Protected cropping of strawberry plants in subtropical Queensland

The effect of protected cropping on the performance of two strawberry cultivars ('Festival' and 'Rubygem') and two breeding lines (Breeding Lines 1 and 2) was studied in subtropical Queensland, Australia over two years. Production in this area is affected by rain, with direct damage to the fruit and the development of fruit diseases before harvest. The main objective of the study was to determine whether plants grown under high plastic tunnels had less rain damage, less disease incidence, and higher yields than plants grown outdoors. Our studies show that marketable yields were up to 40% higher in the plants under the tunnels compared with yields of the plants outdoors. This was mainly because fruit from the plants grown under the tunnels had lower incidences of rain damage and/or grey mould. There were no consistent differences in the relative numbers of small and/or misshaped fruit in the two growing environments. This research highlights the potential of protected cropping for strawberry producers in subtropical areas that receive significant rainfall during the growing season.

Wet litter – factors associated with the shed micro-environment and litter properties

Wet litter in meat chicken sheds occurs as the result of multiple, interrelated causes. This paper discusses some of the sources of water in meat chicken sheds, the properties of litter and the contribution of the shed micro-environment. By increasing awareness of the factors associated with wet litter, it will empower the chicken meat industry with knowledge to identify causes and address local incidences through improved litter management. In general, wet litter will be caused by excess water going into the litter, insufficient evaporation and/or limited water holding capability of the litter. Some strategies to improve the effectiveness of ventilation to maintain litter dryness are discussed