One sentence summary – Scientists and researchers are exploring innovative ways to enhance crop productivity in response to global food shortages, with initiatives like the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) project and Wild Bioscience making progress in genetically modifying plants to improve their photosynthetic capabilities, although challenges and uncertainties remain.
At a glance
- Nearly 30% of the global population faced food shortages in 2022
- Over 10% of people worldwide experienced severe food insecurity
- Scientists and researchers are exploring innovative ways to enhance crop productivity
- The Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) project and Wild Bioscience are making progress in genetically modifying plants to improve photosynthetic capabilities
- RIPE project aims to increase crop yields through genetic modification and focuses on enhancing plants’ response to changes in light levels
The details
Nearly 30% of the global population faced food shortages in 2022, according to a recent study.
Over 10% of people worldwide experienced severe food insecurity.
Innovative Approaches to Enhance Crop Productivity
In response to this global challenge, scientists and researchers are exploring innovative ways to enhance crop productivity.
One such initiative is the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) project.
Another key player in this field is Wild Bioscience, an Oxford University spinout company.
Both organizations are making significant progress in genetically modifying plants to improve their photosynthetic capabilities.
Challenges in Crop Yield Improvement
Maize yields have tripled over the last century.
However, this increase in maize yield has been accompanied by increased water usage.
In crops like wheat and soybeans, conversion efficiency of photosynthesis has shown little improvement in decades.
The RIPE Project: Enhancing Photosynthetic Capabilities
The RIPE project aims to enhance plants’ photosynthetic capabilities through genetic modification.
The ultimate goal of the RIPE project is to increase crop yields.
RIPE utilizes powerful computers to create a digital twin of the photosynthesis process.
This digital twin enables the identification of areas for improvement in the photosynthesis process.
Modification of the photosynthesis mechanism in soybean plants has resulted in yield improvements of over 20% in controlled environments.
The RIPE project primarily focuses on enhancing plants’ response to changes in light levels.
Changes in light levels are a crucial factor in photosynthesis.
Wild Bioscience: Activating Genes for Improved Photosynthesis
Wild Bioscience is researching the activation of genes found in wild plants.
The goal of this research is to increase the proportion of each leaf that can photosynthesize.
Both RIPE and Wild Bioscience employ gene editing techniques.
These techniques are used to activate or deactivate specific genes, enhancing photosynthesis and overall plant performance.
The UK government has relaxed regulations on gene-edited crops.
In contrast, the European Union maintains stricter rules on gene-edited crops.
Some campaigners oppose the introduction of gene-edited crops.
These campaigners express concerns regarding unproven science diverting attention from proven solutions.
Researchers at Imperial College London are investigating the possibility of engineering plants to perform photosynthesis using lower-energy far-red light.
Scientists caution that increased photosynthetic ability could lead to smaller leaves.
Increased photosynthetic ability could also potentially lead to increased water loss.
The potential impact of gene editing on crop yields in different regions and varieties remains uncertain.
Combinations of gene editing and other genetic modification techniques are being explored.
These synergistic approaches aim to achieve even greater improvements in crop yields.
Researchers worldwide are actively engaged in efforts to enhance crop yields through advancements in photosynthesis research.
Initiatives like the RIPE project and the work of organizations such as Wild Bioscience are utilizing gene editing and other techniques to improve plants’ ability to photosynthesize and increase productivity.
While challenges and uncertainties remain, these innovative approaches offer promising solutions to address food insecurity and meet the growing global demand for sustenance.
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| bbc.co.uk |
|---|
| – Nearly 30% of people worldwide experienced food shortages in 2022, with over 10% facing severe food insecurity. |
| – Maize yields have tripled in the past century, but water usage has also increased. |
| – Photosynthesis conversion efficiency in crops like wheat and soybeans has not significantly improved in decades. |
| – |
| The Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (Ripe) project aims to genetically modify plants to enhance their ability to photosynthesize and increase yields. |
| – Ripe has used powerful computers to create a digital twin of the photosynthesis process and identify ways to improve it. |
| – Changes to the photosynthesis mechanism in soybean plants have resulted in yield improvements of over 20% in controlled environments. – |
| The Ripe project focuses on improving plants’ response to changes in light levels. – Wild Bioscience, a spinout from Oxford University, is working on increasing the proportion of each leaf that can photosynthesize by activating genes found in wild plants. |
| – Gene editing is being used by both Ripe and Wild Bioscience to switch genes on and off and improve photosynthesis. – |
| The UK government has relaxed regulations on gene-edited crops, while the European Union has stricter rules. |
| – Some campaigners are against the introduction of gene-edited crops, considering it unproven science diverting attention from proven solutions. |
| – Researchers at Imperial College London are investigating whether plants can be engineered to photosynthesize using lower-energy far-red light. |
| – Scientists caution that increasing photosynthetic ability could result in smaller leaves and increased water loss. – |
| The potential impact of gene editing on crop yields in different regions and varieties is still uncertain. – Different techniques, such as gene editing and genetic modification, could be combined to achieve greater improvements in crop yields. |
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