Rice Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 106-120 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 117 8.2 Addressing climate change and sustainability Climate change poses significant challenges to rice production, necessitating the development of climate-resilient rice varieties. African rice (Oryza glaberrima) and other wild relatives of rice harbor a wealth of genetic diversity that can be harnessed to improve climate resilience in cultivated rice (Wambugu et al., 2019). The use of genetic resources from wild species, such as Oryza rufipogon, can provide valuable traits for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, which are crucial for sustaining rice production under changing climatic conditions. The construction of Oryza pan-genomes, which encompass the genetic diversity of both cultivated and wild rice species, offers a comprehensive foundation for future rice research and improvement (Huang et al., 2021). These efforts are essential for ensuring the sustainability of rice production in the face of global climate challenges. 8.3 Policy and regulatory considerations The successful implementation of advanced genetic technologies in rice improvement requires careful consideration of policy and regulatory frameworks. The deployment of genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, raises safety concerns that must be addressed to gain public acceptance and regulatory approval (Mishra et al., 2018; Zafar et al., 2020). It is crucial to establish clear guidelines and regulations that ensure the safe and responsible use of these technologies while promoting innovation in rice breeding. Additionally, policies that support the conservation and utilization of genetic resources from wild and cultivated Oryza species are essential for maintaining the genetic diversity necessary for future rice improvement (Wambugu et al., 2019; Mussurova et al., 2020). Collaborative efforts between researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders are needed to create an enabling environment for the sustainable advancement of rice improvement strategies. The future of rice improvement lies in the integration of emerging technologies, the utilization of genetic resources from wild and cultivated Oryza species, and the establishment of supportive policy and regulatory frameworks. By addressing these key areas, we can enhance the resilience and sustainability of rice production to meet the growing global food demand. 9 Concluding Remarks The utilization of genetic resources from wild and cultivated Oryza species presents a promising strategy for rice improvement. The genus Oryza, comprising 27 species, offers a rich reservoir of adaptive traits such as biotic and abiotic resistances that can be harnessed to enhance cultivated rice varieties. Strategies like conventional crossing, genetic transformation, and gene editing have been employed to introduce these traits into cultivated rice. Additionally, the concept of neodomestication, which involves domesticating wild relatives with desirable traits, has been proposed as an alternative approach. The development of genomic resources, such as platinum standard reference genome sequences (PSRefSeq) and chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs), has facilitated the identification and utilization of valuable genetic variations for rice improvement. Furthermore, advances in molecular breeding techniques, including marker-assisted selection and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, have significantly contributed to the progress in rice breeding programs. Future research should focus on expanding the genomic resources available for all Oryza species to ensure comprehensive utilization of their genetic potential. The establishment of PSRefSeqs for every Oryza species will set a new standard for integrating crop wild relatives into improvement programs. Additionally, the development of efficient tissue culture, transformation, and genome editing systems for wild rice species will be crucial for their de novo domestication and subsequent breeding efforts. Research should also aim to systematically evaluate and utilize the genetic diversity present in wild and cultivated rice species to identify novel allelic variations and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with important agronomic traits. Moreover, the integration of advanced molecular techniques, such as next-generation sequencing and CRISPR/Cas9, into breeding programs will enhance the precision and efficiency of trait introgression and gene discovery. The genetic resources from wild and cultivated Oryza species hold immense potential for addressing the challenges of sustainable rice production and food security. By leveraging the genetic diversity and adaptive traits present in these species, researchers and breeders can develop rice varieties that are more resilient to biotic and abiotic stresses, thereby ensuring stable and increased yields. The continued advancement in genomic
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