Rice Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 190-202 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 190 Research Report Open Access Maximizing Rice Yields through Heterosis: Exploring the Genetic Basis and Breeding Strategies Xiaoling Zhang4, QianZhu1,2,3, Jianquan Li 5, Dongsun Lee1,2,3, Lijuan Chen1,2,3 1 Rice Research Institute, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China 2 The Key Laboratory for Crop Production and Smart Agriculture of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China 3 State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China 4 Kunming University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China 5 Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: chenlijuan@hotmail.com Rice Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.4 doi: 10.5376/rgg.2024.15.0019 Received: 11 Jul., 2024 Accepted: 12 Aug., 2024 Published: 24 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhang et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhang X.L., Zhu Q., Li J.Q., Lee D.S., and Chen L.J., 2024, Maximizing rice yields through heterosis: exploring the genetic basis and breeding strategies, Rice Genomics and Genetics, 15(4): 190-202 (doi: 10.5376/rgg.2024.15.0019) Abstract Maximizing rice yields is essential for ensuring global food security, especially in the face of increasing population pressure and climatic challenges. This study explores the potential of heterosis (hybrid vigor) in rice breeding to enhance yield, stress tolerance, and overall crop performance. The study delves into the historical development and key genetic mechanisms underlying heterosis, including dominance, overdominance, and epistasis. Traditional and modern breeding strategies, such as marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection, are examined for their roles in optimizing hybrid rice production. Advances in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and other multi-omics approaches provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of heterosis, facilitating the development of superior hybrid varieties. The study also addresses the socio-economic and environmental considerations vital for the successful adoption of hybrid rice. Future directions emphasize the integration of CRISPR and synthetic biology, international collaborations, and supportive policy frameworks to enhance the sustainability and impact of hybrid rice breeding programs. By leveraging these advancements, hybrid rice breeding can significantly contribute to global agricultural sustainability and food security. Keywords Heterosis; Hybrid rice; Genomics; Marker-assisted selection; CRISPR 1 Introduction Rice is a staple food for more than half of the world's population, making it one of the most critical crops globally. With the ever-increasing global population, there is a growing need to enhance rice yields to ensure food security. Improving rice yields not only supports the growing population but also contributes to the economic stability of rice-producing regions. Rice is integral to global food security, providing more than one-fifth of the calories consumed worldwide. In many developing countries, rice is the primary source of sustenance and income for millions of people. The importance of rice yield improvement cannot be overstated, given the challenges posed by climate change, decreasing arable land, and the need for sustainable agricultural practices. Increasing rice yield is essential to meet the food demands of a growing global population, projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. Traditional rice-growing methods are insufficient to meet this demand due to their lower efficiency and susceptibility to environmental stressors. Thus, there is an urgent need to adopt advanced breeding techniques and agricultural practices that enhance rice productivity sustainably. In addition to food security, higher rice yields can lead to economic benefits for farmers and rice-producing countries. Improved yields translate to higher incomes for farmers, better livelihoods, and economic growth in rural areas. Enhanced productivity also reduces the need for expanding agricultural lands, thus preserving natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Heterosis, commonly referred to as hybrid vigor, is a phenomenon where the offspring of two different parental lines exhibit superior qualities compared to their parents. In the context of agriculture, heterosis is particularly significant as it can lead to higher yields, greater resistance to diseases and
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