Role of microbiome associations in developing high yield and sustainable rice varieties

Rice, the staple food crop of half of the world population, is challenged by biotic and abiotic stresses which affect its productivity. Sustainable rice production will ensure safeguard food security. It involves genetic background, climate and soil factors. Development of low-input response varieties by genetically associating microbiomes involved in functional activities of rice growth and development offers scope for sustainability. This review focuses on genetics influence on microbiome connections and use of these microbiome associations to create low-input responsive rice varieties. Root exudates from traditional varieties with specific traits and unique microbiomes associations can prove useful in developing low-input rice varieties. Analysis of functional traits such as nutrient mobilization, resistance to pests and adaptation for abiotic stresses in various germplasm lines can help identify suitable parent plants for breeding. Study of the genetic mechanisms of microbiome association through QTL mapping and transcriptomic analysis identifying the genomic regions regulating the microbiome-related traits. Traditional breeding methods, marker-assisted techniques and rapid generation advancement strategies can be used to develop lines for evaluation. It involves screening methods, identification of selection parameters, inheritance pattern and optimization of field plot conditions need to be considered while developing the superior varieties. The evaluation pattern will be studied in various trials for studying the genotype x environment interactions and better lines will be identified for varietal release. The low-input response rice variety will be able to deploy specific microbes for functional activities.