Rice Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 309http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 316 7.2 Socioeconomic and policy barriers Socioeconomic and policy barriers also play a crucial role in the integration of traditional and wild rice varieties. In countries like Vietnam, rice breeding programs face significant challenges due to limited funding, inadequate research infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled researchers (Khanh et al., 2021). These limitations hinder the ability to compete with other rice-producing countries that have more advanced breeding programs and better access to modern technologies. Furthermore, the adoption of new rice varieties by farmers can be slow due to socioeconomic factors such as market preferences, cultural practices, and the perceived risks associated with new technologies. For example, despite the development of water-saving and drought-resistant rice (WDR) varieties, their widespread adoption is often hampered by the lack of awareness and training among farmers, as well as the absence of supportive policies and incentives (Luo et al., 2019). Additionally, the dominance of imported rice varieties over domestic ones in some regions can discourage local breeding efforts and reduce the market share for newly developed varieties. 7.3 Environmental and ethical concerns The integration of traditional and wild rice varieties also raises several environmental and ethical concerns. One major environmental issue is the potential impact on biodiversity. The introduction of new rice varieties, especially those developed through genetic modification or extensive hybridization, can lead to the displacement of local landraces and wild species, thereby reducing genetic diversity (Wing et al., 2018). This loss of diversity can make rice crops more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and changing environmental conditions. Ethically, the use of genetic modification and other advanced breeding techniques can be controversial. There are concerns about the long-term effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on human health and the environment, as well as issues related to intellectual property rights and the control of seed markets by large corporations (Li, 2020). These concerns can lead to resistance from consumers, policymakers, and advocacy groups, further complicating the integration process. 8 Future Directions 8.1 Innovations in breeding techniques The future of rice breeding lies in the integration of advanced breeding techniques that combine traditional methods with modern genomic tools. Techniques such as marker-assisted selection, gene pyramiding, and gene introgression are pivotal in developing rice varieties with enhanced traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and higher yield. The application of rational design, which involves creating defined ideotypes through the exploitation of wide-cross compatibility and intersubspecific heterosis, is expected to bring about significant advancements in rice breeding (Qian et al., 2016). Additionally, the use of next-generation sequencing technologies to identify genetic variations among different rice varieties will further streamline the breeding process, making it more efficient and targeted. 8.2 Conservation and utilization of genetic resources Conserving the genetic diversity of both wild and cultivated rice varieties is crucial for sustainable breeding programs. Wild rice species such as O. rufipogan and O. nivara possess valuable traits like disease resistance and drought tolerance, which can be introgressed into cultivated varieties to enhance their resilience (Sangeetha et al., 2020). The genetic mechanisms underlying the differences between wild and cultivated rice need to be thoroughly understood and utilized in modern breeding programs to ensure the development of robust rice varieties (Xu and Sun, 2021). Efforts should also be made to maintain the original genetic diversity of rice species to prevent the loss of valuable genetic traits that could be crucial for future breeding endeavors. 8.3 Policy and collaboration for sustainable breeding The success of future rice breeding programs will heavily depend on supportive policies and collaborative efforts between various stakeholders, including government bodies, research institutions, and the agricultural industry. The Chinese government's support for super rice breeding through initiatives like the Developing the Super Rice
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