The following is an excerpt: Cornell researchers have taken a
leap toward meeting those needs by discovering a gene that could
lead to new varieties of staple crops with 50 percent higher
yields. The gene, called Scarecrow, is the first discovered to
control a special leaf structure, known as Kranz anatomy, which
leads to more efficient photosynthesis. Plants photosynthesize
using one of two methods: C3, a less efficient, ancient method
found in most plants, including wheat and rice; and C4, a more
efficient adaptation employed by grasses, maize, sorghum and
sugarcane that is better suited to drought, intense sunlight,
heat and low nitrogen. View the original article here:
Scientists discover genetic key to efficient crops – Phys.Org