Researchers make game-changing breakthrough that could solve billion-dollar problem for agriculture industry: 'Maximum impact'
Researchers have found a way to improve crop yields by addressing photorespiration. This metabolic process, which occurs alongside photosynthesis, can reduce crop productivity by up to 36%.
Researchers from the University of Groningen and Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf are developing novel disruptive technologies that could help overcome the issue as part of the GAIN4CROPS project. According to INSociety, inefficiencies in photorespiration cost the agriculture industry billions of dollars in productivity losses each year.
"Our work shows that overcoming photorespiration through engineered pathways can provide a dual benefit: increasing carbon fixation while reducing energy losses," said professor Matthias Heinemann from the University of Groningen.
"This has significant implications for the development of crops that are not only more productive but also better adapted to the changing climate and growing global food demands," Heinemann continued.
In the study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers used several mathematical models to look at 12 pathways to improve photorespiration. They categorized the pathways based on their ability to fix carbon, which converts inorganic carbon dioxide into organic compounds such as sugar.
Their findings revealed that carbon-fixing alternative pathways were most promising, boosting carbon export — the loss of carbon in an agricultural system — by around 20%. Another pathway called TaCo showed potential to improve yields.
Environmental factors, including light intensity and carbon dioxide availability, impacted the effectiveness of these pathways.
The findings will help researchers genetically engineer crops with reduced photorespiration losses. They plan to further optimize the pathways and apply them to crops with the highest potential for enhanced yields. These advancements will play a critical role in bolstering food security and adaptations to the changing climate.
"With the ability to more rationally engineer alternative photorespiratory pathways into suitable crops and identify their optimal growing conditions, our work will hopefully contribute to realizing the maximum impact of alternative photorespiratory pathways for improving crop yields," said professor Andreas Weber, coordinator of the GAIN4CROPS project.
Since agriculture is a significant contributor to global pollution, accounting for around 21% to 30% of heat-trapping gas emissions, having a more efficient system that can improve yields will reduce the impact on the environment. This will also benefit humans by improving air quality and providing more food for a growing population.
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Researchers make game-changing breakthrough that could solve billion-dollar problem for agriculture industry: 'Maximum impact'
Researchers have found a way to improve crop yields by addressing photorespiration. This metabolic process, which occurs alongside photosynthesis, can reduce crop productivity by up to 36%. Researchers from the University of Groningen and Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf are developing novel disruptive technologies that could help overcome the issue as part of the GAIN4CROPS project. According to INSociety, inefficiencies in photorespiration cost the agriculture industry billions of dollars in productivity losses each year. "Our work shows that overcoming photorespiration through engineered pathways can provide a dual benefit: increasing carbon fixation while reducing energy losses," said professor Matthias Heinemann from the University of Groningen. "This has significant implications for the development of crops that are not only more productive but also better adapted to the changing climate and growing global food demands," Heinemann continued. In the study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers used several mathematical models to look at 12 pathways to improve photorespiration. They categorized the pathways based on their ability to fix carbon, which converts inorganic carbon dioxide into organic compounds such as sugar. Their findings revealed that carbon-fixing alternative pathways were most promising, boosting carbon export — the loss of carbon in an agricultural system — by around 20%. Another pathway called TaCo showed potential to improve yields. Environmental factors, including light intensity and carbon dioxide availability, impacted the effectiveness of these pathways. The findings will help researchers genetically engineer crops with reduced photorespiration losses. They plan to further optimize the pathways and apply them to crops with the highest potential for enhanced yields. These advancements will play a critical role in bolstering food security and adaptations to the changing climate. "With the ability to more rationally engineer alternative photorespiratory pathways into suitable crops and identify their optimal growing conditions, our work will hopefully contribute to realizing the maximum impact of alternative photorespiratory pathways for improving crop yields," said professor Andreas Weber, coordinator of the GAIN4CROPS project. Since agriculture is a significant contributor to global pollution, accounting for around 21% to 30% of heat-trapping gas emissions, having a more efficient system that can improve yields will reduce the impact on the environment. This will also benefit humans by improving air quality and providing more food for a growing population. What's the biggest factor stopping you from investing in solar panels? The cost The technology I'm a renter I'm already invested Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
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In addition, the team measured the length of the birds' telomeres, the DNA that sits on the ends of chromosomes and protects those chromosomes from damage. While scientists are still trying to understand exactly what different telomere lengths might mean for health and fitness, some previous studies in birds have found evidence that shortened telomeres were associated with lower survival. [ Related: I ] The researchers on this new paper found that younger forests had less frass, indicating fewer insects, than the older forests. The great tit nestlings in the younger forests tended to have higher stress levels than nestlings in the older growth forests—and nestlings from those younger forests had, on average, shorter telomeres than nestlings from the old-growth forests. These results, collectively, may tell a story. 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