Plants that Soak Up Sun More Quickly Could Improve Crop Yields (IMAGE)

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Plants that Soak Up Sun More Quickly Could Improve Crop Yields

Caption

Caption: kromdjik3HR.jpg By boosting the expression of three genes, scientists have improved how quickly a plant responds to changes in available light. When shade follows bright sun, the modified tobacco plant shuts down protective mechanisms more quickly, increasing its photosynthetic efficiency and increasing plant growth by about 15 percent.

Credit

Julie McMahon

Usage Restrictions

Please cite the owner of the material when publishing. This material may be freely used by reporters as part of news coverage, with proper attribution. Non-reporters must contact <i>Science</i> for permission.

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.