Science AMA Series: I’m Christine Raines, a Professor of Plant Molecular
Physiology at the University of Essex. I do research on increasing the
efficiency of photosynthesis in wheat. AMA!
Abstract
Hi reddit! In order to feed a growing population, estimates suggest that
world food production must increase by 70% by 2050. Wheat is a major
crop grown worldwide and increasing its yields provides an opportunity
to meet this demand. My colleagues and I at the University of Essex have
worked closely with researchers at Lancaster University and Rothamsted
Research to increase wheat yields by improving the efficiency of
photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into biomass. We’ve done
this by increasing the expression of an enzyme in the photosynthetic
process. We will soon begin field trails at Rothamsted to evaluate the
performance of the GM wheat in real world conditions. I’m part of the
Sense about Science Plant Science Panel, an online group of over 50
independent plant science researchers. You can ask them any questions to
do with plants, food or the environment on Twitter (@senseaboutsci
#plantsci) Facebook or via the website. Answers are sent back within a
couple of days and posted online. The Panel has answered close to 400
questions over the last three years and it’s a great way to cut through
the noise around what can often be very polarised debates. I’ll be back
at noon EST to answer your questions, AMA!