Plant Gene and Trait 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 230-242 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 239 applications for rice improvement (Feng et al., 2016; Misra et al., 2018). By addressing these priorities and leveraging emerging technologies, future research can significantly enhance our understanding of the genetic basis of rice grain shape and palatability, ultimately contributing to the development of high-yielding and high-quality rice varieties. 10 Concluding Remarks The genetic basis of rice grain shape and palatability has been extensively studied, revealing numerous QTLs and candidate genes that influence these traits. Over 400 QTLs associated with rice grain traits have been identified, with several key genes such as GS3, qSW5, and GW2 playing significant roles in determining grain size and shape. Advanced genotyping platforms, like the RICE6K array and high-density SNP markers, have facilitated the identification of major QTL clusters on chromosomes 7 and 12, which significantly affect grain length and width. The textural qualities of cooked rice, including adhesiveness, hardness, springiness, and cohesiveness, are influenced by genetic factors. A significant hotspot on chromosome 6 was identified for amylose content and adhesiveness, which are crucial for rice texture and palatability. The genetic diversity in grain size genes such as GW2, GS5, and qSW5 has been shaped by both natural variation and artificial selection, providing a rich resource for breeding programs. GWAS have been instrumental in discovering new candidate genes and QTLs for grain shape and weight, with several studies emphasizing the importance of allele combinations in determining these traits. Future research should focus on the functional validation of the identified QTLs and candidate genes, particularly at the biochemical and molecular level. This will involve in-depth studies on gene expression, protein function, and interaction networks to elucidate how these genes contribute to grain development and quality. Combining genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data will provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying grain shape and palatability. Breeding programs should incorporate consumer preferences for rice texture and palatability by utilizing MAS and GS techniques. These approaches will enhance the precision and efficiency of breeding efforts, ensuring the development of rice varieties that meet both market demands and quality standards. Wild rice species and landraces harbor valuable genetic diversity that can be tapped into for improving grain shape and palatability. Resequencing and phenotyping of these resources will be crucial. Understanding how genetic factors influencing grain shape and palatability interact with environmental conditions will be important for developing climate-resilient rice varieties. The genetic basis of rice grain shape and palatability is complex and involves numerous genes and QTLs. Advances in high-throughput genotyping, GWAS, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, and multi-omics approaches have significantly enhanced our knowledge of these traits. However, translating this knowledge into practical breeding applications remains a challenge. Future research should aim to bridge this gap by focusing on functional characterization, integrating multi-omics data, and aligning breeding goals with consumer preferences and environmental sustainability. By addressing these challenges, researchers and breeders can develop rice varieties that not only perform well but also meet the quality standards desired by consumers, ensuring both productivity and palatability. Acknowledgments We extend our sincere thanks to two anonymous peer reviewers for their invaluable feedback on the initial draft of this paper, whose critical evaluations and constructive suggestions have greatly contributed to the improvement of our manuscript. Funding This work was supported by grants from the Central Leading Local Science and Technology Development Project (grant nos. 202207AA110010) and the Key and Major Science and Technology Projects of Yunnan (grant nos. 202202AE09002102). Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==