Agronomy

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) unveils genetic breakthrough for drought-resilient rice varieties

Scientists at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in partnership with leading Indian research institutions, have identified a novel gene variant that significantly boosts rice yields under drought conditions. This discovery marks a critical advance in the race to safeguard global rice production against increasing water scarcity intensified by climate change.

Published in the Journal of Experimental Botany, the study highlights a variant of the gene OsIRO2, which, when introduced into the popular rice variety DRR Dhan 44, increased grain yield by up to 27 per cent under drought stress—without sacrificing yield stability. This breakthrough is particularly significant because the reproductive stage of rice growth is highly vulnerable to water deficits, often causing severe harvest losses.

“Through this finding, breeders can now develop rice varieties that precisely withstand water scarcity while maintaining high yields,” said Dr. Pallavi Sinha, lead scientist at IRRI. “For farmers, especially those in drought-prone regions, this means more reliable harvests and improved resilience as climate volatility intensifies.”

The research team tested over 450 rice lines carrying superior gene variants, known as haplotypes, in multi-location field trials across various growing seasons. They identified 67 genetic associations linked to drought tolerance traits and prioritized ten key genes for future breeding programs. Among these, the OsIRO2 gene variant stood out for its strong performance and potential for practical deployment.

Dr. Vikas Singh, IRRI Regional Breeding Lead for South Asia, emphasized the study’s precision: “Unlike earlier broad genomic mapping, this research pinpoints specific gene variants that directly enhance drought tolerance. This precision empowers breeders with actionable targets to develop climate-resilient rice varieties that protect farmers’ livelihoods.”

Backed by funding from India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), this work leverages advanced genetic tools, including marker-assisted and haplotype-based selection methods. IRRI plans to accelerate the integration of these drought-tolerant gene variants into breeding pipelines across Asia and Africa, targeting regions where rice production is most vulnerable to water stress.

With global rice demand rising alongside mounting climate risks, this genetic breakthrough provides a timely tool to enhance food security, improve farmer incomes, and build agricultural resilience in some of the world’s most climate-challenged landscapes.

Published Date: August 13, 2025