Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.6, 317-324 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 319 3.2 Advances in irrigation and water management Innovative irrigation practices are essential for sustaining high rice yields, especially under changing climate conditions. Techniques such as alternate wetting and drying have been shown to improve water use efficiency and yield in rice-wheat rotation systems (Li et al., 2012). Efficient water management not only supports high yields but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and enhances biodiversity, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices (Pérez-Méndez et al., 2021). These methods are particularly important in regions facing water scarcity and climate variability, where traditional irrigation methods may not be sustainable. 3.3 Adoption of modern cultivation techniques The adoption of modern cultivation techniques, including the use of high-yielding cultivars and improved planting methods, plays a significant role in enhancing rice yields. For example, the use of super hybrid rice varieties, combined with optimized management practices, has led to significant yield improvements by enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and delaying leaf senescence (Deng et al., 2022). Additionally, the integration of genetic and agronomic improvements, such as regular cultivar replacement and management adjustments, has been effective in maintaining high production levels in intensive cropping systems (Ladha et al., 2021). These modern techniques are crucial for bridging the yield gap and meeting the growing global demand for rice. 4 Case Study 4.1 Background and agricultural context of the region The case study focuses on rice cultivation in Central China, a region known for its significant production of japonica rice. This area faces challenges such as balancing high yield with quality and disease resistance, particularly against rice blast disease, which is prevalent due to the humid climate. Additionally, the lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China are highlighted for their wheat-rice rotation systems, which are crucial for maintaining high agricultural productivity in the region. 4.2 Implementation of genetics and agronomy for yield improvement In central China, a genomic-based strategy was employed to balance multiple agronomic traits, including yield, quality, and disease resistance. This involved re-sequencing 200 japonica rice varieties and identifying superior alleles for these traits, leading to the development of elite lines with improved characteristics (Xiao et al., 2021). In the Yangtze River region, agronomic practices such as site-specific nitrogen management and alternate wetting and drying irrigation were implemented to enhance yield. These practices, combined with genetic improvements, resulted in significant yield increases for both rice and wheat. 4.3 Outcomes and lessons learned The genomic approach in Central China successfully introduced alleles that improved taste quality and blast resistance while maintaining high yield, resulting in the development of elite rice lines like XY99 and JXY1 (Figure 2) (Xiao et al., 2021). In the Yangtze River region, the integration of improved agronomic practices led to a 26.8% increase in annual yield compared to traditional methods, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining genetic and agronomic strategies (Li et al., 2012). These case studies underscore the importance of a holistic approach that integrates genetic insights with tailored agronomic practices to achieve sustainable yield improvements in rice cultivation. 5 Integrating Genetics and Agronomy: A Synergistic Approach 5.1 Complementary roles of genetics and agronomy in yield improvement The integration of genetics and agronomy plays a crucial role in enhancing rice yield. Genetic improvements, such as the development of high-yielding varieties through traditional breeding and modern genetic tools, provide the foundation for increased productivity (Sabar et al., 2024). These genetic advancements are complemented by agronomic practices that optimize environmental conditions and resource use, such as water and nutrient management, to maximize the genetic potential of rice varieties (Deng et al., 2022). The synergy between genetic and agronomic improvements is evident in systems where genotype × management interactions are exploited to enhance yield under varying environmental conditions (Hunt et al., 2021). This complementary relationship ensures that genetic gains are fully realized through tailored agronomic practices, leading to sustainable yield improvements.
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