Photosynthetic improvement of wheat plants

Publication date: 27/06/2017
Extent: 12 pages

Contributions by: Martin A. J. Parry, João Paulo Pennacchi, Luis Robledo-Arratia and Elizabete Carmo- Silva, Lancaster University, UK; and Luis Robledo-Arratia , University of Cambridge, UK

Chapter synopsis: The light-driven assimilation of CO2 in photosynthesis is the primary determinant of the biomass of wheat. The current theoretical maximum efficiency of photosynthesis in wheat is 4.6%, but in practice it rarely exceeds 2% and averages less than 1% in the field (Zhu et al. 2008). Improving this conversion efficiency represents a key opportunity to not only increase yield, but also to decrease the demand for land and increase the efficiency with which other resources are used. This chapter reviews some of the key factors determining photosynthetic performance and explores the options for improving the photosynthetic capacity and efficiency of wheat by selecting for a range of important traits.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2016.0004.07