Potential for enhanced photosynthetic efficiency to increase yield potential in C_3 crops by the addition of C_4 photosynthetic pathways

摘要

Predicted increases in food demands, competition for water and increasing use of agricultural products for biofuels require a major increase in the yield potential of crops.Increased photosynthetic efficiency through the introduction of the C_4 photosynthetic pathway is one mechanism by which this can be achieved. This paper outlines the potential for increased photosynthesis to increase yield potential, then describes a recently funded project to introduce C_4 photosynthesis into rice.