Hybrid Rice Breeding: Principles, Methods and Future Prospects
Suraj Kumar, Ankita Kumari, Abhishek Kumar & Dheerendra Pratap Singh
Abstract
Hybrid rice revolutionizes farming by harnessing hybrid vigor for 15-30% higher yields, pioneered by Yuan Longping to feed billions on shrinking lands. The biological basis of dominance and overdominance improving tillers and roots and tolerance to stress has been demystified as well as the breeding concepts of three-line CMS and two-line systems and the future of climate-adaptive, nutrient-enriched (Zn/Fe-packed) hybrids. It creates sustainable ways to feed the world of 10 billion through public-private cooperation and education of farmers.