Evolution of C4 photosynthetic pathway provides clues for developing drought-tolerant crops

摘要

Some grasses, such as corn and sugarcane, have evolved a C4 photosynthetic pathway that's more efficient in hot, arid conditions. A new grass family tree reveals how this mode of photosynthesis came to be. The results may support the development of more drought-tolerant grains, say scientists working at the US National Evolutionary Synthesis Center. From the grasslands of North America, to the pampas of South America, to the steppes of Eurasia and the savannas of the tropics, the grass family contains more than 10,000 species, including the world's three most important crops: wheat, rice and corn. Grasses are source for sugar, liquor, bread, and livestock fodder.