title: Identification and structure elucidation of epoxyjanthitrems from Lolium perenne infected with the endophytic fungus Epichloë festucae var. lolii and determination of the tremorgenic and anti-insect activity of epoxyjanthitrem I.

authors: Finch, Sarah C.

subjects: AR37

abstract: Epoxyjanthitrems I-IV (1-4) and epoxyjanthitriol (5) were isolated from seed of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) infected with the endophytic fungus Epichloë festucae var. lolii. Although structures for epoxyjanthitrems I-IV have previously been proposed in the literature, this is the first report of a full structural elucidation yielding NMR (Nuclear magnetic resonance) assignments for all five epoxyjanthitrem compounds, and additionally, it is the first isolation of epoxyjanthitriol (5). Epoxyjanthitrem I induced tremors in mice and gave a dose dependent reduction in weight gain and feeding for porina (Wiseana cervinata), a common pasture pest in New Zealand. These data suggest that epoxyjanthitrems are involved in the observed effects of the AR37 endophyte on livestock and insect pests.

text: Identification and structure elucidation of epoxyjanthitrems from Lolium perenne infected with the endophytic fungus Epichloë festucae var. lolii and determination of the tremorgenic and anti-insect activity of epoxyjanthitrem I. Epoxyjanthitrems I-IV (1-4) and epoxyjanthitriol (5) were isolated from seed of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) infected with the endophytic fungus Epichloë festucae var. lolii. Although structures for epoxyjanthitrems I-IV have previously been proposed in the literature, this is the first report of a full structural elucidation yielding NMR (Nuclear magnetic resonance) assignments for all five epoxyjanthitrem compounds, and additionally, it is the first isolation of epoxyjanthitriol (5). Epoxyjanthitrem I induced tremors in mice and gave a dose dependent reduction in weight gain and feeding for porina (Wiseana cervinata), a common pasture pest in New Zealand. These data suggest that epoxyjanthitrems are involved in the observed effects of the AR37 endophyte on livestock and insect pests.

year: 2020-08-17

title: Is black swan grazing a threat to seagrass? Indications from an observational study in New Zealand

authors: Dos Santos, Virginie

subjects: waterfowl herbivory

abstract: In New Zealand, the black swan (Cygnus atratus) is the only large grazer of intertidal seagrass (Zostera muelleri). The present study examined spatial and temporal variations in black swan grazing activity in a large temperate estuary to estimate potential site-specific and estuary-wide impacts on seagrass biomass. We monitored diel swan grazing activities, their seasonal abundance, estimated the rate at which swans consumed seagrass and measured changes in the standing stock of seagrass biomass at four sites in Tauranga Harbour. Black swans foraged primarily at high tide (both during the day and night) and were more numerous at sites with larger meadows, particularly during autumn. Grazing created circular devegetated patches (average size ∼0.28 m²) with 92% of shoots, 25% of roots and 99% of rhizomes removed. We measured an average seagrass consumption rate of 394 g dry mass (DM) swan⁻¹ d⁻¹ in line with consumption rates of other Zostera-feeding waterfowl. At sites where grazing was most intense (annual removal of 19–20% of the average seagrass biomass), we observed a substantial decline (43–69%) in plant biomass in the subsequent growing season. These results suggest that black swan grazing could constitute a threat to seagrass under high grazing pressure.

text: Is black swan grazing a threat to seagrass? Indications from an observational study in New Zealand In New Zealand, the black swan (Cygnus atratus) is the only large grazer of intertidal seagrass (Zostera muelleri). The present study examined spatial and temporal variations in black swan grazing activity in a large temperate estuary to estimate potential site-specific and estuary-wide impacts on seagrass biomass. We monitored diel swan grazing activities, their seasonal abundance, estimated the rate at which swans consumed seagrass and measured changes in the standing stock of seagrass biomass at four sites in Tauranga Harbour. Black swans foraged primarily at high tide (both during the day and night) and were more numerous at sites with larger meadows, particularly during autumn. Grazing created circular devegetated patches (average size ∼0.28 m²) with 92% of shoots, 25% of roots and 99% of rhizomes removed. We measured an average seagrass consumption rate of 394 g dry mass (DM) swan⁻¹ d⁻¹ in line with consumption rates of other Zostera-feeding waterfowl. At sites where grazing was most intense (annual removal of 19–20% of the average seagrass biomass), we observed a substantial decline (43–69%) in plant biomass in the subsequent growing season. These results suggest that black swan grazing could constitute a threat to seagrass under high grazing pressure.

year: 2012

title: Bite

authors: Mitchell, Tori

subjects: poetry

abstract: Bite is a collection of blunt confessional poetry draped in honesty, identity, and 21st century feminism, examined through lived experience with eating disorders, sexuality, trauma, disconnect from family and culture, love and loss, and what it means to be a girl growing up. The collection explores these raw concepts with vulnerability, through the eyes of ‘wolf girl’, in hopes that talking loudly about these topics will force the public to challenge the silence and stigma around them.  

This thesis was inspired by Maori Mythology, and all of the Polynesian poets who showed me how important it is for women of colour to share their stories and experiences. It was also influenced by feminist artists Jenny Holzer, Tracey Emin, and Barbara Kruger, whose art embodies the content of these poems in a literal way: freedom of expression, stripped bare and unflinching. The poetry in this collection is confronting, visceral, and filled with bite.

text: Bite Bite is a collection of blunt confessional poetry draped in honesty, identity, and 21st century feminism, examined through lived experience with eating disorders, sexuality, trauma, disconnect from family and culture, love and loss, and what it means to be a girl growing up. The collection explores these raw concepts with vulnerability, through the eyes of ‘wolf girl’, in hopes that talking loudly about these topics will force the public to challenge the silence and stigma around them.  

This thesis was inspired by Maori Mythology, and all of the Polynesian poets who showed me how important it is for women of colour to share their stories and experiences. It was also influenced by feminist artists Jenny Holzer, Tracey Emin, and Barbara Kruger, whose art embodies the content of these poems in a literal way: freedom of expression, stripped bare and unflinching. The poetry in this collection is confronting, visceral, and filled with bite.

year: 2020