Rice Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 132-141 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 138 has accelerated the identification and transfer of beneficial alleles from wild rice to cultivated varieties. Techniques such as QTL mapping and genomic resequencing have been instrumental in pinpointing specific genes associated with desirable traits, facilitating their incorporation into breeding programs (Quan et al., 2018). The importance of maintaining and utilizing genetic diversity cannot be overstated. The narrow genetic base of modern cultivars poses a significant challenge to crop improvement efforts, and the use of wild rice alleles offers a promising solution to enhance the resilience and productivity of cultivated rice (Mammadov et al., 2018). By learning from these past successes, future breeding programs can more effectively harness the natural genetic diversity present in wild rice to develop improved rice varieties that meet the growing demands for food security and environmental sustainability. 7 Future Prospects and Challenges 7.1 Advances in genomic technologies The rapid advancements in genomic technologies have significantly enhanced our ability to harness the genetic diversity present in wild rice species. Techniques such as CRISPR/Cas genome editing and high-throughput sequencing have revolutionized the identification and utilization of beneficial alleles from wild rice relatives. For instance, the CRISPR/Cas system has been effectively used to modify genes in Australian wild rice, enabling the introduction of traits such as stress resistance and disease tolerance into cultivated varieties (Abdullah et al., 2022). Additionally, the de novo domestication of wild allotetraploid rice using advanced tissue culture and genome editing systems has shown promising results in improving agronomically important traits (Yu et al., 2021). These technological advancements not only accelerate the pace of trait discovery but also facilitate the efficient transfer of these traits into cultivated rice, thereby enhancing crop resilience and productivity (Mammadov et al., 2018). 7.2 Sustainable use of genetic resources The sustainable use of genetic resources from wild rice is crucial for long-term agricultural sustainability. Wild rice species, such as Oryza rufipogon and Oryza nivara, possess a wealth of genetic diversity that can be tapped into for improving cultivated rice varieties. The development of core collections of wild rice populations, as demonstrated in China, ensures the conservation of genetic diversity and provides a valuable resource for future breeding programs (Liu et al., 2015). Moreover, the integration of molecular markers and next-generation sequencing technologies has facilitated the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) alleles that can enhance traits such as yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance in cultivated rice (Xu et al., 2011). However, the challenge lies in balancing the exploitation of these genetic resources with their conservation to prevent the erosion of genetic diversity. 7.3 Policy and regulatory frameworks The successful integration of wild rice alleles into cultivated varieties also depends on supportive policy and regulatory frameworks. Policies that promote the conservation of wild rice habitats and the sustainable use of genetic resources are essential. Additionally, regulatory frameworks that facilitate the use of advanced genomic technologies in breeding programs are crucial. For example, the establishment of databases harboring genome-wide information on wild rice species has been instrumental in rice breeding programs (Kamboj et al., 2020). However, there is a need for international collaboration and harmonization of regulations to ensure the safe and effective use of these technologies. Addressing intellectual property rights and benefit-sharing mechanisms is also important to ensure that the benefits derived from the use of wild rice genetic resources are equitably distributed (Nevo, 2006). The future prospects of harnessing natural genetic diversity from wild rice are promising, thanks to advances in genomic technologies, sustainable use practices, and supportive policy frameworks. However, challenges remain in ensuring the conservation of genetic resources and the equitable distribution of benefits. Continued research and international collaboration will be key to overcoming these challenges and realizing the full potential of wild rice alleles in improving cultivated varieties.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==