Plant Gene and Trait 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 85-96 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 94 The identification and characterization of genetic determinants through QTL mapping are crucial for the development of high-quality rice varieties. These genetic insights facilitate marker-assisted selection (MAS), enabling breeders to select for desirable traits more efficiently. For instance, the identification of QTLs for grain size, a key determinant of rice yield, has provided valuable targets for genetic improvement. Similarly, QTLs associated with grain appearance and nutritional quality traits have high economic value and influence market prices, making them important targets for breeding programs. Moreover, the integration of QTL mapping with other genomic tools, such as RNA-seq and SNP genotyping, has enhanced the precision and resolution of QTL identification. This integration has led to the discovery of novel QTLs and candidate genes that can be utilized in breeding programs to improve rice quality and yield. The use of high-density genetic maps and advanced sequencing technologies has also facilitated the fine mapping of QTLs, enabling the identification of key candidate genes involved in grain quality traits. Future research should focus on the functional validation of identified QTLs and candidate genes to understand their roles in rice grain quality. Functional studies, such as gene knockout and overexpression experiments, can provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these traits. Additionally, the development of high-throughput phenotyping platforms will enable the accurate measurement of grain quality traits, facilitating the identification of new QTLs. Collaborative efforts between researchers, breeders, and policymakers are essential to translate genetic insights into practical breeding programs. Policies should support the integration of advanced genomic tools into breeding programs and provide funding for research on rice grain quality. Furthermore, the establishment of centralized databases for QTLs and candidate genes will facilitate data sharing and collaboration among researchers. In conclusion, the advancements in QTL mapping have provided valuable insights into the genetic determinants of rice grain quality. The integration of these insights into breeding programs will enable the development of high-quality rice varieties, addressing the global demand for improved rice quality and yield. Future research and policy efforts should focus on the functional validation of QTLs, the development of high-throughput phenotyping platforms, and the promotion of collaborative research to achieve these goals. Acknowledgments The author extends sincere thanks to two anonymous peer reviewers for their feedback on the manuscript. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The author affirms that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Aloryi K., Okpala N., Amo A., Bello S., Akaba S., and Tian X., 2022, A meta-quantitative trait loci analysis identified consensus genomic regions and candidate genes associated with grain yield in rice, Frontiers in Plant Science, 13: 1035851. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.1035851 PMid:36466247 PMCid:PMC9709451 Arikit S., Wanchana S., Khanthong S., Saensuk C., Thianthavon T., Vanavichit A., and Toojinda T., 2019, QTL-seq identifies cooked grain elongation QTLs near soluble starch synthase and starch branching enzymes in rice (Oryza sativa L.), Scientific Reports, 9: 8328. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44856-2 PMid:31171826 PMCid:PMC6554297 Bazrkar-Khatibani L., Fakheri B., Hosseini-Chaleshtori M., Mahender A., Mahdinejad N., and Ali J., 2019, Genetic mapping and validation of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the grain appearance and quality traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) by using recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, International Journal of Genomics, 2019(1): 3160275. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/3160275 PMid:30931320 PMCid:PMC6410440
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