Rice Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 121-131 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 129 higher fertilizer efficiency (Peng et al., 2021). Additionally, the practical applications of MOC1 and MOC3 in enhancing tiller formation have garnered positive feedback from farmers, who have observed better plant architecture and higher yields (Shao et al., 2019). The integration of these genetic advancements into breeding programs continues to support sustainable agricultural practices and food security. 7 Future Prospects and Challenges 7.1 Emerging research onSD1 andMOC1 Recent studies have significantly advanced our understanding of the roles of SD1 and MOC1 in rice plant architecture and yield enhancement. The restoration of wild-type SD1 in modern semi-dwarf cultivars has shown promising results, nearly doubling plant height and increasing total grain yield per panicle (Jia et al., 2020). Additionally, the identification and utilization of various SD1 alleles, such as SD1Jap and SD1Ind, have demonstrated their potential in breeding programs to optimize plant height and improve yield (Zhang et al., 2020a). The discovery of novel alleles like GNP6 of MOC1, which regulates panicle and tiller development, further enriches the genetic resources available for rice breeders (Zhang et al., 2020b). 7.2 Potential for further yield enhancement The potential for further yield enhancement lies in the fine-tuning of gene expression and the strategic combination of beneficial alleles. For instance, the manipulation of SPL gene expression has been shown to optimize plant architecture, thereby increasing grain number (Wang and Zhang, 2017). Combining alleles such as sdt and SD1 has resulted in a significant yield increase, suggesting that pyramiding multiple beneficial alleles could be a viable strategy for future breeding programs (Zhao et al., 2015). Moreover, the weak functional allele SD1-EQ from japonica rice has been identified as a valuable genetic resource for improving indica rice lines, indicating the potential for cross-subspecies breeding to enhance yield (Yu et al., 2020). 7.3 Addressing climate change and sustainability Addressing climate change and sustainability is crucial for the future of rice cultivation. The development of rice varieties with improved lodging resistance and nitrogen utilization, as conferred by the SD1 allele, is essential for maintaining high yields under varying environmental conditions (Peng et al., 2021). Additionally, understanding the molecular basis of plant architecture and grain quality can lead to the development of elite varieties that are both high-yielding and resilient to climate change. The integration of modern biotechnological tools, such as CRISPR/Cas9, can accelerate the development of climate-resilient rice varieties. 7.4 Policy and regulatory considerations The successful implementation of advanced breeding techniques and the introduction of new rice varieties require supportive policy and regulatory frameworks. Policymakers must ensure that regulations facilitate the adoption of genetically modified and genome-edited crops while addressing public concerns about food safety and environmental impact. Furthermore, international collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential to maximize the benefits of research advancements in SD1 and MOC1 for global food security. Encouraging public and private sector partnerships can also drive innovation and investment in sustainable rice production practices. The emerging research on SD1 and MOC1, combined with advanced breeding strategies and supportive policies, holds great promise for enhancing rice yield and sustainability in the face of global challenges. 8 Concluding Remarks The role of the SD1 and MOC1 genes in rice plant architecture and yield enhancement has been extensively studied, revealing significant insights into their functions and applications. The SD1 gene, encoding the GA20ox oxidase involved in gibberellin biosynthesis, has been pivotal in the development of semi-dwarf rice varieties that contributed to the Green Revolution. Restoration of the wild-type SD1 gene in modern semi-dwarf cultivars has been shown to nearly double plant height, increase total grain yield per panicle, and elongate the second-leaf length. This restoration also affects gene expression profiles, particularly in the gibberellin pathway and related metabolic networks, defense responses, and catabolic processes. The identification and utilization of SD1 mutants have significantly improved rice yields by conferring lodging resistance and enabling high nitrogen fertilizer use.
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