The University of Illinois has made a breakthrough in plant productivity.
Researchers point out plants protect themselves from excessive sunlight by removing light energy as heat, and reverse course during shadier conditions.
Scientists noticed that these actions take time to correct on partly sunny days as clouds block out sunlight, then move on.
Research shows that can lead to a 20 per cent loss in energy for field crops.
The university says its team has modified the sunlight uptake systems in tobacco plants.
Early results show a 15 per cent increase in biomass for those plants in natural field conditions.
The university feels the discovery is important to help produce enough food for Earth's expanding population.
