Rice Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 287-308 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 297 Feature Review Open Access Meta-analysis of Flood Tolerance Genes in Rice: Evaluating Their Impact on Agronomic Traits Mingliang Jin, Yanfu Wang, Danyan Ding Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: danyan.ding@jicat.org Rice Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.6 doi: 10.5376/rgg.2024.15.0029 Received: 27 Oct., 2024 Accepted: 26 Nov., 2024 Published: 03 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Jin et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Licensse, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Jin M.L., Wang Y.F., and Ding D.Y., 2024, Meta-analysis of flood tolerance genes in rice: evaluating their impact on agronomic traits, Rice Genomics and Genetics, 15(6): 297-308 (doi: 10.5376/rgg.2024.15.0029) Abstract Rice, as a staple crop, plays a crucial role in global food security; however, flood stress poses significant challenges to its productivity. This study conducts a comprehensive meta-analysis of flood tolerance genes in rice, aiming to understand their genetic contributions and evaluate their impact on key agronomic traits. Utilizing rigorous criteria, statistical methodologies, and bioinformatics tools, the analysis synthesizes data from diverse studies to elucidate the distribution, frequency, and functional roles of genes associated with flood tolerance, such as SUB1A. A detailed case study on the SUB1A gene highlights its discovery, molecular mechanisms, and practical applications in enhancing submergence tolerance. The findings underscore the agronomic implications of flood tolerance genes, including yield stability and economic benefits in flood-prone regions. Challenges such as gene expression variability and limited phenotypic data are addressed, and future directions emphasize genome editing, multi-omics approaches, and integrated breeding strategies. This study provides critical insights to guide the development of resilient rice varieties, contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security. Keywords Rice flood tolerance; SUB1A gene; Agronomic traits; Meta-analysis; Genetic breeding 1 Introduction Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a fundamental staple food for more than half of the world's population, playing a crucial role in global food security and economic stability (Singh et al., 2016; Entila et al., 2021). It is cultivated extensively across diverse agro-ecological zones, making it a vital crop for both subsistence and commercial agriculture (Zhang et al., 2017; Beena et al., 2021). The importance of rice extends beyond nutrition, as it also supports the livelihoods of millions of farmers and contributes significantly to the economies of many developing countries (Septiningsih and Mackill, 2018). Flooding is a major abiotic stress that severely impacts rice production, leading to substantial yield losses and economic damage (Oladosu et al., 2020; Panda et al., 2021). The frequency and intensity of flooding events are expected to increase due to climate change, exacerbating the challenges faced by rice farmers (Khahani et al., 2021). Flood stress affects rice at various growth stages, from germination to maturity, and can result in complete crop failure if not managed effectively (Septiningsih and Mackill, 2018). The complexity of flood tolerance in rice involves multiple physiological and genetic factors, making it a challenging trait to breed for. Genetic solutions offer a promising approach to enhancing flood tolerance in rice. Significant progress has been made in identifying and mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with flood tolerance, such as the SUB1 QTL, which has been successfully incorporated into several high-yielding rice varieties through marker-assisted backcrossing (Singh et al., 2016; Oladosu et al., 2020). These genetic advancements have led to the development of rice varieties that can withstand submergence and other flood-related stresses, thereby improving yield stability in flood-prone areas (Septiningsih and Mackill, 2018; Panda et al., 2021). The integration of modern genomic tools and breeding techniques continues to be essential for developing rice varieties with enhanced flood tolerance (Khahani et al., 2021; Zhu et al., 2024).
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