Role of Molecular Breeding in Rice Improvement

Suraj Kumar, Rajendra Prasad Meena, Metla Sai Pavan & Lalan Kumar

Abstract

More than half of the global population depends on rice as the main staple food and rice is an essential ingredient in the world food and nutritional security. Nevertheless, climate change, new pests and diseases, scarcity of water and rising population pressure are the real problems that are threatening the rice production even today. Traditional breeding strategies like those that have been successful in previous years tend to be time consuming and less specific in the complex characteristic representation. Molecular breeding is now an effective solution that makes the rice improvement programs more efficient and precise. Through the DNA markers, markers-assisted selection (MAS), gene pyramiding, genomic selection and genome editing methods, the breeders can manage to detect and introduce desirable genes at a very early stage in crop breeding. These sophisticated methods allow coming up with high yield, disease-resilient, climate-resistant and nutrient-enriched types of rice. Molecular breeding does not only speed up the breeding of varieties but it also enhances sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming. The key molecular tools applied in rice improvement, recent developments, and the future of precision breeding to ensure food security for the ever-increasing world population.