Enhancing the Genetic Understanding of Rice for Strategic Breeding of High Yielding and Superior Quality Varieties
B. Nagendra Naidu *
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641003, India.
L. Madhavilatha
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, ARS - Ananthapuram, ANGRAU-515006, India.
Shubhangi Kshirsagar Maraskole
Genetics and Plant Breeding, KHCA Chamorshi, Gadchiroli, India.
Narinder Panotra
Institute of Biotechnology SKUAST Jammu, J&K -180009, India.
Oinam Bobochand Singh
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, Assam, India.
Anil Kumar
Department, P.G. Dept. of Chemistry, Sahibganj College Sahibganj -816109, Jharkhand, India.
Okram Ricky Devi
Department of Agronomy, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, Assam, India.
Bibek Laishram
Department of Agronomy, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, Assam, India.
S. Anbarasan
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram – 608002, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food crop crucial for global food security. This review synthesizes recent advancements in the genetic understanding of rice and their implications for developing breeding techniques aimed at achieving high-yield and superior quality varieties. We examine the genetic basis of key traits influencing rice yield and quality, including grain size, aroma, and cooking characteristics. The paper evaluates traditional and modern breeding techniques, highlighting the role of genomic tools such as marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, and CRISPR-Cas9 technology in accelerating rice improvement. We also discuss the challenges facing rice breeding, including the genetic complexity of desirable traits, regulatory hurdles for genetically modified varieties, and environmental factors influencing breeding outcomes. Finally, the prospect for further research in rice breeding is discussed with the special focuses on sustainable breeding, climate adaptive, and nutritionally enriched rice. This review holds great utility for researchers and breeders involved in the cultivation of better rice varieties as per the growing global requirements.
Keywords: Rice, food crop, genetic enhancement