Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light into chemical energy, playing a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth by supporting the global food chain and carbon cycle. Understanding and enhancing photosynthesis is of utmost importance for improving crop yields, developing bioenergy sources, and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Historically, photosynthesis research has been limited by the complexity of biological processes and the difficulty of capturing high-dimensional, time-series data related to plant performance.

However, recent advancements in machine learning (ML) have created new opportunities for uncovering hidden patterns in biological data and improving our capacity to model and optimize photosynthetic processes. Machine learning techniques—particularly deep learning, reinforcement learning, and neural networks—have demonstrated significant potential in predicting and enhancing photosynthesis. These models can analyze large-scale, high-dimensional datasets generated by modern sensors, satellite imagery, genomics, and environmental data. ML algorithms can predict how plants will respond to varying environmental conditions, such as changes in light, temperature, and CO₂ concentrations, which significantly affect photosynthetic rates.

ML is also being applied to model the complex biochemical pathways involved in photosynthesis, including light capture, carbon fixation, and electron transport, through in silico simulations. This capability allows researchers to identify inefficiencies in natural photosynthetic pathways and suggest genetic or metabolic modifications to enhance the process. The predictive power of ML enables the design of crops that are adaptable to diverse and changing climates, potentially increasing resilience to drought, extreme temperatures, and other climate change-related stressors.

This research topic aims to explore the intersection of machine learning and photosynthesis by showcasing how ML can advance our understanding of this vital process. We will discuss the current state of research, ongoing challenges, and potential future directions for applying ML to improve photosynthesis for agriculture, bioenergy, and climate resilience. Despite its promise, integrating ML into photosynthesis research comes with challenges. The complexity and multi-scale nature of the photosynthesis process require the integration of vast amounts of data into models, and their interpretation remains difficult. Additionally, data quality, model generalization, and biological unpredictability are significant issues that need to be addressed for practical applications.

To further explore the role of ML in photosynthesis research, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Assessing plant performance under different abiotic and biotic stress factors using ML
- Genomics and bioinformatics analyses
- Precise phenotyping
- ML for sustainable crop development
- Challenges and limitations of ML in photosynthesis research

Submit your idea

Impact

Frontiers in Plant Physiology

Submit your idea

Impact