Coordination of carbon assimilation, allocation, and utilization for systemic improvement of cereal yield

Abstract

The growth of yield outputs is dwindling after the first green revolution, which cannot meet the demand for the projected population increase by the mid-century, especially with the constant threat from extreme climates. Cereal yield requires carbon (C) assimilation in the source for subsequent allocation and utilization in the sink. However, whether the source or sink limits yield improvement, a crucial question for strategic orientation in future breeding and cultivation, is still under debate. To narrow the knowledge gap and capture the progress, we focus on maize, rice, and wheat by briefly reviewing recent advances in yield improvement by modulation of i) leaf photosynthesis; ii) primary C allocation, phloem loading, and unloading; iii) C utilization and grain storage; and iv) systemic sugar signals (e.g., trehalose 6-phosphate). We highlight strategies for optimizing C allocation and utilization to coordinate the source–sink relationships and promote yields. Finally, based on the understanding of these physiological mechanisms, we envisage a future scenery of “smart crop” consisting of flexible coordination of plant C economy, with the goal of yield improvement and resilience in the field population of cereals crops.

Organ removal of maize increases peanut canopy photosynthetic capacity, dry matter accumulation, and yield in maize/peanut intercropping

“…As a C4 crop, maize features efficient photosynthetic production and high yield potential ( Edwards et al., 2001 ; Zhao et al., 2013 ). Further improvement of maize yield depends on improving source-sink balance ( Shekoofa et al., 2013 ; Liang et al., 2023 ). For maize, leaves in the middle of the canopy provide more photosynthetic products to grain than other leaves ( Liu et al., 2015 ).…”

The link between changing in host carbon allocation and resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae : a possible tactic for mitigating the rice blast fungus

“…Moreover, rice varieties that promote advantageous root-microbe interactions can be chosen through breeding to improve root-microbe interactions and affect the rhizosphere’s carbon allocation. 95 , 99 , 100 Include characteristics linked to stronger mycorrhizal ties or other symbiotic connections that enhance resistance to disease in the host plant. Rice plants can also dynamically modify their carbon distribution in response to pathogenic threats through the introduction of traits linked to environmental sensing and response mechanisms.…”

“… 12 , 13 Furthermore, cross-breeding initiatives that combine effective carbon allocation patterns with disease-resistant traits are also needed. 95 , 100 Hybridization methods can be used to select better combinations of resistance and carbon metabolism-related traits, as well as to introduce genetic diversity. The proactive and sustainable management of rice blast disease involves the monitoring of host carbon sources and the incorporation of this knowledge into breeding programs.…”

From acidity to sweetness: a comprehensive review of carbon accumulation in grape berries

“…In addition to changes in plasmodesmatal density and permeability, it involves various enzymes of sugar metabolism, sugar transporter proteins and transcriptional regulators (Lecourieux et al 2014 ; Durán-Soria et al 2020 ; Li et al 2021 ; Zenoni et al 2023 ). Although this topic has been revised several times, significant and recent progress makes it useful to update it (Zhou et al 2023 ; Liang et al 2023 ). The present review highlights the challenges faced and future prospects, aiming to provide reference for in-depth studies into carbon accumulation in grape berries and thereby accelerate the breeding of high-quality grapes.…”