Qian Zhu^1,2,3 , Xiaoling Zhang⁴ , Zar Ni Naing Nant Nyein^1,5 , Jianquan Li⁶ , Lijuan Chen^1,2,3 , Dongsun Lee^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 Department of Plant Breeding, Physiology and Ecology, Yezin Agricultural University (YAU), Nay Pyi Taw, 15013, Myanmar
6 Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Rice Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 3   doi: 10.5376/rgg.2024.15.0012
Received: 12 Apr., 2024    Accepted: 13 May, 2024    Published: 23 May, 2024

This study aims to explore and summarize strategies for rice improvement by utilizing genetic resources from both wild and cultivated Oryza species. This includes assessing genetic diversity, identifying beneficial alleles, and leveraging advanced genomic tools to enhance rice breeding programs. The results indicate that wild Oryza species have great potential in rice improvement, and the genetic diversity within the Oryza genus plays an important role in enhancing rice cultivars. The de novo domestication of wild allotetraploid rice also shows promise for developing new staple cereals with improved agronomic traits. Recent genomic studies have provided a deeper understanding of rice domestication, heterosis, and complex traits, which are crucial for future breeding programs. The findings underscore the importance of utilizing genetic resources from both wild and cultivated Oryza species to enhance rice breeding programs. The integration of advanced genomic tools and the identification of beneficial alleles from wild species can significantly broaden the genetic base of cultivated rice, leading to improved yield, quality, and sustainability. These strategies are essential for addressing the global food security challenges posed by a growing population.

Rice improvement; Srategies; Oryza species; Genetic diversity; Traditional breeding; Modern breeding techniques; Domestication