Human health is dependent on a plentiful and nutritious supply of food, primarily derived from crop plants. Rhythmic supply of light as a result of the day and night cycle led to the evolution of circadian clocks that modulate most plant physiology, photosynthesis, metabolism, and development. To regulate crop traits and adaptation, breeders have indirectly selected for variation at circadian genes. The pervasive impact of the circadian system on crops suggests that future food production might be improved by modifying circadian rhythms, engineering the timing of transgene expression, and applying agricultural treatments at the most effective time of day. We describe the applied research required to take advantage of circadian biology in agriculture to increase production and reduce inputs.

人类健康取决于主要来自农作物的大量营养食品的供应。由于昼夜周期有规律地提供光，导致昼夜节律时钟的演变，从而调节了大多数植物的生理，光合作用，新陈代谢和发育。为了调节农作物的性状和适应性，育种者已经间接选择了昼夜节律基因的变异。昼夜节律系统对作物的普遍影响表明，未来的粮食生产可能会通过改变昼夜节律，设计转基因表达的时机以及在一天中最有效的时间进行农业处理而得到改善。我们描述了利用昼夜节律生物学在农业中增加产量和减少投入所需的应用研究。