A groundbreaking study published in The Plant Cell on April 24, 2025, has uncovered natural genetic variations in maize that significantly affect photosynthesis efficiency—especially under the cooler conditions of temperate climates. The research is part of the European project CAPITALISE, which aims to enhance photosynthetic capacity in crops like maize, barley, and tomato by exploring natural genetic diversity.

 Fine-Tuning Photosynthesis: A New Frontier in Crop Science
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight to produce the nutrients they need to grow. Improving this process could lead to substantial gains in crop productivity. The study, conducted by teams from the University of Cambridge, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa, and the University of Essex, shows that photosynthesis is far more variable within plant species than previously thought.

By focusing on the CP24 gene, researchers discovered it plays a central role in regulating how maize responds to dynamic light conditions—crucial for field-grown crops. Maize varieties with lower expression of this gene, especially those adapted to shorter growing seasons in temperate climates, showed reduced photosynthetic performance.

We’re now finding natural variation in photosynthetic traits in tomato, barley and, in this case, maize, said Dr. Johannes Kromdijk, senior author from the University of Cambridge. Photosynthetic efficiency is an area ripe for exploration.

 Implications for Food Security and Climate Adaptation
As climate patterns shift and global food demand grows, even modest gains in photosynthetic efficiency can have dramatic effects. In northern Europe and the UK—regions seeing rapid increases in maize cultivation—these findings offer a non-GMO pathway to improving crop yields and resilience.

Large-scale field trials, including 640 test plots near Cambridge, confirmed that variations in CP24 and other light-regulatory genes directly affect photosynthesis under real agricultural conditions.

 Connecting to Epigenetics: Beyond the Genetic Code
This research not only sheds light on genetic variation but also opens the door to epigenetic exploration—how gene expression is regulated without changing the DNA sequence itself. Understanding how environmental conditions and developmental stages affect the regulation of photosynthetic genes (like CP24) is essential for next-generation breeding strategies.

Future research in this area may uncover epigenetic markers that influence photosynthesis, offering even more precise tools for crop improvement.

Next Steps: Toward High-Yielding Hybrids
The team is now exploring how these genetic insights translate to hybrid maize, which is commonly grown in the field. If successful, this could lead to commercial varieties with superior performance in less-than-ideal climates.

Source: https://www.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/news/study-uncovers-new-genetic-factors-behind-photosynthesis-maize