About this Research Topic

Background

Photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy, is essential for life on Earth. However, climate change poses significant threats to photosynthetic efficiency in crops. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and elevated CO2 levels can disrupt the intricate balance of photosynthesis, leading to reduced yields and nutritional quality. Understanding how these environmental factors impact crop photosynthesis is crucial for developing strategies to ensure food security in a changing climate. Research in this area focuses on investigating the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying plant responses to climate stress. Scientists study how temperature affects enzyme activity, CO2 uptake, and water use efficiency. They also explore the role of genetic variation in conferring tolerance to climate-induced stress. By elucidating the complex interactions between crops and their environment, researchers aim to identify breeding targets and develop agricultural practices that can mitigate the negative effects of climate change on crop production.

The primary goal of this Research Topic is to address the pressing challenge of ensuring the sustainability of crop production in the face of climate change. By focusing on photosynthetic performance, we aim to: Advance our understanding of the physiological and biochemical mechanisms that underpin crop responses to climate-induced stress, such as rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and elevated CO2 levels. This knowledge will enable us to identify the specific vulnerabilities of different crop species and genotypes. Develop innovative strategies to enhance photosynthetic efficiency and resilience in crops, this may involve exploring genetic diversity, optimizing agricultural practices, or utilizing biotechnology to improve crop tolerance to heat stress, water scarcity, and other climate-related challenges. Promote the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices that can mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on crop production. This includes strategies such as agroforestry, precision agriculture, and the use of climate-smart varieties. Recent advances in the field of plant physiology and genomics have provided valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying crop responses to climate change. By building upon this existing knowledge, we can develop targeted solutions to ensure the continued productivity of agricultural systems in a warming world.

This article collection welcomes original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that contribute to our understanding of photosynthetic performance and climate change in crops. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

- Physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying crop responses to climate stress
- Genetic variation and breeding for climate-tolerant crop genotypes
- Agronomic practices and management strategies to enhance photosynthetic efficiency
- Modeling and simulation studies of crop photosynthesis under changing climate conditions
- The impact of climate change on crop quality and nutritional value
-Emerging technologies for improving crop photosynthesis and resilience

Authors are encouraged to submit manuscripts that address the broader implications of their research for food security and sustainable agriculture in a changing climate. Interdisciplinary contributions from plant scientists, agronomists, ecologists, and other relevant fields are particularly welcome.

Please note that while this Research Topic explores agronomic practices and management strategies to enhance photosynthetic efficiency, submissions focused solely on large-scale field studies of photosynthesis may fall outside the scope of this section, which prioritizes mechanistic and physiological research.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: photosynthesis, climate change, crop performance

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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