Plant Gene and Traits 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 141-151 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 147 the GS2 gene, breeders can enhance grain size and weight, thereby increasing overall yield. The integration of GS2 insights into conventional breeding can be achieved through phenotypic selection and cross-breeding of high-yielding varieties with desirable grain traits (Mishra et al., 2022). 6.2 Molecular marker-assisted selection for GS2 traits Molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) is a powerful tool for incorporating GS2 traits into rice breeding programs. InDel markers have been successfully used to identify and select for favorable alleles of the GS2 gene, along with other grain size-related genes such as GS3, GW8, and GL72. This approach allows for the precise selection of genotypes with desirable traits, thereby accelerating the breeding process. The use of MAS can help in the development of rice varieties with improved grain size and weight, which are essential for meeting market demands and enhancing yield (Gull et al., 2019). Additionally, the application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology to edit genes like GS3 and GL3.1 has shown potential in rapidly improving grain size, although it may have some trade-offs in terms of grain quality and yield (Chen et al., 2020). 6.3 Challenges and opportunities in GS2-based breeding While the incorporation of GS2 into rice breeding programs offers significant opportunities for yield improvement, several challenges must be addressed. One major challenge is the complex interaction between multiple genes that regulate grain size and weight. For instance, the interaction between GS2 and other genes such as OsOFP19, which plays an antagonistic role, complicates the breeding process (Huang et al., 2022). Additionally, the pleiotropic effects of gene editing, as observed with the simultaneous knockout of GS3 and GL3.1, can lead to unintended consequences on other agronomic traits (Li et al., 2021). Despite these challenges, the opportunities for GS2-based breeding are substantial. The identification of favorable alleles and their incorporation into breeding programs can lead to the development of high-yielding rice varieties with improved grain size and weight . Furthermore, the use of advanced molecular techniques such as MAS and CRISPR/Cas9 can enhance the efficiency and precision of breeding efforts, ultimately contributing to global food security. 7 Impact of GS2 Research on Rice Agriculture 7.1 Implications of GS2 studies for rice yield enhancement Research on the GS2 gene has significantly advanced our understanding of grain size regulation in rice, which is a critical determinant of yield. Studies have shown that GS2, along with other genes, plays a pivotal role in controlling grain length, width, and weight. For instance, the study by Ngangkham et al. (2018) demonstrated that GS2, among other genes, is associated with grain length (GL), grain width (GW), and grain thickness (GT), which collectively influence the thousand grain weight (TGW). This highlights the potential of GS2 in breeding programs aimed at improving rice yield by selecting for favorable grain size traits. Additionally, the research by supports the importance of GS2 in grain size regulation, showing that it is one of the key genes influencing grain length and width, which are crucial for yield enhancement (Anant et al., 2021). 7.2Role of GS2 in meeting global food security challenges The GS2 gene’s role in regulating grain size has broader implications for global food security. As the global population continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for higher crop yields. The ability to manipulate grain size through genetic means, such as targeting the GS2 gene, offers a promising strategy to meet this demand. The study by Huang et al. (2022) highlights the potential of GS2 in improving grain size through its interaction with brassinosteroids (BRs), which are known to enhance cell expansion in spikelet hulls. This suggests that GS2 can be a target for genetic modifications to produce rice varieties with larger grains, thereby increasing overall yield. Furthermore, the research by Lyu et al. (2020) indicates that the GS2 gene, along with other genes in the GSK2 signaling pathway, can be manipulated to achieve desired grain size and weight, which is essential for enhancing food production and ensuring food security (Ramayya et al.,2021). 7.3 Strategies for scaling GS2 research to benefit global rice production To maximize the benefits of GS2 research for global rice production, several strategies can be employed. First, the development of molecular markers for GS2 can facilitate the selection of desirable traits in breeding programs. This approach allows for the efficient identification and incorporation of favorable GS2 alleles into new rice
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