Rice Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 309-319 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 309 Feature Review Open Access Meta-analysis of Flood Tolerance Genes in Rice: Evaluating Their Impact on Agronomic Traits Xinzhu Feng Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding email: xingzhu.feng@hibio.org Rice Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.6 doi: 10.5376/rgg.2024.15.0030 Received: 11 Nov., 2024 Accepted: 12 Dec., 2024 Published: 29 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Feng, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Licensse, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Feng X.Z., 2024, Meta-analysis of flood tolerance genes in rice: evaluating their impact on agronomic traits, Rice Genomics and Genetics, 15(6): 309-319 (doi: 10.5376/rgg.2024.15.0030) Abstract Rice, as a crucial major crop for global food security, requires innovative breeding methods to address the challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and evolving threats from pests and diseases. Traditional rice varieties with agronomic traits and cultural significance, as well as wild varieties with rich and unique genetic traits, are valuable resources for modern breeding programs. This study explores the successful integration of these genetic resources, emphasizing their role in improving crop stress resistance, yield, and sustainability. Through case studies, it analyzes the selection of traditional and wild rice varieties, their target traits, and the resulting agronomic and socio-economic benefits. It also discusses advances in breeding techniques such as molecular markers, gene editing, and hybridization strategies, as well as the importance of cooperation and policy support to promote these efforts. This study aims to emphasize the potential of integrating traditional and wild varieties to address issues of food security and climate adaptation, providing a pathway for achieving sustainable agriculture through innovation, conservation, and global cooperation. Keywords Rice breeding; Genetic diversity; Traditional varieties; Wild rice; Molecular breeding 1 Introduction Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food for more than half of the world's population, making it a critical crop for global food security. The increasing global population, projected to grow by 3 billion over the next 30 years, necessitates a significant boost in rice production to meet future food demands (Wing et al., 2018). Traditional breeding approaches have been instrumental in achieving high-yield varieties, but the challenges posed by climate change, limited arable land, and the need for sustainable agricultural practices require innovative strategies (Li, 2016). The development of new elite rice varieties with high yield and superior quality is essential to ensure food security and improve living standards worldwide (Zeng et al., 2017). The genetic diversity found in traditional and wild rice varieties plays a crucial role in breeding programs aimed at improving cultivated rice. Wild species, such as those from the Oryza rufipogoncomplex, are reservoirs of genetic diversity with traits that confer adaptability and tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses (Li and Jiong, 2024). The narrow genetic base of many modern rice varieties, resulting from the limited number of parental lines used in breeding, has led to yield stagnation and increased vulnerability to environmental stresses (Roy, 2021). By incorporating genes from wild and traditional varieties, breeders can enhance the genetic base of cultivated rice, leading to improved yield, stress tolerance, and overall crop resilience. Genomic technologies and pre-breeding strategies are being employed to systematically utilize these genetic resources, enabling the development of new rice varieties with desirable agronomic traits (Singh et al., 2020). This study explores the successful integration of traditional rice varieties and wild rice varieties in modern breeding programs. It will investigate the importance of rice breeding in ensuring global food security, the role of genetic diversity from traditional and wild varieties in improving crop resilience, and innovative strategies adopted to utilize this diversity. It reviews current breeding practices, challenges faced in rice production, and the potential of genome technology in accelerating the development of high-yield, stress tolerant rice varieties. This study aims to provide insights into the future of rice breeding and its key role in sustainable agriculture through successful case studies and recent advancements.
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