Rice Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 83-93 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 91 of genes, leading to the phenotypic and physiological changes observed in cultivated rice. These genetic changes include adaptations to environmental conditions, such as improvements in photophosphorylation and oxidative phosphorylation systems (Zhou et al., 2022). 7Summary The domestication of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) from its wild ancestor, Oryza rufipogon, was a complex and multifaceted process. The main findings of this study indicate that cultivated rice was domesticated at least twice from different populations of common wild rice, resulting in the two major rice varieties: indica and japonica. Genetic analysis suggests that japonica was first domesticated in southern China, particularly in the middle Pearl River region, while indica developed from a hybrid of japonica and local wild rice, subsequently spreading to Southeast and South Asia. The domestication process faced severe bottlenecks, leading to a significant reduction in the genetic diversity of cultivated rice compared to its wild ancestors. Understanding the pathways of rice domestication has profound implications for agriculture and food security. Identifying multiple independent domestication events and the genetic diversity retained in wild rice populations provides valuable insights for rice breeding programs. These findings help develop new rice varieties that are more resilient to environmental stresses and diseases, thereby increasing crop yields and ensuring food security for the growing global population. Utilizing the genetic resources of wild rice species can introduce beneficial traits into cultivated rice, further enhancing its adaptability and productivity. Research on rice domestication pathways is crucial for improving our understanding of crop evolution and advancing agricultural practices. By uncovering the genetic and geographic origins of cultivated rice, researchers can better understand the mechanisms of domestication and the factors influencing the genetic diversity of this major crop. This knowledge not only contributes to the scientific understanding of plant domestication but also has practical applications in strengthening rice cultivation and ensuring food security. As the global population continues to grow, the importance of such research cannot be overstated, as it provides the foundation for developing sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. Funding This project is supported by The Key and Major Science and Technology Project of Yunnan (Grant No. 202202AE09002102) and The National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 31860108). Acknowledgments The CropSci Publisher appreciates the revision comments provided by the two anonymous peer reviewers on the manuscript. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The author affirms that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Atwell B., Wang H., and Scafaro A., 2014, Could abiotic stress tolerance in wild relatives of rice be used to improve Oryza sativa? Plant Science: An International Journal of Experimental Plant Biology, 215(216): 48-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plantsci.2013.10.007. Chen E., Huang X., Tian Z., Wing R., and Han B., 2019, The genomics of Oryza species provides insights into rice domestication and heterosis, Annual Review of Plant Biology, 70: 639-665. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-arplant-050718-100320. Choi J., Platts A., Fuller D., Xin Y.Y., Wing R., and Purugganan M., 2017, The rice paradox: multiple origins but single domestication in Asian rice, Molecular Biology and Evolution, 34: 969-979. https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msx049. Cheng L., Kim K.W., and Park Y.J., 2019, Evidence for selection events during domestication by extensive mitochondrial genome analysis between japonica and indica in cultivated rice, Sci. Rep., 9(1): 10846. https://doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-47318-x. Dodson J., Hung H., Li C., Li J., Lu F., and Yan H., 2021, The probable critical role of early holocene monsoon activity in siting the origins of rice agriculture in China, Front. Earth Sci., 13(9): 13-27. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2021.666846.
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