Gavel

An ornamental wooden gavel with brass plate from the 1965-66 Brock University Student Assembly. The inscription on the gavel reads: Don Chapman, Brock University Student Assembly, Speaker of the House, 65-66.

Feeding and oviposition preferences of the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) on six Brassicaceae host plant species

Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth, DBM) is a globally distributed Lepidopteran that feeds and oviposits almost exclusively on plants in the Brassicaceae family. DBM disperses from the southern United States and Mexico into Canada in the spring and summer. Establishment of DBM in Ontario is partially dependent upon the quantity and quality of host plants available and the preference of DBM for different hosts. Host plants include many crops such as broccoli, canola and cabbage, as well as landscape ornamentals and wild plants. It has previously been established that DBM are attracted to host plants by chemicals, specifically glucosinolates. I examined the preference of DBM among crop, wild and ornamental host plant species and how preference varies with insect life stage (3rd and 4th instar larvae and adults). Experiments included exposing DBM larvae from five populations coming from different locations in Canada to six Brassicaceae species and evaluating the preferences and weight gain over one hour. Then adult females were exposed to these same plant species and their oviposition preferences were examined. Populations from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario were compared to assess differences in preference associated with geographic region or species of host plant. The ultimate goal of my study was to understand the potential of various Brassicaceae species to act as reservoirs to sustain and promote population growth of DBM, as well as sinks that may decrease DBM abundance. Results showed that garden cress (Lepidium sativum) was highly preferred over other species (wintercress, black mustard, aubretia, broccoli and ornamental kale) for both food and oviposition sources. Previous studies report that garden cress contains saponins, chemicals shown to be toxic to developing DBM larvae, however no studies have yet shown a preference for garden cress. These results provide information on a novel host plant with the potential to control DBM population growth. No difference in preferences was found among populations of DBM from various sources in Canada.

Various Cards

1. Notice of a testimonial to Samuel Zimmerman to be held at Moffatt’s Hotel, Niagara Falls on Feb. 13th 1854. Members of the committee were Walter H. Dickson, Daniel McDougal, William Kingsmill and Joseph A. Woodruff, 1854. 2. Business card of Granger and Billings House, Sign and Ornamental Painters of Queen Street, Niagara Falls, 1855. 3. Membership card of Agricultural Society, Electoral Division No. 25 of the Town and Township of Niagara made out to W. S. Winterbottom, 1881. 4. Invitation to the Centennial Celebration of the settlement of the Niagara District by the United Empire Loyalists to be held on Aug. 14, 1884. The card is from Dan Servos, secretary of the committee, June 1884.

Receipt from J.W. Fiske of New York

Receipt from J.W. Fiske of New York, Manufacturer of Ornamental Iron and Zinc Work for brackets, sponge racks and saddle brackets. There are 2 copies of this receipt; one has an extra set of brackets (for the home) marked on it, Aug. 11, 1876.