Xiaoling  Zhang⁴ , Qian Zhu^{1, 2,3} , Jianquan Li⁵ , Dongsun Lee^1,2,3 , Lijuan Chen^1,2,3

1 Rice Research Institute, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
2 The Key Laboratory for Crop Production and Smart Agriculture of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
3 State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
4 Kunming University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
5 Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Rice Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 4   doi: 10.5376/rgg.2024.15.0019
Received: 11 Jul., 2024    Accepted: 12 Aug., 2024    Published: 24 Aug., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Zhang X.L., Zhu Q., Li J.Q., Lee D.S., and Chen L.J., 2024, Maximizing rice yields through heterosis: exploring the genetic basis and breeding strategies, Rice Genomics and Genetics, 15(4): 190-202 (doi: 10.5376/rgg.2024.15.0019)

Maximizing rice yields is essential for ensuring global food security, especially in the face of increasing population pressure and climatic challenges. This study explores the potential of heterosis (hybrid vigor) in rice breeding to enhance yield, stress tolerance, and overall crop performance. The study delves into the historical development and key genetic mechanisms underlying heterosis, including dominance, overdominance, and epistasis. Traditional and modern breeding strategies, such as marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection, are examined for their roles in optimizing hybrid rice production. Advances in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and other multi-omics approaches provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of heterosis, facilitating the development of superior hybrid varieties. The study also addresses the socio-economic and environmental considerations vital for the successful adoption of hybrid rice. Future directions emphasize the integration of CRISPR and synthetic biology, international collaborations, and supportive policy frameworks to enhance the sustainability and impact of hybrid rice breeding programs. By leveraging these advancements, hybrid rice breeding can significantly contribute to global agricultural sustainability and food security.

Heterosis; Hybrid rice; Genomics; Marker-assisted selection; CRISPR