Rice Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 132-141 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 135 effects of QTLs and detecting gene-by-gene or gene-by-environment interactions (Chen et al., 2019). Additionally, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous loci associated with important traits such as flowering time and grain yield, further enhancing our understanding of the genetic basis of these traits in rice (Huang et al., 2011). The integration of genomic approaches has also revealed the genomic architecture of rice heterosis, providing insights into the genetic diversity and domestication of Oryza species (Chen et al., 2019). The molecular basis of wild rice alleles encompasses the identification and characterization of genetic diversity, the utilization of advanced genomic tools, and the application of functional genomics to uncover valuable traits. These efforts collectively contribute to the enhancement of cultivated rice varieties by harnessing the natural genetic diversity present in wild rice species. 4 Introgression of Wild Rice Alleles into Cultivated Varieties 4.1 Introgression techniques and strategies Traditional breeding approaches for introgressing wild rice alleles into cultivated varieties primarily involve backcrossing. This method entails crossing a cultivated variety with a wild relative and then repeatedly backcrossing the progeny with the cultivated parent. This process aims to incorporate desirable traits from the wild species while retaining the agronomic characteristics of the cultivated variety. For instance, introgression lines (ILs) developed through backcrossing have been instrumental in broadening the genetic base of rice cultivars, allowing for the mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and the identification of elite alleles (Huang et al., 2011). These ILs serve as valuable resources for functional genomics research and breeding, enabling the genetic improvement of various traits such as drought resistance and grain quality (Figure 2) (Zhang et al., 2022). Figure 2 Construction of rice ILs and their application in functional genomics research and breeding (Adopted from Zhang et al., 2022) Image caption: The figure outlines an integrated breeding strategy that combines genetic diversity from various hybrid types (interspecific, intersubspecific, and intrasubspecific) with advanced technologies such as MAS and QTL aggregation. This approach aims to improve rice yield, quality, and stress resistance, ultimately creating superior rice varieties (Adopted from Zhang et al., 2022)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==