Integrative strategies for enhancing drought tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.): From breeding to biotechnology

Drought stress is a critical abiotic factor limiting rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity, posing a significant challenge to global food security. Given the increasing frequency and severity of drought events due to climate change, developing drought-tolerant rice varieties has become a major research priority. Conventional breeding strategies and marker assisted selection (MAS) have been widely used to improve drought resilience in rice. These approaches focus on incorporating key traits like deep rooting, osmotic adjustment and efficient water use. Advances in molecular techniques, such as genomic selection, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing, allow precise genetic modifications to improve drought tolerance. Omics technologies such as genomics, proteomics and metabolomics have facilitated the identification of drought-responsive genes, regulatory pathways and adaptation mechanisms. Agronomic practices such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD), in combination with nanotechnology-based interventions, contribute to sustainable drought stress mitigation and water management. Additionally, multi-omics approaches and big-data analytics accelerate trait discovery and deployment, enabling the development of climate-resilient rice varieties. Addressing the complexity of drought tolerance requires an integrative approach that combines advanced breeding, genetics, plant physiology and sustainable agronomic practices to ensure food security and mitigate the impact of drought on rice production.