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This study aims to identify the mapping, measure performance, and analyze problems in the structure of rice supply chain management on the supplier network phase in South Sumatra. Afterward, the result of this study is used as the basic consideration to improve the rice supply chain performance on indicators that have problems. Data collection was conducted by direct interview, questionnaire, and observation. This study used descriptive qualitative and several analysis tools as the data such as Supply Chain Operation Reference Model (SCOR), Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Objective Matrix (OMAX) and Traffic Light System (TLS). According to the rice supply chain mapping on supplier network phase, there are three rice supply chains. Based on the interview, the farmers’ main problem as the main producers of the rice supply chain in South Sumatra is the limitation of unhusked rice price information in harvesting in the financial flow of rice supply chain. Based on the weighting result by OMAX scoring system, the total index value is 7.28, or in the yellow category which means that the performance of LICM rice- industry company in South Sumatra has not achieved the expected performance in terms of rice supply chain even though the result is close to the pre-determined target.

BACKGROUND: Development of transgenic rice overexpressing transcription factors involved in drought response has been previously reported to confer drought tolerance and therefore represents a means of crop improvement. We transformed lowland rice IR64 with OsTZF5, encoding a CCCH-tandem zinc finger protein, under the control of the rice LIP9 stress-inducible promoter and compared the drought response of transgenic lines and nulls to IR64 in successive screenhouse paddy and field trials up to the T6 generation. RESULTS: Compared to the well-watered conditions, the level of drought stress across experiments varied from a minimum of - 25 to - 75 kPa at a soil depth of 30 cm which reduced biomass by 30-55% and grain yield by 1-92%, presenting a range of drought severities. OsTZF5 transgenic lines showed high yield advantage under drought over IR64 in early generations, which was related to shorter time to flowering, lower shoot biomass and higher harvest index. However, the increases in values for yield and related traits in the transgenics became smaller over successive generations despite continued detection of drought-induced transgene expression as conferred by the LIP9 promoter. The decreased advantage of the transgenics over generations tended to coincide with increased levels of homozygosity. Background cleaning of the transgenic lines as well as introgression of the transgene into an IR64 line containing major-effect drought yield QTLs, which were evaluated starting at the BC3F1 and BC2F3 generation, respectively, did not result in consistently increased yield under drought as compared to the respective checks. CONCLUSIONS: Although we cannot conclusively explain the genetic factors behind the loss of yield advantage of the transgenics under drought across generations, our results help in distinguishing among potential drought tolerance mechanisms related to effectiveness of the transgenics, since early flowering and harvest index most closely reflected the levels of yield advantage in the transgenics across generations while reduced biomass did not.

Drought poses a significant threat to global food security, particularly impacting rice cultivation during the germination stage. In this study, a soil-based system that utilizes soil moisture content was used to simulate optimal and stress conditions to assess the effect of the specific seed priming protocols on germination. Eleven rice varieties, representative of indica and japonica subspecies, grown in different ecosystems and having diverse nutrient contents, were treated with water or solutions of either poly-gamma-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) or denatured γ-PGA. Collected data regarding germinability and stress indices revealed different drought sensitivity between japonica and indica subspecies and genotype-specific responses to priming. Particularly, γ-PGA improved germination of highly susceptible indica varieties whereas water soaking was more effective for the moderately sensitive japonica varieties. Integrative analyses evidenced differences between biofortified and non-biofortified rice under γ-PGA treatment, suggesting a possible correlation between γ-PGA efficacy and Zn/Fe seed content. These findings underline that priming strategies should be tailored based on genotype and therefore this factor should be always taken under consideration for future works. The current study provides relevant information for optimizing seed priming techniques to sustain the development of drought-resilient crops as a sustainable strategy to address agricultural resilience and safeguard food security amidst environmental challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic fertilization is very important to maintain sustainable land and environmental productivity. Organic fertilizer from Azolla has the advantage of increasing soil fertility by increasing nutrient availability. This study aimed to determine the effect of Azolla application on the availability and uptake of N, P, and K of Inpari 32 variety rice plants. This research used 9 treatments: (T0= control, T1= 90 kg/h NPK, T2= 45 kg/h NPK, T3= 10 t/h Manure, T4= 2 t/h Manure + 90 kg/h NPK, T5= 10 t/h Rice straw compost, T6= 2 t/h Rice straw compost + 90 kg/h NPK, T7= 10 t/h Azolla, T8= 2 t/h Azolla + 90 kg/h NPK) with as control and 3 replications, so there were 27 experimental plots. This research was located in the paddy field of Madiun Regency, East Java. The results showed that Azolla, manure, and straw compost at a dose of 10 t/ha increased soil C-organic, soil Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), and soil pH, which was still in the neutral range. Azolla fertilizer increased the highest soil total N compared to cow manure and straw compost and increased the efficiency of NPK fertilizer use. Azolla (T7) increased soil available P (27.02 ppm) and exchangeable K (17.63 me/100g soil). Azolla had the highest available P effect. Azolla (T7) and manure (T4) were affected by increasing K-exchange. Azolla fertilizer, manure, and rice straw compost increased vegetative plant growth (plant height, number of tillers, shoot and root biomass). Among the three, Azolla fertilizer had the highest effect. Organic fertilization affected N, P, and K uptake, which was highest in Azola fertilizer (T7). For manure, varied NPK fertilizer (T4) just showed an increase in P uptake, and compost fertilizer varied NPK fertilizer (T6) showed a rise in K uptake. A positive relationship existed between the availability and uptake of nutrients N, P, and K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrient deficiencies such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and vitamin A, constitute a severe global public health phenomenon. Over half of preschool children and two-thirds of nonpregnant women of reproductive age worldwide have micronutrient deficiencies. Biofortification is a cost-effective strategy that comprises a meaningful and sustainable means of addressing this issue by delivering micronutrients through staple foods to populations with limited access to diverse diets and other nutritional interventions. Here, we report on the proof-of-concept and early development stage of a collection of biofortified rice events with a high density of Fe and Zn in polished grains that have been pursued further to advance development for product release. In total, eight constructs were developed specifically expressing dicot ferritins and the rice nicotianamine synthase 2 (OsNAS2) gene under different combinations of promoters. A large-scale transformation of these constructs to Bangladesh and Philippines commercial indica cultivars and subsequent molecular screening and confined field evaluations resulted in the identification of a pool of ten events with Fe and Zn concentrations in polished grains of up to 11 μg g−1 and up to 37 μg g−1, respectively. The latter has the potential to reduce the prevalence of inadequate Zn intake for women of childbearing age in Bangladesh and in the Philippines by 30% and 50%, respectively, compared to the current prevalence. To our knowledge, this is the first potential biotechnology public-sector product that adopts the product cycle phase-gated approach, routinely applied in the private sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mina Padi Innovation Village was a potential village for natural resources in cultivating rice and fish on the same agricultural land. The innovation villages studied in this study were Janten and Margoluwih villages, which had different topography. This study aims to analyze the local potential of Mina Padi ecosystem found in Janten and Margoluwih villages as a learning resource in ecology courses, third semester biology education students by integrating project learning and utilizing biology simulation applications in learning activities. This study used descriptive qualitative and exploratory methods. Data collection techniques used observation, identification, and documentation. The result of local potential was in the form of utilizing village natural resources into an innovative agricultural land, which has its own peculiarities different from other villages. The local potential of Mina Padi innovation village was in accordance with the study of structural and functional concepts of ecosystem, community and population ecology, freshwater aquatic habitat ecology, and artificial ecosystem. The local potential of Mina Padi innovation village has the potential to be a source of ecological learning material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the hypocholesterolemic effect of analogue rice added with rice bran from three different rice varieties (white, red and black). The Sprague Dawley rats were fed ad libitum with six different chow formulas, i.e. standard diet equal to AIN-93G (C-), high-cholesterol diet (C+), high cholesterol diet plus analogue rice containing 15% coconut dregs flour (AR1), high cholesterol diet plus10% rice bran from Ciherang white rice (AR2), Cere red rice (AR3), and Campoireng black rice (AR4). The diet intervention was conducted for 28 days. The total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) of rat plasma as well as total fat of rat liver were analyzed. The results showed that rats fed with AR1, AR2, AR3 and AR4 exhibited significant decreases of TC, LDL-C, AI and liver fat, but increased of HDL-C in comparison to those of a high-cholesterol group (C+). This hypocholesterolemic effect is associated with the significant role of dietary fiber and/or γ-oryzanol. Among groups with diet containing rice bran, AR2 demonstrated the highest hypocholesterolemic effect followed by AR4 and AR3. The AR1 group also gave a significant hypochlolesterolemic effect (p<0.05) due to the role of the dietary fiber. As a conclusion, this study indicates that analogue rice added with rice bran and/or coconut dregs flour is a potential functional diet that is beneficial to lower the CHD risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigmented rice is known to have nutritional and bioactive compounds which commonly concentrated in the bran layers. Solid-state fermentation is known to enhance the bioactive compounds of rice bran. The study aims to identify fermented rice bran's volatile compounds and aroma attributes from some pigmented rice (Inpari 24, Saodah, Cempo Ireng and Jeliteng). The rice brans were sterilized at 121°C for 15 minutes and produced non-fermented rice bran and some of them were fermented for 72 hours at 30°C using Rhizopus oligosporus. Both non-fermented and fermented rice brans were analysed using solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and qualitative descriptive analysis (QDA). The result showed that a total 114 of volatile compounds were identified from fermented and non-fermented rice bran. They consisted of 14 aldehydes, 12 ketones, 14 alcohols, 15 hydrocarbons, 8 acids, 23 esters, 9 benzenes, 5 phenols, 6 furans, 2 lactones, 1 monoterpene, 1 sesquiterpene, 1 thiazole, 1 pyrazine and 1 pyridine. The aroma attributes of fermented rice brans obtained by 10 trained panellists in QDA were sweet, caramel, vanilla, grass, milky, fatty, nutty, smokey, rancid, acid, cereal, pungent, earthy and fermented. The nonfermented rice bran has the same aroma as the corresponding fermented rice bran except fermented aroma. Furthermore, Pearson's correlation test has resulted in several positive correlations between GC-MS results and QDA. These studies indicated that fermented rice bran might increase the volatile compound of rice bran; thus, it may provide opportunities to develop the production of fermented rice bran as a functional ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Technology & Industry / Jurnal Teknologi & Industri Pangan is the property of Bogor Agricultural University, Department of Food Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

IntroductionRice, as a staple food in several Asian countries, contributes to approximately 10% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during its cultivation. Furthermore, nitrogen fertilization increases the accumulation of GHG emissions. This study aims to investigate GHG emissions, including methane (CH4) and nitrous Oxide (N2O) resulting from the common fertilizer variations used by farmers in Indonesia for two rice varieties, Way Apo Buru and Inpari 32, and their relationship to rice yield. MethodsThe research was conducted from August to November 2022 in an open field located in Jember, Indonesia. Two rice varieties, Inpari 32 and Way Apo Buru, were employed in this study. Fertilization variations included Urea (46%-N), ZA (21%-N 24%-S), SP-36 (36%-P & 5%-S), KCl (250:100:50:50 kg ha-1) (P1); NPK (16%-N:16%-P:16%-K), Urea (46%-N), ZA (21%-N & 24%-S) (225:175:100 kg ha-1) (P2); NPK (12%-N:12%-P:17%-K), Urea (46%-N), ZA (21%-N & 24%-S) (175:150:100 kg ha-1) (P3); and NPKS (P1) + chicken manure fertilizer 5 tonnes ha-1 (P4).ResultsIn this research, Inpari 32 rice achieved greater yields while also exhibiting higher global warming potential. Applying NPKS fertilizer in combination with 5 tonnes ha-1 of manure fertilizer (referred to as P4) resulted in a substantial increase in rice yield compared to alternative fertilizer formulations. DiscussionsThe various inorganic fertilizers had a relatively similar influence on growth, production yield, and greenhouse gas emissions (CH4 and N2O). However, the fertilizer NPKS and 5 tonnes manure fertilizer resulted in the lowest CH4 emissions and global warming potential values.

White, red and black glutinous rice are common rice cultivars used as raw materials for food products in West Sumatera, Indonesia. The characteristics of these three cultivars are different, and thus there is a need to elucidate the differences. The characterization of physicochemical and antioxidant properties of these three local cultivars was performed in this study. Three local glutinous rice paddy cultivars were milled to obtain brown glutinous rice. The results showed that black glutinous rice had higher ash content, total dietary fiber, total phenolic content, total flavonoid components, total anthocyanin content than other cultivars. Having higher phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin content, the black glutinous rice consequently had higher antioxidant activity than white and red glutinous rice. Moreover, white glutinous rice had higher fat content and amylose content, and had higher starch digestibility amongst others. The highest protein content was obtained from red glutinous rice. The pasting properties, fatty acid compositions, and amino acid compositions of each glutinous rice were also determined and the results showed distinct profiles between the cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers assume organic rice to be healthy. However, there are several concerns regarding the bioactive compounds and sensory properties found in organic rice. This study aims to examine the effect of the milling duration of organic rice (0s, 30s, 60s, 90s and 120s) on its bioactive compounds (total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and dietary fibre) and sensory properties (taste, aroma, colour and texture). This study reveals that the degree of milling and the degree of whiteness increase when the milling duration increases, while the total number of phenolic, flavonoid, and dietary fibres decrease significantly as the milling duration increases. Moreover, the moisture content remains constant as the milling duration increases. Panellists can divide the rice samples based on colour and taste into three distinct groups. The overall liking of organic rice at different degrees of milling revealed that as the milling duration increases, the overall degree of consumer's preference for the product also increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Technology & Industry / Jurnal Teknologi & Industri Pangan is the property of Bogor Agricultural University, Department of Food Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences is the property of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The micronutrient iron (Fe) is not only essential for plant survival and proliferation but also crucial for healthy human growth and development. Rice and wheat are the two leading staples globally; unfortunately, popular rice and wheat cultivars only have a minuscule amount of Fe content and mainly present in the outer bran layers. Unavailability of considerable Fe-rich rice and wheat germplasms limits the potential of conventional breeding to develop this micronutrient trait in both staples. Agronomic biofortification, defined as soil and foliar fertilizer application, has potential but remains quite challenging to improve grain Fe to the significant level. In contrast, recent accomplishments in genetic biofortification can help to develop Fe-enriched cereal grains to sustainably address the problem of "hidden hunger" when the roadmap from proof of concept to product and adoption can be achieved. Here, we highlight the different genetic biofortification strategies for rice and wheat and path to develop a product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black rice is well known as healthy food. Nowadays, some people try to change their diet with this rice. However, it still has problem with long preparation time and hard texture. Parboiling is hydrothermal process that change rice starch from crystalline to amorphous. The parboiling process of rice consist of soaking in sodium citrate solution, high pressure cooking, freezing-thawing and drying. The aim of this research was to find the optimum condition from three processing variables: concentration of sodium citrate (0, 2, 5 and 5%, w/v), cooking period in autoclave (5, 10 and 15 min) and number of freezethaw cycles (1, 2.5 and 4). The optimum condition was achieved with 3.8% sodium citrate concentration, 5 min cooking in autoclave, and 3.8 freeze - thaw cycles. This optimum condition resulted in parboiled black rice with 25.84 min cooking time, 4.93 total color difference 101.80 N hardness of cooked rice, 49.04 N chewiness of cooked rice, 5.32 kg rice grain hardness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Rice tungro disease (RTD) is a serious constraint in rice production across tropical Asia. RTD is caused by the interaction between Rice tungro spherical virus (RTSV) and Rice tungro bacilliform virus. RTSV resistance found in traditional cultivars has contributed to a reduction in the incidence of RTD in the field. Natural RTSV resistance is a recessive trait controlled by the translation initiation factor 4 gamma gene (eIF4G). The Y1059V1060V1061 residues of eIF4G are known to be associated with the reactions to RTSV. To develop new sources of resistance to RTD, mutations in eIF4G were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in the RTSV‐susceptible variety IR64, widely grown across tropical Asia. The mutation rates ranged from 36.0% to 86.6%, depending on the target site, and the mutations were successfully transmitted to the next generations. Among various mutated eIF4G alleles examined, only those resulting in in‐frame mutations in SVLFPNLAGKS residues (mainly NL), adjacent to the YVV residues, conferred resistance. Furthermore, our data suggest that eIF4G is essential for normal development, as alleles resulting in truncated eIF4G could not be maintained in homozygous state. The final products with RTSV resistance and enhanced yield under glasshouse conditions were found to no longer contain the Cas9 sequence. Hence, the RTSV‐resistant plants with the novel eIF4G alleles represent a valuable material to develop more diverse RTSV‐resistant varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous study shown that enzyme treated-rice bran effectively improved hypertension and glucose intolerance in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP). However, dual fermentation of rice bran's efficacy against metabolic syndrome in SHRSP is still unknown. Methods: Fermented rice bran (FRB) was prepared by dual fermentation of rice bran using fungi and lactic acid bacteria. The effect of FRB on metabolic syndrome in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) was investigated by single and chronic supplementation. Results: Dual fermentation of rice bran enriches the functional value of rice bran. Single-dose oral administration of FRB (2 g/kg body weight) reduced systolic blood pressure; however, chronic supplementation with 5 % FRB (4 weeks) significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. FRB supplementation improved leptin impairment and increased serum adiponectin levels and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity. Furthermore, FRB supplementation improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity as well as serum insulin levels. Lipid profiles were also improved by the regulation of 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activation. Moreover, supplementation with FRB reduced the expressions of hepatic transcription factors such as liver X receptor alpha, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, and carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein alpha, as well as their target genes. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with FRB may lower hypertension and alleviate metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome was better alleviated with FRB supplementation. We therefore suggest FRB as an alternative medicine to reduce the risks of lifestyle-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enriching iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content in rice grains, while minimizing cadmium (Cd) levels, is important for human health and nutrition. Natural genetic variation in rice grain Zn enables Zn-biofortification through conventional breeding, but limited natural Fe variation has led to a need for genetic modification approaches, including over-expressing genes responsible for Fe storage, chelators, and transporters. Generally, Cd uptake and allocation is associated with divalent metal cations (including Fe and Zn) transporters, but the details of this process are still unknown in rice. In addition to genetic variation, metal uptake is sometimes limited by its bioavailability in the soil.The availability of Fe, Zn, and Cd for plant uptake varies widely depending on soil redox potential.The typical practice of flooding rice increases Fe while decreasing Zn and Cd availability. On the other hand, moderate soil drying improves Zn uptake but also increases Cd and decreases Fe uptake. Use of Zn- or Fe-containing fertilizers complements breeding efforts by providing sufficient metals for plant uptake. In addition, the timing of nitrogen fertilization has also been shown to affect metal accumulation in grains.The purpose of this mini-review is to identify knowledge gaps and prioritize strategies for improving the nutritional value and safety of rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Technology & Industry / Jurnal Teknologi & Industri Pangan is the property of Bogor Agricultural University, Department of Food Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A pair of GOLDEN2-LIKE transcription factors is required for normal chloroplast development in land plant species that encompass the range from bryophytes to angiosperms. In the C4 plant maize, compartmentalized function of the two GLK genes in bundle sheath and mesophyll cells regulates dimorphic chloroplast differentiation, whereas in the C3 plants Physcomitrella patens and Arabidopsis thaliana the genes act redundantly in all photosynthetic cells. To assess whether the cell-specific function of GLK genes is unique to maize, we analyzed gene expression patterns in the C4 monocot Sorghum bicolor and C4 eudicot Cleome gynandra. Compartmentalized expression was observed in S. bicolor, consistent with the development of dimorphic chloroplasts in this species, but not in C. gynandra where bundle sheath and mesophyll chloroplasts are morphologically similar. The generation of single and double mutants demonstrated that GLK genes function redundantly in rice, as in other C3 plants, despite the fact that GLK gene duplication in monocots preceded the speciation of rice, maize and sorghum. Together with phylogenetic analyses of GLK gene sequences, these data have allowed speculation on the evolutionary trajectory of GLK function. Based on current evidence, most species that retain single GLK genes belong to orders that contain only C3 species. We therefore propose that the ancestral state is a single GLK gene, and hypothesize that GLK gene duplication enabled sub-functionalization, which in turn enabled cell-specific function in C4 plants with dimorphic chloroplasts. In this scenario, GLK gene duplication preconditioned the evolution of C4 physiology that is associated with chloroplast dimorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous transgenes have been reported to increase rice drought resistance, mostly in small-scale experiments under vegetative-stage drought stress, but few studies have included grain yield or field evaluations. Different definitions of drought resistance are currently in use for field-based and laboratory evaluations of transgenics, the former emphasizing plant responses that may not be linked to yield under drought. Although those fundamental studies use efficient protocols to uncover and validate gene functions, screening conditions differ greatly from field drought environments where the onset of drought stress symptoms is slow (2–3 weeks). Simplified screening methods, including severely stressed survival studies, are therefore not likely to identify transgenic events with better yield performance under drought in the target environment. As biosafety regulations are becoming established to allow field trials in some rice-producing countries, there is a need to develop relevant screening procedures that scale from preliminary event selection to greenhouse and field trials. Multilocation testing in a range of drought environments may reveal that different transgenes are necessary for different types of drought-prone field conditions. We describe here a pipeline to improve the selection efficiency and reproducibility of results across drought treatments and test the potential of transgenic rice for the development of drought-resistant material for agricultural purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hidden hunger, or micronutrient deficiency, is a worldwide problem. Several approaches are employed to alleviate its effects (e.g., promoting diet diversity, use of dietary supplements, chemical fortification of processed food), and among these, biofortification is considered as one of the most cost-effective and highly sustainable. Rice is one of the best targets for biofortification since it is a staple food for almost half of the world's population as a high-energy source but with low nutritional value. Multiple biofortified rice lines have been produced during the past decades, while few studies also reported modifications in germination behavior (in terms of enhanced or decreased germination percentage or speed). It is important to underline that rapid, uniform germination, and seedling establishment are essential prerequisites for crop productivity. Combining the two traits, biofortified, highly-nutritious seeds with improved germination behavior can be envisaged as a highly-desired target for rice breeding. To this purpose, information gathered from transcriptomics studies can reveal useful insights to unveil the molecular players governing both traits. The present review aims to provide an overview of transcriptomics studies applied at the crossroad between biofortification and seed germination, pointing out potential candidates for trait pyramiding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Development of transgenic rice overexpressing transcription factors involved in drought response has been previously reported to confer drought tolerance and therefore represents a means of crop improvement. We transformed lowland rice IR64 with OsTZF5, encoding a CCCH-tandem zinc finger protein, under the control of the rice LIP9 stress-inducible promoter and compared the drought response of transgenic lines and nulls to IR64 in successive screenhouse paddy and field trials up to the T6 generation. Results Compared to the well-watered conditions, the level of drought stress across experiments varied from a minimum of − 25 to − 75 kPa at a soil depth of 30 cm which reduced biomass by 30–55% and grain yield by 1–92%, presenting a range of drought severities. OsTZF5 transgenic lines showed high yield advantage under drought over IR64 in early generations, which was related to shorter time to flowering, lower shoot biomass and higher harvest index. However, the increases in values for yield and related traits in the transgenics became smaller over successive generations despite continued detection of drought-induced transgene expression as conferred by the LIP9 promoter. The decreased advantage of the transgenics over generations tended to coincide with increased levels of homozygosity. Background cleaning of the transgenic lines as well as introgression of the transgene into an IR64 line containing major-effect drought yield QTLs, which were evaluated starting at the BC3F1 and BC2F3 generation, respectively, did not result in consistently increased yield under drought as compared to the respective checks. Conclusions Although we cannot conclusively explain the genetic factors behind the loss of yield advantage of the transgenics under drought across generations, our results help in distinguishing among potential drought tolerance mechanisms related to effectiveness of the transgenics, since early flowering and harvest index most closely reflected the levels of yield advantage in the transgenics across generations while reduced biomass did not.

Developing nutritious rice with a higher yield is one approach to alleviating the problem of micronutrient deficiency in developing countries, especially human malnutrition involving zinc and iron (Fe) deficiency, and achieving better adoption. The transport of micronutrients such as Fe and Zn is mainly regulated via the nicotianamine synthase (OsNAS) gene family, whereas yield is a complex trait that involves multiple loci. Genome editing via CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)-Cas9, focusing on the OsNAS2 promoter, particularly the deletion of the cis-regulatory element ARR1AT at position −933, was conducted for an enhanced accumulation of Zn in the grain and per plant. The results showed that our promoter editing increased Zn concentration per plant. Evidence also showed that an improved spikelet number per main panicle led to increased grain per plant. The traits were inherited in “transgene-free” and homozygous plant progenies. Further investigation needs to be conducted to validate trait performance under field conditions and elucidate the cause of the spikelet increase.

The micronutrient iron (Fe) is not only essential for plant survival and proliferation but also crucial for healthy human growth and development. Rice and wheat are the two leading staples globally; unfortunately, popular rice and wheat cultivars only have a minuscule amount of Fe content and mainly present in the outer bran layers. Unavailability of considerable Fe-rich rice and wheat germplasms limits the potential of conventional breeding to develop this micronutrient trait in both staples. Agronomic biofortification, defined as soil and foliar fertilizer application, has potential but remains quite challenging to improve grain Fe to the significant level. In contrast, recent accomplishments in genetic biofortification can help to develop Fe-enriched cereal grains to sustainably address the problem of “hidden hunger” when the roadmap from proof of concept to product and adoption can be achieved. Here, we highlight the different genetic biofortification strategies for rice and wheat and path to develop a product.

Drought is the major constraint to rice production in rainfed areas across Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. In the context of current and predicted water scarcity, increasing irrigation is generally not a viable option for alleviating drought problems in rainfed rice-growing systems. It is therefore critical that genetic management strategies for drought focus on maximum extraction of available soil moisture and its efficient use in crop establishment and growth to maximize biomass and yield. Extensive genetic variation for drought resistance exists in rice germplasm. However, the current challenge is to decipher the complexities of drought resistance in rice and exploit all available genetic resources to produce rice varieties combining drought adaptation with high yield potential, quality, and resistance to biotic stresses. The strategy described here aims at developing a pipeline for elite breeding lines and hybrids that can be integrated with efficient management practices and delivered to rice farmers. This involves the development of high-throughput, high-precision phenotyping systems to allow genes for yield components under stress to be efficiently mapped and their effects assessed on a range of drought-related traits, and then moving the most promising genes into widely grown rice mega-varieties, while scaling up gene detection and delivery for use in marker-aided breeding.

Instant artificial rice was developed by extrusion method using corn flour, glycerol monostearate (GSM), and glucomannan and guar gum. Moisture sorption isotherm and thermal characteristics of the artificial rice with glucomannan and guar gum were measured and modeled to develop different regions of a state diagram. The freezing point, glass transition, and solids-melting were measured and modeled by Chen’s model, modified Gordon–Taylor model, and Flory–Huggins model, respectively. The ultimate maximal-freeze-concentration conditions were found as ( T m ′) u (i.e., annealed end glass transition temperature for the sample with moisture 0.40 g/g sample) equal to −8.3 °C and ( T g ‴) u (i.e., annealed onset glass transition temperature for the sample with moisture 0.40 g/g sample) equal to −8.4 °C, and the characteristic solids content, X s ′ as 0.76 g/g sample (i.e., un-freezable water, X w ′ equal to 0.24 g/g sample). Similarly the characteristic glass transition temperature, T g iv (i.e., intersection of vertical line passing through T m ′ and glass transition line above X s ′) was estimated as 29.8 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flood events are often inundated rice fields and can cause flooding to surrounding areas (the lower reaches of the river) should not be underestimated (just blame the rainfall factor alone), but should be seen also internal factors of the techniques of rice cultivation in paddy fields. The purpose of research/study was to analyze the effect of flooding on the cultivation of paddy rice to infiltration and provide alternative solutions cultivation techniques to reduce flooding. The research method in this study is a survey method with the quantitative approach. Techniques flooding in paddy rice cultivation, especially irrigated cropping pattern rice 3 times a year have resulted in the formation of plow layer tread that is waterproof (hardpan). Waterproof coating that forms on the floor of paddy (rice surface) cannot infiltrate rainwater so that if there is a high-intensity rainfall in the rainy season, rice cannot hold the rain water will overflow and cause flooding to the area around the rice fields. Techniques inundation in lowland rice cultivation resulted in flooded paddy rice growth period in a rather long time (over 2 months), so that the aggregate soil is loose and prone to erosion and landslide potential. Anticipation of floods caused by wetland can be done by making the high rice fields higher than the height of the floodwaters that ever happened to the rice field and lowering the height of standing water in the paddy fields.

The unpredictability of drought patterns and the inherent complexity of the physiological responses involved have made it difficult to characterize component traits required for improved performance, thus limiting crop improvement efforts to enhance drought resistance in rice. The various stress-response mechanisms and options to enhance plant survival under severe stress do not usually translate into yield stability under water deficit. Increased crop yield and water productivity require the optimization of the physiological processes involved in the critical stages of plant response to soil drying, water-use efficiency, and dehydrationavoidance mechanisms. New high-throughput phenotyping methodologies have been developed to allow fast and detailed evaluation of potential drought-resistant donors and the large number of lines identified by drought-breeding programs. Similarly, large collections of rice germplasm, including minicore sets, wild relatives, and mutant lines have been screened for drought-resistance traits. Genetic sources of drought resistance have now been identified for all major rice agroecosystems and some of the associated traits have been characterized. The identification and genetic mapping of major QTLs for performance under drought stress across environments are currently a major focus. This approach provides a powerful tool to dissect the genetic basis of drought resistance. If validated with accurate phenotyping and properly integrated in marker-assisted breeding programs, these approaches will accelerate the development of drought-resistant genotypes. This chapter reviews the recent progress and achievements in dissecting drought resistance in rice and presents future perspectives for the genetic enhancement of drought adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]