Jianquan Li

Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Rice Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 3   doi: 10.5376/rgg.2024.15.0014
Received: 05 May, 2024    Accepted: 06 Jun., 2024    Published: 14 Jun., 2024

Li J.Q., 2024, Harnessing natural genetic diversity: the impact of wild rice alleles on cultivated varieties, Rice Genomics and Genetics, 15(3): 132-141 (doi: 10.5376/rgg.2024.15.0014)

Harnessing the genetic diversity found in wild rice species has the potential to significantly enhance the agronomic traits of cultivated rice varieties. This study explores the impact of wild rice alleles on cultivated rice, focusing on the identification and utilization of beneficial quantitative trait loci (QTL) alleles from wild relatives such as Oryza rufipogon. Studies have shown that wild rice species, despite being phenotypically inferior, possess alleles that can improve traits like grain yield, drought resistance, and disease resistance when introgressed into cultivated varieties. Advances in genomic technologies and molecular markers have facilitated the discovery and incorporation of these alleles, leading to the development of superior rice cultivars. The study also highlights the challenges and strategies in leveraging wild rice genetic resources, emphasizing the importance of systematic evaluation and the creation of introgression libraries for future rice improvement. Overall, the innovative use of wild rice alleles holds promise for enhancing the genetic base and resilience of cultivated rice, contributing to global food security.

Wild rice alleles; Quantitative trait loci (QTL); Genetic diversity; Rice improvement; Introgression libraries