Determinants of Rice Grain Quality: Synergistic Roles of Genetics, Environment, and Agronomic Practices

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Genetics
• Agronomy

Background:

• Rice grain quality significantly impacts market value, consumer acceptance, and nutritional security.
• This trait is influenced by a complex interplay of genotype (G), environment (E), and management (M).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in understanding the genetic, environmental, and management factors influencing rice grain quality.
• To highlight strategies for enhancing rice quality under variable environmental conditions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current research on rice quality determinants.
• Analysis of genetic factors (genes, QTLs), environmental impacts (abiotic stresses), and agronomic practices (water, nutrients).

Main Results:

• Key genes (e.g., Wx, ALK, Chalk5, GS3/GW) and QTLs control foundational quality traits.
• Abiotic stresses like high temperatures and drought negatively affect milling yield, increase chalkiness, and alter grain composition.
• Optimized agronomic strategies (precision water management, balanced nitrogen, silicon) can mitigate stress impacts and improve quality.

Conclusions:

• An integrated G × E × M approach is essential for stable, high-quality rice production amidst climate variability.
• Future directions include climate-resilient breeding, precision agronomy, soil health management, and digital agriculture integration.