The RIPE project pursues its mission through eight research objectives (sometimes referred to as “pipelines") that represent discrete and additive opportunities to improve the photosynthetic process at all levels to increase the yield of staple food crops (cassava, cowpea, maize, soybeans, and rice) sustainably.
Identify
We simulate photosynthesis in silico from gene to canopy to discover opportunities that could improve photosynthesis and boost yield.
Improve
Next we explore each opportunity to increase photosynthetic efficiency by engineering a model crop, which enables us to make modifications with precision and speed.
- Relaxing Photoprotection
- Photorespiratory Bypass
- RuBP Regeneration
- Improving Rubisco
- Optimizing Canopies
- Stomatal & Mesophyll Conductance
Translate
Finally, we transform our target food crops with the successful modifications to boost the yield of cowpea, cassava, rice, and soybeans.