edited by J E Sheehy (International Rice Research Institute, The Philippines) , P L Mitchell (International Rice Research Institute, The Philippines) , & B Hardy (International Rice Research Institute, The Philippines)

Table of Contents (153k)
Foreword (137k)
Preface (190k)
Chapter 1: How the rice crop works and why it needs a new engine (733k)

Feeding Asia in the 21st century will require a second Green Revolution. However, unlike in the first generation, future yield increases will have to be grown using less water and nitrogen in a world of unfavorable climate change — this can only be done by increasing the efficiency of the photosynthetic system, i.e. developing a C₄ rice plant. If and when achieved, it would be the first nonevolutionary example of reconstructing the primary metabolism of a plant. The impact of such a scientific achievement would be undeniable, but it requires either a superb feat of genetic engineering or forced evolution.

This book describes the alternative ways of achieving C₄ photosynthesis in rice. Featuring contributions from leading experts, case studies are used to present views on how C₄ rice might be constructed and applied, along with the socioeconomic implications that it entails. Ultimately, readers will be better informed about this highly relevant and timely topic of improving rice yield in a global environment grappling with unpredictable climate change.

• Setting the Scene
• C₄ Rice from Theory to Practice
• Single-Cell C₄ Systems
• The Background and How C₄ Rice can be Delivered
• Setting Up the Consortium