Here comes the sun: How optimization of photosynthetic light reactions can boost crop yields. Issue 2 (26th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walter, Julia; Kromdijk, Johannes
• Editors: Gong, Zhizhong
• Is Part Of: Journal of integrative plant biology. Volume 64:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 564
• Page End: 591
• Publication Date: 2022-02-26
• Subjects: bioengineering -- crop improvement -- electron transfer -- light reactions -- photosynthesis -- photosystem -- stress tolerance; Plants -- Periodicals; Plants -- China -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 580.5
• DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13206
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1672-9072

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Photosynthesis started to evolve some 3.5 billion years ago CO2 is the substrate for photosynthesis and in the past 200–250 years, atmospheric levels have approximately doubled due to human industrial activities. However, this time span is not sufficient for adaptation mechanisms of photosynthesis to be evolutionarily manifested. Steep increases in human population, shortage of arable land and food, and climate change call for actions, now. Thanks to substantial research efforts and advances in the last century, basic knowledge of photosynthetic and primary metabolic processes can now be translated into strategies to optimize photosynthesis to its full potential in order to improve crop yields and food supply for the future. Many different approaches have been proposed in recent years, some of which have already proven successful in different crop species. Here, we summarize recent advances on modifications of the complex network of photosynthetic light reactions. These are the starting point of all biomass production and supply the energy equivalents necessary for downstream processes as well as the oxygen we breathe. Abstract : Improving photosynthesis is important for increasing future crop production. This review examines strategies to optimize protein complexes involved in photosynthetic light reactions in a range of plant/microalgal species; several of these strategies have been successfully transferred into crops, boosting yields and stress tolerance.