The limits of crop productivity: validating theoretical estimates and determining the factors that limit crop yields in optimal environments

Bioscience. 1992 Jul-Aug;42(7):494-502.

Abstract

Plant scientists have sought to maximize the yield of food crops since the beginning of agriculture. There are numerous reports of record food and biomass yields (per unit area) in all major crop plants, but many of the record yield reports are in error because they exceed the maximal theoretical rates of the component processes. In this article, we review the component processes that govern yield limits and describe how each process can be individually measured. This procedure has helped us validate theoretical estimates and determine what factors limit yields in optimal environments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomass*
  • Carbon Dioxide / metabolism
  • Crops, Agricultural / growth & development*
  • Crops, Agricultural / radiation effects
  • Environment, Controlled
  • Light
  • Models, Biological
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology*
  • Photons
  • Photosynthesis / physiology*
  • Photosynthesis / radiation effects
  • Time Factors
  • Triticum

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide