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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
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Wissenschaft
The research collaboration “TaCoCass” (Photosynthetic Efficiency in Cassava through Implementation of a Carbon-Positive Photorespiration Bypass) is investigating how the crop plant cassava captures and uses light energy for efficient photosynthesis. TaCoCass is funded by Gates Agricultural Innovations (Gates Ag One). Partners are Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU), the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg, the Jan IngenHousz Institute in Wageningen (Netherlands), Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) (both Nigeria).
The cassava plant (Manihot esculenta) originates from South America. However, tapioca – which is extracted from its starchy root tubers – now plays a key role in diet in tropical countries, providing important nutritional energy for more than 500 million people, according to the Agricultural Research Council of South Africa. Cassava thrives in poor soils and can withstand irregular rainfall. Global cassava production exceeded 334 million tonnes in 2019, with Africa accounting for over 60% of the total volume, according to IITA.
Many crop plants, such as wheat, rice and cassava, exhibit high rates of photorespiration. This natural process limits growth and reduces yield by consuming carbon and energy while releasing toxic ammonia. The TaCoCass project aims to develop an artificial metabolic pathway known as TaCo further to improve the efficiency of photosynthesis in cassava. Developed at the Max Planck Institute in Marburg, the TaCo pathway modifies natural photorespiration, in which carbon is lost, via a process in which additional carbon is gained.
Researchers want to investigate how this metabolic pathway behaves in cassava varieties grown by smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. The results could inform future work on a variety of crop plants and in regions affected by water and heat stress.
Professor Dr Andreas Weber from the Institute of Plant Biochemistry at HHU is leading the research work in Düsseldorf and coordinating the overall project: “This project gives us the opportunity to test an idea that has not yet been explored in cassava. Even minor insights into how cassava can use sunlight and carbon more efficiently would be valuable for the entire field of plant sciences.”
Professor Dr Tobias Erb, Director at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, adds: “In Marburg, we have been working for some time on improving CO₂ uptake in photosynthesis using synthetic biology. This project gives us a unique opportunity to test our developments in crop plants to boost their growth.”
“At Gates Ag One, we invest in scientific research that expands the toolkit for improving crop plants,” says Dr Brigitte Weston, Director of Product Development at Gates Ag One. “TaCoCass complements our ongoing work in the areas of photosynthesis, metabolism and nutrient utilisation by exploring a new concept, which could enhance crop yield and resilience.”
TaCoCass also complements other Gates Ag One research projects, including those focusing on photosynthetic efficiency, the transport of organic compounds in plants and nutrient utilisation. Together, these projects are helping to expand the scientific foundation for long-term crop plant improvement.
Gates Agricultural Innovations (Gates Ag One)
This is a non-profit organisation that advances breakthrough agricultural research to meet the urgent and neglected needs of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Gates Ag One advocates for smallholder farmers who are most affected by the climate crisis, yet lack access to the latest agricultural innovations. The organisation works to level the playing field and empower smallholder farmers to improve their agricultural productivity, food security and climate resilience.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Weber
Group image of TaCoCass project representatives in Nigeria. Project lead Professor Dr Andreas Weber ...
Copyright: HHU / Andreas Weber
Cassava leaves in close-up (left) and cassava plants with root tubers in Nigeria (right).
Copyright: FAU/Wolfgang Zierer (left); HHU/Andreas Weber (right))
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