Overview
Background
Dr Barbara George-Jaeggli is a Senior Research Fellow at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation. She has a Master of Science degree in Biology from ETH in Zürich and a PhD in Crop Physiology from UQ. The main objective of her research is to improve the profitability and sustainability of dry-land agriculture by increasing cereal crop productivity per unit input. Dr George-Jaeggli is part of a multi-disciplinary sorghum crop improvement group based at the Hermitage Research Facility in Warwick who have assembled extensive genotyping and phenotyping resources. Sorghum is valued for its high productivity under hot and dry conditions and is an important summer grain in the broad-acre cropping regions of north-eastern Australia and a staple food crop for millions of people in Sub-Saharan Africa. Dr George-Jaeggli’s team uses sorghum as a model to study the genetics and physiology of complex cereal traits, such as drought adaptation, canopy radiation use efficiency, photosynthetic capacity and yield. They have developed tools to measure these traits across thousands of field-grown breeders’ plots using proximal sensing platforms. Barbara George-Jaeggli is currently also the Centre Leader of Hermitage Research Facility.
Availability
- Dr Barbara George-Jaeggli is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Masters (Coursework), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zürich
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Improving photosynthetic capacity to push through the yield ceiling
Cereal yields have previously mainly been improved through an increase in harvest index (the ratio of grain to total biomass of a plant). This relationship is approaching a biological limit and further improvements in yield will have to come from increasing the overall growth efficiency of crops, e.g. through improving photosynthesis. Sorghum is a perfect model to study genes that are involved in photosynthetic capacity as it has a relatively simple (and sequenced) genome, but the crop is very diverse. Dr George-Jaeggli is involved in a large research effort combining high-throughput phenotyping methods (including proximal and remote sensing and imaging technologies on mobile platforms and UAVs) and genomics to find genes involved in increased photosynthetic capacity. This work forms part of the efforts of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Translational Photosynthesis to lift crop yields of major food crops to alleviate food shortages.
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Maximising grain yields through optimised agronomy
Thanks to public and private investment in genetics, growers in Australia have access to sorghum, maize and wheat hybrids with great yield potential. Dr George-Jaeggli is part of a team of researchers in Queensland and Northern New South Wales who combine on-farm agronomy trials and crop modelling to provide growers with the tools to match hybrids with optimum agronomic practices for their particular environments to ensure they are reaping the benefits of the improved genetics.
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Increased cereal yields in water-limited environments
The dry-land cereal grain production systems of north-eastern Australia are often affected by water limitation, especially towards the end of the growing season when sub-soil moisture stores run out. Dr George-Jaeggli has been combining molecular genetics, genomics and crop physiological experimentation to dissect complex traits such as stay-green and plant height that are beneficial for yield in water-limited environments.
Research impacts
Dr George-Jaeggli's work contributes to the development of new cereal cultivars with greater yield potential, especially in water-limited environments. She has significantly contributed to the unravelling of the mechanisms behind the stay-green trait in sorghum. This knowledge helps to drought-proof crops in Queensland and around the globe and contributes to food security.
Works
Search Professor Barbara George-Jaeggli’s works on UQ eSpace
2018
Conference Publication
Variation in Leaf Vein Density (LVD) in sorghum: leaf anatomy and C4 photosynthesis
Fraija, Juan, George-Jaeggli, Barbara and Borrell, Andrew (2018). Variation in Leaf Vein Density (LVD) in sorghum: leaf anatomy and C4 photosynthesis. ARC Centre of Excellence in Translational Photosynthesis Annual Conference, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia, 29-30 May 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
An integrated sensing approach to map the genetic loci associated with canopy radiation use efficiency in sorghum
George-Jaeggli, Barbara, Watson, James and Potgieter, Andries (2018). An integrated sensing approach to map the genetic loci associated with canopy radiation use efficiency in sorghum. 5th International Plant Phenotyping Symposium, Adelaide, Australia, 2-5 October 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
Trial results - Tactical agronomy for sorghum and maize and agronomy for high yielding sorghum and wheat in the northern region
George-Jaeggli, Barbara, Potgieter, Andries, James, Watson, Chapman, Scott, Zheng, Bangyou, Eldridge, Mark, Laws, Kenneth, Mace, Emma, Hunt, Colleen, Hathorn, Adrian, Borrell, Andrew, Hammer, Graeme and Jordan, David (2018). Trial results - Tactical agronomy for sorghum and maize and agronomy for high yielding sorghum and wheat in the northern region. 2nd Asia-Pacific Plant Phenotyping Conference, Nanjing, China, 23- 25 March 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
Field phenotyping of sorghum breeding trials through proximal sensing technologies
Potgieter, Andries, Watson, James, Eldridge, Mark, Laws, Kenneth, George-Jaeggli, Barbara, Hunt, Colleen, Chapman, Scott, Jordan, David and Hammer, Graeme (2018). Field phenotyping of sorghum breeding trials through proximal sensing technologies. Sorghum in the 21st Century, Cape Town, South Africa, 9-12 April 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
Variation in Leaf Vein Density (LVD) in sorghum: leaf anatomy and C4 photosynthesis
Borrell, Andrew, Fraija, Juan, Wang, Rui, Hunt, Colleen, Mace, Emma, Jordan, David and George-Jaeggli, Barbara (2018). Variation in Leaf Vein Density (LVD) in sorghum: leaf anatomy and C4 photosynthesis. Variation in Leaf Vein Density (LVD) in sorghum: leaf anatomy and C4 photosynthesis, Redcliffe, QLD, Australia, 17-18 July 2018.
2018
Book Chapter
Visible, near infrared, and thermal spectral radiance on-board UAVs for high-throughput phenotyping of plant breeding trials
Chapman, Scott C., Zheng, Bangyou, Potgieter, Andries B., Guo, Wei, Baret, Frederic, Liu, Shouyang, Madec, Simon, Solan, Benoit, George-Jaeggli, Barbara, Hammer, Graeme L. and Jordan, David R. (2018). Visible, near infrared, and thermal spectral radiance on-board UAVs for high-throughput phenotyping of plant breeding trials. Biophysical and biochemical characterization and plant species studies. (pp. 275-299) edited by Prasad S. Thenkabail, John G. Lyon and Alfredo Huete. Boca Raton, FL, United States: CRC Press. doi: 10.1201/9780429431180-10
2018
Conference Publication
Determining crop growth dynamics in sorghum breeding trials through remote and proximal sensing technologies
Potgieter, Andries B., Watson, James, Eldridge, Mark, Laws, Kenneth, George-Jaeggli, Barbara, Hunt, Colleen, Borrell, Andrew, Mace, Emma, Chapman, Scott C., Jordan, David R. and Hammer, Graeme L. (2018). Determining crop growth dynamics in sorghum breeding trials through remote and proximal sensing technologies. 38th IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS), Valencia, Spain, Jul 22-27, 2018. NEW YORK: IEEE. doi: 10.1109/IGARSS.2018.8519296
2018
Conference Publication
An integrated sensing platform to map the genetic loci associated with canopy radiation use efficiency in sorghum
George-Jaeggli, Barbara, Watson, James and Potgieter, Andries (2018). An integrated sensing platform to map the genetic loci associated with canopy radiation use efficiency in sorghum. Combio, Sydney, Australia, 23-26 September 2018.
2017
Conference Publication
Understanding the importance of matching sorghum hybrids and agronomy to site and seasonal conditions
Clarke, Simon J., McLean, James, George-Jaeggli, Barbara, Eyre, Joseph and Rodriguez, Daniel (2017). Understanding the importance of matching sorghum hybrids and agronomy to site and seasonal conditions. 18th Australian Society of Agronomy Conference, Ballarat, VIC Australia, 24-28 September 2017. Australian Society of Agronomy.
2017
Conference Publication
High-throughput phenotyping and genotyping of variation in photosynthesis traits for increased crop yields
George-Jaeggli, Barbara, Potgieter, Andries, Chapman, Scott, Laws, Kenneth, Watson, James, Eldridge, Mark, van Oosterom, Erik, Geetika, Geetika, Mace, Emma, Hathorn, Adrian, Hunt, Collen, Borrell, Andrew, von Caemmerer, Susanne, Hammer, Graeme and Jordan, David (2017). High-throughput phenotyping and genotyping of variation in photosynthesis traits for increased crop yields. Chloroplast Metabolism and Photosynthesis Symposium, Neuchâtel, Switzerland, 26-28 July 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Genotypic differences in transpiration efficiency in sorghum mainly linked to variation in transpiration rate
Geetika, Geetika, van Oosterom, Erik, George-Jaeggli, Barbara and Hammer, Graeme (2017). Genotypic differences in transpiration efficiency in sorghum mainly linked to variation in transpiration rate. Interdrought V, Hyderabad, India, 21-25 February 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Field phenotyping for photosynthetic traits in sorghum
George-Jaeggli, Barbara, Potgieter, Andries, Chapman, Scott, Watson, James, Eldridge, Mark, Laws, Ken, George, Peter, Borrell, Andrew, Hammer, Graeme and Jordan, David (2017). Field phenotyping for photosynthetic traits in sorghum. TropAg2017, Convention and exhibition centre, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 20-22 November 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Adapting cereals to drought: genetic and management solutions
Borrell, A. K., George-Jaeggli, B., van Oosterom, E. J., Mace, E. S., Jordan, D. R., Kassahun, B., Matiwos, T., Vadez, V., Talwar, H., Christopher, J. T., Chenu, K., Richard, C., Robinson, H., Hickey, L., Nagothu, S. U. and Hammer, G. L. (2017). Adapting cereals to drought: genetic and management solutions. TropAg2017, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 20-22 November 2017. Trop Ag.
2017
Conference Publication
Constitutive genotypic differences in transpiration rates are a major cause for variation in transpiration efficiency in sorghum
Geetika, Geetika, van Oosterom, Erik, George-Jaeggli, Barbara, Deifel, Kurt, McLean, Gregory and Hammer, Graeme (2017). Constitutive genotypic differences in transpiration rates are a major cause for variation in transpiration efficiency in sorghum. TropAg2017, Brisbane, Australia, 20-22 November 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Field phenotyping for photosynthetic traits in sorghum.Taking cover: an assessment of the performance of narrowband and wideband spectral sensors for estimating sorghum cover
Watson, James, Potgieter, Andrew, Laws, Ken, George-Jaeggli, Barbara, Eldridge, Mark, Hammer, Graeme and Jordan, David (2017). Field phenotyping for photosynthetic traits in sorghum.Taking cover: an assessment of the performance of narrowband and wideband spectral sensors for estimating sorghum cover. TropAg2017, Brisbane, Australia, 20-22 November 2017.
2016
Conference Publication
Stay-green enhances lodging resistance under terminal water deficit in sorghum
Borrell, Andrew, George-Jaeggli, Barbara, Cruickshank, Alan and Jordan, David (2016). Stay-green enhances lodging resistance under terminal water deficit in sorghum. Australian Summer Grains Conference, RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast, 7- 9 March 2016.
2016
Conference Publication
Updating the crop simulation model APSIM to predict yields of more specifically-adapted sorghum hybrids
Brider, Jason, George-Jaeggli, Barbara, Broad, Ian, Eyre, Joseph, McLean, Greg, McLean, James, Skerman, Andrew and Rodriguez, Daniel (2016). Updating the crop simulation model APSIM to predict yields of more specifically-adapted sorghum hybrids. Australian Summer Grains Conference, Gold Coast, Australia, 7-9 March 2016.
2016
Conference Publication
Field phenotyping of sorghum breeding plots through proximal sensing
Potgieter, Andries, Watson, James, Jordan, David, Hammer, Graeme, Chapman, Scott, Laws, Kenneth, McLean, Greg, Barbara George-Jaeggli, Holland, Edward and Eldridge, Mark (2016). Field phenotyping of sorghum breeding plots through proximal sensing. 5th International Controlled Environment Conference (AusPheno 2016), ANU, 18-23 September, 2016.
2015
Conference Publication
High yielding wheat in the northern region: impact of nitrogen fertilisation on grain yield and quality in modern cultivars
Ferrante, Ariel, Eyre, Joseph, George-Jaeggli, Barbara, McLean, James, Chenu, Karine, deVoil, Peter, McLean, Greg and Rodriguez, Daniel (2015). High yielding wheat in the northern region: impact of nitrogen fertilisation on grain yield and quality in modern cultivars. Australian Agronomy Conference, Hobart, TAS, Australia, 21-24 September 2015. Warragul, VIC, Australia: Australian Society of Agronomy.
2015
Conference Publication
Maize yield determination in the Northern Region: hybrid by environment by management interactions
Ferrante, Ariel, Eyre, Joe, George-Jaeggli, Barbara, McLean, James, Chenu, Karine, deVoil, Peter, McLean, Greg and Rodriguez, Daniel (2015). Maize yield determination in the Northern Region: hybrid by environment by management interactions. Australian Agronomy Conference, Hobart, TAS, Australia, 21-24 September 2015. Warragul, VIC, Australia: Australian Society of Agronomy.
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Barbara George-Jaeggli is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Insights into the associations between functional above ground plant traits and root function for drought adaptation in sorghum.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor David Jordan, Dr Samir Alahmad, Dr Dongxue Zhao, Associate Professor Andries Potgieter
Completed supervision
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Hyperspectral sensing methods and genome-wide association studies to improve photosynthetic capacity in sorghum
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Graeme Hammer, Dr Alex Wu, Associate Professor Andries Potgieter
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2017
Master Philosophy
Role of Leaf Photosynthesis and Stomatal Conductance in determining the Genotypic Variation in Whole-Plant Transpiration Efficiency (TE) in Sorghum
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Graeme Hammer, Dr Erik Van Oosterom
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Barbara George-Jaeggli directly for media enquiries about:
- agriculture
- agronomy
- crop physiology
- crops
- drought
- dry-land agriculture
- field experimentation
- food security
- hermitage research facility
- Photosynthesis
- plant science
- queensland
- regional
- remote sensing
- rural
- science
- sorghum
- STEMM
- sustainable food production
- water limitation
- wheat
- women in agriculture
- women in science
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