What biomimetic approaches can you use to improve crop yields?

1 Photosynthesis enhancement

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy and produce oxygen and sugars. It is essential for plant growth and crop productivity, but it is also limited by several factors, such as temperature, water availability, and carbon dioxide concentration. Bioengineers can use biomimetic approaches to improve photosynthesis efficiency and overcome these limitations. For example, they can mimic the light-harvesting mechanisms of algae and bacteria, which can adjust their pigments and antenna systems to optimize light capture and energy transfer. They can also mimic the carbon-concentrating mechanisms of some plants, such as C4 and CAM plants, which can increase the carbon dioxide supply and reduce the oxygen interference in the photosynthetic reactions.

2 Drought tolerance

Drought is one of the major threats to global food security, as it reduces crop yields and quality, and increases the risk of pests and diseases. Bioengineers can use biomimetic approaches to enhance the drought tolerance of crops and help them survive and thrive in water-scarce conditions. For example, they can mimic the water-saving strategies of desert plants, such as succulents and cacti, which can store water in their tissues, reduce water loss through their stomata, and perform photosynthesis at night. They can also mimic the water-harvesting strategies of plants and animals that can collect water from fog, dew, or rain, such as the Namib desert beetle, which has a bumpy shell that condenses water droplets and channels them to its mouth.

3 Pest resistance

Pests are another major challenge for crop production, as they can cause significant damage and losses, and reduce the quality and safety of food. Bioengineers can use biomimetic approaches to increase the pest resistance of crops and reduce the need for harmful pesticides. For example, they can mimic the chemical defenses of plants that can produce secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, terpenes, and phenolics, that can deter, repel, or poison pests. They can also mimic the physical defenses of plants and animals that can prevent or reduce pest attacks, such as the spines, hairs, waxes, or scales that can create a barrier or a deterrent effect.

4 Nutrient uptake

Nutrient uptake is another key factor that affects crop yields and quality, as it determines the growth and development of plants and their ability to cope with stress. Bioengineers can use biomimetic approaches to improve the nutrient uptake of crops and optimize their use of fertilizers. For example, they can mimic the symbiotic relationships of plants and microorganisms, such as the rhizobia bacteria that can fix nitrogen for legumes, or the mycorrhizal fungi that can enhance the phosphorus uptake for many plants. They can also mimic the root architectures and functions of plants that can adapt to different soil conditions and access different nutrient sources, such as the deep roots of some trees that can reach the water table, or the lateral roots of some grasses that can spread horizontally and increase the soil contact.

5 Pollination efficiency

Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male to the female part of a flower, which is essential for the reproduction and genetic diversity of many crops. However, pollination is also threatened by the decline of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and birds, due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticides. Bioengineers can use biomimetic approaches to improve the pollination efficiency of crops and ensure their fruit and seed production. For example, they can mimic the floral traits and signals of plants that can attract and reward pollinators, such as the color, shape, scent, or nectar of flowers. They can also mimic the pollination mechanisms and behaviors of animals that can transfer pollen effectively and reliably, such as the buzz pollination of some bees that can vibrate the anthers and release the pollen, or the nectar-robbing of some birds that can create holes and expose the stigma and anthers.

6 Post-harvest quality

Post-harvest quality is the final factor that determines the value and safety of crops, as it affects their appearance, texture, flavor, nutrition, and shelf life. Bioengineers can use biomimetic approaches to improve the post-harvest quality of crops and reduce the waste and losses. For example, they can mimic the ripening and senescence processes of fruits and vegetables, which are regulated by hormones, enzymes, and genes, and control their ethylene production and perception, or their respiration and transpiration rates. They can also mimic the protective and preservative features of plants and animals that can prevent or delay the deterioration and decay of crops, such as the wax coating of some fruits that can reduce water loss and microbial infection, or the antimicrobial peptides of some insects that can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.