title: Aspects of Biology of the Weed of Arable Crops broom corn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)

authors: Trivedi, Pathik Dilip

subjects: broom corn millet

abstract: Grass weeds such as Panicum miliaceum L. (broom corn millet) are a persistent problem for agriculture, causing significant crop losses. A weedy biotype of broom corn millet is already a troublesome weed on North American arable farms, and has recently emerged as a threat to New Zealand corn and maize crops. This thesis describes aspects of the biology of broom corn millet under New Zealand conditions. Experiments were designed to understand under what conditions broom corn millet is mostly likely to affect crop growth. 
Experiments were conducted in a glass house and a laboratory to observe the effect of temperature on germination and early growth of broom corn millet. The pot-based glasshouse experiment compared germination and growth between a range of controlled substrate temperatures. The response of broom corn millet to temperature was typical of that expected for a C₄ plant. At 10°C seeds germinated later and in lower proportions compared to 15°C, 20°C and 25°C. Growth and above ground dry biomass accumulation also increased with increasing substrate temperature, with the highest dry biomass accumulated at 25°C, primarily because of increases in germination rate. In a laboratory experiment conducted at temperatures ranging from 5°C and 34°C, temperatures greater than or equal to 20°C were more favourable for germination of broom corn millet seeds. The optimum temperatures for germination were 27°C to 34°C. The threshold germination temperature for the seed lot used was 7.4°C. 
Broom corn millet seeds were tested for their ability to germinate and emerge from a range of planting depths when planted in pots containing 16 soil types from around New Zealand. Seedlings emerged from 120 mm depth in all soil types. In six soil types seeds of broom corn millet were able to emerge from the greatest depth tested of 170 mm, very deep compared to most herbaceous weeds. In general, seedling emergence reduced with increasing depth, whereas suicidal germination increased. Step-wise binomial regression of emergence against various soil physical properties did not reveal any significant relationship between soil physical properties and seedling emergence. 
To observe the affect of competition on both the weed (broom corn millet) and the crop (sweet corn), plants of both species were grown together in pots at a range of planting ratios. Plants were also grown in monoculture to observe growth without competition. In the competition trial broom corn millet emerged after sweet corn and affected sweet corn above ground biomass during the first four weeks. However, this effect did not persist as sweet corn biomass increased irrespective of the level of competition from broom corn millet plants. The monoculture experiment indicated that sweet corn grew better without competition whereas growth of broom corn millet was stimulated while growing in competition. The poor competition by broom corn millet plants was assumed to be the result of unseasonal low temperatures during the period immediately after sewing and demonstrated that broom corn millet plants emerging after the crop may not affect crop growth. 
The likely persistence of New Zealand broom corn millet seeds in soil is unknown. A laboratory based Controlled Ageing Test (CAT) was therefore evaluated for its ability to predict the persistence of seeds. The test was conducted using seeds of nodding thistle (Carduus nutans), for which real time persistence data is available. In two additional experiments, the CAT was used to estimate the potential persistence of New Zealand sourced broom corn millet seeds. The CAT derived half life time (P₅₀) of nodding thistle seeds did not compare well with the field derived P₅₀ for nodding thistle seeds, with the CAT results suggesting less persistence compared to actual persistence. Examination of the CAT results for broom corn millet showed a decline in seed viability from 30 to 50 days, followed by a sharp decline at 75 days. The midpoint of the initial decline (40 days) was taken as the P50 for broom corn millet. This value is similar to existing information for broom corn millet in North America, and indicates that broom corn millet will form a moderately persistent seed bank in New Zealand. 
In conclusion, results suggest that higher temperatures favour the growth of broom corn millet. Planting of crops earlier in the season may reduce competition by this weed. However, increasing temperatures as a result of global climate change will enhance conditions for broom corn millet and may increase future crop losses caused by this weed. The ability of broom corn millet’s relatively large seeds to germinate and emerge from depth will limit the efficiency of conventional weed control practices, such as ploughing and stale seed beds. The ability to form a moderately persistent seed bank suggests that once introduced, broom corn millet will be challenging to eradicate because of its prolific seed production. Significant changes in weed control practices will therefore be required to manage broom corn millet in the future.

text: Aspects of Biology of the Weed of Arable Crops broom corn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) Grass weeds such as Panicum miliaceum L. (broom corn millet) are a persistent problem for agriculture, causing significant crop losses. A weedy biotype of broom corn millet is already a troublesome weed on North American arable farms, and has recently emerged as a threat to New Zealand corn and maize crops. This thesis describes aspects of the biology of broom corn millet under New Zealand conditions. Experiments were designed to understand under what conditions broom corn millet is mostly likely to affect crop growth. 
Experiments were conducted in a glass house and a laboratory to observe the effect of temperature on germination and early growth of broom corn millet. The pot-based glasshouse experiment compared germination and growth between a range of controlled substrate temperatures. The response of broom corn millet to temperature was typical of that expected for a C₄ plant. At 10°C seeds germinated later and in lower proportions compared to 15°C, 20°C and 25°C. Growth and above ground dry biomass accumulation also increased with increasing substrate temperature, with the highest dry biomass accumulated at 25°C, primarily because of increases in germination rate. In a laboratory experiment conducted at temperatures ranging from 5°C and 34°C, temperatures greater than or equal to 20°C were more favourable for germination of broom corn millet seeds. The optimum temperatures for germination were 27°C to 34°C. The threshold germination temperature for the seed lot used was 7.4°C. 
Broom corn millet seeds were tested for their ability to germinate and emerge from a range of planting depths when planted in pots containing 16 soil types from around New Zealand. Seedlings emerged from 120 mm depth in all soil types. In six soil types seeds of broom corn millet were able to emerge from the greatest depth tested of 170 mm, very deep compared to most herbaceous weeds. In general, seedling emergence reduced with increasing depth, whereas suicidal germination increased. Step-wise binomial regression of emergence against various soil physical properties did not reveal any significant relationship between soil physical properties and seedling emergence. 
To observe the affect of competition on both the weed (broom corn millet) and the crop (sweet corn), plants of both species were grown together in pots at a range of planting ratios. Plants were also grown in monoculture to observe growth without competition. In the competition trial broom corn millet emerged after sweet corn and affected sweet corn above ground biomass during the first four weeks. However, this effect did not persist as sweet corn biomass increased irrespective of the level of competition from broom corn millet plants. The monoculture experiment indicated that sweet corn grew better without competition whereas growth of broom corn millet was stimulated while growing in competition. The poor competition by broom corn millet plants was assumed to be the result of unseasonal low temperatures during the period immediately after sewing and demonstrated that broom corn millet plants emerging after the crop may not affect crop growth. 
The likely persistence of New Zealand broom corn millet seeds in soil is unknown. A laboratory based Controlled Ageing Test (CAT) was therefore evaluated for its ability to predict the persistence of seeds. The test was conducted using seeds of nodding thistle (Carduus nutans), for which real time persistence data is available. In two additional experiments, the CAT was used to estimate the potential persistence of New Zealand sourced broom corn millet seeds. The CAT derived half life time (P₅₀) of nodding thistle seeds did not compare well with the field derived P₅₀ for nodding thistle seeds, with the CAT results suggesting less persistence compared to actual persistence. Examination of the CAT results for broom corn millet showed a decline in seed viability from 30 to 50 days, followed by a sharp decline at 75 days. The midpoint of the initial decline (40 days) was taken as the P50 for broom corn millet. This value is similar to existing information for broom corn millet in North America, and indicates that broom corn millet will form a moderately persistent seed bank in New Zealand. 
In conclusion, results suggest that higher temperatures favour the growth of broom corn millet. Planting of crops earlier in the season may reduce competition by this weed. However, increasing temperatures as a result of global climate change will enhance conditions for broom corn millet and may increase future crop losses caused by this weed. The ability of broom corn millet’s relatively large seeds to germinate and emerge from depth will limit the efficiency of conventional weed control practices, such as ploughing and stale seed beds. The ability to form a moderately persistent seed bank suggests that once introduced, broom corn millet will be challenging to eradicate because of its prolific seed production. Significant changes in weed control practices will therefore be required to manage broom corn millet in the future.

year: 2010

title: How are professional programs from diverse disciplines approaching the development and assessment of competence at a mid-sized Canadian university?

authors: Rich, Jessica

abstract: Time-honoured university policies, such as the credit-hour and academic freedom, present challenges for professional education programs tasked with operationalizing entry-to-practice competence frameworks for professional accreditation. A single embedded case study was used to explore how professional programs from one mid-sized Canadian university are approaching and perhaps problematizing the development and assessment of competence. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with educational leaders (faculty and staff, n=21) from a sample of nine programs. Following a grounded theory approach to qualitative analysis, the constant comparative method was used to inductively discern similarities and differences across programs, and to begin building theory about approaches to operationalization. While limited in scope given the use of a single university, our findings highlight: (a) diversity in approaches to operationalization across programs, (b) common attributes which can be used to classify the manner in which these programs operationalize competence, and (c) challenges with supporting faculty to buy in to competency-informed pedagogy and assessment. Given these findings, it is recommended that professional accrediting bodies and education programs spend time to consider the role university-based programs play in determining competence for entry-to-practice, as well their intents for implementing a competence framework, to ensure sufficiency in the approaches being used.

text: How are professional programs from diverse disciplines approaching the development and assessment of competence at a mid-sized Canadian university? Time-honoured university policies, such as the credit-hour and academic freedom, present challenges for professional education programs tasked with operationalizing entry-to-practice competence frameworks for professional accreditation. A single embedded case study was used to explore how professional programs from one mid-sized Canadian university are approaching and perhaps problematizing the development and assessment of competence. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with educational leaders (faculty and staff, n=21) from a sample of nine programs. Following a grounded theory approach to qualitative analysis, the constant comparative method was used to inductively discern similarities and differences across programs, and to begin building theory about approaches to operationalization. While limited in scope given the use of a single university, our findings highlight: (a) diversity in approaches to operationalization across programs, (b) common attributes which can be used to classify the manner in which these programs operationalize competence, and (c) challenges with supporting faculty to buy in to competency-informed pedagogy and assessment. Given these findings, it is recommended that professional accrediting bodies and education programs spend time to consider the role university-based programs play in determining competence for entry-to-practice, as well their intents for implementing a competence framework, to ensure sufficiency in the approaches being used.

year: 2020

title: Hawaiki ora: Waka ama, it's a kind of magic

authors: Nuku, Michael

subjects: waka ama

abstract: Waka ama is a heterotopic social space deeply embedded in Te Ao Māori and is navigating transformative currents as it balances cultural integrity and the pursuit of performance excellence. This study investigated the magic of waka ama, namely the magnetic phenomenon that captivated participants, the lifestyle changes resulting from engagement and participants’ environmental perceptions. Magic is understood as the recognition of the enchanted amid modern pressures. A critical gap identified in the literature is the lack of recognition of the key elements that underpin positive participation in waka ama. By articulating and validating these key elements, this thesis lays a foundation for protecting and sustaining these cultural dimensions as waka ama grows in prominence and recognition as a high-performance sport. The study also raises concerns that increasing formalisation may risk eroding traditional values, underscoring the need for culturally responsive strategies to preserve the essence of waka ama for future generations. 
This Kaupapa Māori Research is rooted in Te Ao Māori, with Kaupapa Māori Theory maintaining a Māori lens for interpretation and positionality. It utilised the Waka Ama Rangahau conceptual framework, creating stability and rigour for this journey of discovery. It employed an in-depth review of literature and semi-structured interviews with 15 established kaihoe (paddlers) from across Aotearoa to gather data. It also included perspectives of a group of kaihoe that experienced waka ama from an unexplored viewpoint to add depth and breadth to the findings. Thematic analysis and the Whakaaro method were employed to analyse the data. The findings were then presented using Thematic Synthesis. The knowledge and experiences shared by kaihoe contributed towards answering the three research questions and establishing the Waka AMA (Āhuru Mōwai Aroha) Model for supportive environments that characterised the concept of āhuru mōwai. This study conceptualised the āhuru mōwai, Hawaiki Ora, inspired by historical discourse and interpretations of Hawaiki Nui. The spatio-temporal environment of waka ama cultivated Hawaiki Ora in ways that align with Te Ao Māori time and space, and are reinforced by Foucault’s concept of heterotopia and Lefebvre’s theory of social space, offering a unique, transformative space for identity, performance, connection, and care.  Within this environment, kaihoe collectively negotiate and uphold their ideals, forging unity and compromise over time. These findings underscore the necessity of preserving waka ama’s whānau-centric ethos to safeguard its cultural and spiritual essence against the encroachment of Eurocentric marginalisation commonly framed as modernity. 
The Waka AMA Model provides an environmental social construction plan to ensure a supportive and genuinely caring environment is available throughout challenging times and spaces. Crucially, this support must be ongoing and never taken for granted. Waka AMA supports Hawaiki Ora from the experiences, aspirations and rangatiratanga of kaihoe.

text: Hawaiki ora: Waka ama, it's a kind of magic Waka ama is a heterotopic social space deeply embedded in Te Ao Māori and is navigating transformative currents as it balances cultural integrity and the pursuit of performance excellence. This study investigated the magic of waka ama, namely the magnetic phenomenon that captivated participants, the lifestyle changes resulting from engagement and participants’ environmental perceptions. Magic is understood as the recognition of the enchanted amid modern pressures. A critical gap identified in the literature is the lack of recognition of the key elements that underpin positive participation in waka ama. By articulating and validating these key elements, this thesis lays a foundation for protecting and sustaining these cultural dimensions as waka ama grows in prominence and recognition as a high-performance sport. The study also raises concerns that increasing formalisation may risk eroding traditional values, underscoring the need for culturally responsive strategies to preserve the essence of waka ama for future generations. 
This Kaupapa Māori Research is rooted in Te Ao Māori, with Kaupapa Māori Theory maintaining a Māori lens for interpretation and positionality. It utilised the Waka Ama Rangahau conceptual framework, creating stability and rigour for this journey of discovery. It employed an in-depth review of literature and semi-structured interviews with 15 established kaihoe (paddlers) from across Aotearoa to gather data. It also included perspectives of a group of kaihoe that experienced waka ama from an unexplored viewpoint to add depth and breadth to the findings. Thematic analysis and the Whakaaro method were employed to analyse the data. The findings were then presented using Thematic Synthesis. The knowledge and experiences shared by kaihoe contributed towards answering the three research questions and establishing the Waka AMA (Āhuru Mōwai Aroha) Model for supportive environments that characterised the concept of āhuru mōwai. This study conceptualised the āhuru mōwai, Hawaiki Ora, inspired by historical discourse and interpretations of Hawaiki Nui. The spatio-temporal environment of waka ama cultivated Hawaiki Ora in ways that align with Te Ao Māori time and space, and are reinforced by Foucault’s concept of heterotopia and Lefebvre’s theory of social space, offering a unique, transformative space for identity, performance, connection, and care.  Within this environment, kaihoe collectively negotiate and uphold their ideals, forging unity and compromise over time. These findings underscore the necessity of preserving waka ama’s whānau-centric ethos to safeguard its cultural and spiritual essence against the encroachment of Eurocentric marginalisation commonly framed as modernity. 
The Waka AMA Model provides an environmental social construction plan to ensure a supportive and genuinely caring environment is available throughout challenging times and spaces. Crucially, this support must be ongoing and never taken for granted. Waka AMA supports Hawaiki Ora from the experiences, aspirations and rangatiratanga of kaihoe.

year: 2025