Graphania mutans (Walker) and Acremonium lolii (Latch) : the relationship between an insect herbivore and a fungal endophyte of perennial ryegrass : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Zoology at Massey University

In examining the relationship between Graphania mutans (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and perennial ryegrass infected with the fungal endophyte Acremonium lolii (Latch in press), the biology of G. mutans was investigated. Two types of larval development are identified: 'fast-track' larvae develop more rapidly through fewer instars and grow much larger than 'slow-track' larvae when reared on both artificial diet and perennial ryegrass. The complexity of Graphania speciation is discussed. The presence of endophyte is shown to confer on perennial ryegrass resistance to G. mutans larvae in the laboratory, with strong antixenosis and possible antibiosis effects exhibited. Feeding preference tests show that neonate and sixth instar fast-track larvae significantly prefer excised endophyte-free ryegrass to endophyte-infected leaves. The effects of endophyte on the development of fast-track and slow-track larvae are to decrease larval weight, head capsule width, and the number of successful pupations. The same methods were used to determine the effects of peramine (an antifeedant compound for Argentine stem weevil extracted from endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass) on fast-track G. mutans larvae. Incorporated into artificial diet at 10ppm, peramine has no affect on neonate and sixth instar larval feeding preference. peramine does affect larval development, causing reduced larval weight, delayed pupation, and, increased mortality. The role of peramine in endophyte-induced resistance, and the possible adaptive significance for perennial ryegrass of endophyte infection is considered. The interactions between G. mutans, endophyte and perennial ryegrass within the pasture ecosystem are discussed, and suggestions and hypotheses presented for future investigation

A RANKING OF THE MOST ANTI-SCIENCE COUNTRIES

This paper presents the results of a study of opinion on attitude toward whether the world is better off or worse off because of science and technology. The most recent wave of World Values Survey data was used. Countries were ranked by mean score. The sample size was gathered in 60 countries and had more than 86,000 participants. Comparisons were also made by gender, age and religion

Taxation In The Republic Of Armenia: An Overview And Discussion From The Perspectives Of Law, Economics And Ethics

Like many economies in transition, the Republic of Armenia is in the process of adopting market-oriented policies and laws

Property Taxation of Indian Land After \u3cem\u3eCounty of Yakima v. Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakima Nation\u3c/em\u3e

In 1987, Yakima County, Washington, initiated foreclosure proceedings on properties belonging to the Yakima Indian Nation and its members. The county\u27s foreclosure was precipitated by the property owners\u27 failure to pay past due ad valorem and excise taxes. Despite vigorous arguments by the Yakima Nation, the United States, and the thirty-one Yakima Indian families likely to be rendered homeless by an adverse decision, the United States Supreme Court held in County of Yakima v. Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakima Nation, that states have the power to impose ad valorem taxes on reservation land owned in fee by Indians. This Recent Development provides a brief summary of that decision

Editorial Note

Sometimes people ask me, “What motivates you?” or “How can you do so much?” or “Don’t you ever sleep?” These questions require three separate answers

Hate Speech, Free Speech and The University

Students and faculty face possible retribution for expressing unpopular ideas, making statements that may be offensive to someone, or even for asking legitimate questions that deal with race, sex, ethnicity or sexual preference. A thought police mentality has infested the university, just as McCarthyism did in the 1950s. This article explores the current state of this mentality and discusses the problems inherent in trying to preserve and protect the right of free speech in the universit