Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.4, 162-174 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 170 decision support systems can lead to substantial improvements in NUE, contributing to more sustainable rice production (Blaise, 2021; Vijayakumar et al., 2023). 7 Breeding and Biotechnology Innovations 7.1 Advances in crop breeding Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in rice through breeding has seen significant advancements with both traditional and modern techniques. Traditional breeding methods, such as hybridization, have been instrumental in developing rice varieties with improved NUE by selecting for traits that enhance nitrogen uptake, assimilation, and remobilization (Lee, 2021; Hou et al., 2021). These methods rely on phenotypic selection and have been successful in identifying and propagating rice varieties that perform better under low nitrogen conditions. Modern breeding techniques, such as marker-assisted selection (MAS), have further refined the process by allowing for the precise selection of genetic markers associated with high NUE traits. MAS has enabled breeders to identify and select for specific genes that control nitrogen metabolism, leading to the development of rice varieties that are more efficient in nitrogen use (Nguyen and Kant, 2018; Xing et al., 2023). This approach not only accelerates the breeding process but also increases the accuracy of selecting desirable traits, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of breeding programs aimed at improving NUE in rice. 7.2 Biotechnological interventions Biotechnological interventions, including genetic modification and gene editing, have opened new avenues for enhancing NUE in rice. Genetic modification techniques have been used to introduce genes that improve nitrogen uptake and assimilation, resulting in rice varieties with higher NUE (Dellero, 2020; Hou et al., 2021). For instance, the introduction of genes that regulate nitrate transport and assimilation has shown promising results in improving NUE and grain yield in rice. Gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, have revolutionized the field by allowing for precise modifications of the rice genome to enhance NUE. CRISPR-Cas9 has been used to target and edit specific genes involved in nitrogen metabolism, leading to the development of rice varieties with improved nitrogen uptake and utilization (Fiaz et al., 2021). This technology has the potential to create rice varieties that are not only more efficient in nitrogen use but also more resilient to varying environmental conditions, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture. 7.3 Challenges and future prospects in breeding for NUE While significant progress has been made in breeding for improved NUE, several challenges remain. One of the primary hurdles is the complexity of nitrogen metabolism, which involves multiple genes and regulatory networks (Lee, 2021; Hou et al., 2021). This complexity makes it difficult to identify and manipulate all the genetic factors involved in NUE. Additionally, the interaction between genetic and environmental factors further complicates the breeding process. Regulatory and public acceptance issues also pose significant challenges to the adoption of genetically modified and gene-edited rice varieties. Despite the potential benefits, there is still considerable resistance to the use of these technologies in agriculture due to concerns about safety, ethics, and environmental impact (Fiaz et al., 2021). Addressing these concerns through transparent communication and robust regulatory frameworks is essential for the successful implementation of biotechnological interventions in rice breeding. Looking forward, the integration of advanced breeding techniques with biotechnological interventions holds great promise for improving NUE in rice. Continued research into the genetic basis of NUE, coupled with the development of high-throughput phenotyping and genotyping technologies, will accelerate the breeding process and enhance the efficiency of selecting for high NUE traits (Nguyen and Kant, 2018; Xing et al., 2023). By overcoming the existing challenges and leveraging the latest technological advancements, it is possible to develop rice varieties that contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security.
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