Surveying the possible pathways to C4 rice
2007
Mitchell, P.L., Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10, 2TN, UK | Sheehy, J.E., Crop and Environmental Sciences Division, International Rice Research Institute, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
The conference on Supercharging the Rice Engine, held at the International Rice Research Institute in July 2006, discussed various ways of constructing C4 rice, given its desirability for substantially increasing rice yields along with better use of water and nitrogen. It was agreed to set up a consortium to stimulate and coordinate research to produce C4 rice. The organization of the consortium, stages of work, proof of concept, and the need to sustained funding are outlined. The two main pathways to C4 rice are with Kranz anatomy, as in maize, or as a single-cell system. The features of each system are summarized, as currently understood, and questions for research are identified. Both pathways deserve attention and research on each will benefit the other; there is no clear single route to success at present. Other possibilities for improving photosynthesis are mentioned but only C4 rice brings the whole package of high productivity plus better use of resources that is necessary to help alleviate hunger and poverty in countries dependent on rice.
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