The Busch Lab aims to advance our mechanistic understanding of photosynthesis by integrating experimental and theoretical approaches. Our research focuses on the biochemical and physiological processes that govern carbon fixation, with the goal of predicting how plants respond to environmental changes. By uncovering these fundamental mechanisms, we contribute to strategies for improving plant productivity and resilience in a changing climate.

What We Do:

At the Busch Lab, we combine advanced physiological techniques with mathematical modelling to study the key factors limiting photosynthesis. Our research involves gas exchange measurements to quantify CO₂ uptake and water loss, online isotopic composition analysis of CO₂ and vapour to track carbon fluxes in real-time, and the calculation of mesophyll conductance to determine how efficiently CO₂ moves through leaf tissues. We also investigate photosynthetic limitations at the biochemical, anatomical, and environmental levels, alongside respiration dynamics, to better understand how plants balance carbon gain and loss. By integrating these methods, we provide a comprehensive picture of photosynthetic performance and its implications for plant adaptation and productivity.