A step forward to building an algal pyrenoid in higher plants

To mitigate the influence of future climates on the productive yields of key food crops such as wheat and rice, plant bioengineers are currently focused on improving the efficiency of photosynthesis. Numerous modelling efforts have demonstrated the potential gains in crop yield that could be achieved through manipulating photosynthesis and to ultimately provide farmers with the next green revolution and restore annual increases in crop yield (reviewed in Sharwood, 2017). Research programmes exist worldwide to improve photosynthesis, from the capture and dissipation of solar energy (Kromdijk et al., 2016) through to increasing the flux through the CalvinBensonBassham (Calvin) cycle (Sharwood, 2017). Improving flux through the Calvin cycle is aimed at increasing carbohydrate production, which is a requisite for maintenance of plant growth, improvements in plant biomass and ultimately increased yield potential