Can altered sugar sensing improve crop productivity?

本项目旨在通过基因操纵C4模式草绿尾草（Setaria viridis）的糖传感途径，并用绿尾草（S. viridis）的糖传感器取代C3模式作物水稻（Oryza sativa）的糖传感器。该项目旨在阐明糖感知改变对作物光合作用和产量的影响。预期的结果包括推进一种新的“拉动”方法，通过使用类似c4的糖传感器来减少光合作用的反馈调节，从而提高C3作物的产量，而光合作用反过来又限制了产量。这与之前旨在直接增加光合作用的“推动”方法形成对比。因此，该项目通过促进提高农业产量所需的下一次绿色革命，提供了显著的效益。

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.