2019 IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference (I2MTC), 2019
Recent extensive study was performed on Jacobaea vulgaris that characterized the plant leaves usi... more Recent extensive study was performed on Jacobaea vulgaris that characterized the plant leaves using hyperspectral reflectance against the successional stage of vegetation. It reported a high similarity of the leaf spectral reflectance measurement over the plant’s different stages of growth. This paper extends the earlier study by characterizing the proximal spectral reflectance measurements of three species of common New Zealand pasture weeds: (a) Jacobaea Vulgaris; (b) Rubus; and (c) Ulex growing in three different common soil pastures, specifically: (i) Typic Orthic Gley; (ii) Typic Orthic Granular; (iii) Typic Orthic Brown. The research goes on to determine the inter- and intra-species proximal spectral reflectance variation of the studied common weeds. Finally, it examines the suitability and extent of accuracy of different statistical analysis methods when applied on proximal spectral reflectance measurement to identify the three common species of weeds growing on New Zealand pastures.
Ramalina celastri is a highly variable, widely distributed pan-subtropical lichen species. In Aus... more Ramalina celastri is a highly variable, widely distributed pan-subtropical lichen species. In Australasia the species had been separated into two subspecies; R. celastri subsp. celastri and R. celastri subsp. ovalis. This study compares morphological variation, substratum preference and sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and intergenic spacer (IGS) regions of ribosomal DNA from a range of specimens from New Zealand and one from Australia. Bayesian and ML trees generated using the sequence data form two well-supported clades corresponding to the two previously recognized subspecies. Molecular, morphological and geographical differences support the recognition of R. ovalis at the species rank.
We studied the evolutionary history of the Parmeliaceae (Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota), one of the... more We studied the evolutionary history of the Parmeliaceae (Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota), one of the largest families of lichen-forming fungi with complex and variable morphologies, also including several lichenicolous fungi. We assembled a six-locus data set including nuclear, mitochondrial and low-copy protein-coding genes from 293 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The lichenicolous lifestyle originated independently three times in lichenized ancestors within Parmeliaceae, and a new generic name is introduced for one of these fungi. In all cases, the independent origins occurred c. 24 million yr ago. Further, we show that the Paleocene, Eocene and Oligocene were key periods when diversification of major lineages within Parmeliaceae occurred, with subsequent radiations occurring primarily during the Oligocene and Miocene. Our phylogenetic hypothesis supports the independent origin of lichenicolous fungi associated with climatic shifts at the Oligocene-Miocene boundary. Moreover, div...
A new species, Strigula oleistrata, segregated from S. novae-zelandiae is described. The new spec... more A new species, Strigula oleistrata, segregated from S. novae-zelandiae is described. The new species is widely sympatric with Strigula novae-zelandiae from which it is separated by a range of morphological characters and also by its nrDNA ITS sequence. As a result of this segregation, a new circumscription of S. novae-zelandiae is also provided. Comments on the ecology and conservation status of both species, and a revised key to the foliicolous Strigula species of New Zealand are provided.
Thirteen lichen species from 7 genera have been identified from Bario. The major metabolites pres... more Thirteen lichen species from 7 genera have been identified from Bario. The major metabolites present in these species were determined by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Introduction Bario lies 1200 metres above sea level, on a plateau in the Kelabit Highlands, southeast of Miri in the Fourth Division of Sarawak. It is bordered by the Tamabu Range in the west and the Apo Duet Mountains to the east. It has a mild and cool climate, with temperatures of 18-22°C and an annual rainfall of about 2213 mm. Knowledge of the lichen flora of Malaysia, especially of Sabah and Sarawak, has made great progress during recent years. Din et at. (1997) recently presented a comprehensive account of the lichen flora of Malaysia, summarizing the results of many research efforts undertaken by scientists at several collecting localities in Peninsula Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. In May 1995, a scientific expedition was carried out in Bario, Sarawak. The gen...
This study investigated the impacts of invasion by the African club moss (Selaginella kraussiana ... more This study investigated the impacts of invasion by the African club moss (Selaginella kraussiana (Kunze) A. Braun) on forest floor plants and lichens in warm-temperate native forest in New Zealand. Worldwide, some club mosses are known to be invasive, but there is little available information on their impacts. African club moss has naturalised in a number of countries, including New Zealand, and is suspected of having a negative effect on forest floor plants, but little has been published about the actual impact of this species on native plant communities. This study was carried out at Spragg Bush, Waitakere Ranges, New Zealand to compare plant species richness and frequency cover in adjacent forest floor plant communities with and without S. kraussiana using a paired experimental design. Sites invaded by S. kraussiana had significantly lower species richness than uninvaded sites, particularly the number of conifer and flowering plant species (seedlings). Sites invaded by S. kraussi...
2020 IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference (I2MTC), 2020
Several jurisdictions around the world have now legalized the production of medicinal cannabis pr... more Several jurisdictions around the world have now legalized the production of medicinal cannabis products. Consequently, Cannabis sativa start to emerge as an economically significant agricultural crop. Hyperspectral sensing tools are employed in agriculture to gather just-in-time non-contact and non-destructive health and growth information in high-value crop production. Unfortunately, no data or reports can be found in the literature on the use of hyperspectral sensing to monitor and evaluate the Cannabis sativa plants. This paper investigates the use of hyperspectral near-infrared imaging to identify the Cannabis sativa plant components such as flowers, stems and leaves on the crop. This is the first step towards developing a real-time monitoring system that would support decision-making on the optimal daily growing conditions to improve crop yield and profitability.
As a large, isolated and relatively ancient landmass, New Zealand occupies a unique place in the ... more As a large, isolated and relatively ancient landmass, New Zealand occupies a unique place in the biological world, with distinctive terrestrial biota and a high proportion of primitive endemic forms. Biology Aotearoa covers the origins, evolution and conservation of the New Zealand flora, fauna and fungi. Each chapter is written by specialists in the field, often working from different perspectives to build up a comprehensive picture. Topics include: the geological history of our land origins, and evolution of our plants, animals and fungi current status of rare and threatened species past, present and future management of native species the effect of human immigration on the native biota. Colour diagrams and photographs are used throughout the text. This book is suitable for all students of biology or ecology who wish to know about the unique nature of Aotearoa New Zealand and its context in the biological world.
ABSTRACT Pertusaria puffina A.W.Archer & Elix is reported for the first time from New Zea... more ABSTRACT Pertusaria puffina A.W.Archer & Elix is reported for the first time from New Zealand.
2020 IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference (I2MTC), 2020
An extensive study was performed recently on Jacobaea Vulgaris to characterize the plant leaves u... more An extensive study was performed recently on Jacobaea Vulgaris to characterize the plant leaves using the hyperspectral reflectance. Unfortunately, a poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the spectral data was observed thus making the results less valuable. This paper examines the consequence of using uncontrolled lighting, i.e., solar illumination in the field applications as well as the effect of scattered light on shaded regions of the image. It is shown that a significant reduction of SNR can be achieved by taking these factors into account prior to the processing of the hyperspectral data. Specifically, the standard uncertainty of the spectra for Jacobaea Vulgaris hyperspectral images can be reduced from an average of 50% to better than 20%.
The introduction and spread of invasive species around the world has been well documented and the... more The introduction and spread of invasive species around the world has been well documented and there is general agreement around the principles of the invasion process (Sakai et al. 2001). Although it is hard to predict the invasion potential of a given species, the likelihood of successful invasion depends on its body mass, geographic range, generalism, migratory tendency, and the environment it invades (Heger & Trepl 2003; Cassey et al. 2004b).Traits such as rapid maturity and multiple reproductive events per season, further increases the likelihood of the establishment of a self-sustaining population (Crawley 1986; Kolar & Lodge 2001). The probability of establishment is also increased by habitat suitability, particularly if the invasive species occupies a vacant niche (Moles & Gruber 2008). Initial colonisation is dependent on arrival of healthy individuals which have the potential to adapt to the new environmental conditions (Chown et al. 2007; Davidson et al. 2011). In addition...
Introduction Motu Kaikoura (Kaikoura Island) is a 535 ha island off the coast of Great Barrier Is... more Introduction Motu Kaikoura (Kaikoura Island) is a 535 ha island off the coast of Great Barrier Island, North Island, New Zealand. The island was purchased by the Crown in 2004 as a reserve. The island has been heavily modified by farming, fires, bush clearances and the impacts of exotic mammals such as fallow deer (Dama dama), ship rats (Rattus rattus) and cats (Felis catus). The vegetation of the island is now dominated by tea tree (Kunzea and Leptospermum), small patches of broadleaf forest and bare rocky areas (Cameron 2007). A number of vegetation surveys since 2006 recorded a total of 381 species of higher plants (68% native), but bryophytes were not systematically studied (Cameron 2007), and lichens and fungi were not studied at all. Only one specimen (Stereocaulon ramulosum (AK283628)) was found in the Auckland Museum herbarium (AK), collected by Jonathan Boow and Bec Stanley in 2003.
2019 IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference (I2MTC), 2019
Recent extensive study was performed on Jacobaea vulgaris that characterized the plant leaves usi... more Recent extensive study was performed on Jacobaea vulgaris that characterized the plant leaves using hyperspectral reflectance against the successional stage of vegetation. It reported a high similarity of the leaf spectral reflectance measurement over the plant’s different stages of growth. This paper extends the earlier study by characterizing the proximal spectral reflectance measurements of three species of common New Zealand pasture weeds: (a) Jacobaea Vulgaris; (b) Rubus; and (c) Ulex growing in three different common soil pastures, specifically: (i) Typic Orthic Gley; (ii) Typic Orthic Granular; (iii) Typic Orthic Brown. The research goes on to determine the inter- and intra-species proximal spectral reflectance variation of the studied common weeds. Finally, it examines the suitability and extent of accuracy of different statistical analysis methods when applied on proximal spectral reflectance measurement to identify the three common species of weeds growing on New Zealand pastures.
Ramalina celastri is a highly variable, widely distributed pan-subtropical lichen species. In Aus... more Ramalina celastri is a highly variable, widely distributed pan-subtropical lichen species. In Australasia the species had been separated into two subspecies; R. celastri subsp. celastri and R. celastri subsp. ovalis. This study compares morphological variation, substratum preference and sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and intergenic spacer (IGS) regions of ribosomal DNA from a range of specimens from New Zealand and one from Australia. Bayesian and ML trees generated using the sequence data form two well-supported clades corresponding to the two previously recognized subspecies. Molecular, morphological and geographical differences support the recognition of R. ovalis at the species rank.
We studied the evolutionary history of the Parmeliaceae (Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota), one of the... more We studied the evolutionary history of the Parmeliaceae (Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota), one of the largest families of lichen-forming fungi with complex and variable morphologies, also including several lichenicolous fungi. We assembled a six-locus data set including nuclear, mitochondrial and low-copy protein-coding genes from 293 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The lichenicolous lifestyle originated independently three times in lichenized ancestors within Parmeliaceae, and a new generic name is introduced for one of these fungi. In all cases, the independent origins occurred c. 24 million yr ago. Further, we show that the Paleocene, Eocene and Oligocene were key periods when diversification of major lineages within Parmeliaceae occurred, with subsequent radiations occurring primarily during the Oligocene and Miocene. Our phylogenetic hypothesis supports the independent origin of lichenicolous fungi associated with climatic shifts at the Oligocene-Miocene boundary. Moreover, div...
A new species, Strigula oleistrata, segregated from S. novae-zelandiae is described. The new spec... more A new species, Strigula oleistrata, segregated from S. novae-zelandiae is described. The new species is widely sympatric with Strigula novae-zelandiae from which it is separated by a range of morphological characters and also by its nrDNA ITS sequence. As a result of this segregation, a new circumscription of S. novae-zelandiae is also provided. Comments on the ecology and conservation status of both species, and a revised key to the foliicolous Strigula species of New Zealand are provided.
Thirteen lichen species from 7 genera have been identified from Bario. The major metabolites pres... more Thirteen lichen species from 7 genera have been identified from Bario. The major metabolites present in these species were determined by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Introduction Bario lies 1200 metres above sea level, on a plateau in the Kelabit Highlands, southeast of Miri in the Fourth Division of Sarawak. It is bordered by the Tamabu Range in the west and the Apo Duet Mountains to the east. It has a mild and cool climate, with temperatures of 18-22°C and an annual rainfall of about 2213 mm. Knowledge of the lichen flora of Malaysia, especially of Sabah and Sarawak, has made great progress during recent years. Din et at. (1997) recently presented a comprehensive account of the lichen flora of Malaysia, summarizing the results of many research efforts undertaken by scientists at several collecting localities in Peninsula Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. In May 1995, a scientific expedition was carried out in Bario, Sarawak. The gen...
This study investigated the impacts of invasion by the African club moss (Selaginella kraussiana ... more This study investigated the impacts of invasion by the African club moss (Selaginella kraussiana (Kunze) A. Braun) on forest floor plants and lichens in warm-temperate native forest in New Zealand. Worldwide, some club mosses are known to be invasive, but there is little available information on their impacts. African club moss has naturalised in a number of countries, including New Zealand, and is suspected of having a negative effect on forest floor plants, but little has been published about the actual impact of this species on native plant communities. This study was carried out at Spragg Bush, Waitakere Ranges, New Zealand to compare plant species richness and frequency cover in adjacent forest floor plant communities with and without S. kraussiana using a paired experimental design. Sites invaded by S. kraussiana had significantly lower species richness than uninvaded sites, particularly the number of conifer and flowering plant species (seedlings). Sites invaded by S. kraussi...
2020 IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference (I2MTC), 2020
Several jurisdictions around the world have now legalized the production of medicinal cannabis pr... more Several jurisdictions around the world have now legalized the production of medicinal cannabis products. Consequently, Cannabis sativa start to emerge as an economically significant agricultural crop. Hyperspectral sensing tools are employed in agriculture to gather just-in-time non-contact and non-destructive health and growth information in high-value crop production. Unfortunately, no data or reports can be found in the literature on the use of hyperspectral sensing to monitor and evaluate the Cannabis sativa plants. This paper investigates the use of hyperspectral near-infrared imaging to identify the Cannabis sativa plant components such as flowers, stems and leaves on the crop. This is the first step towards developing a real-time monitoring system that would support decision-making on the optimal daily growing conditions to improve crop yield and profitability.
As a large, isolated and relatively ancient landmass, New Zealand occupies a unique place in the ... more As a large, isolated and relatively ancient landmass, New Zealand occupies a unique place in the biological world, with distinctive terrestrial biota and a high proportion of primitive endemic forms. Biology Aotearoa covers the origins, evolution and conservation of the New Zealand flora, fauna and fungi. Each chapter is written by specialists in the field, often working from different perspectives to build up a comprehensive picture. Topics include: the geological history of our land origins, and evolution of our plants, animals and fungi current status of rare and threatened species past, present and future management of native species the effect of human immigration on the native biota. Colour diagrams and photographs are used throughout the text. This book is suitable for all students of biology or ecology who wish to know about the unique nature of Aotearoa New Zealand and its context in the biological world.
ABSTRACT Pertusaria puffina A.W.Archer & Elix is reported for the first time from New Zea... more ABSTRACT Pertusaria puffina A.W.Archer & Elix is reported for the first time from New Zealand.
2020 IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference (I2MTC), 2020
An extensive study was performed recently on Jacobaea Vulgaris to characterize the plant leaves u... more An extensive study was performed recently on Jacobaea Vulgaris to characterize the plant leaves using the hyperspectral reflectance. Unfortunately, a poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the spectral data was observed thus making the results less valuable. This paper examines the consequence of using uncontrolled lighting, i.e., solar illumination in the field applications as well as the effect of scattered light on shaded regions of the image. It is shown that a significant reduction of SNR can be achieved by taking these factors into account prior to the processing of the hyperspectral data. Specifically, the standard uncertainty of the spectra for Jacobaea Vulgaris hyperspectral images can be reduced from an average of 50% to better than 20%.
The introduction and spread of invasive species around the world has been well documented and the... more The introduction and spread of invasive species around the world has been well documented and there is general agreement around the principles of the invasion process (Sakai et al. 2001). Although it is hard to predict the invasion potential of a given species, the likelihood of successful invasion depends on its body mass, geographic range, generalism, migratory tendency, and the environment it invades (Heger & Trepl 2003; Cassey et al. 2004b).Traits such as rapid maturity and multiple reproductive events per season, further increases the likelihood of the establishment of a self-sustaining population (Crawley 1986; Kolar & Lodge 2001). The probability of establishment is also increased by habitat suitability, particularly if the invasive species occupies a vacant niche (Moles & Gruber 2008). Initial colonisation is dependent on arrival of healthy individuals which have the potential to adapt to the new environmental conditions (Chown et al. 2007; Davidson et al. 2011). In addition...
Introduction Motu Kaikoura (Kaikoura Island) is a 535 ha island off the coast of Great Barrier Is... more Introduction Motu Kaikoura (Kaikoura Island) is a 535 ha island off the coast of Great Barrier Island, North Island, New Zealand. The island was purchased by the Crown in 2004 as a reserve. The island has been heavily modified by farming, fires, bush clearances and the impacts of exotic mammals such as fallow deer (Dama dama), ship rats (Rattus rattus) and cats (Felis catus). The vegetation of the island is now dominated by tea tree (Kunzea and Leptospermum), small patches of broadleaf forest and bare rocky areas (Cameron 2007). A number of vegetation surveys since 2006 recorded a total of 381 species of higher plants (68% native), but bryophytes were not systematically studied (Cameron 2007), and lichens and fungi were not studied at all. Only one specimen (Stereocaulon ramulosum (AK283628)) was found in the Auckland Museum herbarium (AK), collected by Jonathan Boow and Bec Stanley in 2003.
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