneuploidization in 27,542 F 1 seedlings from seven diploid Malus populations using cytology and microsatellite markers. We provide the first evidence that aneuploidy exceeds eupolyploidy in the diploid crosses, suggesting aneuploidization is a leading cause of genome duplication. Gametes from diploid Malus had a unique combinational pattern; ova preserved euploidy exclusively, while spermatozoa presented both euploidy and aneuploidy. All non-reduced gametes were genetically heterozygous, indicating first-division restitution was the exclusive mode for Malus eupolyploidization and aneuploidization. Chromosome segregation pattern among aneuploids was nonuniform, however, certain chromosomes were associated for aneuploidization. This study is the first to provide molecular evidence for the contribution of heterozygous non-reduced gametes to fitness in polyploids and aneuploids. Aneuploidization can increase, while eupolyploidization may decrease genetic diversity in their newly established populations. Auto-triploidization is important for speciation in the extant Malus. The features of Malus polyploidization confer genetic stability and diversity, and present heterozygosity, heterosis and adaptability for evolutionary selection. A protocol using co-dominant markers was proposed for accelerating apple triploid breeding program. A path was postulated for evolution of numerically odd basic chromosomes. The model for Malus derivation was considerably revised. Impacts of aneuploidization on speciation and evolution, and potential applications of aneuploids and polyploids in breeding and genetics for other species were evaluated in depth. This study greatly improves our understanding of evolution, speciation, and adaptation of the Malus genus, and provides strategies to exploit polyploidization in other species.

LWT - Food Science and Technology, 2009

Faba beans cv. Fiesta with seed moisture content (SMC) modified to 8, 10, 12 and 14 % were packed... more Faba beans cv. Fiesta with seed moisture content (SMC) modified to 8, 10, 12 and 14 % were packed in polyethylene lined aluminium foil bags and stored at 5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 37, 45, 50 or 60 °C (± 2 °C) for one year. Samples were analysed for moisture content and seed coat (testa) colour over the storage period using a chroma meter. A continuous increase in L * and b * values was found in all samples with the passage of time whereas a * values first increased and then decreased in samples stored at relatively high temperatures (≥ 37 °C). The initial beige testa colour changed to light brown, dark reddish brown or almost black depending on storage conditions. The higher the temperature and SMC the faster the rate of change in colour (∆E * ab values). Seeds with 8% SMC had more stable testa colour compared to seeds with higher SMC. Exposure to artificial light (350 µ mol m-2 s-1) substantially accelerated the colour darkening. Cotyledon stored at 37 ± 2 °C also darkened with the storage time. A loss in total free phenolics, total tannins and proanthocyanidins was found with increased darkness of testa and cotyledons during storage.

The Journal of Urology, 1999

Crop and Pasture Science, 2010

Visual ratings of disease reaction to a mixture of races 1 and 2 of clover scorch (Kabatiella cau... more Visual ratings of disease reaction to a mixture of races 1 and 2 of clover scorch (Kabatiella caulivora) were conducted on inoculated field plots of 206 accessions of Trifolium purpureum (191 var. purpureum and 15 var. pamphyllicum) collected from the Mediterranean basin and surrounding regions. Disease severity scores of the resistant check, cv. Denmark subterranean clover (T. subterraneum), were clearly differentiated from the susceptible check, cv. Paratta purple clover. Nearly 33% of the accessions were resistant to both races. Resistant plants tended to flower later and originate from higher latitudes, where K. caulivora is more widespread. The results of this investigation led to development of ELECTRA™, the first cultivar of purple clover with resistance to both races of K. caulivora.

Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 2005

Modern bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) has been well adapted for survival and production in water... more Modern bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) has been well adapted for survival and production in water-limited environments since it was first domesticated in the Mediterranean basin at least 8000 years ago. Adaptation to various environments has been assisted through selection and cross-breeding for traits that contribute to high and stable yield since that time. Improvements in crop management aimed at improving yield and grain quality probably developed more slowly but the rate of change has accelerated in recent decades. Many studies have shown that the contribution to increased yield from improved management has been about double that from breeding. Both processes have proceeded in parallel, although possibly at different rates in some periods, and positive interactions between breeding and management have been responsible for greater improvements than by either process alone. In southern Australia, management of the wheat crop has focused on improvement of yield and grain quality o...

Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 2008

Sowing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at the right time is one of the most important means of maxim... more Sowing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at the right time is one of the most important means of maximising grain yield in dryland agriculture. Objectives of this study were to understand the variation in estimates of optimum sowing time as influenced by cultivar and environmental characteristics, and to assess the relative importance of location, season, sowing time, and cultivar factors in maximising grain yield in Western Australia. Twenty-seven cultivar × time of sowing experiments were conducted over three seasons (2003–05) at a range of locations (annual rainfall 300–450 mm, lat. 28–35°S). There were four types of cultivar × sowing time responses, namely, quadratic, linear declining, flat, and linear increasing, associated with opening rains before mid-May, opening rains after mid-May, low-yielding sites, and good spring rains, respectively. Regression-tree analysis revealed that differences among cultivars in Tmax (sowing time when maximum grain yield was achieved) were much less ...

Chilean journal of agricultural research, 2011

There is an absence of drought tolerant herbaceous perennial forage legume and herb options other... more There is an absence of drought tolerant herbaceous perennial forage legume and herb options other than lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) for environments with Mediterranean-like climates common in extensive areas of Southern Australia, the Mediterranean basin, and Chile. Therefore, a collection of 174 forage perennial legume and herb entries from 103 species and 32 genera was evaluated for adaptation in a diverse range of Mediterranean climatic environments in Southern Australia. The seasonal rainfall distribution varied from moderately to highly winter dominant with long term average annual rainfall ranging from 318 to 655 mm. The entries were rated for productivity and persistence over 3 yr. The 12 entries identified as the most promising for winter, summer, or all-year round production included Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) C.H. Stirt. var. albomarginata; Cichorium intybus L.; Cullen australasicum (Schltdl.) J.W. Grimes; Dorycnium hirsutum (L.) Ser.; Kennedia prostrata R. Br.; Lotononis bainesii Baker, Lotus pedunculatus Cav.; L. corniculatus L.; L. cytisoides L.; Medicago sativa subsp. sativa L.; Medicago sativa subsp. caerulea (Less. ex Ledeb.) Schmalh., and M. sativa subsp. falcata (L.) Arcang. These entries maintained production and persisted for the period of the evaluation, with the exception of C. intybus and L. corniculatus that declined in persistence over time. The potential role of these species in extensive grazing systems in Mediterranean climatic zones, their attributes and limitations, and current progress in developing them as useful forage plants was discussed.

Agronomy Journal, 2011

All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or b... more All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

There are critical times during the reproductive cycle when focus feeding will enhance the lambin... more There are critical times during the reproductive cycle when focus feeding will enhance the lambing performances of ewes (1; 2). For example, feeding corn for a brief but specific stage of pregnancy has been shown to increase colostrum production (2). To benefit from such opportunities a farmer must know with some accuracy the stage of pregnancy in a ewe (1; 2). Using teaser males to initiate and thus synchronise oestrus prior to joining is a successful, low cost way to do this (3). This is useful to farmers who join prior to the summer solstice, when daylight hours are getting longer (long days). Ewes joined after this date are likely to have spontaneously commenced cycling in response to the daylight hours getting shorter (short days) (3). Once anoestrus has ceased ewes do not respond to the introduction of males. However, little research has been done on the use of the male effect on sheep during short days. This research found that by teasing Merino ewes in December, to establish...

Recommended Citation Pluske, W, Bowden, B, Scanan, C, Davies, S, Gazey, C, Tozer, P, Bakker, D, B... more Recommended Citation Pluske, W, Bowden, B, Scanan, C, Davies, S, Gazey, C, Tozer, P, Bakker, D, Barton, L, Gatter, D, Buck, R, Murphy, D, Hinz, C, Porter, B, Fairbanks, M, Short, N, Foster, I, Fisher, J, Abrecht, D, D'Antuono, M, Gianatti, T M, Carmody, P, D'Amden, F, Llewellyn, R, Burton, M, Peek, C, Eva, N, Carter, C, Abrahams, M, Blake, A, Blackwell, P, Pottier, S, Robertson, M, Lyle, G, Brennan, L, Vyn, T J, Teakle, S, Norris, P, Russell, J, Fisher, J, MurrayPrior, R, Pritchard, D, Collins, M, Hamilton, G, Hetherington, R, Van Burgel, A, and Spann, C. (2006), Crop updates 2006 Farming Systems. Department of Agriculture, Perth. Conference Proceeding.

Later sown wheat (by 2-3 weeks) has a lower level of annual ryegrass than early sown wheat (Table... more Later sown wheat (by 2-3 weeks) has a lower level of annual ryegrass than early sown wheat (Table 1, July 1997 and 1998 and June 1999). Pre-seeding weed control for the early sown wheat plots may miss the bulk of the ryegrass germinating each season, allowing it to germinate under the crop. Delayed seeding allows more time to stimulate and control grass germination.

Meckering farmers, Robert and Vicki Beard, have established lucerne on ten per cent of their crop... more Meckering farmers, Robert and Vicki Beard, have established lucerne on ten per cent of their cropping land to prevent the spread of dryland salinity and improve the productivity of their farm. This study addresses the question: what impact will the introduction of lucerne into their traditional farming system (annual crops and pastures/sheep) have on live weight, and wool yield and quality of Merino ewes? On 27 December 2002, 180 ewe weaners were weighed and randomly allocated, on a stratified weight basis, to two groups. Since then, one group has been grazing rotationally on lucerne pastures, and the other on stubbles/volunteer annual pastures with supplementation as required (traditional system). Fortnightly, animals are being individually weighed and pastures sampled to determine dry matter availability and quality. Dye-banding is being done every six weeks to determine linear wool growth, and 10 x 10 cm midside patches are being taken every 12 weeks to determine wool yield and quality. Animals were scanned to determine eye muscle and fat depth. Preliminary results after 157 days of grazing showed that 90 % of ewes grazing on a traditional system gained 6-15 kg live weight, compared with 15-22 kg gained by those grazing on lucerne. Animals grazed on lucerne also showed improvement in market specifications for meat. The field measurements will be completed at shearing in September 2003.

Grass and Forage Science, 2021

This paper reports on the evaluation of “summer sowing,” an innovative approach to increase the a... more This paper reports on the evaluation of “summer sowing,” an innovative approach to increase the adoption of recently domesticated species of hard seeded annual legumes in Mediterranean and temperate Agriculture. The research revealed that several species of annual legumes whose seed can be readily harvested on‐farm and which possess natural hard seed dormancy, may be sown into dry soil in late summer without additional processing. These studies proved that the hard seed dormancy was broken down sufficiently in the soil over 4–6 weeks to produce robust legume pastures with more than 150 seedlings per m2 following the first winter rains, in replicated field sites established across wide agro‐ecological zones in Western Australia (WA) and New South Wales (NSW). Ornithopus sativus Brot., O. compressus L. and Trifolium spumosum L. were suitable for summer sowing based on both hard seed breakdown patterns and subsequent seedling survival in WA. While in NSW, in addition to these legumes, Biserrula pelecinus L., T. vesiculosum Savi. and T. glanduliferum Boiss. were also suitable for summer sowing. A 1.5‐ to 10‐fold increase in herbage production was achieved relative to conventionally sown T. subterraneum L. This development represents a step change in forage legume development for renovated pastures in these environments. Importantly, the experiments revealed differences in G x E effects on seedling establishment, total herbage production and seed yield in different climatic zones. The summer sowing approach is presented as a revolutionary method for pasture renovation that overcomes significant barriers to adoption.

Food Chemistry, 2021

Quinoa surface borne saponins are bitter tasting anti-nutritional compounds that must be removed ... more Quinoa surface borne saponins are bitter tasting anti-nutritional compounds that must be removed before consumption of the seed. To determine saponin content, the currently available standard afrosimetric foam test method only determines the presence of saponin via a rating of either 'acceptable' or 'unacceptable'. A water droplet surface tension (WDST) based innovative method was developed that can quantify saponin content in aqueous solutions with greater accuracy. The method comprised four steps: solution preparation, droplet creation, image capture and image analysis using Axisymmetric Drop Shape Analysis computer software. The method applied satisfactorily to saponin content up to 0.2 mg.ml-1 as higher concentrations did not further reduce the surface tension. Results demonstrated that saponin concentration may be measured in the range 0.05 to 0.15 mg.ml-1 (0.05 - 0.15% saponin by weight of seed). Validation of the WDST method on commercial and experimental samples offers quinoa processors an accurate inexpensive way of measuring saponin concentration to satisfy current seed quality specifications.