Food security

Wheat was grown in an office in Australia and monitored to learn more about differences between individual plants in rates of photosynthetic efficiency.

Speedier wheat could feed more people, research suggests

  • by Trina Kleist
  • February 28, 2022

If wheat leaves could shift gears faster between moments of shade and light, plants could make more grain, increasing the capacity of a plot of ground to feed people.

Researchers are seeking the genes that control how quickly wheat leaves gear up when hit by flecks of sunlight. They are fueled by evidence of a stronger link between photosynthesis and crop yield than scientists have thought, said Assistant Professor Tom Buckley of the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences.

Professor Gail Taylor, Plant Sciences, UC Davis, speaks to policy-makers and others at UC Center Sacramento about climate change impacts on agriculture. (photo UC Center Sacramento)

Plant Adaptation and California’s Changing Environment

  • by Ann Filmer
  • November 08, 2019
Gail Taylor, professor and department chair, spoke to a packed meeting at UC Center Sacramento on “Plant Adaptation to Climate Change in California,” focusing on potential climate change impacts on agriculture. The center educates future policy-makers and leaders in the craft of politics and policy-making.
photo of vegetables

Making the Case for Fruits and Vegetables

  • by Ann Filmer
  • March 08, 2019
The importance of eating fruits and vegetables is making headlines again, with studies on nutrition security, nutrient consumption, and a global diet with increased consumption of fruits and vegetables to meet healthy diet goals.
Class participants

Plant Breeding Academy Addresses Global Food Needs

  • by Ann Filmer
  • March 04, 2019
To address the global shortage of plant breeders and enable future food security, the UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy offers a professional development certificate program in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Subscribe to Food security Content