Viruses infecting carnations and dianthus species in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Horticultural Science at Massey University

Five viruses were detected in commercial carnations and these and a further four occurred in Dianthus species from gardens. Carnation mottle virus (CarMV) and carnation etched ring virus (CERV-50) were widespread in commercial carnations; arabis mosaic virus (ArMV), carnation latent virus (CLV) and carnation necrotic fleck virus (CNFV) were also detected. In Dianthus species CERV-50, CLV and CarMV were the most prevalent, whereas only a low incidence of ArMV, CNFV, carnation ringspot virus (CRSV) and carnation vein mottle virus (CVMV) was found. Two new viruses were detected in Dianthus species: an apparently uncharacterized plant rhabdovirus, named carnation bacilliform virus, with particles ca. 260 x 55nm (in ultrathin sections), and an unidentified isometric virus (D 345) ca. 30nm in diameter. The viruses were characterized by a variety of methods including host range, symptoms, aphid transmission and particle morphology. The three rod viruses CLV, CNFV and CVMV were differentiated by particle morphology and size. Normal lengths for CLV and CVMV were 656nm and 733nm, respectively, while CNFV had particles in the range 1,000-1,450nm. The identity of the polyhedral viruses ArMV, CarMV and CRSV, was confirmed by serology. Carnation etched ring virus was identified by its particle size, ca. 48nm in diameter, and a consistent association with refractile inclusion bodies which were readily observed by light microscopy in epidermal strips stained with phloxine/trypan blue. Cytological observations were made on ultrathin sections of leaves from plants infected with CBV, CERV-50, CLV and CVMV. Aggregates of CBV and CLV particles were observed in the cytoplasm; CERV-50 infected plants contained typical inclusions and particles of the virus; and CVMV induced cylindrical inclusions typical of the potyvirus group

Rethinking fuelwood: people, policy and the anatomy of a charcoal supply chain in a decentralizing Peru

In Peru, as in many developing countries, charcoal is an important source of fuel. We examine the commercial charcoal commodity chain from its production in Ucayali, in the Peruvian Amazon, to its sale in the national market. Using a mixed-methods approach, we look at the actors involved in the commodity chain and their relationships, including the distribution of benefits along the chain. We outline the obstacles and opportunities for a more equitable charcoal supply chain within a multi-level governance context. The results show that charcoal provides an important livelihood for most of the actors along the supply chain, including rural poor and women. We find that the decentralisation process in Peru has implications for the formalisation of charcoal supply chains, a traditionally informal, particularly related to multi-level institutional obstacles to equitable commerce. This results in inequity in the supply chain, which persecutes the poorest participants and supports the most powerful actors

Consumer demands for organic and genetically modified foods

Issues concerning consumer demands for genetically modified and organic food remain topical. It is unclear how consumers perceive issues associated with food production such as food safety, environmental impacts or animal welfare. It is also unclear how consumers might value potential changes in those issues in regional and metropolitan centres. This paper reports on research using the choice modelling technique to estimate and compare consumer demand for genetically modified and organic foods in Australia. The case study considers tomatoes, milk and beef commodities. The results draw comparisons between the contribution of associated factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions in a regional and metropolitan city. The results are relevant to the current policy debate regarding the introduction of GM foods.Genetically modified, organic, demand, choice modelling, Crop Production/Industries, Demand and Price Analysis, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Quasi-option values for enhanced information regarding genetically modified foods

Issues concerning the long-term environmental and health risks associated with the production of genetically modified foods remain highly topical in Australia. It is unclear how consumers values for a precautionary approach to the release of genetically modified crops compares to the opportunity costs of forgoing economic growth associated with the use of these technologies. In this paper, an application of the contingent valuation method is reported. That technique was used to estimate quasi-option values held by consumers regarding a potential five year moratorium on the use of genetic modification in Australian agriculture. The results are compared to the estimated opportunity costs of imposing such a ban o Queensland consumers.Quasi-option values, genetically modified organisms, contingent valuation, Agricultural and Food Policy, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

Going away

This paper presents a piece of practice-based photographic research called Going Away that explores the coast as a ‘remembered place’based on my own childhood visits to the seaside. The work takes the form of wall-mounted prints, while existing also as a limited edition artist’s book. Going Away is fictional in that, although it depicts real places and real objects, it is not the same actual place experienced in childhood. Rather, it is a place that triggers notions of escape and imaginative departure into past time. The nineteen photographs that make up this body of work were taken along several distinct stretches of the Cumbrian coast. Going Away,although showing particular locations, suggests a more generic childhood memory of the seaside and the loss of those times

A Baseline for Downtown Transit-Oriented Development: Planning for Success in the Loyola Corridor

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in downtown areas is a distinct form of new development, creating walkable districts and 24-hour neighborhoods. A new streetcar on Loyola Avenue in the New Orleans Central Business District was planned to encourage new development in the area. By analyzing the current land uses and values, projections of future change predict over $500 million in added value. For this development to become a successful TOD, policies must encourage uses that generate ridership and increase walkability. Although the Loyola corridor has many historic attributes of a transit-oriented downtown, it currently lacks neighborhood identity. The new development associated with the Loyola streetcar has the potential to become a downtown TOD