IRRI Journal Articles

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/132013

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Consumers’ acceptance and valuation of healthier rice: implications for promoting healthy diets in the Philippines
(Journal Article, 2025-02-13) Custodio, Marie Claire; Ynion, Jhoanne; Demont, Matty; De Steur, Hans
Purpose This paper aims to analyze and compare consumers’ acceptance and valuation of brown, colored and low glycemic index rice and identify the factors that influence their willingness to pay (WTP). Design/methodology/approach A stated-preference survey was conducted among 600 middle-class urban consumers in the Philippines, using a contingent valuation approach with a between-subjects design. The data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple linear regression. Findings Consumers accepted healthier rice types, but they discounted them relative to premium white rice, despite receiving product-specific information on health benefits. Consumers’ household income, attitude toward healthy eating and their diet quality had significant effects on WTP. Snack occasions could serve as entry points for healthier rice rather than targeting the substitution of white rice during main eating occasions. Generic information on nutritional benefits of healthier rice products was insufficient to nudge consumers’ intentions toward integrating these products into their diets. Practical implications The empirical contribution provides insights for breeding programs on the design of rice target product profiles that incorporate nutritional attributes. Originality/value The current study addresses the gap in consumer preference studies by evaluating nutrition-related attributes of rice. Measures of attitude toward food-based dietary guidelines and indicators of diet quality were included in the set of predictors that may influence WTP. The results provide insights for designing nutrition education programs to promote healthier rice in the context of healthy eating habits and to enhance the health benefits of consumers’ current diets. Future studies should further explore different types of nutrition nudges that encourage consumers to eat healthier rice-based dishes and test nutrition communication strategies that move from a narrow product focus to a broader emphasis on dietary diversity by promoting healthier dishes based on healthier rice products.
Evaluation and refinement of zinc management options for field-specific nutrient management in eastern India
(Journal Article, 2025-04-02) Mishra, Ajay Kumar; Padbhushan, Rajeev; Bharti, Preeti; Sharma, Sheetal; Patnaik, Girija Prasad
In eastern India, zinc (Zn) has emerged as the most critical micronutrient impacting the yield of rice. Experiments were conducted for 2 years during the Rabi and Kharif rice seasons at 339 on-farm locations in five districts and four agroclimatic zones of Odisha state in eastern India to study the management of Zn in rice nurseries and the transplanted crop. At each location, five treatment plots were established in which nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were applied to rice following site-specific nutrient management as guided by Rice Crop Manager (RCM), a web-based tool. In the three treatments, the rice nursery was treated with compost (4 t ha-1) or 50 or 100 kg Zn sulfate ha−1 (on a nursery basis), while the transplanted crop was supplied with only N, P, and K. In the remaining two treatments, no compost or Zn was applied to the rice nursery, but 12.5 or 25 kg Zn sulfate ha−1 was applied along with N, P, and K to the transplanted crop. Rice grain yield, system yield, and gross return above fertilizer cost (GRF) were significantly greater (p < 0.05) with the application of 50 kg Zn sulfate ha−1 than with the application of compost (farmer practices) to rice nurseries. Applying 100 kg Zn sulfate ha⁻1 to the nursery or 12.5–25 kg Zn sulfate ha⁻1 to transplanted rice did not increase yield or GRF. Higher yield, grain Zn content, and GHG emissions occurred in the Rabi season, with the lowest GHG emissions recorded when the nursery received 100 kg Zn sulfate ha⁻1 in both seasons. The results of this study convincingly prove the usefulness of applying Zn along with site specific nutrient management (SSNM) in rice in eastern India to produce high yields and GRFs and reduce GHG emissions.
Enhancing yield and GHG mitigation through site-specific nutrient management for transplanted and direct-seeded rice in Odisha, India
(Journal Article, 2025-04-30) Chaudhary, Anjali; Mishra, Ajay Kumar; Venkatramanan, Veluswamy; Sharma, Sheetal
The Rice Crop Manager (RCM), a web-based decision support tool rooted in Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM), provides transformative solutions to address the challenges of fertilizer overuse and underuse in rice production. This study, conducted across diverse agro-ecologies in Odisha, India, evaluates the impact of SSNM under two rice establishment methods—Transplanted Rice (TPR) and Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR)—over six cropping seasons. Results reveal that RCM recommendations consistently increased grain yields by 17–19% compared to traditional Farmer Fertilizer Practices (FFP) while significantly improving nitrogen and potassium use efficiency. SSNM also reduced phosphorus application rates by 8.6–18.1 kg/ha and effectively mitigated critical micronutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc. Additionally, RCM treatments demonstrated reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to FFP, highlighting the role of precision agriculture in mitigating climate impacts. Despite slightly higher initial input costs, RCM delivered greater economic returns through optimized fertilizer use. While TPR exhibited higher yield advantages, DSR emerged as a resource-efficient and mechanization-compatible alternative, though it requires targeted interventions to address challenges such as nitrous oxide emissions. This study underscores the potential of RCM as a scalable, data-driven solution for enhancing productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability in rice systems.
Letter to the Editor: Additional considerations for addressing pain in people living with cystic fibrosis
(Journal Article, 2025-03-26) Ward, Anastasia; Mauleon, Ramil; Ooi, Chee Y.; Rosić, Nedeljka
We have read with interest and express our agreement with the recently published “Addressing pain in people living with cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis foundation evidence-informed guidelines” [2]. Dellon and colleagues have published a timely Cystic Fibrosis Foundation paper outlining recommendations and evidence-informed guidelines on addressing pain in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) [2]. These guidelines, derived from co-design methodologies, provide in-depth recommendations on managing pain in CF and intend to guide various stakeholders or healthcare practitioners at all stages of their patients’ development.
Pain in adults with cystic fibrosis - Are we painfully unaware?
(Journal Article, 2025-01-25) Ward, Anastasia; Mauleon, Ramil; Davidson, Gretel; Ooi, Chee Y.; Rosić, Nedeljka
"Background: A previous Australia-wide pilot study identified pain as a significant burden in people with CF (pwCF). However, the prevalence, frequency and severity have not been evaluated using validated tools. Methods: Australian adults, pwCF and healthy controls (HC) were invited to complete an online questionnaire from July 2023 – February 2024, consisting of four validated tools: Brief Pain Inventory, Pain Catastrophising Scale, PAGI-SYM and PAC-SYM. The questionnaire, disseminated via Cystic Fibrosis Australia, CF Together and online social media groups, explored experiences surrounding pain and its management using closed and free text entries. Results: There were 206 respondents, consisting of 117 CF patients and 89 HC. Over 70 % (n = 69) of pwCF reported pain compared to 28 % (n = 21) of HC (p = <0.001). Further, significantly higher pain frequency per month was reported for pwCF than HC (40 % vs. 10 %; p < 0.001). Symptom clustering was also observed where at least three other locations of pain were reported, and pain was reported to trigger other physiological and psychological symptoms. Notably, there was no significant difference in the locations, occurrence, frequency or severity of pain between those on a CFTR modulator or not (p = 0.625). PwCF also reported significantly lower relief from over-the-counter therapies (p = 0.002) and expressed themes of unmet symptom and management needs. Conclusions: This study identified a high prevalence of pain affecting multiple body parts in pwCF compared to HC and suggests that pain is sub-optimally managed, impairing their quality of life. Increased awareness and early recognition within the CF clinics and the development of clinical pathways are critically needed to better manage and monitor pain in pwCF, leading to improved quality of life and health outcomes."
Site-specific nutrient management for rice using soil properties to adjust phosphorus and potassium supply from compound NPK fertilizer
(Journal Article, 2025-03-26) Girsang, Setia Sari; Castillo, Rowena L.; Syam, Mahyuddin; Zaini, Zulkifli; Kartaatmadja, Sunendar; Suyamto; Dela Torre, Judith Carla; Pabuayon, Irish Lorraine B.; Limpiada, Romalene A.; Waluyo; Helmi; Samijan; Budiono, Rohmad; Hatta, Muhammad; Nurhayati; Kamandalu, Ngurah Bagus; Susanto, Bambang; Parhusip, Dorkas; Abidin, Zainal; Buresh, Roland J.
"Context or problem: Compound fertilizers containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are often applied to rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Asia, but the fixed P:K ratio of these fertilizers can restrict the adjustment of P and K rates to match crop needs. Objective or research question: We hypothesized that site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) using a locally available NPK fertilizer could increase rice yield and then that soil properties could be used to better adjust nutrient inputs to match crop needs. Methods: Yield responses to added N, P, and K in on-farm nutrient omission plot technique (NOPT) trials across Indonesia were used to develop an SSNM practice, which was evaluated relative to farmer’s fertilizer practice (FFP) in 528 on-farm trials with lowland rice. Relationships of soil properties with yield responses were then examined across 38 additional trials on diverse soils. Results: An SSNM practice with one NPK fertilizer supplying all P and K increased yield by 0.4 Mg ha−1 and increased gross return above fertilizer cost by 173 USD ha−1 compared to FFP. The SSNM practice used less N and P but slightly more K than FFP. Median relative yields — defined as the ratio of yield in a nutrient omission plot and yield in a full-fertilizer plot — were 0.75 without added N, 0.94 without added P, and 0.94 without added K for 252 NOPT trials. Based on NOPT trials, the SSNM practice could be improved by applying more K at some locations because the P:K ratio of 0.52 (P2O5:K2O = 1) for the NPK fertilizer was higher than the estimated optimum to meet crop needs. Higher K requirement was associated with soil pH < 5.5, soil K saturation < 1.8 %, and soil base saturation < 40 %. Conclusions: Farmer’s P use for rice can often be reduced with an upper limit for the P rate set to match the net removal of P by the crop. An NPK fertilizer with P:K ratio = 0.44–0.52 would meet P and K requirements at many locations, and a mid-season topdressing of additional K could be targeted to locations requiring more K. Higher K use could target areas with soil pH < 5.5, which could be approximated from soil maps and verified with soil test kits. Implications or significance: The examination of associations between crop response to a nutrient and soil properties, other than soil nutrient status, merits use elsewhere to identify soil characteristics helpful in fine-tuning SSNM."
Historical trends in the nitrogen requirement of corn over 45 years in Ohio
(Journal Article, 2025-03-07) Fulford, Anthony M.; Labarge, Gregory; Lindsey, Alexander; Watters, Harold; Ortez, Osler; Culman, Steven W.
The average annual corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield in Ohio has increased since the 1970s, yet the respective roles of corn hybrids and optimal nitrogen (N) fertilization in contributing to this historical trend remain unclear. This study evaluated trends in the agronomically optimal nitrogen rate (AONR) and corn grain yield at agronomically optimal nitrogen rate (YAONR) when corn followed corn (CC) or soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (SC) in the crop rotation within two eras of corn hybrid development. The two eras were associated with different technological development phases, including 1976–1995 (pre-transgenic era) and 1996–2021 (transgenic era). A total of 431 rainfed corn fertilizer N rate response trials were conducted in 31 Ohio counties over 45 years. From 1976 to 2021, AONR did not significantly increase, while YAONR increased by 96.1 kg ha−1 year−1, a 52% increase over 45 years. The YAONR significantly increased by 95 kg ha−1 year−1 for CC and 68 kg ha−1 year−1 for SC. Unfertilized (0 kg N ha−1) corn yield gains were similar to annual yield gain at AONR, and the agronomic nitrogen-use efficiency (ANUE) greatly improved over 45 years, with an additional 4.6 kg of grain per kg of N for corn grown in 2021 compared to 1976. Overall, our study demonstrated that historical yield gains were largely due to improved corn hybrid ANUE and management rather than changes in N fertilizer requirements.
A novel non-canonical rectifying calcium channel in rice triggers cell death mediated robust immunity
(Preprint, 2025-03-27) Wu, Jun; Liu, Jianbin; Xiao, Gui; Liu, Hai; Liang, Yi; Yi, Zhaofeng; Bin, Bai; Liang, Xiushuo; Luo, Sheng; Yang, Jie; Xue, Shaowu; Sun, Wenxian; Zhou, Bo; Yuan, Fang
Plants utilize calcium as a signaling molecule to regulate innate immunity, including PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI), in addition to controlling growth and development1,2. Recent extensive research has highlighted that the activation of calcium ion (Ca2+) channels during PTI and the formation of Ca2+ channels during ETI are crucial for plant immunity3. However, comprehension on how crops substantially augment immunity through the enhancement of Ca2+ channel activity remains limited. Here, we report a rice lesion mimic mutant, called etd1 (elicitors triggered cell death 1), which also triggers cell death formation upon the challenge of rice blast elicitors. The recessive gain-of-function gene etd1 encodes a hypermorphic haplotype of OsCNGC13 which contains a single amino acid substitution of glycine-to-glutamate at the position of 483rd amino acid. The etd1 forms a novel non-canonical rectifying Ca2+ channel that significantly enhances Ca2+ influx. We position that etd1-driven excessive Ca2+ influx disrupts cellular calcium homeostasis, thereby triggering pathogen-induced cell death and conferring robust and broad-spectrum immunity to the rice blast pathogen.
Maize yield suitability mapping in two major Asian Mega-Deltas using AgERA and CMIP6 climate projections in crop modeling
(Journal Article, 2025-03-31) Upreti, Deepak C.; Villano, Lorena; Raviz, Jeny; Laborte, Alice; Radanielson, Ando M.; Nelson, Katherine M.
Asian Mega-Deltas (AMDs) are important food baskets and contribute significantly to global food security. However, these areas are extremely susceptible to the consequences of climate change, such as rising temperatures, sea-level rise, water deficits/surpluses and saltwater intrusion. This study focused on maize crop suitability mapping and yield assessment in two major AMDs: the Ganges Delta, spanning parts of northeast India and Bangladesh, and the Mekong Delta across Vietnam and Cambodia. We investigated the historical climate reanalysis AgERA datasets and climate projections from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Phase 6 (CMIP6) for the periods 2040–2070 and 2070–2100 using PyAEZ-based modeling to estimate maize yields for periods in the near (2050s) and far future (2100s). Province-level yield estimates were validated against statistics reported by the governments of the respective countries. Model performance varied across regions, with R2 values ranging from 0.07 to 0.94, MAE from 0.67 t·ha−1 (14.2%) to 1.56 t·ha−1 (20.7%) and RMSE from 0.62 t·ha−1 (14.6%) to 1.74 t·ha−1 (23.1%) in the Ganges Delta, and R2 values from 0.23 to 0.85, MAE from 0.37 t·ha−1 (12.8%) to 2.7 t·ha−1 (27.2%) and RMSE from 0.45 t·ha−1 (15.9%) to 1.76 t·ha−1 (30.9%) in the Mekong Delta. The model performed comparatively better in the Indian region of the Ganges Delta than in the Bangladeshi region, where some yield underestimation was observed not accurately capturing the increasing upward trend in reported yields over time. Similarly, yields were underestimated in some provinces of the Mekong Delta since 2008. This may be attributed to improved management practices and the model’s inability to fully capture high-input management systems. There are also limitations related to the downscaling of CMIP6 data; the yield estimated using the downscaled CMIP6 data has small variability under rainfed and irrigated conditions. Despite these limitations, the modeling approach effectively identified vulnerable regions for maize production under future climate scenarios. Additionally, maize crop suitability zones were delineated, providing critical insights for planning and policy design to support climate adaptation in these vulnerable regions.
What drives rice farmers away from straw burning? Evidence from the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
(Journal Article, 2025-04-05) Cuong, Ong Quoc; Demont, Matty; Pabuayon, Isabelita M.; Depositario, Dinah Pura T.
The Asian mega deltas are critical for food security since they are among the most productive regions for rice cultivation globally. However, this comes at the expense of their environment. Rice growing produces straw, which is frequently burned, resulting in considerable atmospheric pollution and greenhouse gases. Previous research in the Mekong Delta has suggested that policy makers can incentivize rice farmers to transition from straw burning to sustainable straw management practices by creating an enabling environment to support farmers in achieving economies of scale through collective governance of straw management and mechanization of straw collecting and processing. However, little is known about the drivers of rice straw burning in the Mekong Delta. To address this gap, we surveyed 543 rice farmers in four provinces in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. A multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the determinants of the adoption of alternative straw management practices. The survey results indicate that straw burning is practiced by 45–84% of rice farmers, depending on the season. The results from the model reveal that straw burning peaks in the Winter-Spring cropping season in An Giang province and is more likely to be practiced by larger or contract farms, while sustainable straw management practices are more frequently adopted by wealthier households or farms that receive agricultural extension services. These findings confirm the importance of agricultural extension programs in achieving economies of scale in sustainable straw management. Policy makers can leverage and scale the adoption of sustainable straw management through public extension programs and by encouraging companies to govern and support these practices through private extension in their production contracts.
The rice Trait Development Pipeline: A systematic framework guiding upstream research for impact in breeding, with examples from root biology
(Journal Article, 2025-03-29) Platten, J. Damien; Henry, Amelia; Chebotarov, Dmytro; Schepler-Luu, Van; Cobb, Joshua N.
"Background In crop breeding, ‘trait development’ is the improvement of specific characteristics, typically using landraces as a source for introduction into elite lines. Trait development exists upstream of ‘breeding,’ which generates new varieties to be grown by farmers. While both are active areas of research, trait development is often overlooked, despite being a critical step in linking upstream research with breeding. The field of root biology provides many excellent examples of upstream research that requires further trait development to generate new varieties. Scope Here, we describe the IRRI rice Trait Development Pipeline which provides a framework of clear protocols to discover, test and validate research outputs and maximize their potential for impact in mainstream breeding. We recommend specific steps in the context of further trait development for several rice root biology studies based on the guidelines established in the IRRI rice Trait Development Pipeline. Common trait development recommendations for areas such as root biology include ensuring the relevance of studied traits to field performance, rigorous testing to ensure reliability of genes and marker systems in elite backgrounds, and the packaging of those genes into elite material that can be easily used in breeding. Conclusion: In implementing the Trait Development Pipeline, it is expected that recurrent selection-based breeding strategies will benefit more from linkages with upstream research areas, such as root biology, by implementing marker-assisted selection to increase the frequency of large-effect rare alleles that currently exist outside the elite gene pool without hindering the genetic improvement that comes from quantitative breeding methods."
Yield prediction, pest and disease diagnosis, soil fertility mapping, precision irrigation scheduling, and food quality assessment using machine learning and deep learning algorithms
(Journal Article, 2025-03-20) Ajith, S.; Vijayakumar, S.; Elakkiya, N.
The growing demand for food grains amidst resource constraints necessitates advancements in crop management. Artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning and deep learning, is revolutionizing agricultural practices by enabling data-driven, precise, and sustainable solutions. This review synthesizes advancements in artificial intelligence applications across key domains, including crop yield prediction, precision irrigation, soil fertility mapping, insect pest and disease forecasting, and foodgrain quality assessment. Artificial intelligence algorithms efficiently process vast datasets from unmanned aerial vehicles, ground vehicles, and satellites, enabling precise and timely interventions. Artificial intelligence-driven tools automate pest detection and classification, optimize irrigation with minimal human input, generate high-resolution soil fertility maps, and enhance foodgrain quality assessment through rapid defect and contaminant detection. Artificial intelligence-powered precision irrigation integrates real-time soil moisture data and weather predictions for optimized water usage. Similarly, artificial intelligence-driven soil fertility mapping not only enables high-resolution assessments but also facilitates real-time monitoring of nutrient dynamics, supporting sustainable land management. In pest and disease detection, artificial intelligence systems combining image processing and real-time analytics demonstrate promise for early intervention. Artificial intelligence integration into foodgrain quality assessment leverages hyperspectral imaging and predictive models to enhance grading, adulteration detection, and contaminant screening, contributing to food safety and market competitiveness. Furthermore, advancements in transfer learning and data augmentation have improved artificial intelligence adoption in regions with limited datasets. While artificial intelligence technologies promise to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability, their efficacy and scalability hinges on data quality, diversity, and availability.
Assessing soil erosion risk in Kazakhstan: A RUSLE-based approach for land rehabilitation
(Journal Article, 2025-01-28) Kaliyeva, Damira; Tokbergenova, Aigul; Mirzabaev, Alisher; Zulpykharov, Kanat; Bissenbayeva, Sanim; Taukebayev, Omirzhan; Qadir, Manzoor
Soil degradation is increasing in Kazakhstan, leading to severe losses in land productivity. The Almaty region, the country’s leading agricultural and industrial province, is among the most affected areas. The objective of this study is to evaluate, for the first time, the applicability of the revised model of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) for estimating the rate of soil erosion and identifying areas susceptible to soil erosion in the Almaty region. The revised USLE (RUSLE) factors, including rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length, and steepness, were represented using data on soil, topography, and land use/vegetation cover from the region. Using the RUSLE model’s algorithms, we generated an erosion risk map, emphasizing areas with a high potential for erosion. The results show higher soil erosion rates in agricultural areas with steep slopes and inadequate environmental practices – annual soil losses in the region are as high as 26,279 t/ha/year in high-risk areas. On average, approximately 88% of the region’s territory loses up to 103 t/ha/year, while 9% loses about three times as much. Such potential soil erosion risks warrant the implementation of efficient soil conservation strategies in the region to protect soils, ensure desired agricultural productivity, and support the journey in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15.
The genome and GeneBank genomics of allotetraploid Nicotiana tabacum provide insights into genome evolution and complex trait regulation
(Journal Article, 2025-03-26) Zan, Yanjun; Chen, Shuai; Ren, Min; Liu, Guoxiang; Liu, Yutong; Han, Yu; Dong, Yang; Zhang, Yao; Si, Huan; Liu, Zhengwen; Liu, Dan; Zhang, Xingwei; Tong, Ying; Li, Yuan; Jiang, Caihong; Wen, Liuying; Xiao, Zhiliang; Sun, Yangyang; Geng, Ruimei; Ji, Yan; Feng, Quanfu; Wang, Yuanying; Ye, Guoyou; Fang, Lingzhao; Chen, Yong; Cheng, Lirui; Yang, Aiguo
Nicotiana tabacum is an allotetraploid hybrid of Nicotiana sylvestris and Nicotiana tomentosiformis and a model organism in genetics. However, features of subgenome evolution, expression coordination, genetic diversity and complex traits regulation of N. tabacum remain unresolved. Here we present chromosome-scale assemblies for all three species, and genotype and phenotypic data for 5,196 N. tabacum germplasms. Chromosome rearrangements and epigenetic modifications are associated with genome evolution and expression coordination following polyploidization. Two subgenomes and genes biased toward one subgenome contributed unevenly to complex trait variation. Using 178 marker–trait associations, a reference genotype-to-phenotype map was built for 39 morphological, developmental and disease resistance traits, and a novel gene regulating leaf width was validated. Signatures of positive and polygenic selection during the process of selective breeding were detected. Our study provides insights into genome evolution, complex traits regulation in allotetraploid N. tabacum and the use of GeneBank-scale resources for advancing genetic and genomic research.
Genome-wide association analysis in identification of superior haplotypes for vegetative stage drought stress tolerance in rice
(Journal Article, 2025-03-23) Nayak, Gyanisha; Parameswaran, C.; Vaidya, Nairita; Parida, Madhuchhanda; Sabarinathan, S.; Chaudhari, Prabharani; Sinha, Pallavi; Singh, Vikas Kumar; Samantaray, Sanghamitra; Katara, Jawahar Lal
Water availability is the most critical factor limiting rice yield in rainfed agro-ecosystems. Drought stress during the vegetative stage inhibits key growth processes, such as leaf formation and tillering, significantly impacting yield. This study aimed to investigate the genetic basis of vegetative stage drought tolerance and identify QTLs and genes associated with it through GWAS. A total of 19 major QTLs were identified for six traits: leaf rolling, relative water content, plant height, leaf area, tiller number, and leaf number, with phenotypic variances ranging from 10.55 to 80.05%. Additionally, haplotypes for six candidate genes were identified: OsCYP72A32 for leaf rolling, OsNCX5.2 for relative water content, OsSPX2 for plant height, OsSTA104 for tiller number, OsRING313 for leaf number and Os3BGlu6 for leaf area. Besides, genotypes such as NCS 901 A, H 15-23-DA, LOHAMBITRO and MEJANES 2 were found to be superior donors. These tolerant genotypes and superior haplotypes can be used in haplotype-based breeding programs to enhance drought tolerance in rice at vegetative stage.
Comprehensive analysis of natural farming practices across India: A systematic review
(Journal Article, 2025-03-06) Kumar Mishra, Ajay; Kumar Maurya, Piyush; Sheetal, Sharma
Natural farming, encompassing traditional, organic, and sustainable agricultural practices, is gaining prominence as a viable alternative to conventional farming. In India, with a significant proportion of the world's organic producers, natural farming has historical significance and diverse regional adaptations. This systematic review delves into the principles, historical evolution, techniques, regional adaptations, and impacts of natural farming on soil health, biodiversity, and economic viability. Natural farming, particularly Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), reduces input costs and enhances soil health, although challenges such as lower initial yields and higher labor costs persist. This review highlights successful case studies, including ZBNF in Andhra Pradesh and organic farming in Sikkim. Additionally, these findings underscore the positive effects of natural farming on soil carbon sequestration and microbial activity. Despite these challenges, opportunities for scaling up natural farming are significant and supported by government policies and community initiatives. Future research needs to focus on long-term impacts, cost-effective bio inputs, and socioeconomic benefits to establish natural farming as a sustainable agricultural practice in India.
Farmers' adoption of newly released climate-resilient rice varieties in the coastal ecosystem of Bangladesh: Effectiveness of a head-to-head adaptive trial
(Journal Article, 2025-03-19) Akter, Tahmina; Afrad, Md. Safiul Islam; Habib, Muhammad Ashraful; Zhang, Yating; Sarkar, Md Abdur Rouf; Nayak, Swati; Qin, Xiaodi; McKenzie, Andrew M.; Kamal, Mohammed Zia Uddin
The adoption of newly released rice varieties in Bangladesh remains slow, particularly in coastal ecosystems, where multiple stressors reduce productivity. Limited knowledge transfer on climate‐resilient varieties has led farmers to favor traditional cultivars over newer ones. Head‐to‐Head Adaptive Trials (HHATs) were introduced to promote the dissemination of improved varieties, but their effectiveness has not been fully assessed. This study evaluates farmers' trait preferences, varietal selection criteria, adoption patterns, key determinants, and the impact of HHATs on varietal adoption in coastal Bangladesh. HHATs were conducted in 2021–2022 and 2022–2023, with data collected from April to June 2023. Using purposive sampling, 50 participant farmers were selected, while 150 neighboring farmers were systematically sampled based on geographic proximity. Findings indicate that yield, taste, and resilience to salinity and drought were the most important traits influencing varietal selection. While farmers valued the superior grain quality and resilience of newer varieties, concerns over yield consistency and climate adaptability led many to continue adopting older varieties. HHATs created spillover effects, encouraging broader adoption among neighboring farmers. Education, farming as a primary occupation, income, commercial farming, extension services, training, social networks, seed access, grain quality, varietal resilience, and market price significantly influenced adoption, while age, low soil fertility, high input costs, and large landholdings were barriers. Propensity score matching analysis confirmed that HHATs increased adoption rates by 11.25%–17.71%, though limited seed distribution hindered widespread adoption. The study highlights the need for targeted policy measures to enhance seed access, extension services, and farmer support to scale up the adoption of climate‐resilient rice varieties.
Developing green nutritious super rice for a healthy anthropocene
(Journal Article, 2025) Zhang, Qifa; Ali, Jauhar; Bouis, Howarth; Hu, Peisong; Khush, Gurdev; Li, Jiayang; Luo, Lijun; Tan, Bin; Wan, Jianmin; Willett, Walter; Wing, Rod; Xiong, Lizhong; Yu, Sibin; Chen, Hao; Li, Yibo; Ouyang, Yidan
Knockout of cadmium sensitive gene 1 confers enhanced cadmium tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.) by regulating the subcellular distribution of cadmium
(Journal Article, 2025-02-28) Liang, Shanshan; Lan, Zhipeng; Wang, Jiahan; Zou, Wenli; Hu, Youchuan; Ran, Hongyu; Qin, Mao; Xiao, Gui; Zhang, Siju; Ma, Xuan; Ye, Guoyou; Luan, Weijiang
Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal which is toxic to both plants and animal. The high content of Cd in the rice grain severely threatens human's health. Here, we identified a Cd sensitive gene, named Cadmium Sensitive Gene 1 (OsCSG1), playing an important role in improving Cd tolerance in rice at seedling stage. The expression of OsCSG1 was induced by CdCl2 and exhibited higher mRNA levels in leaf blade, leaf sheath and stele of roots. Knockout of OsCSG1 improved the Cd tolerance of rice seedlings, suggesting that OsCSG1 negatively regulated Cd tolerance in rice. The Cd concentration in roots of seedling of oscsg1 mutants increased significantly under Cd stress, but not in the shoot and grains compared with wild type (WT). Subcellular distribution of Cd in root cells suggested that Cd proportions in soluble fractions of cells in oscsg1 mutant increased significantly. And CAT activity in oscsg1 mutants increased significantly. Taken together, knocking out OsCSG1 could improve Cd tolerance in rice by regulating subcellular distribution of cadmium and increased CAT activity.
Assessing stress tolerance of SUBI and DRO1 introgression lines under flooding and drought conditions at different growth stages
(Journal Article, 2025-03-06) Soe, Ibrahim; Odama, Emmanuel; Tamu, Alex; Wani, Aquilino Lado Legge; Ookawa, Taiichiro; Ismail, Abdelbagi M.; Sakagami, Jun-Ichi
Rice varieties tolerant to submergence regulate shoot elongation during short-term submergence by expressing the SUB1A gene. In contrast, the deep-rooted DRO1 is effectively expressed under drought conditions to enhance water and nutrient uptake. This study investigates the growth and yield of rice with both SUB1A and DRO1 in the background of IR64, under early-season flooding, and mid-season drought. The study used a randomized complete design with two factors: soil moisture treatments (submergence, drought, and their combination) and genotypes. The genotypes included IR64, and three near-isogenic lines (NILs): NIL-SUB1DRO1, NIL-SUB1, and NIL-DRO1. Complete submergence was imposed for 7 days on 14-day-old seedlings, while drought was imposed on control and submerged plants following a 21-day recovery period from submergence, using 42-day-old plants. Variables were measured before and after treatments (submergence and drought), and at harvest or grain maturity. The stresses negatively affected the genotypes. At harvest, IR64 and NIL-SUB1DRO1 under both stresses showed a significant reduction in tiller numbers, shoot dry weights, and yields compared to their control plants. IR64 exhibited a significant delay in reaching flowering under all stresses. The rice introgression lines showed significant improvements in tolerance to the stresses. The study showed no negative consequences of combining drought and submergence tolerance in rice.

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