Improving the Photosynthetic Efficiency and Productivity of Cowpea in Sub Saharan Africa: A Review

Recent studies have found compelling evidence that enhancing photosynthetic mechanisms through genetic engineering can increase crop yield potential. This paper focuses on cowpea productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa, its importance, factors limiting photosynthetic potential, and techniques towards boosting cowpea photosynthetic efficiency. High light intensity, low temperature, low CO2 environment, and water scarcity have all been identified as key limiting factors for crop photosynthetic efficiency. Deactivation of Rubisco functioning in shade has also been noted to reduce cowpea photosynthetic potential. However, recent successes have been observed through genetic manipulation of photosynthesis traits so as to improve photosynthetic efficiency and yield under control conditions with considerable increase in yield from 14 to 40%. Thus, improving photosynthesis has the potential to increase crop productivity.