Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia
Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA): Research LibraryNot a member yet
10920 research outputs found
Sort by
Crop variety testing (CVT) areas of Western Australia
No full textCrop variety testing (CVT) zones of the south west agricultural area of Western Australia showing the agricultural area, rainfall regions and Agzones.https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/gis_maps/1000/thumbnail.jp
Carnarvon, Shire of - North BEN sign map – 1 of 2
No full textBeach Emergency Number (BEN) Signage Installation Map - Shire of Carnarvon (north)https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/gis_bens/1056/thumbnail.jp
Greenhouse gas accounting for Western Australian agriculture 2023
No full textThis report presents new modelling of the greenhouse gas emissions attributable to Western Australia’s agricultural industries and provides an overview of sequestration at the state level. The report updates the estimates from previous technical reports by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). It presents not only emissions from agricultural activities in Western Australia (WA) but also from the production of agricultural inputs and energy use. This broader picture of emissions aligns with frameworks for emissions reporting at the business and product level.
Total on-farm and pre-farm emissions are estimated to have been about 12.6–13.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (Mt CO2e) per annum over the period from 2020 to 2023. Emissions originated largely in the grains (4.1–4.8 Mt CO2e per annum), beef (4.1– 4.8 Mt CO2e per annum) and sheep (3.2–3.4 Mt CO2e per annum) industries. The combined emissions of the remaining major industries (dairy, pork, chicken meat, eggs, horticulture) are estimated to have been about 1.2–1.4 Mt CO2e per annum.
Methane from enteric fermentation accounted for more than 40 per cent of estimated total emissions, with some indication that this share may be decreasing over time through lower livestock numbers and increasing grain production. There is also evidence that, as grain yields have increased over time, pre-farm emissions are becoming increasingly important to WA agriculture’s mitigation efforts.
Due to data limitations, it has not been possible to include carbon sequestration in the modelled emissions estimates for the industries. In the future, new methodologies may enable allocation for different industries and could potentially enable the calculation of net emissions and emissions intensities for some industries. While the estimates presented here provide a broad view, farm-level carbon accounting is required to determine the carbon footprint of individual farming systems and products
A barley pan-transcriptome reveals layers of genotype-dependent transcriptional complexity
No full textA pan-transcriptome describes the transcriptional and post-transcriptional consequences of genome diversity from multiple individuals within a species. We developed a barley pan-transcriptome using 20 inbred genotypes representing domesticated barley diversity by generating and analyzing short- and long-read RNA-sequencing datasets from multiple tissues. To overcome single reference bias in transcript quantification, we constructed genotype-specific reference transcript datasets (RTDs) and integrated these into a linear pan-genome framework to create a pan-RTD, allowing transcript categorization as core, shell or cloud. Focusing on the core (expressed in all genotypes), we observed significant transcript abundance variation among tissues and between genotypes driven partly by RNA processing, gene copy number, structural rearrangements and conservation of promotor motifs. Network analyses revealed conserved co-expression module::tissue correlations and frequent functional diversification. To complement the pan-transcriptome, we constructed a comprehensive cultivar (cv.) Morex gene-expression atlas and illustrate how these combined datasets can be used to guide biological inquiry
First detection and tracing of grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) in Australia using tiled amplicon sequencing
No full textGrapevine red blotch virus (GRBV; species Grablovirus vitis, genus Grablovirus, family Geminiviridae) poses a significant threat to viticulture worldwide, impacting grapevine health and wine quality. Here, we report the first detection and tracing of GRBV in Australia and provide a summary of a subsequent survey to determine the extent of GRBV distribution in Western Australia. Additionally, the study introduces a tiled amplicon sequencing method, which, when combined with long-read nanopore sequencing, enables rapid GRBV genome sequencing. Our analysis suggests a single introduction of GRBV from North America to Australia through the state of Victoria and subsequently to Western Australia. Finally, this study provides insight into the epidemiology of GRBV, based on strain variation and distribution, which is a crucial step in supporting an emergency biosecurity response and implementing effective control measures to safeguard the sustainability of the wine industry in Australia
Resource Assessment Report No. 4: North Coast Demersal Scalefish Resource - Kimberley 2025 assessment
No full textThe North Coast Demersal Scalefish Resource (NCDSR) comprises ecological suites of tropical demersal fish species that occur predominantly in inshore waters (20–250 m deep) and offshore waters ( \u3e 250 m deep) of the North Coast Bioregion (NCB). More than 60 demersal species are landed by fisheries operating in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of the NCB each year, including high-value snappers (Lutjanidae), groupers (Epinephelidae), and emperors (Lethrinidae). As outlined in the NCDSR Harvest Strategy (DPIRD, 2017), the Kimberley resource is currently monitored through annual reviews of total removals and catch rate trends of indicator species, as well as periodic (every 4–5 years) model-based stock assessments of each indicator species, and occasional assessments of non-indicator species to validate the indicator species approach and ensure that the status of other retained species remains at acceptable levels. The assessment and harvest strategies of these species are primarily based on estimates of spawning stock biomass (or an appropriate proxy for biomass), relative to internationally accepted target, threshold, and limit reference levels. Based on the inherent vulnerability and risk to the sustainability of the major species within the suite of inshore demersal scalefish in the NCB, the stocks of indicator species selected for assessing the status of the resource within the Pilbara and Kimberley include red emperor, bluespotted emperor, Rankin cod, and goldband snapper.
The demersal fish resources of the Kimberley region of the NCDSR (NCDSR-Kimberley) supports the second highest annual total retained catch of demersal scalefish in Western Australia, with the commercial fisheries taking the vast majority of the catch share (i.e., 99%) compared with the charter and recreational ( \u3c 1%) sectors. The commercial fishery principally targets higher-value species such as goldband snapper and red emperor, resulting in an economic value of $10–20 million. This indicates that this fishery has a high social amenity value and is an important asset locally. Since 2008, annual commercial catches have exceeded 1,000 t. Annual catches have ranged from 1,378 to 1,544 tonnes over the last 5 years. In 2025, management actions were implemented to reduce effort within specific Zones of the fishery by 10%.
The 2025 NCDSR-Kimberley assessment of the two indicator species, red emperor and goldband snapper, presented in this report incorporates catch and effort information collected up to 2024 (inclusive), as well as biological data on the sizes and ages of fish sampled from fisheries independent sampling up until 2021 (inclusive) for the two indicator species
Land systems, soils and vegetation survey of the southern Goldfields and Great Western Woodlands of Western Australia
No full textThe southern Goldfields region is ecologically significant as it closely aligns with the Great Western Woodlands– the world’s largest intact Mediterranean-climate woodland ecosystem, dominated by Eucalyptus species and encompassing diverse mosaics of woodlands, mallee, shrubland, and grassland. The region has been subjected to significant ecological perturbations since European colonisation. Despite multiple land-use pressures on a unique environment, the region is the last large area in Western Australia (WA) to be comprehensively surveyed for biophysical resource condition to promote sustainable use.
This survey presents a comprehensive assessment of the biophysical environment of WA\u27s southern Goldfields region, covering 151,753 km². The survey maps land systems and refines soil-landscape zones at 1:250,000 scale. The accompanying report describes the geomorphology, soils and vegetation, offering new insights and revisions to existing physiographic data.
The survey advances prior studies by refining mapping in alignment with WA and national standards, thereby providing consistency in data presentation and analysis across regional and national scales and complementing the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia. This survey’s integration into WA’s hierarchical soil landscape mapping system enables data describing the southern Goldfields to be interpreted within broader regional, statewide, and national contexts.
Key contributions are: complete biophysical mapping that meets national and state standards a multidisciplinary explanation of key aspects of landscape evolution revised physiographic mapping that reveals patterns of erosion, deposition, and landscape maturity defining 101 land systems and 88 habitat types that summarise key elements of landform, geology, geomorphology, soil and vegetation characteristics.
The survey’s hierarchical mapping framework and associated biophysical information provides comprehensive baseline data and improves understanding of the region’s ecological processes and environmental pressures. It thus constitutes a valuable resource for agencies, companies, and individuals involved in strategic land-use planning, land management, monitoring, conservation and rehabilitation, and the sustainable use of rangeland habitats across the southern Goldfields region
Fisheries Research Report No. 362: Characterising essential benthic habitats and environmental drivers of fishery recruitment in the Exmouth Gulf Prawn Managed Fishery
No full textFisheries management relies on the development and evolution of effective assessment and monitoring techniques that are applicable in a range of fishery contexts (Fletcher et al., 2016; L. M. Robinson et al., 2021). The assessment of fish habitats and environmental drivers that influence recruitment is central to sustainable fisheries management (de Lestang et al., 2010; Galindo-Cortes et al., 2010; Gao & Wang, 2021). Western Australia conducts robust fishery-specific monitoring and assessment programs to ensure the sustainable use of its aquatic resources (Newman et al., 2023). However, few long-term datasets exist that directly monitor critical fish habitats and environmental conditions that underpin stock productivity
A transcription factor gene CaMYB114 associated with black seed coat in chickpea
No full textBackground
Grain colour is an important quality trait affecting the market value and consumer preference. Chickpeas with black-coloured seed coat is known for their beneficial high antioxidant and fibber content, yet the underlying molecular basis remains poorly understood.
Results
Here, we examined the grain colour trait of a panel of 261 diverse desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum) accessions and specially characterized the development of the black seed coat. We showed that the black colouration emerged on embryo tips at 30 days after flowering (DAF) and expanded to whole grain at 35 DAF. Genome-wide association analyses revealed a single major genetic locus CaBlk3-1 on chromosome Ca3 controlling black seed coat. Candidate gene screening within 0.5 Mb upstream and downstream of CaBlk3-1 identified a single MYB-encoding gene CaMYB114 related to anthocyanin biosynthesis. Phylogeny analyses showed that CaMYB114 was clustered with Arabidopsis MYB90, MYB113, MYB114, consistent with their role in anthocyanin production. Subsequent analyses suggested that CaMYB114 was abundantly transcribed in black genotypes but weakly in the brown genotypes at 35 DAF, closely linked with black colour development. Genetic variation analyses of CaMYB114 identified a 12-bp deletion containing a GAGA motif in the 5UTR region of black chickpea genotype. A gene-specific marker targeting this deletion was developed to validate its link with the black seed coat in a larger chickpea germplasm collection.
Conclusions
We identified a single major QTL and the underlying candidate gene CaMYB114 closely associated with the black seed coat trait in chickpea. Our study has greatly improved our understanding of the genetic basis of chickpea black seed and will unlock the potential for breeding new chickpeas with desired grain colour to meet various market requirement
Skeleton weed in Western Australia: Control program 2024–2025
No full textKey program changes
Winter eradication program
New herbicide recommendations for control in crops, legume based annual pastures, plantations and glyphosate tolerant canola. The minimum size of ‘squares’ (infested areas) has been reduced from 40 m x 40 m (0.16 ha) to 20 m x 20 m (0.04 ha) to help reduce the winter treatment area. Landholders will need to consult with DPIRD/LAG officers to assess the degree of infestation before working or cultivating through squares in Code 1 paddocks. Clopyralid (LontrelTM) herbicide will no longer be provided for treatment on heavily infested paddocks. Landholders will still be required to undertake chemical control on these paddocks.
Summer search program
Summer searching requirements Landholders are required to search all Code 1, 2 and 3 paddocks as per search protocols.
Search assistance Provided to assist landholders with searching and mapping infested paddocks. Significant changes made to paddock eligibility for search assistance in 2024-25, now limited to Code 1 and New Find paddocks. Code 3 and re-infested Code 2 paddocks are no longer eligible.
Reinfested paddocks Any Code 2 or 3 paddocks where plants are found become “re-infested” Code 1 paddocks. Landholders must complete a full search and mark infested areas (squares) for dGPS mapping. - Squares mapped under the Program are eligible for winter treatment assistance - These Code 1 paddocks are eligible for search assistance in the next search season (2025/26) Skeleton weed control program 2024–25 Landholders are encouraged to crop infested / re-infested paddocks and apply a recommended in-crop treatment across the whole paddock. This will help to control plants not found (outside the dGP’d areas) and compliment the eradication treatment on the infested “squares.https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/bs_bulletins/1003/thumbnail.jp