The big picture: using wildflower strips for pest control
They may be beautiful, but these strips prove pretty deadly for every farmer's mortal enemy: aphids
News
New ideas for improving photosynthesis in agricultural environments
Field trials show that applying T6P as a foliar spray can increase photosynthesis by adjusting the balance between supply (photosynthetic sugar production) and demand (growth processes requiring sugars).
For decades, boosting photosynthesis in crops has been viewed as a scientific holy grail. Yet photosynthesis does not operate in isolation: it is tightly interwoven with environmental factors—light, CO₂, soil nitrogen, and water—as well as the plant’s own internal regulatory networks. These complex interactions mean that improving photosynthesis in real-world agricultural settings requires a holistic, systems-level approach rather than a single, linear solution.
A new review article on 'Improving photosynthesis in agricultural conditions' by researchers from Rothamsted Research and CIMMYT is being featured in 30th Anniversary issue of Trends in Plant Science celebrating “Big concepts – shaping the future of plant science”. One promising avenue highlighted in the review is the role of trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P), a key signalling molecule that coordinates how sugars produced during photosynthesis are used for growth and yield. Rothamsted’s work on T6P has revealed that aligning sugar production with sugar utilisation—particularly during critical stages such as wheat grain filling—may unlock significant gains in photosynthetic efficiency.
Field trials show that applying T6P as a foliar spray can increase photosynthesis by adjusting the balance between supply (photosynthetic sugar production) and demand (growth processes requiring sugars). By stimulating sugar utilisation into starch during grain filling, T6P effectively creates additional metabolic demand. In response, the plant’s flag leaves increase their photosynthetic activity, supplying more sugar to the developing grain.
This work carried out under the UKRI BBSRC International Institutional Partnership (IIP) award suggest that the capacity for enhanced photosynthesis already exists within elite wheat varieties. “The challenge now is to unlock that potential and the endogenous regulatory mechanisms currently holding photosynthesis back” said Dr Matthew Paul, Senior Plant Scientist at Rothamsted. “Creating more demand with T6P is one way to do this.”
Looking ahead, technologies that help crops overcome these internal constraints—whether through T6P-based treatments or targeted genetic approaches—could play a crucial role in raising global agricultural yields.
Publication
Contacts
Dr Matthew Paul
Plant Scientist
Dr Cara Griffiths
Molecular Biologist - Biochemist
ABOUT ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH
Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking
discoveries in areas as diverse as crop management, statistical interpretation and soil health. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern
agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative approach to developing innovative farm practice.
Through independent research, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally, with
economic impact estimated to exceed £3 bn in annual contribution to the UK economy. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines strategic research,
interdisciplinary teams and multiple partnerships.
Rothamsted is home to three unique National Bioscience Research Infrastructures which are open to researchers from all over the world:
The Long-Term Experiments,
Rothamsted Insect Survey and the
North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and
international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).
ABOUT BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid
from the UK government.
BBSRC invests to push back the frontiers of biology and deliver a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future. Through our investments, we build and support a vibrant,
dynamic and inclusive community which delivers ground-breaking discoveries and develops bio-based solutions that contribute to tackling global challenges,
such as sustainable food production, climate change, and healthy ageing.
As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), we not only play a pivotal role in fostering connections that enable the UK’s world-class research and innovation system
to flourish – we also have a responsibility to enable the creation of a research culture that is diverse, resilient, and engaged.
BBSRC proudly forges interdisciplinary collaborations where excellent bioscience has a fundamental role. We pioneer approaches that enhance the equality, diversity,
and inclusion of talent by investing in people, infrastructure, technologies, and partnerships on a global scale.
ABOUT LAT
The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.