Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 277-289 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 286 7.2 Research gaps and unresolved questions Despite significant progress, several research gaps and unresolved questions remain in the study of blast resistance in rice. One major gap is the limited understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying partial and complete resistance to blast disease (Ballini et al., 2008). While numerous resistance genes and QTLs have been identified, their functional roles and interactions are not fully elucidated (Ning et al., 2020; Tan et al., 2022). Another unresolved question is the durability of resistance conferred by these genes. Many resistance genes provide only short-term protection, and the mechanisms that contribute to long-lasting resistance are not well understood (Ashkani et al., 2015; Nizolli et al., 2021). Additionally, there is a need for more comprehensive studies on the host-pathogen interactions and the environmental factors that influence the expression of resistance genes (Xu et al., 2008; Yadav et al., 2019). In future breeding, it is necessary to continuously select and breed new materials to realize high yield and disease resistance, gene editing breeding practice shows that although new variants can be rapidly created in different rice variety backgrounds, the application of some yield-related genes is not ideal, and some genes even show yield reduction effects, so high quality and high yield is an important breeding goal, and diversified control of rice blast fungus is the direction of future development, and the cultivation of New disease-resistant varieties, searching for low-toxicity and low-residue fungicide, and reducing the use of chemical and biological pesticides are inevitable trends. In the future, with the continuous development of molecular biology, genomics and biotechnology, rice molecular marker-assisted selection breeding technology will be more mature and perfect. 7.3 Prospects for future research and breeding efforts Future research and breeding efforts should focus on several key areas to enhance blast resistance in Dian-type hybrid and upland rice. One promising direction is the use of advanced genomic tools, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, to identify and manipulate resistance genes with greater precision (Ning et al., 2020; Srichant et al., 2019). The development of high-throughput phenotyping platforms can also accelerate the screening of large breeding populations for blast resistance (Xu et al., 2008; Tan et al., 2022). Another important area is the pyramiding of multiple resistance genes to create cultivars with broad-spectrum and durable resistance (Ashkani et al., 2015; Srichant et al., 2019). Collaborative efforts between researchers, breeders, and farmers are essential to ensure the successful implementation of these strategies and to address the evolving challenges posed by blast disease (Xu et al., 2008; Herawati et al., 2022). Finally, the integration of traditional breeding methods with modern biotechnological approaches can provide a holistic framework for developing resilient rice varieties that can withstand the pressures of both biotic and abiotic stresses (Yadav et al., 2019; Ning et al., 2020). The importance of genetic diversity in blast resistance cannot be overstated. Diverse genetic backgrounds provide a broader spectrum of resistance, reducing the likelihood of widespread disease outbreaks. This study underscores the need to preserve and utilize the genetic diversity present in traditional landraces and wild rice species, which harbor unique resistance genes that can be crucial for future breeding efforts. The integration of advanced genomic tools and traditional breeding techniques will be essential in harnessing this diversity to develop rice varieties that can withstand the evolving challenges posed by blast disease and other biotic stresses. Ultimately, maintaining and enhancing genetic diversity in rice will be key to ensuring sustainable rice production and global food security. Funding This work was supported by the grants from the Central Leading Local Science and Technology Development Project (grant no. 202207AA110010) and the Key and Major Science and Technology Projects of Yunnan (grant nos. 202202AE09002102, 202402AE090026-04). 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.
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