Can We Hack Photosynthesis to Feed the World? | Steve Long | TED

Summary

The transcript discusses the rising global issue of food insufficiency, especially in poorer countries, and explores how enhancing photosynthesis could provide a solution. The speaker highlights efforts to boost crop yields by improving the efficiency of photosynthesis, using a 'digital twin' model to optimize genetic changes. They explain specific innovations, such as increasing the protein SBPase and improving leaf adaptation to light fluctuations, that have resulted in yield increases. The speaker also describes collaborations with experts and ongoing projects aimed at combining photosynthetic improvements with insect-resistant crops to support vulnerable farmers, ensuring higher yields and environmental sustainability.

Takeaways

• 😀 Food insufficiency is a growing global issue, with one in 10 people affected, particularly in poorer countries of Africa and Asia.
• 😀 Photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and sunlight into food and oxygen, has immense potential for boosting food production.
• 😀 Despite being the most studied plant process, photosynthesis is only operating at about 20% of its potential efficiency in current crops.
• 😀 Genetic improvements in crops have typically focused on a few genes, but photosynthesis involves over 100 steps, each requiring different proteins and genes.
• 😀 Improving photosynthesis is complex, akin to optimizing a car production line, with many variables affecting the outcome.
• 😀 Researchers created a digital twin of photosynthesis, allowing them to model and optimize the process to increase efficiency and crop yields.
• 😀 The team faced initial setbacks in integrating their model, but with the help of an expert from another field, they succeeded in optimizing photosynthesis.
• 😀 Three different genetic modifications have successfully increased photosynthetic efficiency, leading to a 20%+ increase in crop yields in trials.
• 😀 Increasing the abundance of the SBPase protein in leaves boosted photosynthesis and crop yields, with even greater benefits expected under future higher carbon dioxide conditions.
• 😀 Enhancing light adaptation in crops allowed for faster adjustments to fluctuating light, resulting in higher yields, particularly in soybeans.
• 😀 The combination of photosynthetic improvements and insect-resistant crops, like genetically modified cowpea, can offer higher yields and more sustainable food sources, especially in regions like West Africa.

Q & A

What is the current state of food insufficiency globally?

Currently, nearly one in 10 people globally are food insufficient, and this number has been rising each year since 2014. It is expected to worsen over the next two to three decades, especially in poorer countries of Africa and Asia.

Why is photosynthesis important in addressing food insufficiency?

Photosynthesis is crucial because it allows plants to convert carbon dioxide into food while releasing oxygen. By improving the efficiency of photosynthesis, we can increase crop yields, which can help address food insufficiency.

What is the efficiency of current photosynthesis processes in crops?

Despite being the most studied plant process, current crop photosynthesis is only about 20% as efficient as its potential. This low efficiency limits the amount of food produced from available crops.

How have genetic improvements in plants traditionally worked?

Traditional genetic improvements in plants have often focused on a few genes, such as those that shorten the stems of rice and wheat, allowing more of the plant's biomass to go into the grain. This was central to the Green Revolution.

Why is improving photosynthesis more challenging than other plant genetic modifications?

Improving photosynthesis is more difficult because it involves over 100 steps, each requiring a different protein and many genes. This complexity makes it harder to optimize compared to simpler genetic changes like those in the Green Revolution.

How did the research team approach optimizing photosynthesis?

The team created a digital twin of the photosynthesis process, which described each reaction using differential equations. They used numerical integration to optimize the process and identify areas where improvements could be made.

What challenge did the researchers face when optimizing the photosynthesis model?

The initial attempt to numerically integrate the system failed. However, a scientist from another field shared insights that helped the team overcome the issue and successfully integrate and optimize the system.

What were the results of the changes made to photosynthesis?

The researchers successfully increased crop yields by over 20% through three different modifications to photosynthesis. One change involved increasing the amount of a protein called SBPase, which boosted photosynthesis and crop yield.

Why did increasing SBPase protein lead to higher yields?

Increasing the SBPase protein led to higher yields because it boosted photosynthesis. The protein was found to be beneficial, especially considering future increases in carbon dioxide concentrations, which were not accounted for in the crops' evolutionary development.

How did the digital twin model help address light fluctuations in crops?

The digital twin model helped identify proteins that could be regulated to improve how crops adapt to fluctuating light levels. This led to faster photosynthesis adjustments, which resulted in more than a 20% increase in seed yield in soybean crops.

What is the ongoing work with cowpea in West Africa?

The team is working with plant biotechnologist TJ Higgins on genetically modified cowpea, which is resistant to insect pests. This crop is important for West Africa, where it serves as a key protein source. The team is combining photosynthetic improvements with insect resistance to increase yields for farmers in Nigeria and Ghana.

How does boosting photosynthesis contribute to environmental protection?

Boosting photosynthesis can protect the environment by increasing food production without the need to clear more land for agriculture. Additionally, it may help in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to mitigating climate change.