Synergistic defensive effects of silicon and Epichloë endophytes on insect pests of agricultural grasses in New Zealand

New Zealand has several insect pasture pests which cause economic losses of between $1.7 B and$2.3 B annually in the dairy, and ‘sheep and beef’ industries. Research on grass species defence provides insights into methods to reduce this economic impact. Epichloë endophytes and silicon accumulation are two well-studied mechanisms of reducing phytophagous insect damage in grass species, but their potential synergies have not been investigated. Previous research has hypothesised that plants infected with endophyte may accumulate more silicon than their non endophyte infected counterparts, suggesting multi-tiered defences. Of specific interest to this thesis is the potential impact of silicon supplementation on the alkaloid profiles of novel grass-endophyte associations. This research aimed to investigate changes to silicon concentration over time, endophyte growth and alkaloid concentration in two cool season grass species from the sub-family Pooideae and subsequent effects of these variables on major New Zealand insect pests. This interaction was investigated through the use of whole plant glasshouse trials, excised root bioassays, and artificial diet experiments using a range of above- and below ground phytophagous pasture pests (Listronotus bonariensis, Wiseana copularis and Costelytra giveni) as well as a generalist herbivore model study organism (Epiphyas postvittana). The two grass species included; Lolium perenne infected with a novel association with an endophyte naturally found in Festuca arundinacea (Epichloë coenophiala), and Festuca pratensis infected with its naturally occurring endophyte (Epichloë unicatum). Results from this research do not indicate that, in the grass endophyte associations studied, endophyte infection is linked to an increase in plant silicon content. There is evidence to suggest that the herbage material of L. perenne endophyte-infected plants has less silicon than endophyte free plants. There were no direct correlations between plant silicon content and the production of bioactive secondary metabolite alkaloids (lolines) or endophytic mycelial mass in F. pratensis and L. perenne. Although silicon supplementation was not linked to a direct increase in plant silicon content, there was an increase in loline production in the herbage of L. perenne, indicating a potential role of silicon in either modulating the soil environment or influencing plant biochemical reactions potentially leading to a change in production of lolines. This study also found negative effects of endophyte alkaloids on insect performance and feeding which correlate to previous literature but was not able to accept nor reject the initial hypothesis of synergistic effects of the two defences studied. Interestingly, results suggested differential allocation of silicon between plant species and lolines within individual plant tissues. Silicon was higher in the root material of L. perenne than F. pratensis and the opposite was true for the herbage material. Also, the proportion of each loline in the root and herbage of F. pratensis differed. In summary, this research has provided insights into the temporal interactions between silicon and endophyte infection. However, further research is required to investigate the multi tiered effects of these two plant defences on economically important phytophagous insects

Inter-professional education and primary care : EFPC position paper

Inter-professional education (IPE) can support professionals in developing their ability to work collaboratively. This position paper from the European Forum for Primary Care considers the design and implementation of IPE within primary care. This paper is based on workshops and is an evidence review of good practice. Enablers of IPE programmes are involving patients in the design and delivery, providing a holistic focus, focussing on practical actions, deploying multi-modal learning formats and activities, including more than two professions, evaluating formative and summative aspects, and encouraging team-based working. Guidance for the successful implementation of IPE is set out with examples from qualifying and continuing professional development programmes

"Quality" in urban management

This Paper brings two important and related issues of current and topical interest together, and argues that this provides an important element that is currently lacking in the urban management framework. It does this through the application of what until relatively recent times in even the advanced industrial economies, was seen as a tool of efficiency enhancement in the production of goods. Quality Assurance and Management concepts are now firmly entrenched in the corporate approach to the more efficient production of both goods and services. Herein lies the justification for the line pursued in the pages which follow. The city role, as described, includes to a significant degree, the provision of space for accommodating economic activities. But through the city's role in administering, in promoting and controlling change, and in providing and distributing services which the community has determined to exercise control over itself, City Management impacts directly on the efficiency of all activities taking place within city limits