Can altered sugar sensing improve crop productivity? This project aims at genetically manipulating sugar sensing pathways in the model C4 grass Setaria viridis, and at replacing sugar sensors in the model C3 crop Oryza sativa (rice) with those from S. viridis. This project expects to elucidate the impact of altered sugar perception on crop photosynthesis and yield. Expected outcomes includes advancing a novel “pull” approach to improve yield in C3 crops by using C4-like sugar sensors to reduce f ....Can altered sugar sensing improve crop productivity? This project aims at genetically manipulating sugar sensing pathways in the model C4 grass Setaria viridis, and at replacing sugar sensors in the model C3 crop Oryza sativa (rice) with those from S. viridis. This project expects to elucidate the impact of altered sugar perception on crop photosynthesis and yield. Expected outcomes includes advancing a novel “pull” approach to improve yield in C3 crops by using C4-like sugar sensors to reduce feedback regulation of photosynthesis which in turn limits productivity. This is in contrast to previous ‘push’ approaches aimed at directly increasing photosynthesis. Hence, this project provides significant benefits by contributing to the next green revolution needed to lift agricultural yields.Read moreRead less
Enhancing and manipulating C4 photosynthesis. To meet the challenge of increasing crop yield for a burgeoning world population, it has become apparent that photosynthetic capacity must be increased per unit leaf area to improve yield potential. Plants with the C4 photosynthetic pathway are major contributors to world food production and bioenergy supply. The aim of this study is to explore ways of enhancing C4 photosynthesis using directed molecular modifications of Setaria viridis, the model mo ....Enhancing and manipulating C4 photosynthesis. To meet the challenge of increasing crop yield for a burgeoning world population, it has become apparent that photosynthetic capacity must be increased per unit leaf area to improve yield potential. Plants with the C4 photosynthetic pathway are major contributors to world food production and bioenergy supply. The aim of this study is to explore ways of enhancing C4 photosynthesis using directed molecular modifications of Setaria viridis, the model monocot C4 species, and through high throughput fluorescence imaging of photosynthesis in Setaria italica accessions. This will provide new insights into rate limiting steps of C4 photosynthesis needed for C4 crop improvement.Read moreRead less
Transport systems that underpin nitrogen efficient maize. This project aims to define the nitrogen transport network involved in the uptake, storage and redistribution of inorganic nitrogen (nitrate and ammonium) over the developmental life cycle of maize. This information will provide novel insight into the genetic control of nitrogen use in maize and other cereal crops.
A signalling pathway for future crop improvement. This project aims to decipher a mechanism that controls plant gas exchange – the process that emits oxygen, loses water, absorbs carbon dioxide and is essential for plant growth for food, fibre and fuel production. When plants encounter stressful conditions such as drought, high temperatures or flooding, they adapt their physiology to maintain viability and re-establish growth. This project will manipulate stress-induced gamma-aminobutyric acid’s ....A signalling pathway for future crop improvement. This project aims to decipher a mechanism that controls plant gas exchange – the process that emits oxygen, loses water, absorbs carbon dioxide and is essential for plant growth for food, fibre and fuel production. When plants encounter stressful conditions such as drought, high temperatures or flooding, they adapt their physiology to maintain viability and re-establish growth. This project will manipulate stress-induced gamma-aminobutyric acid’s capacity to control plant gas exchange to help secure future food production, through improving crop tolerance to stresses such as low water availability and high temperatures – conditions associated with a changing Australian climate.Read moreRead less