Rice Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 121-131 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 128 capitalize on the semi-dwarf trait, significantly improving rice yields in China and other regions (Peng et al., 2021). Additionally, the fine-tuning of SPL gene expression has been shown to enhance panicle branching and grain number, further contributing to yield improvements in rice (Wang and Zhang, 2017). The MOC1 gene, in conjunction with MOC3, plays a crucial role in regulating tiller bud outgrowth, which is essential for optimal plant architecture and yield. The interaction between MOC1 and MOC3 upregulates the expression of FON1, promoting tiller formation and enhancing overall plant resilience (Figure 4) (Shao et al., 2019). Furthermore, modifications in root system architecture, such as those involving the DRO1 homolog, have been shown to improve rice yields in saline paddy fields by enabling plants to avoid stress conditions, thereby enhancing their resilience and productivity (Kitomi et al., 2020). Figure 4EARmotif of MOC3 is not required for its function in tiller formation regulation (Adopted from Shao et al., 2019) Image caption: (A) Generation of moc3-4 and moc3-5 by CRISPR/Cas9 technology; Yellow box represents the sequence encoding the EAR motif; Red letters highlight the single guide RNA (sgRNA) target; (B) Gross morphologies of ZH11, moc3-4, and moc3-5; Scale bars, 10 cm; (C) Statistical analysis of tiller numbers of ZH11, moc3-4, and moc3-5; Values are means±SD (n=6); ns indicates no significant difference at P<0.01 (two-tailed Student’s t-test); (D) Gross morphologies of ZH11, MOC3:EAR4-MOC3-1, and MOC3:EAR4-MOC3-2; Scale bars, 10 cm; (E) Relative expression levels of FON1 in ZH11, MOC3:EAR4-MOC3-1, and MOC3:EAR4-MOC3-2; Values are means±SEM (n=3); **P<0.01 (two-tailed Student’s t-test); (F) Statistical analysis of tiller number of ZH11, MOC3:EAR4-MOC3-1, and MOC3:EAR4-MOC3-2; Values are means±SD (n=10); **P<0.01 (two-tailed Student’s t-test) (Adopted from Shao et al., 2019) 6.2 Field performance and agronomic benefits Field trials have consistently demonstrated the agronomic benefits of varieties featuring the SD1 and MOC1 genes. For instance, varieties carrying the SD1 allele have shown significant improvements in yield due to their semi-dwarf stature, which reduces lodging and allows for higher fertilizer application (Peng et al., 2021). Similarly, the cooperative action of MOC1 and MOC3 in promoting tiller bud outgrowth has been linked to increased tiller numbers and improved yield performance in various field conditions (Shao et al., 2019). These genetic modifications have been validated through extensive yield trials, confirming their effectiveness in enhancing rice productivity. The adoption of high-yielding and stress-resilient rice varieties by farmers has been widespread, driven by the tangible benefits observed in field performance. Farmers have reported increased yields and improved crop resilience, particularly in regions prone to abiotic stresses such as salinity. The success of varieties featuring the SD1 gene, such as IR8, has been well-documented, with farmers noting the advantages of reduced lodging and
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