A breakthrough study by Chinese researchers has unveiled nearly complete genomes of 13 key wild rice species, marking a significant advance in rice genetics. This is reported by
China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS.

The research team integrated these findings with four previously published genomes to construct a groundbreaking ultra pan-genome map of rice.

Through this extensive analysis, the researchers identified an impressive 101,723 gene families in rice, including 63,881 new gene families specific to cultivated varieties. This discovery expands the genetic reservoir of rice by 1.7 times, presenting vast opportunities for crop improvement.

A critical aspect of the study was the identification of 7,048 resistance genes within the rice genus, which included 237 gene families in cultivated rice and 384 in wild species. The research highlighted a fundamental difference in resistance gene organisation: cultivated rice tends to cluster these genes, while wild rice generally maintains them in a solitary form.

The study offers a valuable resource for enhancing rice genetic diversity. It paves the way for innovations in breeding, the utilisation of wild rice seeds, and deeper exploration into the evolution and domestication of rice.

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