176 research outputs found
Cross-evaluation of modelled and remotely sensed surface soil moisture with in situ data in southwestern France
The SMOSMANIA soil moisture network in Southwestern France is used to evaluate modelled and remotely sensed soil moisture products. The surface soil moisture (SSM) measured in situ at 5 cm permits to evaluate SSM from the SIM operational hydrometeorological model of MĂ©tĂ©o-France and to perform a cross-evaluation of the normalised SSM estimates derived from coarse-resolution (25 km) active microwave observations from the ASCAT scatterometer instrument (C-band, onboard METOP), issued by EUMETSAT and resampled to the Discrete Global Grid (DGG, 12.5 km gridspacing) by TU-Wien (Vienna University of Technology) over a two year period (2007â2008). A downscaled ASCAT product at one kilometre scale is evaluated as well, together with operational soil moisture products of two meteorological services, namely the ALADIN numerical weather prediction model (NWP) and the Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) analysis of MĂ©tĂ©o-France and ECMWF, respectively. In addition to the operational SSM analysis of ECMWF, a second analysis using a simplified extended Kalman filter and assimilating the ASCAT SSM estimates is tested. The ECMWF SSM estimates correlate better with the in situ observations than the MĂ©tĂ©o-France products. This may be due to the higher ability of the multi-layer land surface model used at ECMWF to represent the soil moisture profile. However, the SSM derived from SIM corresponds to a thin soil surface layer and presents good correlations with ASCAT SSM estimates for the very first centimetres of soil. At ECMWF, the use of a new data assimilation technique, which is able to use the ASCAT SSM, improves the SSM and the root-zone soil moisture analyses
When neglected species gain global interest: Lessons learned from quinoa's boom and bust for teff and minor millet
Until recently, many so-called neglected and underutilized species (NUS) were not present in global markets despite playing a pivotal role in the local livelihoods in their places of origin. Today, some NUS receive substantial global interest and face growing global demands. Sudden increases in consumer demand trigger prices to rise; land-use change at the farm and national levels results in a rapid production increase. This phenomenon is known as âboomâ and is usually followed by a âbustâ, a rapid decrease in prices, and subsequently, production. This review elaborates on the boom-and-bust phases of two NUS: quinoa from the Andes and teff from Ethiopia. We explored the potential upcoming boom of minor millets in India. Our study proposes a generic framework for exploring cross-scale interactions and rethinking sustainability pathways for future NUS booms.EEA FamaillĂĄFil: Andreotti, Federico. Wageningen University & Research. Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing; PaĂses BajosFil: Andreotti, Federico. CIRAD; FranciaFil: Andreotti, Federico. UniversitĂ© Paul Valery Montpellier; FranciaFil: Bazile, Didier. CIRAD; FranciaFil: Bazile, Didier. UniversitĂ© Paul Valery Montpellier; FranciaFil: Biaggi, Maria Cristina. Instituto Nacional de TecnologĂa Agropecuaria (INTA). EstaciĂłn Experimental Agropecuaria FamaillĂĄ; ArgentinaFil: Callo-Concha, Daniel. University of Bonn. Center for Development Research (ZEF); AlemaniaFil: Callo-Concha, Daniel. University of Koblenz-Landau. Institute for Environmental Sciences (iES); AlemaniaFil: Jacquet, Julie. University Paris Ouest-Nanterre (LAVUE); FranciaFil: Jacquet, Julie. French Institute of Pondicherry; IndiaFil: Jemal, Omarsherif M. Arsi University. College of Agriculture and Veterinary Science. Department of Forestry; EtiopĂaFil: King, Oliver I. M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation; IndiaFil: Mbosso, C. Bioversity International; ItaliaFil: Padulosi, Stefano. Bioversity International; ItaliaFil: Speelman, Erika N. Wageningen University & Research. Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing; PaĂses BajosFil: van Noordwijk, Meine. World Agroforestry (ICRAF); IndonesiaFil: van Noordwijk, Meine. Wageningen University & Research. Plant Production Systems; PaĂses Bajo
Worldwide evaluations of quinoa: preliminary results from post International Year of Quinoa FAO projects in nine countries
Chenopodium quinoa Willd, a high quality grain crop, is resistant to abiotic stresses (drought, cold, and salt) and offers an optimal source of protein. Quinoa represents a symbol of crop genetic diversity across the Andean region. In recent years, this crop has undergone a major expansion outside its countries of origin. The activities carried out within the framework of the International Year of Quinoa provided a great contribution to raise awareness on the multiple benefits of quinoa as well as to its wider cultivation at the global level. FAO is actively involved in promoting and evaluating the cultivation of quinoa in 26 countries outside the Andean region with the aim to strengthen food and nutrition security. The main goal of this research is to evaluate the adaptability of selected quinoa genotypes under different environments outside the Andean region. This paper presents the preliminary results from nine countries. Field evaluations were conducted during 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 in Asia (Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan), and the Near East and North African countries (Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Mauritania, and Yemen). In each country, the trials were carried out in different locations that globally represent the diversity of 19 agrarian systems under different agro-ecological conditions. Twenty-one genotypes of quinoa were tested using the same experimental protocol in all locations consisting in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Some genotypes showed higher yields and the Q18 and Q12 landraces displayed greater adaptation than others to new environmental conditions. The Q21 and Q26 landraces were evaluated with stable and satisfactory levels of yield (>1 t.haâ1) in each of the different trial sites. This production stability is of considerable importance especially under climate change uncertainty. While these results suggest that this Andean crop is able to grow in many different environments, social, and cultural considerations remain crucial regarding its possible introduction as a staple food in new cropping systems around the world
How an improved sorghum variety evolves in a traditional seed system in Mali: Effects of farmersâ practices on the maintenance of phenotype and genetic composition
In Africa, it is mostly the informal seed system that ensures farmersâ seed supply. This is partly because
the formal seed systems are not always effective in meeting demand for new seed varieties. Sometimes
informal seed recycling and exchange of improved sorghum varieties will take place alongside formal
initiatives, as is the case in southern Mali. Focusing on one particular village in the DioĂŻla district, we
analyze the efficacy of farmersâ strategies for preserving varietal seed purity and genetic integrity of an
improved inbred-line (Soumba variety). Six seed lots of Soumba, recycled for two to six years by farmers
using different practices, were collected and assessed in on-station trials in order to compare their
agronomic performance and phenotypic purity (off-type plant frequencies) with control versions of the
variety. Additionally, 30 panicle samples were randomly collected from five farmer fields sown with
recycled Soumba and assessed for phenotypic purity in a progeny nursery and investigated for molecular
diversity using 12 SSR markers. A total of 150 panicles from five other non-Soumba varieties were
collected in the village in order to investigate eventual gene flow and its potential genetic consequences
for the Soumba variety. In fields sown with recycled Soumba seed, between 2% and 14% of plants showed
phenotypic deviations from the typical Soumba variety. The progeny nursery and SSR marker analysis
verified the presence of the off-type plants observed in the field. The STRUCTURE program revealed
admixtures with other varieties in 23% of Soumba plants, confirming the presence of gene flow. Gene
diversity values in Soumba samples ranged from 0.006 for the commercial sample to 0.257 for recycled
samples. Introgression and contamination were best minimized when (1) farmers had received specific
training in seed production, (2) they could take advantage of isolated fields and (3) they could practise
true-to-type panicle selection. Farmerswere generally able to maintain the phenotype, as well as sustain
or even improve yield performance of their Soumba variety while at the same time genetically enriching
their seed stock
The ALADIN system and its canonical model configurations AROME CY41T1 and ALARO CY40T1
The ALADIN System is a numerical weather prediction (NWP) system developed by the international ALADIN consortium for operational weather forecasting and research purposes. It is based on a code that is shared with the global model IFS of the ECMWF and the ARPEGE model of Meteo-France. Today, this system can be used to provide a multitude of high-resolution limited-area model (LAM) configurations. A few configurations are thoroughly validated and prepared to be used for the operational weather forecasting in the 16 partner institutes of this consortium. These configurations are called the ALADIN canonical model configurations (CMCs). There are currently three CMCs: the ALADIN baseline CMC, the AROME CMC and the ALARO CMC. Other configurations are possible for research, such as process studies and climate simulations.
The purpose of this paper is (i) to define the ALADIN System in relation to the global counterparts IFS and ARPEGE, (ii) to explain the notion of the CMCs, (iii) to document their most recent versions, and (iv) to illustrate the process of the validation and the porting of these configurations to the operational forecast suites of the partner institutes of the ALADIN consortium.
This paper is restricted to the forecast model only; data assimilation techniques and postprocessing techniques are part of the ALADIN System but they are not discussed here
SingleâColumn Model Simulations of Subtropical Marine BoundaryâLayer Cloud Transitions Under Weakening Inversions
Results are presented of the GASS/EUCLIPSE singleâcolumn model intercomparison study on the subtropical marine lowâlevel cloud transition. A central goal is to establish the performance of stateâofâtheâart boundaryâlayer schemes for weather and climate models for this cloud regime, using largeâeddy simulations of the same scenes as a reference. A novelty is that the comparison covers four different cases instead of one, in order to broaden the covered parameter space. Three cases are situated in the NorthâEastern Pacific, while one reflects conditions in the NorthâEastern Atlantic. A set of variables is considered that reflects key aspects of the transition process, making use of simple metrics to establish the model performance. Using this method, some longstanding problems in lowâlevel cloud representation are identified. Considerable spread exists among models concerning the cloud amount, its vertical structure, and the associated impact on radiative transfer. The sign and amplitude of these biases differ somewhat per case, depending on how far the transition has progressed. After cloud breakup the ensemble median exhibits the wellâknown âtoo few too brightâ problem. The boundaryâlayer deepening rate and its state of decoupling are both underestimated, while the representation of the thin capping cloud layer appears complicated by a lack of vertical resolution. Encouragingly, some models are successful in representing the full set of variables, in particular, the vertical structure and diurnal cycle of the cloud layer in transition. An intriguing result is that the median of the model ensemble performs best, inspiring a new approach in subgrid parameterization
Effects of Goat Manure Fertilization on Grain Nutritional Value in Two Contrasting Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Varieties Cultivated at High Altitudes
In this study, the effects of goat manure fertilization (2, 4, 8, and 12 Tn/ha) on the grain yield, organic compounds, and mineral composition of two quinoa varieties (CICA-17 and Regalona Baer) were evaluated under field conditions in Northwest Argentina. The results indicate that fertilization improved the quinoa grain yield and total protein content. Low manure doses positively affected the fatty acid (FA) profile, and significant changes were determined for the monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acid contents of CICA-17 and on the saturated fatty acid (SFA) contents of R. Baer seeds. The amino acid contents were positively affected in CICA-17 and negatively in R. Baer. Soluble sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose), major elements (K, Si, P, Mg, Ca, and Na), minor elements (Fe, Mn, Al, Zn, and Cu), and ultratrace elements (Cr and Li) were detected and discussed in terms of their impact on human nutrition and health. Conclusively, manure addition affected some essential amino acids, the desaturase activity, the n6:n3 and SFA/UFA ratios, the atherogenic index, soluble sugars, and mineral content, and the fatty acid metabolism of each variety was differently affected, especially the C16 and C18 desaturase activity, which responded differently to various manure doses. Manure addition is a promising alternative to improve the nutritional quality and functionality of quinoa grains, but the response is not linear
Biocompatible Nanocomplexes for Molecular Targeted MRI Contrast Agent
Accurate diagnosis in early stage is vital for the treatment of Hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of poly lactic acidâpolyethylene glycol/gadoliniumâdiethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (PLAâPEG/GdâDTPA) nanocomplexes using as biocompatible molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent. The PLAâPEG/GdâDTPA nanocomplexes were obtained using self-assembly nanotechnology by incubation of PLAâPEG nanoparticles and the commercial contrast agent, GdâDTPA. The physicochemical properties of nanocomplexes were measured by atomic force microscopy and photon correlation spectroscopy. The T1-weighted MR images of the nanocomplexes were obtained in a 3.0 T clinical MR imager. The stability study was carried out in human plasma and the distribution in vivo was investigated in rats. The mean size of the PLAâPEG/GdâDTPA nanocomplexes was 187.9 ± 2.30 nm, and the polydispersity index was 0.108, and the zeta potential was â12.36 ± 3.58 mV. The results of MRI test confirmed that the PLAâPEG/GdâDTPA nanocomplexes possessed the ability of MRI, and the direct correlation between the MRI imaging intensities and the nano-complex concentrations was observed (r = 0.987). The signal intensity was still stable within 2 h after incubation of the nanocomplexes in human plasma. The nanocomplexes gave much better image contrast effects and longer stagnation time than that of commercial contrast agent in rat liver. A dose of 0.04 mmol of gadolinium per kilogram of body weight was sufficient to increase the MRI imaging intensities in rat livers by five-fold compared with the commercial GdâDTPA. PLAâPEG/GdâDTPA nanocomplexes could be prepared easily with small particle sizes. The nanocomplexes had high plasma stability, better image contrast effect, and liver targeting property. These results indicated that the PLAâPEG/GdâDTPA nanocomplexes might be potential as molecular targeted imaging contrast agent
Quinoa Phenotyping Methodologies: An International Consensus
Quinoa is a crop originating in the Andes but grown more widely and with the genetic potential for significant further expansion. Due to the phenotypic plasticity of quinoa, varieties need to be assessed across years and multiple locations. To improve comparability among field trials
across the globe and to facilitate collaborations, components of the trials need to be kept consistent, including the type and methods of data collected. Here, an internationally open-access framework for phenotyping a wide range of quinoa features is proposed to facilitate the systematic agronomic, physiological and genetic characterization of quinoa for crop adaptation and improvement. Mature plant phenotyping is a central aspect of this paper, including detailed descriptions and the provision of phenotyping cards to facilitate consistency in data collection. High-throughput methods for multi-temporal phenotyping based on remote sensing technologies are described. Tools for higher throughput
post-harvest phenotyping of seeds are presented. A guideline for approaching quinoa field trials including the collection of environmental data and designing layouts with statistical robustness is suggested. To move towards developing resources for quinoa in line with major cereal
crops, a database was created. The Quinoa Germinate Platform will serve as a central repository of data for quinoa researchers globally
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