Abstract
Super hybrid rice breeding is a new breeding method combining semi-dwarf breeding and heterosis breeding using germplasm and gene-environment interac- tions. This paper reviews the breeding strategies of super hybrid rice breeding in China, focusing on the utilization of heterosis of indica and japonica subspecies, construc- tion of ideal plant architecture and pyramiding of disease resistant genes in restorer lines. To develop super hybrid rice, considerable effort should be made to explore genes related with high yield, good quality, resistance to pests and diseases, tolerance to stresses. Molecular breeding methods in combination with crossing techniques should be adopted in super hybrid rice breeding.
Highlights
Super hybrid rice breeding is a new breeding method combining semi-dwarf breeding and heterosis breeding using germplasm and gene-environment interactions
The definition of a super hybrid rice is a hybrid cultivar with ideal plant architecture, high yield potential, high grain quality and disease resistance
The combination of subspecies heterosis with the ideal plant architecture is the key feature, and two-line and three-line hybrids are the two major methods used in super hybrid rice breeding[3,4,5]
Summary
Rice is a staple food in China and accounts for about 27% of total crop area planted. The definition of a super hybrid rice is a hybrid cultivar with ideal plant architecture, high yield potential, high grain quality and disease resistance. Super hybrid rice cultivars need three outstanding features: plant morphology with straight and upright leaves, moderate tillering, medium plant height and big panicles; physiological function with high photosynthetic efficiency, strong root vigor and compatible source and sink; genetic potential for a combination of high yield, good quality, stress tolerance and disease resistance traits. The combination of subspecies heterosis with the ideal plant architecture is the key feature, and two-line and three-line hybrids are the two major methods used in super hybrid rice breeding[3,4,5]. We review and provide some new insights into the breeding strategies, especially in utilization of germplasm and genes in super hybrid rice breeding programs, and evaluate the prospects for super rice breeding in the future
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