Increasing crop yield through manipulation of photosynthetic carbon metabolism

Over the last decade evidence has accumulated demonstrating that improving photosynthesis through genetic manipulation can contribute to increasing yields of our crop plants.

This seminar will focus on how manipulation of the photosynthetic carbon assimilation and associated processes can increase photosynthesis and plant biomass.

Professor Raines will present data on some successes to date which will show that in both greenhouse and field conditions yield can be increased by as much as 40%. She will also discuss some of the approaches we are taking and the need for a holistic approach in order to create robust high yielding germplasm for global benefit.

Speaker

Since joining the school of life sciences at the University of Essex in 1988, Prof. Christine Raines has become a global leader in plant molecular biology, and has been a pioneer in the transgenic manipulation of photosynthesis.

Work in the Raines’ lab has demonstrated that photosynthetic capacity and yield are increased in transgenic tobacco plants over expressing components of the Calvin cycle, and these findings have formed an important part of the multinational endeavour to engineer photosynthesis to ensure future crop productivity.

How to attend

This seminar is being held in person in STEM 3.1 (STEM Centre on Square 2, Colchester campus).

If you have any queries about this seminar please email Dr Amanda Cavanagh (a.cavanagh@essex.ac.uk).