Nant Nyein Zar Ni Naing Nant Nyein Zar Ni Naing

Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Plant Breeding, 2025, Vol. 16, No.   
Received: 01 Jan., 1970    Accepted: 01 Jan., 1970    Published: 19 Jun., 2025

Abstract　Drought resistance in rice is a critical trait for ensuring stable yields in the face of increasing water scarcity. This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying drought resistance genes in rice and their potential applications in breeding programs. Drought tolerance in rice is a complex trait influenced by various genetic and physiological factors. Recent advancements in genetic engineering, marker-assisted selection (MAS), and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified key genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with drought resistance. Several key genes closely associated with drought resistance have been appraised for their appreciable potential in drought resistance breeding. For instance, the overexpression of OsERF71 in transgenic rice has been shown to enhance drought tolerance by modulating global gene expression and energy allocation. Additionally, the identification of drought-responsive genes through transcriptome analysis and gene co-expression networks has provided insights into the biological processes and metabolic pathways involved in drought tolerance. The integration of these molecular insights into breeding programs, such as the use of MAS and genetic transformation, has led to the development of rice varieties with improved drought resistance. This review highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, combining molecular genetics, plant physiology, and advanced breeding techniques, to develop rice cultivars that can withstand drought conditions and ensure food security.