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Carbon assimilation in crops at high temperatures
Rebecca A Slattery1, Donald R Ort1,2
1Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|May 3, 2019
Summary
Global warming threatens crop productivity by increasing temperatures and heat waves, inhibiting plant photosynthesis. Research reviews adaptation strategies to improve crop yields under these changing climate conditions.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Physiology
- Climate Change Biology
Background:
- Global temperatures are rising, impacting agricultural regions worldwide.
- Increased temperatures and heat waves pose significant risks to crop productivity.
- High temperatures can reduce photosynthetic carbon gain in crop plants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on temperature effects on crop photosynthesis.
- To assess field studies using crop canopy heating and other climate variables.
- To discuss biochemical limitations and adaptation strategies for crop photosynthesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of temperature effects on photosynthesis in key crops.
- Analysis of field studies employing crop canopy heating technology.
- Examination of biochemical reactions limiting carbon fixation under warming.
Main Results:
- High temperatures inhibit photosynthetic carbon gain, threatening crop productivity.
- Warming effects interact with other climate change factors.
- Adaptation strategies show promise for improving yields.
Conclusions:
- Understanding temperature impacts on photosynthesis is crucial for food security.
- Advancements in adaptation strategies are ready for testing in major food crops.
- Translating improved photosynthesis into higher yields is a key goal.
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