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Summary Germplasm resources serve as the foundations of advancements in breeding and are crucial for maintaining food security. Wild rice species of the genus Oryza include rich sources of genetic diversity and high adaptability, making them a substantial resource for rice breeding. The discovery of wild‐type cytoplasmic male sterility resources enabled the achievement of the ‘three lines’ goal in hybrid rice, significantly increasing rice yields. The application of resistance alleles from wild rice enables rice production to withstand losses caused by stress. Reduced genetic diversity due to rice breeding poses a significant limitation to further advances and can be alleviated through a systematic use of wild genetic resources that integrate geographic, climatic and environmental data of the original habitat, along with extensive germplasm collection and identification using advanced methods. Leveraging technological advancements in plant genomics, the understanding of genetic mechanisms and the application of artificial intelligence and gene editing can further enhance the efficiency and accuracy of this process. These advancements facilitate rapid isolation and functional studies of genes, and precise genome manipulation. This review systematically summarizes the utilization of superior genes and germplasm resources derived from wild rice sources, while also exploring the collection, conservation, identification and utilization of further wild rice germplasm resources. A focus on genome sequencing and biotechnology developments is leading to new breeding and biotechnology opportunities. These new opportunities will not only promote the development of rice varieties that exhibit high yields, superior stress resistance and high quality but also expand the genetic diversity among rice cultivars.

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) determined by mitochondrial genes and restorer of fertility (Rf) controlled by nuclear-encoded genes provide the breeding systems of many hybrid crops for the utilization of heterosis. Although several CMS/Rf systems have been widely exploited in rice, hybrid breeding using these systems has encountered difficulties due to either fertility instability or complications of two-locus inheritance or both. In this work, we characterized a type of CMS, Fujian Abortive cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS-FA), with stable sporophytic male sterility and a nuclear restorer gene that completely restores hybrid fertility. CMS is caused by the chimeric open reading frame FA182 that specifically occurs in the mitochondrial genome of CMS-FA rice. The restorer gene OsRf19 encodes a pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein targeted to mitochondria, where it mediates the cleavage of FA182 transcripts, thus restoring male fertility. Comparative sequence analysis revealed that OsRf19 originated through a recent duplication in wild rice relatives, sharing a common ancestor with OsRf1a/OsRf5, a fertility restorer gene for Boro II and Hong-Lian CMS. We developed six restorer lines by introgressing OsRf19 into parental lines of elite CMS-WA hybrids; hybrids produced from these lines showed equivalent or better agronomic performance relative to their counterparts based on the CMS-WA system. These results demonstrate that CMS-FA/OsRf19 provides a highly promising system for future hybrid rice breeding.

Rice production needs to increase in the future in order to meet increasing demands. The development of new improved and higher yielding varieties more quickly will be needed to meet this demand. However, most rice breeding programmes in the world have not changed in several decades. In this article, we revisit the evidence in favour of using rapid generation advance (RGA) as a routine breeding method. We describe preliminary activities at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to re-establish RGA on a large scale as the main breeding method for irrigated rice breeding. We also describe experiences from the early adoption at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute. Evaluation of RGA breeding lines at IRRI for yield, flowering time and plant height indicated transgressive segregation for all traits. Some RGA lines were also higher yielding than the check varieties. The cost advantages of using RGA compared to the pedigree method were also empirically determined by performing an economic analysis. This indicated that RGA is several times more cost effective and advantages will be realized after 1 year even if facilities need to be built. Based on our experience, and previous independent research empirically testing the RGA method in rice, we recommend that this method should be implemented for routine rice breeding in order to improve breeding efficiency.

Multi-environment trials (METs) are essential in plant breeding programs to evaluate crop productivity and adaptability in diverse environments. In this study, we demonstrated the practical use of METs to evaluate grain yield and yield-related traits using 276 Korean rice cultivars, divided into three maturity groups (81 early-, 90 medium-, and 105 medium–late-maturing cultivars) grown in three regions (Jeonju, Suwon, and Miryang) and two planting seasons (early and regular planting) for two years. Due to the narrow genetic variability of the commercial cultivars, which are cultivated in relatively similar environmental conditions, genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) effects were not statistically significant. However, genotype and environment evaluation using GGE biplot analysis exhibited distinct patterns of mega-environment formation, winning genotypes, ranking genotypes, discriminating power, and representativeness according to the differences in planting seasons and regions. Moreover, the simultaneous selection of stable high-performance genotypes using a weighted average of absolute scores from the singular-value decomposition of the matrix of BLUPs (WAASB) and a multi-trait stability index (MTSI) revealed six recommended genotypes each for early-maturing (Manho, Namil, Unkwang, Odae 1ho, Sinunbong 1ho, and Jonong) and medium-maturing (Sobi, Cheongdam, Shinbaeg, Boramchal, Mimyeon, and Saemimyeon) cultivars, and four genotypes for medium–late-maturing cultivars (Hanmauem, Dami, Baegseolchal, and Hangangchalbyeo). The winning genotypes of each trait can be used as parents to develop regional specialty cultivars by fine-tuning favorable traits, and recommended genotypes can be utilized as elite climate-resilient parents that can aid breeders in improving yield potential and stability across the planting seasons and regions.

Rice is an important diet source for the majority of the world’s population, and meeting the growing need for rice requires significant improvements at the production level. Hybrid rice production has been a significant breakthrough in this regard, and the floral traits play a major role in the development of hybrid rice. In grass species, rice has structural units called florets and spikelets and contains different floret organs such as lemma, palea, style length, anther, and stigma exsertion. These floral organs are crucial in enhancing rice production and uplifting rice cultivation at a broader level. Recent advances in breeding techniques also provide knowledge about different floral organs and how they can be improved by using biotechnological techniques for better production of rice. The rice flower holds immense significance and is the primary focal point for researchers working on rice molecular biology. Furthermore, the unique genetics of rice play a significant role in maintaining its floral structure. However, to improve rice varieties further, we need to identify the genomic regions through mapping of QTLs (quantitative trait loci) or by using GWAS (genome-wide association studies) and their validation should be performed by developing user-friendly molecular markers, such as Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP). This review outlines the role of different floral traits and the benefits of using modern biotechnological approaches to improve hybrid rice production. It focuses on how floral traits are interrelated and their possible contribution to hybrid rice production to satisfy future rice demand. We discuss the significance of different floral traits, techniques, and breeding approaches in hybrid rice production. We provide a historical perspective of hybrid rice production and its current status and outline the challenges and opportunities in this field.

Molecular breeding of rice for high yield, superior grain quality, and strong environmental adaptability is crucial for feeding the world’s rapidly growing population. The increasingly cloned quantitative trait loci and genes, genome variations, and haplotype blocks related to agronomically important traits in rice have provided a solid foundation for direct selection and molecular breeding, and a number of genes have been successfully introgressed into mega varieties of rice. Here we summarize China’s great achievements in molecular breeding of rice in the following five traits: high yield, biotic stress resistance, abiotic stress resistance, quality and physiology. Further, the prospect of rice breeding by molecular design is discussed.

Accelerating research investment and breeding innovation is critical to strengthening food system resilience and tackling the escalating food crisis across the Global South. To deliver transformative impact, rice breeding programs must transition into modern, focused, and data-driven systems that drive both financial and operational efficiency. Until recently, systematic cost assessment of rice breeding pipelines, crucial for strategic resource allocation, faster genetic gains, and enhanced varietal development, has been largely overlooked. To bridge this gap, we developed the Unified Global Costing Framework for Rice Breeding (UGCF-Rice), a standardized system for data collection, cross-program benchmarking, identifying key cost drivers, efficiency gaps, and opportunities for optimization. The framework’s effectiveness was demonstrated through case studies costing four National Agricultural Research and Extension System (NARES) rice breeding pipelines in South Asia (India and Nepal) and Sub-Saharan Africa (Tanzania and Ghana), using UGCF-Rice in conjunction with the University of Queensland’s Breeding Program Costing Tool (UQ-BPCT). This comprehensive analysis revealed that rice breeding pipeline costs ranged from USD 26,781 to 39,221, excluding institutional overheads and cross-cutting charges. Costing of two restructured pipelines integrating speed breeding technologies, demonstrated that strategic modernization can greatly enhance efficiency, achieving a 2.3-fold reduction in breeding cycle time, a 17–24-fold increase in throughput (fixed lines per cross), and a 1.6–20-fold reduction in land use compared to conventional breeding. This global costing framework establishes a data-driven foundation for strategic research investment and optimization, empowering policymakers, donors, and breeders to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and impact in rice breeding. Building on these insights, we propose an integrated “Cost-efficient Rice Breeding and Innovation Model” to empower NARES for global impact.

Developing rice varieties that combine high yield, disease resistance, grain quality, and climatic adaptability is critical for sustaining rice production, particularly under current climate change. Mid-altitude rice regions face severe challenges from rice blast, climate variability, lodging, and yield-quality trade-offs. This study integrated accelerated generation advancement with multi-environment selection to develop a high-yielding, adaptable rice variety suitable to a mid-altitude production system. Yunjing-60 is a novel rice variety developed through pedigree selection combined with double-cropping acceleration. The cross was applied between Shengnong-5 and Chujing-44. Shengnong-5 is a blast-resistant, compact architecture with medium maturity. Chujing-44 is high-yielding, lodging-tolerant, and high-quality grain. Double-cropping was applied at Yuanjiang, which is characterized by a hot and dry climate. Moreover, greenhouse cultivation was conducted during cooler months from November to February. This enabled multiple generations per year for accelerating breeding cycles. The variety comparison trial in 2022 demonstrated that Yunjing-60 surpassed the check variety Chujing-38 with superior agronomic performance. It exhibited higher effective panicle density (400.5 per m²), greater sink capacity (135 filled grains per panicle), and 8.62% higher grain yield of 13,290 kg ha⁻¹. Principal component biplot confirmed its association with key yield components. This yield advantage was supported by its ideal plant architecture and favorable growth cycle. Moreover, the variety exceeded the check variety Chujing-38 across various pathogens. It exhibited superior disease resistance with a Grade 1 rating to rice blast (index 0.80). Also, it displayed high resistance to bacterial blight, sheath blight, and rice false smut. Multi-environment selection across different altitudes accelerated trait stabilization. Regional and production trials were applied in eight diverse locations across 2023–2024. It recorded a high average yield of 10,721 kg ha⁻¹ with a yield gain of 9.8% in production trials. AMMI and GGE biplots across tested environments confirmed its superior mean yield and stability, surpassing Chujing-38. Besides, multivariate analysis using clustered heatmap visualization confirmed its consistently high-yield performance across test environments. Consistent yield across diverse ecological zones indicates its environmental adaptability and low genotype-environment interaction. Quality assessments confirmed excellent values of rice-eating compared to the national level standard. It provided a brown rice rate of 83.5%, a milled rice rate of 75.2%, and a head rice rate of 73.7%. It recorded Grade 1 transparency, 17.6% amylose content, and 70-mm gel consistency. These parameters confirm its superior milling, appearance, and eating quality. Consequently, Yunjing-60 integrated adaptive traits, accelerated breeding efficiency, and superior market value. Hence, this approach contributes to sustainable intensification, broad adaptability, and food security in subtropical highland rice systems.