Integration of genetic engineering into conventional rice breeding programs for the next generation

Rice is one of the most important staple foods of dietary energy supply worldwide. Its breeding programs based on phenotype selection, yield, and quality have succeeded in developing elite varieties desirable for adaptability to local regions. This study summarized the genomic research on the process of rice breeding programs in a local region, Hokkaido. This review would provide a strategy to develop new rice varieties under the imminent threats of increasing world population, global climate change, and sustainability for agriculture. Genomic shifts in genetic population structure and genes under rice breeding programs in Hokkaido were characterized. These genetic rice features could be suitable for a model of crop breeding programs in any crop species. Rice breeding programs were categorized into three phases depending on the shifts in plant architecture type for yield. After shaping adaptability into the local region, integrating genetic engineering into conventional rice breeding programs would facilitate the development of new rice varieties.