Plants modified to boost photosynthesis produce greater yields, study shows

Trial shows GM techniques can be used to increase efficiency of photosynthesis, a finding which could help meet the global demand for food

Genetically modified (GM) plants designed to use light more efficiently produced a 20% greater yield in a study that could have significant implications for global food supplies.

The field trial, which used tobacco plants, is the first to show that GM techniques can be used to boost the basic efficiency of photosynthesis, potentially offering substantial gains across almost all food crops in the future. Until now many scientists had doubted this would be possible.