Danforth Center Secures $5.7M DOE Grant to Enhance Sorghum Photosynthesis Research

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a $5.7 million grant to the Danforth Plant Science Center, led by Dr. Ru Zhang, to enhance sorghum's photosynthesis amid environmental stressors. This five-year project will investigate the interactions between mesophyll and bundle sheath cells and aims to improve productivity in sorghum, a key bioenergy crop, with potential benefits for other crops like maize and sugarcane. Field experiments are set to take place in St. Charles, Missouri, involving collaboration with various institutions.

Published Mar 20, 2026

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a $5.7 million grant for a project led by Dr. Ru Zhang at the Danforth Plant Science Center to enhance sorghum's photosynthesis.

AI-curated by Theia

The five-year initiative aims to understand how sorghum, a vital bioenergy feedstock, loses productivity under heat, drought, and variable light. Research will focus on the coordination between mesophyll and bundle sheath cells during photosynthesis, particularly under stress.

Collaborators include experts from various institutions, and field experiments will take place in St. Charles, Missouri. Findings are expected to benefit the improvement of other crops such as maize and sugarcane.