John Sheehy: Increasing Rice Yield 50% with C4 Photosynthesis
Channel: International Rice Research Institute
Date: 2013-04-06

John Sheehy, former head, Applied Photosynthesis and Systems Modeling Laboratory (1995-2009) at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI; http://irri.org), discusses IRRI's C4 rice project in the attempt to increase rice yield by 50%. This interview was conducted on 26 March 2013.

C4 rice is the ultimate goal of rice scientists' attempt to supercharge photosynthesis—the process by which a plant uses sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce carbohydrates—in rice so that it yields more grain. Rice, a C3 plant, uses these resources far less efficiently than C4 plants (e.g., maize) do. A C4 rice plant would use less water and fertilizer and produce at least 50% more grain.

For more about John Sheehy see:  2009 Pioneer Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h5-qlb-XPc