Contribution and Prospect of Erect Panicle Type to japonica Super Rice

Abstract

Over the past 30 years, super rice played an important role in boosting rice yield. The phenotype of erect panicle (EP) architecture controlled by dense and erect panicle 1 (dep1) is the typical characteristic of super rice, and the phenotype has been used in rice breeding for nearly a century. In this review, the molecular genetic basis of EP phenotype, and mechanism of how dep1 affects rice carbon, nitrogen metabolism and grain quality (grain shape and taste quality) were discussed. In addition, we discussed the possible improvement strategies of rice yield and quality. This review provides a quick overview of the whole process for rice quality formation, as well as suggestions and ideas for future research on rice quality improvement.

Keywords

• dep1
• nitrogen cycle
• carbon cycle
• metabolic balance
• rice quality
• erect panicle