19366 research outputs found
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Endophytic diversity and community composition of Cirsium arvense tissues over a growing season
No full textCirsium arvense is a troublesome weed and biocontrol is warranted. Currently, fungal biocontrol agents perform inconsistently, and endophytes may be contributing to this. This research investigates the endophytic communities in leaf, stem, and root tissue of C. arvense in the Lincoln area of New Zealand and their seasonal dynamics. Samples were collected in spring, summer, and autumn. They were cultured and sorted by morphotype before identification to genus level was determined with Sanger sequencing. Data was analysed with the software R and the diversity and community composition of endophytic communities were determined. From this study it was evident that endophytic diversity in leaf tissue increases over the growing season from a true Shannon diversity of 3.4 in November 2021 to 7.5 in April 2022. The leaf communities were also highly variable in their composition with Alternaria, Cladosporium, Epicoccum, and Stemphylium increasing over the season and Aureobasidium decreasing. In roots, endophytic diversity was lowest in February, which may be related to the higher temperatures in summer. The composition of these communities started to change in autumn with Ceratobasidium, Cladosporium, Trichoderma, and Aspergillus increasing in abundance. Diversity and composition of fungal communities in stems remained consistent across seasons. This may indicate that applying a fungal biocontrol agent to stems may be the best approach to control this weed. This study elucidated seasonal dynamics of endophytic communities within C. arvense tissues and highlighted differences between tissues which increases our understanding of these communities and may help to develop more effective biocontrol of this plan
Giving voice to Ngā Taketake a Tāne: A review of contemporary, traditional and indigenous pharmacopoeias and implications for Te Tauihi in Aoteraroa- New Zealand
No full textThis review compares contemporary with traditional medicine and indigenous pharmacopoeias. A new approach for an indigenous pharmacopoeia is explored. Kaitiakitanga and conservation of medicinal plants, as well as sustaining and strengthening rongoā Māori and improving health outcomes through developing Te Tauihu Pharmacopoeia is an aspiration. Valuing medicinal plants as taonga and acknowledging traditional understanding along with guiding tikanga, including respect, humility, honesty, transparency and permission from knowledge holders, are prerequisites for such an initiative. Pharmacopoeias have traditionally described the making of healing medicines. Hundreds of these have been compiled, some dating back prior to 1,000 AD, notably the Chinese Pharmacopoeia in 250 AD. Despite a drive for standardisation, there are different styles including regional and indigenous pharmacopoeias, arising from different rationales for their development. In Aotearoa-New Zealand there are no current pharmacopoeias; historical and recent laws and policies have either impeded or fallen short of the commitment made by other countries to traditional medicines. Reversing the erosion of traditional knowledge resulting from colonisation is an important driver for written versions of indigenous verbal pharmacopoeias, but a new pharmacopoeia based on verbal traditions, historical information, and mātauranga Māori cannot be pursued lightly, and should be led by indigenous knowledge holders
Unravelling the eco-motivated journey: The role of gender and motivation in shaping loyalty in mangrove ecotourism
No full textMangrove ecosystems represent vital ecotourism destinations that integrate conservation, cultural heritage, and wellness. This study examines how push and pull motivations as independent variables influence tourist satisfaction and loyalty as dependent variables, with gender acting as a moderating variable. A survey of 403 domestic ecotourists across major Indonesian mangrove destinations confirms that both push (e.g., relaxation, wellness seeking) and pull factors (e.g., biodiversity, environmental appeal) significantly influence tourist experiences, with pull factors demonstrating stronger effects. Experience quality positively affects wellness and satisfaction, while satisfaction strongly predicts loyalty. Multi-group analysis reveals significant gender-based differences in how motivations affect experience and satisfaction, supporting social role theory. This study aims to clarify these relationships and contribute to the ecotourism literature by highlighting how motivational factors, experience quality, and demographic characteristics shape conservation-driven loyalty. Practical implications suggest that managers should prioritize environmental quality, educational interpretation, and tailored offerings to engage diverse tourist segments and foster sustainable behaviors
Wellbeing education increases skills and knowledge among tertiary students in the agricultural sector: Insights from a mixed methods study
No full textPurpose: The agricultural sector is facing a myriad of financial, environmental, social, and cultural challenges which affect the mental health of those working on-farm. This study focused on a tertiary education programme designed to increase recognition of mental health issues and convey strategies to address these.
Methodology: To identify the effect of such a programme, and which aspects contribute to that effect, this paper applied a mixed methods approach. Quantitative propensity score matching was used to identify changes in knowledge and skills, and qualitative surveys were conducted to explore the wellbeing of students and to identify aspects of the programme contributing to change.
Findings: Students report an increase in (i) ability recognising signs of poor mental health in self and others; (ii) confidence talking about their own and others’ mental health; and (iii) knowing how to access mental health support services. Programme aspects contributing to this effect are peer-to-peer education and building on existing knowledge.
Practical implications: This paper addresses a gap in the literature by providing insights into programme aspects that lead to successful delivery.
Theoretical implications: This study reports on the evaluation of a tertiary education programme and provides valuable insights into whether such programmes can contribute to increased knowledge on wellbeing.
Originality: This research describes and analyses the effectiveness of a mental health promotion programme aimed at young adults which is rare in the literature
Member heterogeneity in agricultural industry associations
No full textNew Zealand’s agricultural sector is a significant contributor to the nation’s prosperity, but it faces challenges related to the negative externalities of production. The sector relies on industry associations to navigate these challenges through advocacy, research and extension. However, the diversity in interests often undermines collaboration across these associations. This research used an integrative literature review to understand agricultural industry associations and to explore the impact of member diversity on organisational processes and structures
Citizen science platforms can effectively support early detection of invasive alien species according to species traits
No full textEarly detection and rapid response are essential to deal effectively with new introductions of invasive alien species (IAS). Citizen science platforms for opportunistic recording of species are increasingly popular, and there is potential to harvest their data for early detection of IAS, but this has not been tested. We evaluated the potential of data from existing citizen science platforms for early detection of IAS by obtaining 687 first records of species from 30 European countries where there was both an official first record (i.e. published in scientific literature or by a government agency) and a record in a citizen science platform. We tested how the difference between the two (time lag) was related to species traits, popularity in citizen science platforms, public and research attention and regulatory status. We found that for 50% of the time lag records, citizen science platforms reported IAS earlier than or in the same year as the official databases. Although we cannot determine causality (the first official record could have been from a citizen science platform, or contemporaneous with it), this demonstrates that citizen science platforms are effective for IAS early detection. Time lags were largely affected by species traits. Compared with official records, vertebrates were more likely to have earlier records on citizen science platforms, than plants or invertebrates. Greater popularity of the IAS in citizen science platforms and its observation in neighbouring countries resulted in earlier citizen science reporting. In contrast, inclusion in the EU priority list resulted in earlier official recording, reflecting the efficacy of targeted surveillance programmes. However, time lags were not affected by the overall activity of citizen platforms per country. Synthesis and applications. Multi-species citizen science platforms for reporting nature sightings are a valuable source of information on early detection of IAS even though they are not specifically designed for this purpose. We recommend that IAS surveillance programmes should be better connected with citizen science platforms, including greater acknowledgement of the role of citizen scientists and better data flow from smaller citizen science initiatives into global databases, to support efficient early detectio
Decision-making in credit access and household welfare: a gender perspective
No full textCredit can improve household welfare by enabling investment in productivity-enhancing activities, smoothing consumption, and diversifying income sources, but the extent of these benefits depends on who controls credit-related decisions. This study investigates the impact of decision-making in credit access on household welfare, addressing the gap that overlooks who makes credit-related decisions. We consider three decision-making patterns in credit access: male dominance, female dominance, and joint decision-making, offering new insights into how intra-household dynamics shape income and expenditure outcomes. Using household survey data from rural China, we apply a multivalued treatment effects model to address selection bias. Our analysis reveals that rural households with joint decision-making and male dominance in credit access achieve higher agricultural income, lower food expenditure, and higher non-food expenditure than those with female dominance. Households with male dominance in credit access tend to have significantly lower household income, non-agricultural income, and food expenditure than those with joint decision-making. These findings offer new insights into decision-making in credit access and highlight intra-household bargaining as a channel linking credit decisions to welfare outcome
Seed treatment as a delivery mechanism of a beneficial fungal volatile organic compound
No full textThe fungal volatile organic compound 6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one (6-PP), produced by Trichoderma spp., can enhance plant growth and resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses. Using commercially synthesised 6-PP offers a controlled, consistent and scalable alternative to live Trichoderma application. The application of 6-PP to seed is one possible delivery mechanism, but its effect on seed germination and emergence is unknown.
This study assessed the effect of five rates of 6-PP (from 75 to 350 mM) on the germination of seeds of five agricultural or forestry species: Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass), Bromus willdenowii (prairie grass), Triticum aestivum (wheat), Brassica napus (forage rape) and Pinus radiata (radiata pine). In addition, the 75 mM rate was tested on the seeds of four native New Zealand tree species: Coprosma robusta (karamū), Plagianthus regius (ribbonwood/manatu), Sophora prostrata (kōwhai) and Pittosporum tenuifolium (black matipo/kohuhu).
Application at 75, 114 and 228 mM did not affect the germination of prairie grass, wheat and radiata pine. However, the germination of perennial ryegrass was significantly reduced at the 228 mM rate, and prairie grass and radiata pine at the 350 mM rate, due to the production of abnormal seedlings (stunted roots) and/or dead seeds. Germination of karamu, kōwhai and ribbonwood/manutu seeds was not affected by the 75mM rate, while black matipo/kohuhu germination was significantly increased by 164%.
In five field crops of wheat and perennial ryegrass, the emergence of seeds treated with 75 mM of 6-PP was either significantly increased or did not differ from the control. Seed treatment is therefore a promising delivery method for 6-PP. Further research is needed to refine application rates, determine compatibility with agrichemicals and evaluate the storage potential of the treated seed
Faith, ecology and leisure: understanding young Muslim tourists’ attitudes towards mangrove ecotourism
No full textPurpose: This study aims to investigate young Muslim tourists’ attitudes towards mangrove ecotourism by examining how consumption value, environmental responsibility and religious responsibility contribute to shaping these attitudes. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected through a survey of 234 young Muslim tourists visiting mangrove ecotourism destinations in Riau Province, Indonesia. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data. Findings: Environmental knowledge and concern significantly influence attitudes towards mangrove ecotourism, with knowledge being the strongest predictor. Consumption value indirectly shapes attitudes through environmental concern, whereas religiosity indirectly influences attitudes by enhancing consumption value, environmental concern and knowledge, highlighting their interconnected roles in shaping positive attitudes. Practical implications: Mangrove ecotourism managers should integrate religious values into marketing and educational programmes to enhance the appeal of sustainable tourism practices. Highlighting how mangrove conservation aligns with Islamic teachings and leveraging technology to create engaging and educational experiences can attract young Muslim tourists while promoting pro-environmental behaviours. Originality/value: By integrating consumption value theory, green attitude model and religiosity-behaviour model, this study offers a comprehensive perspective on young Muslim tourists’ attitudes towards green services in religiously oriented ecotourism contexts
Enhancing orchard sustainability: productivity gains and nitrogen loss reduction via partial organic substitution in citrus orchards
No full textBackground and Aims: Partial organic substitution effectively reduces chemical fertilizer application in orchards and significantly impacts fruit production, soil fertility, and nutrient losses. Yet few studies have evaluated these effects in a unified manner, limiting the comprehensive understanding of the impact of partial organic substitution on orchard sustainability.
Methods: Using an ecosystem service framework, this study assessed the economic benefits of provisioning (fruit production), regulating (soil carbon sequestration, fertility maintenance, and soil water conservation), and dis-services (N losses) in citrus orchards with a 6-year application of organic/green manure (OM/GM) accompanied by a 30% reduction in chemical nitrogen fertilizer inputs.
Results: Compared to conventional fertilizer application (CK), both OM and GM maintained citrus yield, improved fruit quality, and significantly increased the value of provisioning services by 36.6% and 26.8%, respectively. Cumulative N₂O emissions, N losses via leaching and runoff were mitigated by partial organic substitution, and OM and GM decreased the value of ecosystem dis-services by 13.6% and 20.7% compared with CK, respectively. Regulating services constituted a relatively small portion of the net ecosystem services value, while GM showed the greatest promoting effect on it compared with other treatments, due to its remarkable role in increasing soil carbon sequestration. Overall, the net ecosystem services value of CK (93.7 × 103 CNY/ha) was significantly increased to 130.3 × 103 and 122.2 × 103 CNY/ha for OM and GM, respectively.
Conclusion: Partial organic substitution sustains ecosystem services and curbs dis-services, thereby highlighting its beneficial role in the sustainable development of citrus orchards