Abstract: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major staple crop that feeds nearly half of the global population. However, it is highly sensitive to low temperatures, which limits its cultivation and yield stability in high-latitude and high-altitude regions. Low-temperature stress suppresses growth, disrupts physiological processes, reduces yield, and in severe cases causes plant death, posing a serious threat to food security. With climate change, the frequency and intensity of low-temperature stress are expected to increase further. This review summarizes recent progress in understanding rice cold tolerance, emphasizing physiological responses, molecular and genetic regulatory mechanisms, and insights from omics studies. We also explored the natural variation in cold tolerance and its potential for breeding, and highlight current challenges and future directions in the context of climate change. This review aims to provide scientific insights aiming the breeding of cold-tolerant rice varieties and to enhance the protection of global food security.

Key words: rice, cold tolerance, physiological responses, molecular mechanisms, omics research, smart breeding