Abstract
Abiotic stresses are the primary threat to crop production across the globe. Drought stress is primary abiotic stress which is considerably limiting the global rice production and putting the food security at higher risks. Drought tolerance (DT) is a multigene trait which is influenced by various stages of development in rice plant. Tolerance as well as susceptibility of rice to drought stress is carried out by different drought-response genes and other components of stress. Plant researchers have used various methods such as, genetic manipulation and marker-assisted techniques for development of new rice cultivars with improved tolerance to drought stress. The aims of this review are to present recent advancements and illustrate current approaches to breed a robust drought-resistant rice genotypes by using classical breeding and advanced molecular techniques. We also shed light on all available information regarding the role of significant hormones in DT, QTL for drought-related traits, QTL for rice yield, global strategies for the improvement of DT in rice, DT genes, and selection supported by markers.
Highlights
Rice (Oryza sativa L) is the most staple food of more than 50% of the world’s population (Hadiarto et al, 2010; Rasheed et al, 2020c), which meets the 80% caloric needs of the majority of the population predominantly in the Asian countries (Rasheed et al, 2020a, 2020b)
Recent studies on genomics demonstrate that detection of novel QTL, influencing Drought tolerance (DT) makes it possible to use QTL pyramiding via marker-assisted selection for development of cultivars tolerant to drought stress
Root plasticity and architecture should be studied regarding DT, as they play a key role in closure of stomata and growth improvement under drought stress
Summary
Rice (Oryza sativa L) is the most staple food of more than 50% of the world’s population (Hadiarto et al, 2010; Rasheed et al, 2020c), which meets the 80% caloric needs of the majority of the population predominantly in the Asian countries (Rasheed et al, 2020a, 2020b). Our current review focuses on the effects of drought stress on rice plant, novel approaches to develop tolerant varieties and complete evidences about candidate genes, putative QTL for drought traits, and yield and new approaches to enhance DT in rice. Plant adaptation to drought stress may include an enhanced concentration of auxin in root and a decline in the concentration of auxin in a leaf to reduce water loss These phytohormones play a key role in rice tolerance to drought stress. The results gained from long term observations of drought stress at multiple sites showed that rainfed coastal rice is a drought avoider genotype These cultivars showed maximum yield under drought and capable of sustaining good plant water status during the flowering and grain filling stage (Fukai et al, 2009).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
