From Green Super Rice to green agriculture: Reaping the promise of functional genomics research

• Published in: Molecular plant 2022-01, Vol.15 (1), p.9-26
• Main Authors: Yu, Sibin, Ali, Jauhar, Zhou, Shaochuan, Ren, Guangjun, Xie, Huaan, Xu, Jianlong, Yu, Xinqiao, Zhou, Fasong, Peng, Shaobing, Ma, Liangyong, Yuan, Dingyang, Li, Zefu, Chen, Dazhou, Zheng, Ruifeng, Zhao, Zhigang, Chu, Chengcai, You, Aiqing, Wei, Yu, Zhu, Susong, Gu, Qiongyao, He, Guangcun, Li, Shigui, Liu, Guifu, Liu, Changhua, Zhang, Chaopu, Xiao, Jinghua, Luo, Lijun, Li, Zhikang, Zhang, Qifa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agriculture - methods; Crops, Agricultural - genetics; Crops, Agricultural - growth & development; functional genomics; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Genome, Plant; genomic breeding; Green Super Rice; nutritious crops; Oryza - genetics; Oryza - growth & development; Plant Breeding - methods; Plants, Genetically Modified - growth & development; rice; sustainable agriculture
• ISSN: 1674-2052; 1752-9867
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2021.12.001

Producing sufficient food with finite resources to feed the growing global population while having a smaller impact on the environment has always been a great challenge. Here, we review the concept and practices of Green Super Rice (GSR) that have led to a paradigm shift in goals for crop genetic improvement and models of food production for promoting sustainable agriculture. The momentous achievements and global deliveries of GSR have been fueled by the integration of abundant genetic resources, functional gene discoveries, and innovative breeding techniques with precise gene and whole-genome selection and efficient agronomic management to promote resource-saving, environmentally friendly crop production systems. We also provide perspectives on new horizons in genomic breeding technologies geared toward delivering green and nutritious crop varieties to further enhance the development of green agriculture and better nourish the world population. Green Super Rice is defined not only as a new type of rice cultivar but also as an innovative model of crop production for resource-saving, environmentally-friendly agriculture. Green Super Rice has contributed to a paradigm shift in crop genetic improvement and food production to better nourish the world population while maintaining a healthier environment.