The international journal Cell published a research paper entitled "A natural gene on-off system confers field thermotolerance for grain quality and yield in rice" by Professor Li Yibo's research group at Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) on April 30.

This seminal study unveiled rice's formidable defense mechanism against high temperatures – the elusive gene QT12. Functioning akin to a natural "air conditioning system" intrinsic to crops, QT12 intricately regulates rice's thermotolerance. When confronted with soaring temperatures, QT12 engages with the NF-Y protein complex, forming a primary-secondary "double lock" that adeptly controls the high-temperature switch system. This sophisticated mechanism not only harmonizes the synthesis of storage proteins and starch but also fortifies rice quality and yield, presenting a pioneering molecular blueprint and eco-friendly breeding strategy for cultivating superior-quality, high-yield rice in thermally challenging environments.

The working mechanism of the NF-Ys-QT12 molecular module in regulating the quality and thermotolerance of rice. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]

Through extensive field trials conducted amid extreme heat conditions across the Yangtze River Basin in cities like Wuhan, Hangzhou, and Changsha in 2023 and 2024, the low-expression QT12 gene demonstrated remarkable thermotolerance.

This research shattered the longstanding conundrum of balancing crop resilience with growth, yield, and quality, thereby safeguarding national food security and offering a transformative solution for global food security and sustainable agricultural development.

Anticipating the far-reaching impact of their findings, the research and development team engaged in collaborative agreements with leading domestic enterprises to facilitate the swift application of their research outcomes to accelerate the development of rice breeding practices.