Fusion of Surface Ceilometer Data and Satellite Cloud Retrievals in 2D Mesh Interpolating Model with Clustering

For accurate cloud ceiling information, a data fusion approach is proposed that utilizes satellite data to extend surface station information to much wider areas. Cloud base height (CBH) retrieved from satellite observations provides for much larger spatial coverage and higher resolution. The direct comparison of GOES-16 CBH with surface station ceiling yields a local bias that has to be corrected for in the initial GOES-16 cloud base information. This sparsely sampled bias correction presents an irregular 2D mesh of control points, which is then interpolated by constructing a continuous smooth field using polyharmonic splines. The influence of remote stations is restricted by grouping the control points into clusters depending on an effective distance. This cluster-based approach allows for constructing separate spline surfaces corresponding to physically different clouds. The obtained continuous bias correction function is then applied to the entire GOES-16 pixel level CBH except for areas far away from surface stations in data sparse regions such as offshore. The described method is currently being tested using daytime-only observations over the central and eastern United States. Overall, this approach has potential to provide more accurate, high spatial resolution cloud ceiling information for the aviation community

Nowcasting Aircraft Icing Conditions in the Presence of Multilayered Clouds Using Meteorological Satellite Data

Cloud properties retrieved from satellite data are used to diagnose aircraft icing threat in single layer and multilayered ice-over-liquid clouds. The algorithms are being applied in real time to the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) data over the CONUS with multilayer data available over the eastern CONUS. METEOSAT data are also used to retrieve icing conditions over western Europe. The icing algorithm s methodology and validation are discussed along with future enhancements and plans. The icing risk product is available in image and digital formats on NASA Langley s Cloud and Radiation Products web site, http://wwwangler. larc.nasa.gov

Scenario Analysis: Risk and Return of Aluminium Tolerant Lucerne

Lucerne (Medicago sativa) yield is limited by aluminium stress associated with acid soils (Campbell et al. 1988; Scott et al. 2008). With the aid of transgenic technologies, the development of aluminium tolerant (Al Tol) lucerne is proposed. Modelled scenario analysis was conducted to explore the potential net benefits of Al Tol lucerne as part of a grazing system for a sheep production system in the high rainfall zone of south west Victoria

Development and Field Evaluation of Transgenic Ryegrass (\u3ci\u3eLolium\u3c/i\u3e Spp.) with Down-Regulation of Main Pollen Allergens

Ryegrass (Lolium spp.) pollen is a widespread source of airborne allergens and is a major cause of hayfever and seasonal allergic asthma, which affect approximately 25% of the population in cool temperate climates. The main allergens of ryegrass pollen are the proteins Lol p 1 and Lol p 2. These proteins belong to two major classes of grass pollen allergens to which over 90% of pollen-allergic patients are sensitive. The functional role in planta of these pollen allergen proteins remains largely unknown. The generation, analysis and field evaluation of transgenic plants with reduced levels of the main ryegrass pollen allergens, Lol p 1 and Lol p 2 in the most important worldwide cultivated ryegrass species, perennial ryegrass (L. perenne L.) and Italian ryegrass (L. multiflorum Lam.) are described

Development and Application of Droplet Digital PCR Tools for the Detection of Transgenes in Pastures and Pasture-Based Products

Implementation of molecular biotechnology, such as transgenic technologies, in forage species can improve agricultural profitability through achievement of higher productivity, better use of resources such as soil nutrients, water, or light, and reduced environmental impact. Development of detection and quantification techniques for genetically modified plants are necessary to comply with traceability and labeling requirements prior to regulatory approval for release. Real-time PCR has been the standard method used for detection and quantification of genetically modified events, and droplet digital PCR is a recent alternative technology that offers a higher accuracy. Evaluation of both technologies was performed using a transgenic high-energy forage grass as a case study. Two methods for detection and quantification of the transgenic cassette, containing modified fructan biosynthesis genes, and a selectable marker gene, hygromycin B phosphotransferase used for transformation, were developed. Real-time PCR was assessed using two detection techniques, SYBR Green I and fluorescent probe-based methods. A range of different agricultural commodities were tested including fresh leaves, tillers, seeds, pollen, silage and hay, simulating a broad range of processed agricultural commodities that are relevant in the commercial use of genetically modified pastures. The real-time and droplet digital PCR methods were able to detect both exogenous constructs in all agricultural products. However, a higher sensitivity and repeatability in transgene detection was observed with the droplet digital PCR technology. Taking these results more broadly, it can be concluded that the droplet digital PCR technology provides the necessary resolution for quantitative analysis and detection, allowing absolute quantification of the target sequence at the required limits of detection across all jurisdictions globally. The information presented here provides guidance and resources for pasture-based biotechnology applications that are required to comply with traceability requirements

Metabolome Analysis of the Interaction Between Perennial Ryegrass (\u3cem\u3eLolium Perenne\u3c/em\u3e) and the Fungal Endophyte \u3cem\u3eNeotyphodium Lolii\u3c/em\u3e

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) frequently contain endophytic fungi (Neotyphodium lolii in perennial ryegrass and N. coenophialum in tall fescue). The presence of the endophyte has been shown to improve seedling vigour, persistence and drought tolerance in marginal environments as well as provide protection against some insect pests. Endophyte-infected grasses also produce a wide range of metabolites, including ergopeptine alkaloids, indole-isoprenoid lolitrems, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and pyrrolopyrazine alkaloids. In contrast to information on alkaloids and animal toxicosis, the beneficial physiological aspects of the endophyte/grass interactions have not been well characterised. The physiological mechanisms which lead to increased plant vigour and enhanced tolerance to abiotic stresses unrelated to the reduction in pest damage to endophyte-infected grasses are unknown. Recent technological advances in metabolomics enable dynamic changes in the metabolome of an organism under varying experimental conditions to be studied. This provides opportunities for the investigation and validation of each and every detected metabolite, investigation of known metabolic pathways through searching of databases of known metabolites, molecular formula determination of unknown metabolites and creation of pathways from novel metabolites

SNP Discovery and Haplotypic Variation in Full-Length Herbage Quality Genes of Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium Perenne L.)

The development of forages with enhanced nutritive value through improvements of herbage quality (digestibility, carbohydrate content) is potentially capable of increasing both meat and milk production by up to 25%. However, the expense and time-consuming nature of the relevant biochemical and biophysical assays has limited breeding improvement for forage quality. The development of accurate high-throughput molecular marker-based selection systems such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) permits evaluation of genetic variation and selection of favourable variants to accelerate the production of elite new varieties

Molecular characterisation and genetic mapping of candidate genes for qualitative disease resistance in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Qualitative pathogen resistance in both dicotyledenous and monocotyledonous plants has been attributed to the action of resistance (R) genes, including those encoding nucleotide binding site – leucine rich repeat (NBS-LRR) proteins and receptor-like kinase enzymes. This study describes the large-scale isolation and characterisation of candidate R genes from perennial ryegrass. The analysis was based on the availability of an expressed sequence tag (EST) resource and a functionally-integrated bioinformatics database.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Amplification of R gene sequences was performed using template EST data and information from orthologous candidate using a degenerate consensus PCR approach. A total of 102 unique partial R genes were cloned, sequenced and functionally annotated. Analysis of motif structure and R gene phylogeny demonstrated that <it>Lolium </it>R genes cluster with putative ortholoci, and evolved from common ancestral origins. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) predicted through resequencing of amplicons from the parental genotypes of a genetic mapping family were validated, and 26 distinct R gene loci were assigned to multiple genetic maps. Clusters of largely non-related NBS-LRR genes were located at multiple distinct genomic locations and were commonly found in close proximity to previously mapped defence response (DR) genes. A comparative genomics analysis revealed the co-location of several candidate R genes with disease resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study is the most comprehensive analysis to date of qualitative disease resistance candidate genes in perennial ryegrass. SNPs identified within candidate genes provide a valuable resource for mapping in various ryegrass pair cross-derived populations and further germplasm analysis using association genetics. In parallel with the use of specific pathogen virulence races, such resources provide the means to identify gene-for-gene mechanisms for multiple host pathogen-interactions and ultimately to obtain durable field-based resistance.</p

Integration of Perennial Ryegrass (L. Perenne) Genetic Maps using Gene-Associated SNPs

The reference genetic map of perennial ryegrass was developed by the International Lolium Genome Initiative (ILGI), using the p150/112 one-way pseudo-testcross population. A selection of public domain genetic markers including RFLPs, detected by wheat, barley, oat and rice cDNA probes, and AFLPs were mapped, allowing studies of comparative relationships between perennial ryegrass and other Poaceae species. The map was enhanced through the addition of unique perennial ryegrass genomic DNA-derived SSR (LPSSR) markers, providing the basis of framework genetic mapping in other populations. In addition, a small number of RFLP loci detected by candidate genes involved in herbage quality traits were added to the map. A second-generation reference genetic mapping family was developed based on the F1(NA6 x AU6) two-way pseudo-testcross family, generating two parental genetic maps. These maps were populated by genomic SSR loci, EST-RFLP loci and EST-SSR loci (corresponding to multiple functional categories of agronomic importance). A third genetic mapping population based on an interspecific cross between perennial and annual ryegrass genotypes [F1(Andrea1246 x Lincoln1133)] generated a map based on LPSSR and EST-SSR markers. Linkage groups in the two latter maps were inferred using common LPSSR loci with the p150/112 genetic map

Genetic Analysis of the Interaction Between Perennial Ryegrass and the Fungal Endophyte \u3cem\u3eNeotyphodium Lolii\u3c/em\u3e

The fungal endophyte Neotyphodium lolii is widely distributed in perennial ryegrass pastures, especially in Australia and New Zealand. The presence of the endophyte is associated with improved tolerance to water and nutrient stress and resistance to insect pests, but is accompanied by reduced herbivore feeding. The molecular mechanisms responsible for these endophyte-related traits are in general poorly understood. Comparisons of different grass-endophyte associations show that endophyte-related traits are affected by both endophyte and host genotype, and environmental interactions