This month, the new independent Jan Ingenhousz Institute has opened in Wageningen. Here, plant scientists are working on improving the photosynthesis of crops. This is important, because if plants convert just a small amount more sunlight into sugars, it can have positive effects on food production.

“This sensor should primarily measure sunlight, temperature, and humidity — so, photosynthesis,” explains Tom Theeuwen from Wageningen University. “We want to measure how the plant deals with different conditions: rapid changes in sunlight, temperature, and all kinds of environmental factors. Those conditions are constantly changing, and plants respond differently to that within the photosynthesis process.”

Read the full article 'Hier wordt het grote geheim achter fotosynthese ontrafeld' (in Dutch)