Leveraging photosynthetic efficiency toward improving crop yields

ABSTRACT

Increasing photosynthetic efficiency is important in improving plant productivity. Photosynthetic efficiency is still not exploited to its fullest potential for maximizing carbon capture. The purpose of this review is to discuss the factors that affect photosynthetic efficiency and explore diverse routes to enhance photosynthetic efficiency, which would pave the way for future researches for harnessing yield benefits. In this review, we first discuss general details about photosynthesis, association of photosynthetic pigment to key plant traits, factors involved in regulation of photosynthetic metabolism, strategies for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency, and benefits of increased carbon assimilation through manipulation of photosynthetic efficiency. We then expounded on how optimized photosynthesis can improve crop yield, and enhance efficiency of plant system to cope with abiotic constraints. Finally, we discuss epigenetic regulation of photosynthetic components for yield enhancement, and the way forward.

KEYWORDS:

• Chlorophyll synthesis
• climate-resilient agriculture
• epigenetic mechanisms
• missing link
• photosynthetic efficiency
• yield improvement