Breaking the bloom: Exploring the genetic pathways in crop plants from primordia formation to seed development

Genetic regulation of fertility and sterility is a key determinant of reproductive success, seed formation, and hybrid breeding efficiency in crop plants. Modern genetics has encouraged us to analyze the genetic and molecular pathways of plant crops and discuss the respective roles of genes. The concept of modern genetics is so vast, and it has opened new doors in scientific research, like the introduction and analysis of several genes that direct plant developmental processes toward either fertility or sterility. Normal plant development depends on coordinated genetic regulation of reproductive pathways that ensure proper formation and function of floral organs and gametes. Disruptions in these regulatory networks, caused by genetic mutations, altered signaling pathways, or environmental stress that lead to impaired male and/or female reproductive functions, referred as sterility. This review discusses the complete reproductive lifecycle of rice, from floral primordium initiation and meristem transitions (IM→BM→SM→FM), through germline development and meiosis, tapetum differentiation and programmed cell death, embryo sac formation, fertilization and endosperm development, to seed maturation and grain filling. The review highlights the ABCDE model of floral development, emphasizing differences between rice and Arabidopsis, and explores how sporophyte and gametophytic mutations contribute to plant sterility. This review synthesizes current knowledge, identifies gaps in understanding plant sterility mechanisms, and discusses the role of fertile and sterile genes. Addressing the gaps in understanding the role of several genes and developmental pathways could improve crop yields, supporting sustainable agriculture to meet global food demands.