Photosynthesis across African cassava germplasm is limited by Rubisco and mesophyll conductance at steady state, but by stomatal conductance in fluctuating light.

ABSTRACT: Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to see a 55% increase in food demand by 2035, where cassava (Manihot esculenta) is the most widely planted crop and a major calorie source. Yet, cassava yield in this region has not increased significantly for 13 yr. Improvement of genetic yield potential, the basis of the first Green Revolution, could be realized by improving photosynthetic efficiency. First, the factors limiting photosynthesis and their genetic variability within extant germplasm must be understood. Biochemical and diffusive limitations to leaf photosynthetic CO₂ uptake under steady state and fluctuating light in 13 farm-preferred and high-yielding African cultivars were analyzed. A cassava leaf metabolic model was developed to quantify the value of overcoming limitations to lea

SUBMITTER: De Souza AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7065220 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature