Rice Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-13 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 1 Feature Review Open Access Identification and Functional Analysis of Male Sterility Genes in Hybrid Rice: Current Status and Future Prospects QianZhu1,2,3, JuanLi 1,2,3, Cui Zhang1,3, Chunli Wang1,3, Zilin Duan 4, Dongsun Lee 1,2,3, 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 College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China 4 Yunnan Yuanfang Agricultural Science and Technology Limited Company, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China Corresponding email: chenlijuan@hotmail.com Rice Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.1 doi: 10.5376/rgg.2025.16.0001 Received: 24 Nov., 2024 Accepted: 30 Dec., 2024 Published: 13 Jan., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Zhu 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: Zhu Q., Li J., Zhang C., Wang C.L., Duan Z.L., Lee D.S., and Chen L.J., 2025, Identification and functional analysis of male sterility genes in hybrid rice: current status and future prospects, Rice Genomics and Genetics, 16(1): 1-13 (doi: 10.5376/rgg.2025.16.0001) Abstract Hybrid rice breeding has significantly enhanced rice productivity worldwide, primarily through the utilization of male sterility (MS) systems. This paper summarizes the current status and future prospects of identifying and functionally analyzing MS genes in hybrid rice. Various types of MS, including cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) of WA, HL, BT, DT various subtypes, and genic male sterility (GMS), have been characterized, with specific genes and loci identified for their roles in sterility and fertility restoration. For instance, the novel Fujian Abortive CMS system, controlled by the mitochondrial gene FA182 and restored by the nuclear gene OsRf19, has simplified the breeding process by providing stable MS and single-gene fertility restoration. Additionally, the broadly and/or potentially utilized genes PMS3, TMS5, and HMS1, of photoperiod-sensitive genic male sterility (PGMS), temperature-sensitive genic male sterility (TGMS) and humidity-sensitive genic male sterility (HGMS) have been mapped and functional studied , offering insights into their genetic control and potential for hybrid breeding. The identification of new fertility restorer genes, such as Rf18(t) and their chromosomal locations, further broadens our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying MS and fertility restoration. The use of novel strategies, such as combining CMS and GMS genes, has led to the creation of third-generation hybrid rice technology, which offers stable sterility and improved hybrid seed production. This review highlights the advancements in genetic mapping, molecular characterization, and the practical applications of MS genes in hybrid rice breeding, paving the way for future research and breeding strategies. Keywords Hybrid rice; Male sterility (MS); Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS); Genic male sterility (GMS); Fertility restorer genes 1 Introduction Hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) has been a milestone in the quest to enhance global rice productivity. Initiated in China during the 1970s, hybrid rice breeding has significantly increased grain yields by over 20% compared to traditional inbred varieties (Yuan, 1966; Shi, 1985; Deng et al., 1999; Li et al., 2007). This remarkable improvement has led to the widespread adoption of hybrid rice in regions such as Africa, Southern Asia, and America (Li et al., 2007; Tan and Chen, 2015; Zhu, 2016). The ability to utilize heterosis, or hybrid vigor, through hybrid rice cultivation has been instrumental in meeting the growing food demands of an increasing global population (Murakami et al., 2018). The development and utilization of hybrid rice are crucial for ensuring food security and addressing the challenges posed by limited arable land and changing climatic conditions (Murakami et al., 2018). MS in plants refers to the inability of a plant to produce functional pollen, which is essential for fertilization and seed production. This trait is particularly valuable in hybrid breeding programs as it facilitates controlled cross-pollination. In rice, MS can be broadly categorized into two types, CMS and GMS. CMS is maternally inherited and results from mutations in the mitochondrial genome, while GMS is controlled by nuclear genes and can be influenced by environmental factors such as photoperiod and temperature (Li et al., 2007; Wang et al., 2013). There are several broadly utilized indica and japonica subtypes of CMS, mainly including WA (Wild Abortive), HL (Hong Lian), BT (Chinsurah Boro II ), and DT (Dian), each associated with specific genetic
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