At the reproductive development stage of rice (Oryza sativa L.), temperature stress can decrease spikelet fertility, ultimately resulting in a yield loss. In this study, a total of 98 rice varieties were used in genome-wide association study (GWAS) to understand spikelet fertility under a high temperature (SFHT). GWAS results revealed that two lead SNPs were significantly associated with SFHT. Candidate genes located within ± 250 kb of the corresponding SNP position were discovered, resulting in a total of 21 candidate genes on chromosome 10 and 18 candidate genes on chromosome 11. Based on previously reported function and haplotype analysis, Os10g0177200 (EF-HAND 2domain containing protein) as one candidate gene showed significant differences among groups of haplotypes. This candidate gene will be further evaluated for its function to determine whether it is useful for improving molecular breeding studies and developing new high temperature tolerant rice varieties.

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Temperatures that extend beyond normal levels of tolerance cause severe stress to plants, especially during the reproductive and grain filling/ripening stages. Heat stress leads to serious yield losses in many crop plants, including rice (Oryza sativa). In view of the current scenario of global climate change, frequent fluctuations and a significant increase in average temperatures will pose challenges to protecting those yields. Therefore, elucidating the molecular mechanisms that make crop plants more tolerant of heat, particularly in organs at the reproductive stage, is of utmost importance. Precise molecular information will be helpful for the manipulation and exploration of relevant genes for use in crop improvement programs. In this review, we highlight recent progress in research on the molecular responses to high temperatures in pollen and seed and provide a perspective on the development of heat tolerance in rice cultivars. The responsible mechanism is a very complex phenomenon that involves several biochemical and physiological changes, molecular responses, and a series of signal transductions. Improving our understanding requires detailed knowledge at various omics levels. Recent technological advancements have accelerated genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics studies in rice, a model crop plant. Here, we discuss those technological and omics approaches being taken to investigate the heat tolerance mechanism, particularly in rice. In addition, we address the tools being used to identify key genes and QTLs that can then be utilized for molecular breeding and biotechnology.

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A total of 23 elite rice cultivars from eight countries were evaluated for cold tolerance using two screening methods at Chuncheon Substation, National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Republic of Korea. The rice cultivars Jinbu, Mustaqillik, and Avangard showed cold tolerance and high spikelet fertility (63–79%) in cold-water irrigation screening. Under greenhouse screening, five cultivars (Giza 177, Avangard, Mustaqillik, Jinbu, and Jungan) showed high cold tolerance and high spikelet fertility (71–81%). Simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker analysis of 21 genotypes revealed two major clusters, the japonica and indica groups, with a genetic similarity of 0.69. Out of 21 rice cultivars, only four (Giza 178 from Egypt, Attey and Zakha from Bhutan, and Millin from Australia) fell under the indica cluster. The cold-tolerant varieties Jinbu, Mustaqillik, and Avangard were clustered with the japonica group, which had genetic similarity of 0.83. These varieties are considered as potential germplasm that will help diversify the japonica gene pool for cold-tolerant rice breeding. A one-way linear analysis of variance identified a significant relationship between individual alleles and traits. Three SSR markers were significantly associated with spikelet fertility under cold-water irrigation on chromosomes 1, 2, and 7. Five SSR markers were associated with spikelet fertility under a cool-environment greenhouse on chromosomes 8, 9, 10, and 12. The SSR markers associated with cold tolerance may also be useful as selection markers in indica/japonica cross combinations to improve cold tolerance.

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