Seed identification using a computerised database

Seed testing laboratories worldwide analyse samples for quarantine assessments to prevent the entry of prohibited and restricted seeds. Current practices of identifying seeds by comparing an unknown seed with samples of known seeds or photographs of seeds are time consuming, costly and inefficient. A Seed Identification Key using a computerised database has been developed to identify prohibited and restricted seeds. There are currently 78 prohibited and 47 restricted seeds in the database. Lucid software was used to develop the Key because of its versatility in handling both text and image data. A total of 21 externally visible seed characters were identified as most suitable for development of the Key. Explanatory images and notes are attached to the character states to assist the user in correct selection of the state. The Key may be helpful to quarantine officers as well as seed analysts working in seed testing laboratories. It may also be used as an educational tool by agricultural scientists, students and others interested in seeds.

Major issues and solutions to applied climate education in Australia

In the past decade, Australian agriculture has evolved considerably. During this period, climate variability has been of considerable concern, compounded recently by the threat of climate change. Applied climate education has attempted to keep up-to-date with these developments. Understanding the issues and solutions to applied climate education is a challenge confronting agriculture in Australia. This paper reports on the major issues and solutions to applied climate education in Australia as identified in the literature.

Optimum harvest maturity for guayule seed

Guayule (Parthenium argentatum Gray) is a rubber-producing shrub native to the semi-arid region of north central Mexico and southwestern Texas. Timely harvest is critical to achieve maximum seed viability, vigour, and yield. The objective of this study was to investigate possible indicators of optimum seed maturity in guayule. The optimum harvest maturity time for guayule was studied by comparing quality parameters at different times after flowering. Heat units expressed as growing degree-days after flowering were calculated and related to seed development stages and quality. Seed quality at different stages of development was assessed by germination, capitulum dry mass, 1000 seed mass, and percentage of filled seeds. The maximum seed quality was recorded at 329 growing degree-days (GDD). This was 28 days from time of flowering. At this date, the moisture content of the capitulum was 48% on a wet basis and the colour was comparable to cinnamon (Code 165C) on the Royal Horticultural Society (R.H.S.) standard colour chart. Of all the parameters GDD, 1000 seed mass, and percentage of filled seeds provided a more rapid and reliable measure of optimum seed maturity. Colour identification can be used as an additional indicator. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Parkinson's disease and family history

The study of family history in Parkinson's disease (PD) has resulted in considerable debate over the role of genetic factors in the development of PD. Despite this, family history is consistently identified as an independent risk factor for PD. A multifactorial disease process in which genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors culminate in overall risk seems most likely. This article reviews existing studies of familial aggregation in PD. Recent insights into rare genetic causes of PD have affirmed the importance of ongoing family history research. Future efforts should emphasise well-designed family studies with extensive, non-exclusive phenotyping and ideally long-term follow-up. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.