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    Towards Climate-Smart Rice Cultivation: Addressing Methane Emission Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies for a Sustainable Future
    Saleem Asif, Sajjad Asaf, Rahmat Ullah Jan, Du Xiaoxuan, Jae-Ryoung Park, Kyung-Min Kim
    Rice Science    2026, 33 (2): 203-220.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2025.11.002
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    Rice fields are one of the largest sources of methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas contributing significantly to global warming. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms and mitigating CH4 emissions from paddy fields is crucial for combating climate change while ensuring sustainable food production. This review investigates the biological processes governing CH4 generation in rice fields, focusing on how soil microorganisms generate CH4 under waterlogged, anaerobic conditions. It also explores the mechanisms by which CH4 escapes into the atmosphere through plant-mediated transport, diffusion, and ebullition. Several factors influencing CH4 emissions are discussed, including soil composition, water management, exogenous organic matter application, rice variety selection, and local climate conditions. Strategies that can be implemented to reduce CH4 emissions are assessed, such as alternate wetting and drying, urea deep placement, biochar application, optimized fertilizer application, and breeding of rice varieties with low CH4 emissions. Novel solutions, such as the enhancement of methane-consuming bacteria in soils using microbial-based approaches, are also explored. The importance of integrating innovative technologies, improved farming practices, and interdisciplinary research is emphasized to develop practical and scalable strategies for reducing CH4 emissions. By addressing these challenges, we can advance towards the attainment of sustainable agriculture and global climate goals. This review aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to understand and mitigate CH4 emissions from rice cultivation.

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    Amino Acid Transporter OsAAP18 Modulates Nitrogen Allocation to Boost Yield and Grain Quality in Rice
    He Chongchong, Yang Xiaochuan, Zhang Jie, Wu Wenhao, Wang Chuanbo, Chen Wenbo, Wu Bowen, Huang Weiting, Fang Zhongming
    Rice Science    2026, 33 (2): 151-154.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2026.01.005
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    Cross-Species Induction of Plant Immunity by Oryza-Specific Small Secreted Peptide, OsRALF26
    Oh-Kyu Kwon, A-Ram Jeong, Hyeran Moon, Ryoung Shin, Chang-Jin Park
    Rice Science    2025, 32 (6): 747-750.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2025.04.016
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    Identification and Functional Characterization of TPL/TPR Genes in Rice Disease Resistance
    Zhan Chengfang, Lu Xueli, Chen Yingtong, Li Shunyuan, Zhang Xiaoyan, Chen Siqi, Xie Huan, Jin Lei, Ding Lin, Ge Yi, Yang Ting, Dai Liping, Cao Junfeng, Wang Mengcen, Tang Zhengbin, Zeng Dali
    Rice Science    2026, 33 (2): 232-244.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2025.12.002
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    TOPLESS/TOPLESS-RELATED (TPL/TPR) proteins are transcriptional corepressors that play pivotal roles in plant development, hormone signaling, and stress responses. Although TPL/TPR proteins have been identified in various organisms, their functions in rice disease resistance remain largely unexplored. Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the three rice TPL/TPR proteins, designated OsTPR1, OsTPR2, and OsTPR3, examining their evolutionary relationships, expression patterns, and subcellular localization, and assessing their roles in disease resistance. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the three OsTPRs belonged to distinct evolutionary clades. Expression analysis demonstrated tissue-specific patterns and responsiveness to jasmonate (JA), with all three genes being induced upon infection with Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Consistent with their roles as transcriptional corepressors, all three OsTPRs localized to the nucleus. Disease resistance assays showed that, after inoculation with Xoo, lesion lengths on ostpr2 and ostpr3 mutants were significantly shorter than those on wild-type plants. Protein interaction assays demonstrated that OsTPR2 interacted with JA ZIM-domain protein (OsJAZ12), whose expression is also induced by Xoo. Furthermore, haplotype analysis of OsTPRs revealed natural variation, leading to the identification of superior allelic variants that confer improved resistance to bacterial blight without a yield penalty. Collectively, our findings provide a systematic characterization of TPL/TPR proteins in rice, highlight their potential roles in resistance to bacterial leaf blight, and identify valuable allelic resources for molecular breeding aimed at improving both disease resistance and yield.

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    Role of OsPHB2 in Rice Plant Architecture and Salt Stress Tolerance: Mining High-Yielding Haplotype 2
    Wang Zhonghao, Yu Ruoqian, Tian Yahong, Hu Ping, Wang Yueying, Luo Chenxi, Wei Qianya, Song Xinyang, Liu Wenjun, Tang Mengna, Yin Lu, Nong Wen, Lu Caolin, Li Sanfeng, Mao Yijian, Zhang Guangheng, Zhu Xudong, Lou Guangming, Wang Yuexing
    Rice Science    2026, 33 (2): 146-150.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2026.01.004
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    NRAMPs: Versatile Transporters Involved in Metal Ion Homeostasis and Their Applications in Rice Breeding
    Huang Qina, Wu Lijuan, Jiang Hongrui, He Yan, Liu Song, Yang Changdeng, Liang Yan
    Rice Science    2026, 33 (1): 39-58.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2025.10.010
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    The NRAMP (natural resistance-associated macrophage protein) family plays a pivotal role in metal ion transport, regulating both essential micronutrient uptake and toxic heavy metal accumulation in plants. In rice (Oryza sativa), OsNRAMP transporters critically influence metal homeostasis, stress adaptation, and grain safety. Among them, OsNRAMP5 serves as a major entry point for cadmium (Cd) and manganese (Mn) uptake, making it a prime target for low-Cd rice breeding. However, knockout of OsNRAMP5 leads to severe Mn deficiency, highlighting the need for precise genetic modifications (e.g., OsNRAMP5-Q337K), which reduce Cd accumulation while maintaining Mn nutrition. Additionally, OsNRAMP1 and OsNRAMP2 contribute to Cd translocation and plant immunity, whereas OsNRAMP3/4/6/7 participate in Mn, iron, and zinc distribution and stress responses. This review systematically summarizes the structural, functional, and regulatory mechanisms of OsNRAMPs, emphasizing their roles in metal transport, pathogen resistance, and abiotic stress adaptation. Furthermore, we discuss strategies for developing low-Cd rice varieties, including QTL-based breeding, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, and multi-gene stacking approaches. Finally, we outline future research directions, such as structural engineering of metal-binding sites and field validation of engineered rice lines, to ensure sustainable rice production in heavy metal-contaminated soils.

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    Regulatory Strategies for Alleviating Anaerobic and Submergence Stress in Rice
    Zhang Xiaoli, Tao Wei, Tang Maoyan, Gao Guoqing, Chen Lei, Zhong Xiaoyuan, Lü Ronghua, Qin Dongming, Liang Tianfeng, Guo Hui
    Rice Science    2026, 33 (2): 186-202.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2026.01.001
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    Rice production is increasingly challenged by flooding stress because of global warming and rising sea levels. As the world’s most important staple crop, rice is highly vulnerable to anaerobic and submergence conditions that occur during flooding, particularly at the germination and vegetative stages. Anaerobic environments hinder seedling establishment during germination, while prolonged submergence during the vegetative stage impairs growth, ultimately reducing yield and grain quality. These stresses, driven by extended inundation, trigger a cascade of detrimental physiological responses and represent a major barrier to stable rice production and global food security. In this review, we examine the effects of flooding on rice growth at both the germination and vegetative stages. We further summarize recent advances in the identification of flooding-tolerant germplasm, QTL mapping, genome-wide association study, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, and other molecular studies. Subsequently, we highlight potential cultivation and regulatory strategies, including genetic, morphological, physiological, and endogenous hormone-related approaches, aimed at enhancing tolerance to anaerobic and submergence stress. Together, these approaches underscore the promise of integrating molecular insights with agronomic practices to mitigate flooding damage and support sustainable rice production.

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    Auxin Response Factor OsARF13 Positively Regulates Scutellum-Derived Callus Induction Efficiency
    Pan Yidan, Li Xiaojun, Li Dandan, Liu Zhen, Fei Siyi, Shu Qingyao, Guo Fu
    Rice Science    2026, 33 (2): 141-145.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2025.12.004
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    Function and Progress of Non-Histone Acetylation in Rice
    Cai Xingjing, Cao Xi, Chen Xu, Yang Haidong, Jiang Wen, Jin Lei, Wang Zhiying, Jia Xiuqi, Zhou Yong, Gong Zhiyun
    Rice Science    2026, 33 (2): 173-185.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2025.11.003
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    Accumulating evidence from recent studies has highlighted the critical regulatory functions of non-histone protein acetylation in rice biological processes. This review systematically synthesizes current advances in characterizing the functional attributes and regulatory mechanisms of non-histone acetylation in rice, with a specific focus on its roles in regulating gene expression, modulating metabolic enzyme activities, and mediating stress responses. Emerging studies demonstrate that non-histone acetylation dynamically modulates transcription factors, metabolic enzymes, and other pivotal functional proteins to orchestrate essential physiological processes, including growth and development, photosynthetic efficiency, and environmental stress adaptation. Using mass spectrometry, gene editing, and related technologies, researchers have identified multiple acetyltransferases and deacetylases that regulate protein stability, subcellular localization, and protein-protein interactions. Despite these advances, challenges persist, such as the complexity of the acetylation regulatory networks and species-specific differences among cereal crops. Future investigations should integrate multi-omics approaches to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of this post-translational modification, thereby facilitating the development of targeted genetic engineering strategies for rice improvement.

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    Three-Line Hybrid Rice in China: Fifty Years of Sustained Improvement in Yield, Quality, and Stress Resistance
    Gong Junyi, Zhang Xiaobo, Zhang Jianfu, Zeng Bo, Zhang Xiaoqing, Xu Xia, Cheng Benyi, Hou Yuxuan, Xia Junhui, Wu Jianli, Yang Shihua, Cheng Shihua, Han Bin, Xie Huaan
    Rice Science    2026, 33 (4): 499-513.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2026.04.004
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    China pioneered the global commercial application of hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.). Chinese scientists not only proved that heterosis can be realized in self-pollinating crops, a groundbreaking theoretical advance, but also developed commercial hybrid rice breeding into one of China’s most sophisticated agricultural technology models, making outstanding contributions to national food security. This study systematically reviews the 50-year developmental trajectory of officially approved three-line hybrid rice varieties at national and provincial levels in China, through analyzing the approval statistics of individual restorer lines and male sterile lines, the dynamic changes in the popularized planting area of major varieties, and the phenotypic variation in core agronomic traits including grain yield, grain quality, and disease/pest resistance. The paper comprehensively summarizes the remarkable progress, major achievements and practical experience accumulated over half a century of three-line hybrid rice breeding in China, and prospects future research directions for this system.

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    Genetic Regulation of Phytic Acid Biosynthesis in Rice: Pathways and Breeding Approaches for Low-Phytate Varieties
    Lishali Desingu, R. L. Visakh, R. P. Sah, Uday Chand Jha, R. V. Manju, Swapna Alex, Radha Beena
    Rice Science    2025, 32 (6): 797-812.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2025.10.003
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    Phytic acid (PA), or myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate, is the main storage form of phosphorus (P) in seeds, accounting for 65% to 85% of their total P content. The negative charge of PA attracts metal cations, forming insoluble salts called phytates. These phytates, contain six negatively charged ions, can bind divalent cations such as Fe2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, preventing their absorption in monogastric animals. To overcome P deficiency in non-ruminants, phytase is usually given as a supplement, which then results in excess P excretion, leading to environmental problems such as eutrophication. Improved fertilizer management, food processing techniques, and the development of low-PA crops through plant breeding are envisioned as effective ways to improve P-utilization and lessen the environmental impact while minimizing the effect of PA. A better understanding of the molecular and physiological basis of PA biosynthesis, grain PA distribution, the effects of genetic and environmental factors on PA accumulation, and methods to increase micronutrient bioavailability by lowering the effects of PA is essential for developing low-PA crops.

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    Optimized Leaf Morphology and Delayed Senescence Boost Rice Yield via Enhanced Leaf and Canopy Photosynthesis
    Ye Miao, Mao Yuxin, Yuan Rong, Zhang Dehai, Zhang Zujian
    Rice Science    2026, 33 (2): 245-259.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2025.12.005
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    Four modern hybrid and four japonica rice varieties differing in biomass, yield, and daily biomass production rate during the grain-filling period (DBPGF), were used to reveal the eco-physiological photosynthetic characteristics of high-yield and high-efficiency rice. Varietal differences were analyzed in leaf and canopy photosynthetic parameters, associated leaf morphological and anatomical traits (e.g., stomatal density, vein density, mesophyll cell arrangement), as well as differences in canopy light interception and leaf area index, and their effects on yield and biomass accumulation. Hybrid rice with yield higher than 11.0 t/hm2 and DBPGF higher than 200 kg/(hm2·d), and japonica rice with yield higher than 9.0 t/hm2 and DBPGF higher than 200 kg/(hm2·d), were classified as high-yield and high-efficiency varieties; other varieties were considered general types. Based on this criterion, two hybrid (Yongyou 2640 and Shanyou 63) and two japonica varieties (Huaidao 5 and Nangeng 5718) were categorized as high-yield and high-efficiency types, while the remaining two hybrid (Liangyoupeijiu and C Liangyou 513) and two japonica varieties (Suxiu 867 and Yangnongdao 1) were classified as general types. Results indicated that high-yield and high-efficiency varieties generally have higher leaf and canopy photosynthesis, superior leaf stomatal, vascular, and mesophyll structures that facilitate CO2 diffusion and hydraulic transport, higher canopy light transmittance, and slower leaf area attenuation. Rice yield and biomass were positively correlated with photosynthetic parameters and closely linked to associated photosynthetic traits. Efficient rice production was attributed to coordinated improvements in leaf structure, canopy architecture, and delayed leaf area attenuation. This study provides important theoretical guidance for breeding high-efficiency rice varieties.

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    HS1 Enhances Rice Heat Tolerance Through Maintenance of Chloroplast Function and Reactive Oxygen Species Homeostasis
    Wang An, Shao Zhengji, Liu Ying, Zhang Guangheng, Zhu Li, Hu Jiang, Qian Qian, Ren Deyong
    Rice Science    2025, 32 (6): 751-755.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2025.08.010
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    An Endosperm-Specific Early Nodulin-Like Gene Regulates Amylose Content in Rice
    Zhao Dongsheng, Wu Dengfei, Chen Siyu, Fan Xiaolei, Li Qianfeng, Zhang Changquan, Liu Qiaoquan
    Rice Science    2026, 33 (2): 155-158.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2025.12.001
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    Optimizing Anther Culture for Doubled Haploid Breeding of Rice Using Yongyou 1540
    Gan Yan, Xiao Kailing, Lin Jialing, Hong Yifei, Li Chuyi, Yu Hang, Zhang Long, Cui Shiyong, Sun Yanbo, Li Jinying, Chen Mingjiao, Chu Huangwei, Lin Wenxiong, Yang Xuelian, Wang Wenfei
    Rice Science    2026, 33 (1): 5-8.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2025.08.011
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    Identification of Rice Leaf Width Gene FLW11 Through Genome-Wide Association Study and Functional Analysis
    Yang Yulu, Zhang Yanfang, Liu Xiong, Zhang Lihua, Huang Jingfen, Shen Lixing, Zhao Huibo, Shen Lan, Zhang Qiang, Zhu Li, Hu Jiang, Ren Deyong, Gao Zhenyu, Dong Guojun, Qiao Weihua, Qian Qian, Zhang Guangheng
    Rice Science    2025, 32 (6): 756-760.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2025.06.004
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    Intelligent Survey Method for Tiny Rice Pests and Their Natural Predators in Paddy Fields Using Augmented Reality (AR) Glasses
    Hong Chen, Luo Ju, Feng Zelin, Ling Heping, Li Lingyi, Wu Jian, Yao Qing, Liu Shuhua
    Rice Science    2025, 32 (6): 868-884.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2025.08.005
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    Rice crops are frequently threatened by pests such as rice planthoppers (Nilaparvata lugens, Sogatella furcifera, and Laodelphax striatellus) and leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), which cause significant yield losses. Accurate identification of both pest developmental stages and their natural predators is crucial for effective pest control and maintaining ecological balance. However, conventional field surveys are often subjective, inefficient, and lack traceability. To overcome these limitations, this study proposed RiceInsectID, a two-stage cascaded detection method designed to identify and count tiny rice pests and their natural predators from white flat plate images captured by head-worn AR glasses. The method recognizes 25 insect classes, including 17 instars of rice planthoppers, 2 instars of leafhoppers, 4 spider species (Araneae), as well as Miridae and rove beetles (Staphylinidae Latreille). At the first coarse-grained detection stage, 16 visually similar classes are consolidated into 6 broader categories and detected using an enhanced YOLOv6 model. To improve small object detection and address class imbalance, the full-region overlapping sliding slices and target pasting (FOSTP) algorithm was applied, increasing the mean average precision at a 50% IoU threshold (mAP50) by 35.46% over the baseline YOLOv6. Feature extraction and fusion were further improved by incorporating an efficient channel attention path aggregation feature pyramid network (ECA-PAFPN) and adaptive structure feature fusion (ASFF) modules, while the balanced classification mosaic (BCM) enhanced detection of minority classes. With test-time augmentation (TTA), mAP50 improved by an additional 2.06%, reaching 84.71%. At the second fine-grained classification stage, each of the six broad classes from the first stage is further classified using individual ResNet50 models. Online data augmentation and transfer learning were employed to significantly enhance generalization. Compared with the baseline YOLOv6, the two-stage cascaded method improved recall by 4.06%, precision by 3.79%, and the F1-score by 3.92%. Overall, RiceInsectID achieved 82.85% recall, 80.62% precision, and an F1-score of 81.72%, demonstrating an efficient and practical solution for monitoring tiny rice pests and their natural predators in paddy fields. This study provides valuable insights for ecosystem monitoring and supporting sustainable pest management in rice agriculture.

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    Dynamic Changes in Ion Accumulation and Gene Expression Reveal Root-Specific Iron Uptake Strategies in Iron-Deficient Rice after Iron Supplementation
    Ma Yangming, Wen Yanfang, Tie Xiana, Liu Ning, Shi Yuanqing, Liu Tao, Wang Zhonglin, Liu Ruhongji, Wang Cheng, Chen Zongkui, Yang Zhiyuan, Sun Yongjian, Ma Jun
    Rice Science    2026, 33 (2): 260-276.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2026.02.002
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    Investigating the biological processes of iron (Fe) homeostasis is crucial for comprehending crop genetic improvement, which in turn helps address human malnutrition. This study utilized phenotyping, ionomics, and transcriptome analysis to uncover the regulatory mechanism of Fe homeostasis in rice under different Fe concentrations and during Fe supplementation. Our results showed both Fe deficiency and excess impede rice growth, with Fe excess exerting a more severe impact, particularly on the roots. The decrease in crown roots under excessive Fe conditions likely serves as an adaptive mechanism to counteract Fe toxicity. Transcriptomic analysis identified 4652 differentially expressed genes affected by Fe stress and supplementation. When Fe is supplemented to Fe-deficient rice, there are upregulations in the expression of genes related to Fe ion concentration and Fe homeostasis at 10 min and 2 h after supplementation, respectively, along with a brief downregulation at 30 min. This indicated a protective mechanism in the roots during Fe uptake. Notably, shoots with a lack of Fe accumulation did not show re-entry of Fe after supplementation, and there was a sustained downregulation of Fe-regulated genes. This suggests that the signaling from roots to shoots influences the response of shoots to Fe supplementation in rice. The molecular changes in Fe homeostasis discovered in this study can contribute to the improvement of rice.

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    Jumonji C Domain-Containing Protein OsJMJ712 Integrates Epigenetic Regulation and Circadian Clock to Fine-Tune Flowering in Rice
    Li Chao, Ruan Chengcheng, He Yiqin, Yang Zhenkun, Jiang Zhenyi, Li Xiao, Xu Jianhong
    Rice Science    2026, 33 (2): 221-231.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2025.10.006
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    The Jumonji C domain-containing (JmjC) histone demethylases (JMJs) are involved in various aspects of plant development and responses to environmental changes. AtJMJs have been extensively studied in Arabidopsis for their roles in regulating flowering time, while their functions and molecular mechanisms in regulating flowering time in rice remain underexplored. Here, we demonstrate that the JmjC domain-only group member OsJMJ712 regulates heading date in rice. OsJMJ712 exhibits H3K36me3 demethylase activity at Ehd1 and RFT1 and represses the expression of Ehd1, Hd3a, and RFT1. Furthermore, loss of function of OsJMJ712 disrupts the circadian clock, and OsLHY directly binds to the promoter of OsJMJ712 to suppress its expression. These findings uncover that OsJMJ712 integrates histone demethylation and the circadian clock to fine-tune photoperiodic flowering in rice, providing new insights into the epigenetic control of photoperiodic flowering in crops.

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    Suppressors of Cytokinin Receptor Mutant pal1/ohk4 Confer Favorable Alleles of Grain Number 1a (Gn1a) for Improving Grain Yield in japonica Rice
    Jia Huichao, Chun Yan, Ashmit Kumar, Mo Tianyu, Wang Haifeng, Guo Shengyuan, Fang Jingjing, Zhao Jinfeng, Sun Wei, Zhang Shiyong, Yuan Shoujiang, Li Xueyong
    Rice Science    2026, 33 (1): 81-98.   DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2025.10.008
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    Panicle number per plant, grain number per panicle, and grain weight are three key factors influencing rice grain yield. Gn1a, a major QTL for grain number per panicle, encodes the cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX) OsCKX2. While the use of elite Gn1a alleles has been well documented in indica rice cultivars, their potential in japonica rice remains largely unexplored. In this study, we characterized three suppressor mutants of the rice cytokinin receptor mutant pal1/ohk4 and found that all causal genes were novel alleles of Gn1a identified through the MutMap approach. These three suppressor mutants caused single amino acid substitutions in the FAD-binding domain (G556D and G156D) and the cytokinin-binding domain (Y357C), resulting in significantly reduced enzymatic activity of OsCKX2 and elevated cytokinin levels in the panicle. Haplotype analysis of Gn1a using a natural population from the 3K Rice Genomes Project showed that G556D, G156D, and Y357C were novel alleles of Gn1a. G556, G156, and Y357 were highly conserved, whereas four natural variants G54A, A105V, H116R, and N535K identified in different haplotypes of Gn1a showed extremely low conservation. By backcrossing the suppressor mutants with their original wild-type Huaidao 5, an elite japonica rice variety, we developed improved lines carrying only the gn1a mutation. The improved lines showed a significant increase in grain number per panicle, grain weight, panicle number per plant, plant height, and stem thickness, leading to a 25.7%-28.7% increase in grain yield per plot compared with Huaidao 5. This study provides valuable Gn1a alleles ‌for synergistic improvement of the three key yield factors and offers germplasm resources for high-yielding breeding in japonica rice.

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