Rice Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 106-120 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 106 Research Report Open Access Strategies for Rice Improvement: Utilizing Genetic Resources from Wild and CultivatedOryzaSpecies QianZhu1, 2, 3, Xiaoling Zhang4, Nant Nyein Zar Ni Naing1,5, Jianquan Li 6, Lijuan Chen1,2,3, Dongsun Lee 1, 2, 3 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 3 State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China 4 Kunming University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China 5 Department of Plant Breeding, Physiology and Ecology, Yezin Agricultural University (YAU), Nay Pyi Taw, 15013, Myanmar 6 Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: dongeast@naver.com Rice Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/rgg.2024.15.0012 Received: 12 Apr., 2024 Accepted: 13 May, 2024 Published: 23 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhu et al., 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: Zhu Q., Zhang X.L., Ni Naing N.N.Z., Li J.Q., Chen L.J., and Lee D.S., 2024, Strategies for rice improvement: utilizing genetic resources from wild and cultivated Oryza species, Rice Genomics and Genetics, 15(3): 106-120 (doi: 10.5376/rgg.2024.15.0012) Abstract This study aims to explore and summarize strategies for rice improvement by utilizing genetic resources from both wild and cultivated Oryza species. This includes assessing genetic diversity, identifying beneficial alleles, and leveraging advanced genomic tools to enhance rice breeding programs. The results indicate that wild Oryza species have great potential in rice improvement, and the genetic diversity within the Oryza genus plays an important role in enhancing rice cultivars. The de novo domestication of wild allotetraploid rice also shows promise for developing new staple cereals with improved agronomic traits. Recent genomic studies have provided a deeper understanding of rice domestication, heterosis, and complex traits, which are crucial for future breeding programs. The findings underscore the importance of utilizing genetic resources from both wild and cultivated Oryza species to enhance rice breeding programs. The integration of advanced genomic tools and the identification of beneficial alleles from wild species can significantly broaden the genetic base of cultivated rice, leading to improved yield, quality, and sustainability. These strategies are essential for addressing the global food security challenges posed by a growing population. Keywords Rice improvement; Srategies; Oryza species; Genetic diversity; Traditional breeding; Modern breeding techniques; Domestication 1 Introduction Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food for more than half of the world’s population, making it one of the most crucial crops globally (Jena et al., 2017; Ahmad, 2022). The increasing global population, decreasing arable lands, and escalating threats posed by climate change necessitate continuous efforts to improve rice varieties to ensure food security (Jena et al., 2017). Traditional breeding methods have been instrumental in developing rice varieties with improved yield and stress resistance. However, the genetic diversity within cultivated rice is limited due to domestication, which has led to the loss of many beneficial alleles (Eizenga et al., 2017). Therefore, utilizing genetic resources from both wild and cultivated Oryza species is essential for broadening the genetic base and enhancing the resilience and productivity of rice (Zhang et al., 2022; Zhou et al., 2022). The genus Oryza comprises more than 20 species, including both wild and cultivated types, which are classified into several genome groups. The AA genome group, which includes Oryza sativa and its wild relatives, is particularly significant for rice improvement due to its rich genetic diversity (Zhang et al., 2022). Wild species such as Oryza nivara and Oryza rufipogon have been identified as valuable sources of novel alleles for traits such as stress resistance and yield improvement (Chen et al., 2004; Eizenga et al., 2017). Interspecific hybridization and introgression between cultivated rice and its wild relatives have historically played a crucial role in enhancing the genetic diversity and adaptability of rice (Zhou et al., 2022). Modern genomic and transcriptomic techniques have further facilitated the identification and utilization of these genetic resources, enabling the development of rice varieties with improved traits (Jena et al., 2017; Ahmad, 2022).
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