Crop Improvement

This is an image of rows of legume crops in pots, outside, with equipment suspended above them.

A. Whitebread (ICRISTAT)

Scientists at this research station in India are experimenting with plants to understand how crops respond to higher carbon dioxide levels. Plants use carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, but studies suggest that too much carbon dioxide can actually decrease plant growth and make food crops less nutritious. The scientists are working to produce plants that are adapted to higher carbon dioxide levels and a changing climate so that we will be able to grow enough food.