Plant Gene and Trait 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 73-84 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 80 Figure 2 The appearance and determination of grain shape and related impact factors analysis in YF47dep1 (WT) and the NILs (Adopted from Mao et al., 2021) Image caption: a, b: The appearance (a) and comparison (b) of grain length in WT and NILs. Scale bar = 5 mm, The data represent the mean ± sd, ***P < 0.001, **P < 0.01, *P < 0.05; c, d: The appearance (c) and comparison (d) of grain width in WT and NILs. Scale bar = 5 mm; e: The comparison of length to width ratio in WT and NILs; f-i: The appearance (f) and comparison of cell length (j), cell width (h) and number of cells (i) on the outer surface of the glumes in WT and the NILs. Scale bar = 10 μm; j, k: The comparison of IAA (j) and BR (k) levels in YF47dep1 (WT) and the NILs; l: The relative expression of DEP1 in the NILs (Adopted from Mao et al., 2021) 7.3 Strategies for wider adoption of DEP1-enhanced varieties To maximize the benefits of DEP1-enhanced rice varieties, several strategies can be employed for their wider adoption. First, breeding programs should focus on incorporating DEP1 into a broad range of rice cultivars, including those adapted to different climatic and soil conditions. Marker-assisted selection can facilitate the efficient introgression of DEP1 into elite cultivars, ensuring that the beneficial traits are retained while maintaining other desirable agronomic characteristics (Zhao et al., 2015). Additionally, educating farmers about the advantages of DEP1-enhanced varieties and providing them with access to high-quality seeds can promote adoption at the grassroots level. Collaborative efforts between researchers, agricultural extension services, and policymakers are essential to support the dissemination and sustainable cultivation of these high-yielding varieties (Huang et al., 2009; Zhao et al., 2016). Finally, ongoing research to further understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms of DEP1 and its interaction with other yield-related genes will continue to drive innovations in rice breeding, ensuring that DEP1-enhanced varieties remain at the forefront of efforts to improve rice production and food security globally (Miura et al., 2010; Mao et al., 2021). 8 Future Research Directions 8.1 Unexplored areas inDEP1 research Despite significant advancements in understanding the role of the DEP1 locus in rice yield, several areas remain underexplored. One such area is the detailed molecular mechanism by which DEP1 influences meristematic activity and panicle architecture. While it is known that the dominant allele at the DEP1 locus enhances meristematic activity, resulting in a reduced length of the inflorescence internode and an increased number of grains per panicle (Huang et al., 2009), the precise biochemical pathways and interactions with other genetic factors are not fully understood. Additionally, the impact of DEP1 on other agronomic traits such as disease resistance and stress tolerance warrants further investigation. Understanding these interactions could provide a more holistic approach to rice breeding programs.
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