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10 March 2026, Volume 40 Issue 2 Previous Issue   
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Reviews and Special Topics

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Advances in Molecular Mechanism and Breeding Application of Heading Date Regulation in Rice YANG Dabing, DU Xueshu, LI Jinbo, XIA Mingyuan, HU Liang, SHI Huan, WAN Bingliang 2026, 40(2): 145-154.  DOI: 10.16819/j.1001-7216.2026.250706 Abstract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (1085KB) ( )   Heading date, a pivotal agronomic trait determining rice production seasons and regional adaptability, is fundamental for breeding high-yield cultivars tailored to specific ecological environments. In recent years, numerous genes controlling heading date in rice have been cloned, and their functional mechanisms have been increasingly elucidated. Consequently, the molecular regulatory network governing heading date has become progressively refined. This review systematically summarizes the molecular mechanisms regulating rice heading date, with a focus on the photoperiodic regulatory network, and discusses its applications in breeding practices. It aims to provide a theoretical foundation for the genetic improvement of heading date and ecological adaptability breeding in rice.

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Research Progress on the Formation and Regulation of Rice Source, Flow and Sink and Their Influencing Factors NI Chen, ZHANG Jiahao, ZHU Changjin, XU Jiwei, HU Qiuqian, HUO Zhongyang, DAI Qigen, XU Ke, LI Guohui 2026, 40(2): 155-170.  DOI: 10.16819/j.1001-7216.2026.241121 Abstract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (1407KB) ( )   The formation of rice yield depends on the photosynthetic production capacity of the source organ (leaves), the storage capacity of assimilates in the sink organ (grains), the transport capacity of the flow (vascular bundle system), and the coordination of these three traits. Its regulation is influenced by both intrinsic and environmental factors. In recent years, with the innovation of physiological, biochemical, genetic, and molecular biology research methods, researchers have gradually revealed the molecular regulatory and interaction mechanisms underlying rice source organ development, sink capacity construction, and assimilate transport, as well as their response mechanisms to environmental and cultivation factors. This manuscript focuses on the physiological and molecular mechanisms of the formation and regulation of the source-flow-sink system and explores the synergistic regulatory effects of environmental factors, hormone signal transduction, and cultivation techniques on this system and yield formation. Finally, several research directions are proposed to improve rice yield by optimizing the source-flow-sink relationship through strategies such as genetic modification, mining and functional analysis of key genes and proteins, investigation of hormone interaction mechanisms, and dynamic coordination network analysis of the source-flow-sink system.

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Research Progress on Effects of High Temperature on Rice Grain Weight Formation and Cultivation Strategies WANG Mengning, XIE Keran, GAO Ti, WANG Zhenmei, XIONG Dongliang, CUI Kehui 2026, 40(2): 171-180.  DOI: 10.16819/j.1001-7216.2026.250110 Abstract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (1199KB) ( )   Frequent extreme heat events pose a serious threat to rice production due to global warming. As a component of rice yield, increased grain weight is beneficial for further improvement of rice production. Grain weight exhibits high genetic stability; however, it often varies significantly in the same rice variety under different environmental and cultivation conditions, such as high temperature, fertilizer, and water management. Therefore, the increase and stability of grain weight are closely associated with stable rice production under extreme high temperatures. This work briefly describes the formation and regulation of rice grain weight, and reviews the underlying mechanisms of high-temperature-induced reduction in grain weight from the perspective of physiological and biochemical processes, including assimilate translocation, sugar metabolism, and hormonal changes. Additionally, cultivation management measures for mitigating high-temperature damage are summarized. Based on current research, the work also suggests possible future research directions regarding the effects of high temperature on grain weight in rice.

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Research on Rice Lodging Resistance: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Directions LUO Xiaoyun, ZHENG Xingfei, PENG Xuanguo, YU Qizhi, DONG Hualin, YIN Desuo, WANG Hongbo, HU Jianlin, XUE Lian, HU Peng, XU Deze 2026, 40(2): 181-195.  DOI: 10.16819/j.1001-7216.2026.240905 Abstract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (1308KB) ( )   Lodging is a frequent issue in rice production and has been increasingly regarded as a crucial problem by crop researchers globally. This is because it leads to a substantial decline in both grain yield and quality. Drawing on research of domestic and international scholars in recent decades, this article reviews the concept, types, and detrimental effects of lodging in rice. It also examines the factors influencing the lodging resistance of rice and proposes corresponding countermeasures. Additionally, it summarizes the evaluation methods, genes and QTLs related to rice lodging resistance. Finally, this paper analyzes the existing problems and prospects for future research regarding rice lodging resistance, with the intention of offering valuable references for the breeding of rice varieties with enhanced lodging resistance.

Research Papers

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AP2 Transcription Factor OsERF34 Positively Regulates Seed Dormancy in Rice DU Zhimin, JIA Yinan, DUAN Yingqing, CAO Ni, MA Liuyang, DONG Xinli, XU Hai, JIAO Guiai, TANG Shaoqing, HU Peisong 2026, 40(2): 196-209.  DOI: 10.16819/j.1001-7216.2026.250411 Abstract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (2557KB) ( )   【Objective】 Weakened seed dormancy in rice leads to pre-harvest sprouting (PHS), which severely impacts grain yield and quality, making it crucial to investigate the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying rice seed dormancy. 【Method】We generated loss-of-function mutants of the AP2/ERF transcription factor OsERF34 in the Zhonghua 11 (ZH11) background using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. 【Result】 The oserf34 mutants exhibited severe pre-harvest sprouting and significantly reduced seed dormancy. Transcriptome analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between oserf34 and the wild type were significantly enriched in plant hormone signal transduction, ROS metabolism, and glycolytic pathways, suggesting that OsERF34 may maintain seed dormancy by regulating hormone biosynthesis/metabolism, redox homeostasis, and carbohydrate metabolism. Further investigation demonstrated that the oserf34 mutant seeds showed substantially increased levels of auxin (IAA), gibberellins (GA19/GA20), and salicylic acid (SA), along with decreased proline content and elevated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion level. Meanwhile, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT) were upregulated. Additionally, the mutant endosperm exhibited significantly elevated soluble sugar content and α-amylase activity, providing an energy foundation for dormancy release. This study demonstrates that OsERF34 positively regulates rice seed dormancy through its involvement in hormone biosynthesis/metabolism, redox homeostasis regulation, and carbohydrate metabolism. 【Conclusion】 These findings provide novel theoretical insights and genetic resources for deciphering the molecular mechanisms of seed dormancy and germination, as well as for developing PHS-resistant rice varieties.

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Identification and Cloning of SG5 in Rice XUE Pao, WANG Youshuang, HE Wanwan, HUANG Chenbo, ZHANG Han, DING Zhenqian, CHEN Qiuli, FAN Yunxin, DING Chengwei, SUN Lianping, HU Tingting 2026, 40(2): 210-222.  DOI: 10.16819/j.1001-7216.2026.250310 Abstract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (2501KB) ( )   【Objective】 Rice glume development directly affects both grain yield and quality. Identifying genes that control glume development and characterizing their functions can provide valuable genetic resources for breeding. 【Method】 The split glume 5 (sg5) mutant was isolated from a mutant library generated by ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis of the rice variety Xudao 3 (XU3). Phenotypic investigation and analysis were performed on both the wild type and the sg5 mutant. SG5 was identified using a combination of map-based cloning and bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq). The temporal and spatial expression patterns of SG5 were examined by qRT PCR and GUS staining. Subcellular localization of SG5 was observed in rice protoplasts. An evolutionary tree was constructed to analyze the natural selection of SG5. 【Result】 The mutant exhibited normal glume development before flowering, but the glumes remained split until maturity. Compared with the wild type, the mutant showed earlier heading, longer panicles, reduced grain length and width, and a significantly lower seed-setting rate, while plant height and effective panicle number remained unchanged. Microscopic observation indicated that the split glume phenotype was caused by persistent swelling of the lodicules. SG5 was mapped to a 3.72 Mb physical interval between InDel5-11 and InDel5-13 on chromosome 5. In the sg5 mutant, a G-to-A mutation at the junction of intron 3 and exon 4 of LOC_Os05g50890 led to alternative splicing and premature protein termination. Knockout experiments confirmed that SG5 is the target gene. SG5 is constitutively expressed, with higher transcript levels in roots, stems, and leaves. The SG5 protein localizes to both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Evolutionary analysis revealed that SG5 has undergone differentiation between indica and japonica subspecies during evolution. 【Conclusion】 This study identifies a novel allele of OsJar1 and reveals that SG5 has diverged between indica and japonica under natural selection. These findings provide new clues for further dissection of the molecular regulatory network controlling glume development and offer valuable genetic resources for precision breeding in rice.

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Creation of Germplasm Resources of Two-line Sterile Rice Resistant to ACCase-inhibiting Herbicides GUO Jinmeng, TAO Kailiang, ZHU Jun, ZHAO Xueyu, LI Kang, GAN Quan, LIN Cuixiang, WANG Nansheng, YU Hao, SONG Fengshun, LI Juan, SHI Yingyao, NI Dahu 2026, 40(2): 223-234.  DOI: 10.16819/j.1001-7216.2026.241109 Abstract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (1932KB) ( )   【Objective】The creation of herbicide-resistant rice germplasm is essential for breeding new herbicide-resistant rice varieties. By using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, the acetyl-CoA carboxylase OsACC1 gene was edited with the sterile line An 9S as the material, and a two-line sterile rice germplasm with herbicide resistance was created. 【Method】By using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, a single-base mutation vector, ePE2-ACC-I1879V, was constructed with acetyl-CoA carboxylase OsACC1 as the target gene. With An 9S as the transformation material, transgenic plants were obtained by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The genotypes and phenotypes were identified by sequencing the mutation sites of transgenic plants, conducting herbicide spraying tests and agronomic traits analysis. 【Result】Twenty-four ACC1 I1879V mutant plants were obtained as confirmed by molecular detection in T0 generation; A total of 96 homozygous mutant plants were obtained from 24 lines in the T1 generation through segregation and screening, all of which had herbicide resistance. High-throughput sequencing showed that the three tested lines (NS512, NS513, NS514) contained no exogenous transgenic elements. Furthermore, the survival rate after spraying with 4% haloxyfop-P-methyl was 100%. Compared with the control An 9S, the NS512 line had increased plant height and wider flag leaf; the NS513 line had increased plant height and longer and wider flag leaf; and the NS514 line had a narrower flag leaf; the fertility of the three tested lines remained unchanged, and there was no significant difference in the number of effective panicles per plant and the panicle length. The transgenic safety evaluation indicated that the OsACC1 protein shares no sequence similarity with any known toxic proteins, antinutritional factors or allergens. Therefore, it is considered safe for human consumption. 【Conclusion】Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, we obtained homozygous mutant lines that are resistant to ACCase inhibitor herbicides. These lines are genetically stable, free of transgenic components, exhibit unaltered fertility, and are safe, providing fundamental materials for herbicide-resistant breeding in rice.

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Development of High-quality Aromatic japonica Rice Lines by Using CRISPR/Cas9 Technology DUAN Min, XIE Liujie, YUE Yani, HUANG Shanjun 2026, 40(2): 235-243.  DOI: 10.16819/j.1001-7216.2026.250108 Abstract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (1779KB) ( )   【Objective】 Fragrance is an important trait of rice eating quality. In this study, the fragrance gene Badh2 in rice was edited using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create a high-quality aromatic japonica rice line. 【Method】 Two target sequences located in the third and fourth exons of Badh2 were selected as target sites for constructing the binary expression vector pHUE411-Badh2-gRNA. The high-quality japonica rice line Tai 20-29 was used as the transformation material. 【Result】 Twenty T0 transgenic plants were obtained after transformation. Through propagation, PCR, and sequencing verification, six homozygous mutants with different base alterations in the third and fourth exons of Badh2 were identified. Except for a slightly lower seed setting rate and a higher grain number per panicle, the six mutants(bh62, bh64, bh65, bh67, bh68, and bh74) showed similar agronomic traits such as panicle length, grain length, grain width, and 1000-grain weight compared with the wild-type Tai 20-29. The mutants showed a significantly lower seed setting rate and a higher grain number per panicle compared to Tai 20-29. The 2-AP content in brown rice of mutants bh62, bh64, bh65, and the wild type was determined by GC-MS. The results showed that the 2-AP content in the mutants increased significantly, reaching 24.27, 33.89, and 38.96 mg/kg, respectively, which was much higher than that in Tai 20-29. 【Conclusion】 We successfully generated a high-quality aromatic japonica rice line by editing the Badh2 gene using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.

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Development and Application of Functional Markers for Purity Identification of Wild-abortive Three-line Hybrid Rice ZHANG Mengke, LU Jiayu, HE Jin, XU Xue, WU Shuang, WANG Peiran, CHEN Ruofan, JIN Qing, WANG Xiufeng 2026, 40(2): 244-252.  DOI: 10.16819/j.1001-7216.2026.250204 Abstract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (1575KB) ( )   【Objective】 Developing stable, efficient, and reliable markers for purity testing of three-line hybrid seeds is crucial for current hybrid rice seed production. 【Method】 Based on the specific sequences of the wild abortive-type sterility gene WA352, the major fertility-restoring gene Rf4, and the internal reference gene Actin, multiple single-gene detection markers were designed. PCR amplification was then performed by optimizing the primer mixture ratio. 【Result】 A mixture of primers WA352-2, Rf4-3, and Actin-3 in a ratio of 1:11:3 enabled simultaneous detection of the genotypes of WA352, Rf4, and Actin in a single PCR reaction, allowing differentiation among wild abortive-type CMS lines, restorer lines, maintainer lines, and hybrids. 【Conclusion】 The detection method established in this study is simple to perform and yields stable and reliable results. It can not only identify genotypes in wild-abortive three-line rice but also serve as an effective tool for molecular marker-assisted breeding. By improving the accuracy of purity assessment during breeding, this method provides strong support for achieving high-yield and high-quality rice breeding objectives in China.

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Effects of Planting Methods and Fertilization on Root Morphology Lodging Resistance and Yield in Rice SHEN Zhida, MA Shihao, HUANG Siyuan, ZHANG Yangyang, LIAO Shipeng, LI Xiaokun 2026, 40(2): 253-263.  DOI: 10.16819/j.1001-7216.2026.241013 Abstract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (1328KB) ( )   【Objective】 To clarify the effects of rice planting methods and fertilization on root morphology, growth and development, and yield formation, and to provide a theoretical basis for rice cultivation and scientific fertilization. 【Method】 A two-factor experimental design was employed to investigate the effects of planting method (direct seeding and transplanting) and fertilization (no fertilization and fertilization) on root distribution, root morphology, root vigor, and lodging resistance in rice. The hybrid rice Heliangyou 332 (HLY332) and conventional rice Huanghuazhan (HHZ) were used as experimental materials. 【Result】 (1) Compared with no fertilization, fertilization significantly increased yield by 15.3% and 15.0% under direct seeding and transplanting conditions for HLY332, and by 18.6% and 22.1% for HHZ, respectively. No significant yield difference was detected between planting methods for either variety. (2) In direct-seeded rice, roots were mainly distributed in the 0-5 cm soil layer. The average root biomass proportion in the 0-5 cm layer under no-fertilizer and fertilizer treatments was 50.1% and 56.8% for HLY332, and 63.5% and 67.0% for HHZ, respectively. In contrast, transplanted rice concentrated roots in the 5-10 cm layer, with proportions of 42.9% and 41.9% for HLY332, and 53.2% and 49.1% for HHZ, respectively. Fertilization increased total root biomass by 46.9% and 45.9% under direct seeding and transplanting for HLY332, and by 64.9% and 56.9% for HHZ, compared to no fertilization. Root bleeding intensity was significantly enhanced by fertilization, with increases of 113.3% and 110.6% for HLY332, and 46.1% and 60.8% for HHZ under direct seeding and transplanting, respectively. (3) Compared with direct seeding, transplanting significantly improved bending resistance. Bending resistance was increased by 23.9% and 15.2% in HLY332 under no-fertilizer and fertilized conditions, and by 12.5% and 17.0% in HHZ, respectively. Fertilization also enhanced bending resistance, with increases of 25.5% and 16.8% for HLY332 under direct seeding and transplanting, and 23.7% and 28.6% for HHZ under transplanting, relative to no fertilization. 【Conclusion】 The distinct vertical distribution of roots in the soil profile is a key trait differentiating direct-seeded and transplanted rice. Under the conditions of this study, fertilization significantly improved root morphology and increased grain yield in both planting methods, with no significant yield difference between direct seeding and transplanting. Therefore, integrating direct seeding with scientific fertilization represents a viable approach to meet the growing demand for light and simplified cultivation in rice production.

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Disruption Efficacy of Intelligent Active Aerosol Sex Pheromone on Mating Behavior of Major Lepidopteran Pests in Rice WANG Weiying, ZHAO Hong, CHEN Yu, YAO Xiaoming, LU Jianfei, GUO Qianshuang, DU Yongjun 2026, 40(2): 264-272.  DOI: 10.16819/j.1001-7216.2026.241113 Abstract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (1074KB) ( )   【Objective】 The continuous cropping system in mixed single- and double-season rice areas provides an uninterrupted food supply for the overwintering and subsequent 2-3 generations of Chilo suppressalis (Walker), leading to increased pest populations and more severe crop damage. This study aimed to evaluate the control efficacy of an intelligent active aerosol dispenser for mating disruption against C. suppressalis in early and late rice. 【Method】 A mating disruption plot and a farmer-managed control plot were established in a mixed single- and double-season rice area in Sanjie Town, Shengzhou, Zhejiang Province. On April 12, 2024 (eight days before rice transplanting), intelligent active aerosol dispensers were deployed in the mating disruption area. High doses of sex pheromone were released continuously during both early and late rice seasons to disrupt the mating behavior of C. suppressalis. Field surveys were conducted to monitor moth catches in pheromone traps, the percentage of damaged plants, and larval density. Natural enemies were sampled using malaise traps and suction samplers during the early and late rice seasons, respectively. 【Result】 The mating disruption efficacy on C. suppressalis adults was 94.1% ± 0.02% for the overwintering generation, 78.6% ± 12.7% for the first generation, and 87.3% ± 0.01% for the second generation. The disrupted rates for non-target pests were 85.6% ± 0.07% for Sesamia inferens (Walker) in early rice and 79.2% ± 0.07% for Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenée in late rice. During the early rice season, the technology reduced larval density of C. suppressalis by 71.5%-83.3% and the percentage of damaged plants by 59.4%-74.5%. Although natural enemy abundance did not differ significantly, the beneficial-to-pest ratio was markedly higher in the mating disruption plot (2470.6% ± 594.5%) than in the control plot (148.8% ± 38.4%). In the late rice season, larval density and plant damage of C. suppressalis were reduced by 80.7%-90.9% and 61.2%-89.6%, respectively, while the leaf rolling rate caused by C. medinalis decreased by 63.7%. Again, natural enemy populations showed no significant difference, but the beneficial-to-pest ratio was higher in the mating disruption area (333.3% ± 91.3%) than in the control (64.2% ± 24.9%).【Conclusion】 The intelligent active aerosol dispenser effectively suppressed the larval population of C. suppressalis and reduced crop damage in the mixed cropping rice area. It also demonstrated significant control effects against S. inferens and C. medinalis. Furthermore, the technology had no adverse impact on natural enemy populations and resulted in a higher beneficial-to-pest ratio compared to conventional farmer practice.

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Feeding and Damage Characteristics of Pomacea canaliculata on Direct-seeded Rice Seedlings of Different Varieties ZHENG Xusong, XU Hongxing, LÜ Haitao, LI Jianzhong, LÜ Zhongxian, LU Yanhui 2026, 40(2): 273-280.  DOI: 10.16819/j.1001-7216.2026.241011 Abstract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (1040KB) ( )   【Purpose】 This study aimed to investigate the feeding and damage characteristics of Pomacea canaliculata on direct-seeded rice seedlings of different varieties, and to provide a theoretical basis for effective control of P. canaliculata in direct-seeding rice fields. 【Method】 Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the feeding and damage behavior of different sizes of P. canaliculata—small snails (0.51 g), medium snails (4.37 g), and large snails (7.82 g)—on direct-seeded rice seedlings of three varieties, Yongyou 1540 (indica-japonica hybrid), Xiushui 134 (japonica), and Zhongzao 39 (indica). 【Result】 The damage period caused by small snails to direct-seeded rice seedlings of different varieties was 7 days, with the peak damage occurring 1-4 days after seeding. For medium and large snails, the damage period lasted about 21 days, with the peak occurring 1-10 days after seeding. The daily damage rates caused by small, medium, and large snails reached 1.9-2.6, 9.2-12.1, and 16.2-23.1 seedlings per day, respectively. The feeding amount of large snails was 22.3-30.1 times that of small snails and 1.7-1.9 times that of medium snails, while the feeding amount of medium snails was 11.5-18.3 times that of small snails. 【Conclusion】 Pomacea canaliculata caused damage to direct-seeded rice seedlings for approximately 21 days, with the peak damage occurring within 10 days after seeding. Small snails caused relatively minor harm, whereas medium and large snails were the main damaging agents. Feeding damage by P. canaliculata was highest on indica rice, followed by indica-japonica hybrid rice, and lowest on japonica rice. Based on these feeding and damage characteristics, targeted control measures against P. canaliculata are proposed.