rice-fertility
Rice fertility refers to the reproductive capacity of rice plants, encompassing the processes of pollen viability, pollination, fertilization, and seed set that determine grain yield. Understanding the molecular and physiological mechanisms governing fertility is critical for improving crop productivity, as disruptions—whether from genetic mutations, environmental stress, or cytoplasmic male sterility—can dramatically reduce grain production. Research in this area underpins hybrid seed breeding programs and efforts to develop climate-resilient varieties capable of maintaining reproductive success under heat, drought, and other adverse conditions.
PubMed · 2026-03-24
Scientists identified and studied a family of genes in rice called OsENTH that play a role in pollen germination and pollen tube growth — the process by which rice fertilizes itself to produce grain.
A family of OsENTH genes was comprehensively identified and catalogued in the rice genome.
Functional characterization confirmed that OsENTH genes play active roles in pollen germination and pollen tube growth.
The study provides a genetic foundation for future work on improving rice fertility and seed set under variable conditions.
