Current Status and Future Directions of Host Plant Resistance for Insect-resistant Rice in Indian Agriculture

Rice, a staple food in India, faces significant challenges from a diverse range of insects and pests, including borers, cutworms, hoppers, aphids and mites, leading to substantial economic losses. While insecticides offer rapid control, their overuse has detrimental effects on the environment. Host Plant Resistance (HPR) presents a sustainable and environmentally sound alternative for insect pest management in rice. This approach involves developing rice cultivars with inherent resistance to insects, reducing reliance on chemical interventions, and ensuring stable yields. HPR offers numerous advantages, including decreased pesticide costs, conservation of natural enemies and environmental safety. However, the evolution of insect biotypes capable of overcoming resistance poses a continuous challenge. HPR employs various mechanisms, encompassing morphological, biochemical, physiological and genetic strategies (CRISPR-cas9, QTL, RNAi, MAS, etc.), to deter insect pests from utilizing the host plant. Like CRISPR-cas9 induced resistant gene Bph12 at chromosome 12 in rice plants confers resistance against brown planthopper. Continuous breeding efforts and the incorporation of resistant and pyramided genes are crucial for mitigating resistance breakdown. Integrating resistant cultivars into farming systems is essential for environmental protection, sustainable pest management and improved farmer livelihoods. Overall, host plant resistance has become a vital component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Indian rice cultivation, contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture and food security.