International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 229-240 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 235 significantly to stress tolerance and disease resistance, traits that are invaluable for breeding programs aimed at developing resilient rice varieties. These comparative studies demonstrate the genetic richness of landraces and their potential for contributing to rice improvement programs. Figure 2 Phenotyping of the representative Oryza javanicaand the source information (Adopted from Long et al., 2022) Image caption: The provided image consists of four panels (A, B, C, and D), each displaying different phenotypic and geographic information about Oryza javanica andOryza indicarice varieties (Adopted from Long et al., 2022) 6 Implications for Rice Breeding and Conservation 6.1 Utilizing genetic diversity in breeding programs The genetic diversity present in Myanmar’s core landrace rice varieties offers a valuable resource for breeding programs aimed at improving rice cultivars. Studies have shown that traditional landraces possess higher genetic variation compared to modern cultivars, which have a narrower genetic base due to selective breeding practices (Na et al., 2016; Zahra et al., 2020). This diversity can be harnessed to introduce desirable traits such as stress tolerance, disease resistance, and improved yield into new rice varieties. For instance, the identification of specific genes responsible for phenotypic traits through GWAS can guide the selection of parent plants for recombination breeding (Thant et al., 2021). Additionally, the use of diverse genetic material from landraces can mitigate the inbreeding depression observed in modern cultivars, thereby enhancing the genetic gain in future breeding efforts (Zahra et al., 2020). 6.2 Strategies for in situandex situconservation Effective conservation strategies are essential to preserve the genetic diversity of Myanmar’s rice landraces. In situ conservation, which involves maintaining rice varieties in their natural habitats, allows for the continued evolution and adaptation of these varieties to local environmental conditions. This method has been shown to retain most genetic diversity over time, as observed in on-farm conservation practices in other regions (Cui et al., 2019). Ex situ conservation, on the other hand, involves storing seeds in gene banks, which provides a safeguard against the loss of genetic material due to environmental changes or other threats. Both strategies are complementary and should be employed to ensure the long-term preservation of genetic resources. The high genetic diversity found in different ecosystems and areas within Myanmar underscores the importance of region-specific conservation efforts (Na et al., 2016).
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