Description:
Background:
This is a novel method for genetic engineering of Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) in plants. CAM is
a specialized form of photosynthesis that reduces relative crop water demand five-to-six fold compared with non-CAM
plant species. This adaptation saves water by shifting atmospheric CO2 uptake from the day, when the plant loses a high
amount of water, to night when transpirational water losses are much reduced, resulting in greater water-use efficiency
and improved drought tolerance. This nocturnal CO2 uptake can also improve the overall carbon budget of the plant
resulting in improved growth. These innovations are critical as there is a great need to increase global food production and
improved plant drought tolerance in the face of global climate change.
Technology:
See linked poster for detailed description: https://goo.gl/Y6MHfs
Advantages:
- Improved drought tolerance in plants
- Reduced relative water demand
- Greater water-use efficiency
- Improved CO2 capture and plant growth
Publications:
UNR15-016
