Chinese researchers have identified a gene that significantly improves rice resilience to extreme heat without compromising yield or grain quality—a breakthrough that could safeguard rice production in warming climates.
The gene, QT12, was discovered by researchers at Huazhong Agricultural University in Wuhan and published last Wednesday in the journal Cell. Under high temperatures, QT12 works with the NF-Y protein complex to stabilize starch and protein synthesis in rice grains, effectively acting as a “firewall” against heat damage.
Large-scale field trials conducted during last year's heatwaves in the Yangtze River basin showed remarkable results. When inserted into the hybrid rice variety Huazhan, QT12 boosted yields by 49.1% in Wuhan, 77.9% in Hangzhou, and 31.2% in Changsha, while also enhancing grain quality.
As the Yangtze River basin accounts for roughly two-thirds of China's rice output, this innovation offers a promising molecular solution to protect food security amid rising temperatures. The research team is now working with domestic companies to accelerate the gene's application in rice breeding programs.
Key Gene Discovery Boosts Rice Heat Tolerance and Yield
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