Xiaoming Zheng, Disna Ratnasekera, Jiayu Fan, Robert J. Henry, Beng-Kah Song, Kenneth M. Olsen, Bal Krishna Joshi, Maria Celeste N. Banaticla-Hilario, Tonapha Pusadee, Adane Getachew Melaku, Yêyinou Laura Estelle Loko, Koukham Vilayheuang, Gavers K. Oppong, Samuel Aduse Poku, Peterson W. Wambugu, Song Ge, Aldo Merotto Junior, Ohn Mar Aung, Ramaiah Venuprasad, Ajay Kohli, Wenbin Zhou, Qian Qian

Molecular Plant; 2024; IF:27.5

DOI: 10.1016/J.MOLP.2024.03.001

Abstract

The collaboration unveiled a shared vision of global wild rice research, reaching consensus on the alliance's mission, goals, and co-construction principles. The announcement underscores the commitment to fostering innovative research on wild rice germplasm resources, emphasizing international cooperation while respecting biodiversity and advocating for resource sharing. Detailed information is accessible online in the peer-reviewed journal Molecular Plant. Wild rice is a valuable resource with important genes like disease resistance, insect resistance, and stress resistance. These resources are crucial for increasing rice yields, improving quality, and enhancing adaptability. However, due to climate change, frequent agricultural pests and diseases, and insufficient international research and cooperation on wild rice, it is urgent to protect and use these resources globally. Increasing efforts to ensure effective protection and full utilization of these valuable resources is necessary to strongly support the sustainable development of the rice industry. To achieve this vision, the alliance will use advanced breeding methods, data mining, and bioinformatics tools to make the most of wild germplasm resources and discover new genes. At the same time, the alliance is actively pooling the expertise and experience of 26 scientists from 24 countries in related fields to solve the key problem of improving rice yields. In this process, attention is not only paid to the conservation of wild rice habitats, but also to interdisciplinary research, including ecology, morphology, genetics and biotechnology. The alliance is committed to the conservation of wild rice germplasm resources, and strives to apply these resources and their excellent genes to rice breeding programs to improve the existing level of rice research.