Rice Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 83-93 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 83 Review Article Open Access From Wild to Cultivated: The Domestication Pathways of Asian Cultivated Rice (Oryza sativaL.) Lijuan Chen1, 2 1 Rice Research Institute, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China 2 The Key Laboratory for Crop Production and Smart Agriculture of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China Corresponding email: chenlijuan@hotmail.com Rice Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/rgg.2024.15.0010 Received: 17 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 18 Apr., 2024 Published: 26 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Chen, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Chen L.J., 2024, From wild to cultivated: the domestication pathways of Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L), Rice Genomics and Genetics, 15(2): 83-93 (doi: 10.5376/rgg.2024.15.0010) Abstract The domestication of rice (commonly known as Asian cultivated rice) is a pivotal event in agricultural history, significantly impacting global food security. This review synthesizes current research on the pathways of rice domestication, with a focus on genetic and geographic origins, the role of wild ancestors, and the evolutionary processes involved. Multiple studies indicate that Oryza sativa was independently domesticated from different populations of its wild ancestor, Oryza rufipogon, in various regions of Asia, including southern China, India, and Indochina. Genetic analyses reveal that the two main subspecies, indica and japonica, underwent separate domestication events, followed by gene flow between them. Additionally, the domestication process involved significant genetic changes, such as reduced seed shattering and dormancy, which are crucial for effective cultivation and harvest. This study also explores the impact of human-directed breeding and introgression on the genetic diversity of domesticated rice. Keywords Rice (Oryza sativaL.); Wild rice; Domestication; Phylogeography; Genomic variation 1 Introduction Rice (hereafter referring to Asian cultivated rice, Oryza sativa L.) is one of the world's most important staple crops, feeding more than half of the global population. Its significance extends beyond nutrition, playing a crucial role in the cultural, economic, and social aspects of many societies, particularly in Asia. The domestication of rice from its wild ancestors was a pivotal event in agricultural history, facilitating the development of stable and high-yielding agricultural systems that support large populations (Hoyos et al., 2020). Understanding the pathways of rice domestication is essential for several reasons, as it provides insights into the evolutionary processes shaping the genetic diversity of this critical crop. Research indicates that rice was independently domesticated at least twice from different populations of its wild ancestor, Oryza rufipogon, leading to the formation of two major rice varieties: indica (Oryza sativa subsp. Indica) and japonica (Oryza sativa subsp. Japonica) (Hoyos et al., 2020). This knowledge is vital for breeding programs aimed at improving rice varieties, as it highlights the genetic resources available in wild populations that can be used to enhance traits such as yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance (Zhao et al., 2010). Additionally, understanding the pathways of domestication aids in the conservation of wild rice species, which are valuable reservoirs of genetic diversity. This study aims to comprehensively examine the pathways of rice domestication from historical, genetic, environmental, and cultural perspectives. By delving into archaeological findings, genetic research, and case studies, with a particular focus on the Yangtze River basin, it seeks to narrate the story of rice domestication in detail. The goal is to elucidate the key processes and milestones in rice domestication, highlight significant genetic changes, and explore how traditional agricultural practices and cultural influences have shaped rice cultivation. Furthermore, the study will discuss modern breeding techniques and future challenges, providing a comprehensive understanding of the journey of rice from a wild grass to a cultivated staple food.
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