Journal of Energy Bioscience 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 337-348 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 341 3.5 Genetic diversity in potato germplasm for photosynthesis traits The analysis of genetic diversity of photosynthetic related traits in potato germplasm resources is an important foundation for improving photosynthetic efficiency. Research has shown that there is significant natural variation in the temperature response characteristics and catalytic efficiency of Rubisco enzyme among different genotypes of potatoes (Galmés et al., 2019). This variation provides a genetic basis for screening materials with excellent photosynthetic characteristics through traditional hybrid breeding. Meanwhile, in-depth analysis of the genetic mechanisms of these traits can guide the development of precision breeding strategies and provide molecular targets for targeted gene editing (Hussain et al., 2021). At the technical application level, the gene editing system based on CRISPR-Cas9 and the cross species transfer of key genes in the C4/CAM pathway provide new ideas for breaking through the limitations of C3 plant photosynthetic efficiency. By combining molecular marker assisted selection (MAS) and QTL mapping techniques, efficient screening of complex traits related to photosynthesis can be achieved. These technological advancements, combined with abundant potato germplasm resources, have laid a theoretical and practical foundation for cultivating new varieties with high photosynthetic efficiency and environmental adaptability. 4 Agronomic Practices to Improve Photosynthetic Efficiency 4.1 Optimized nutrient management (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus application) The improvement of photosynthetic efficiency in potatoes is closely related to nutrient management strategies, among which nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are key macronutrients, and their supply patterns directly affect chloroplast development and photosynthetic enzyme activity. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer application not only poses a risk of environmental pollution, but also causes resource waste, therefore improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) has become a research focus. Through multi omics joint analysis, multiple key gene loci regulating nitrogen assimilation (such as GS/GOGAT cycle) and transport (such as NRT gene family) have been identified, providing targets for molecular marker assisted breeding (Tiwari et al., 2018; Tiwari et al., 2020). At the practical level of agronomy, the precise regulation strategy of combining slow-release nitrogen fertilizer with staged fertilization can significantly improve the nitrogen supply dynamics throughout the entire growth period of potatoes. Research has shown that phased nutrient supply based on crop fertilizer requirements can maintain the continuous synthesis of photosynthetic active substances in leaves, resulting in a 15% to 20% increase in net photosynthetic rate (Koch et al., 2019; Shrestha et al., 2023). This "genetic agronomic" collaborative optimization model provides theoretical basis and technical support for achieving a resource efficient potato production system. 4.2 Impact of irrigation strategies on photosynthetic capacity Irrigation regulation strategy is a key agronomic measure to maintain the photosynthetic physiological activity of potatoes. The appropriate soil moisture condition directly regulates CO ₂ assimilation efficiency by affecting stomatal conductance and mesophyll conductance. Research has shown that root zone hypoxia caused by excessive irrigation can inhibit mitochondrial respiration and ATP synthesis, thereby reducing the rate of photosynthetic electron transfer; The use of deficit irrigation (reducing water by 10%~30% compared to full irrigation) can induce crops to produce osmoregulatory substances, significantly improving water use efficiency while maintaining net photosynthetic rate (Shrestha et al., 2023). A more precise water fertilizer collaborative management technology - drip irrigation fertilization system, achieves spatiotemporal matching between crop demand and resource supply by synchronously supplying water and mineral nutrients (such as nitrogen). This technology not only increases the nitrogen content of leaves (directly affecting Rubisco enzyme activity), but also optimizes the source sink allocation of photosynthetic products, resulting in synchronous improvement of yield and water productivity (Li et al., 2021). This precise irrigation mode based on crop physiological needs provides a reliable solution for high-yield and efficient cultivation of potatoes in arid areas. 4.3 Use of intercropping and canopy management for light optimization Intercropping system and canopy regulation technology are important agronomic measures to improve the light energy utilization efficiency of potatoes. Studies have shown that the intercropping pattern of potatoes and
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