Beltsville, MD - A new study by the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has demonstrated a significant improvement in biomass and yield in Solanum lycopersicum (tomato plants) through the integration of a synthetic photorespiration pathway. This research represents a major advancement in agricultural biotechnology, with implications for global food security and sustainable crop production.
The research, conducted by a team of plant scientists, focused on overcoming the inefficiencies of photorespiration-a process that occurs in plants when the enzyme Rubisco reacts with oxygen instead of carbon dioxide. Photorespiration can lead to substantial energy loss and reduced crop productivity. By engineering a synthetic pathway, researchers successfully rerouted the photorespiration process, minimizing energy loss and enhancing overall plant efficiency. Improving the efficiency of photosynthesis and photorespiration to increase crop yields can help address growing world food needs.
Experimental trials showed a notable increase in biomass accumulation and fruit yield in genetically modified tomato plants expressing the synthetic pathway. The results suggest that this innovation could have far-reaching applications, not only for tomatoes but also for other key crops affected by photorespiration, such as wheat, rice, and soybeans.
The study highlights the potential for synthetic biology to address agricultural challenges by optimizing plant metabolic processes. The findings could pave the way for more resilient and high-yielding crops, which are essential to meet the demands of a growing global population amidst climate change and resource constraints.
Researchers emphasize the importance of continued exploration of such technologies to enhance crop performance while ensuring environmental sustainability. Future studies will focus on scaling the technology and assessing its applicability across diverse agricultural environments.
This achievement underscores the evolutionary power of innovative science in addressing some of the most pressing issues in agriculture and food production. The synthetic photorespiration pathway represents a critical step toward more efficient and productive farming systems.
Dr. Stommel is a Research Leader for the Genetic Improvement of Fruits and Vegetables Laboratory at the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Beltsville, MD. He has devoted much of his 30-year career at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to breeding and releasing unique pepper varieties for both the kitchen and the garden
The full article can be found on the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science electronic journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS05448-24
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community-scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
