Dr. Stephen Long and a team of researchers have developed a line transgenic sugarcane that is more productive than its non-transgenic counterpart. It is characterized by higher ppdk expression, increased photosynthetic rate, and increased biomass. These effects are magnified at lower temperatures. The applications of this invention may expand beyond sugarcane, and this technology may be used to optimize the photosynthetic capacity of C4 plants in general in colder climates.