A review of rice cultivation and cultivar development for high adaptability to global climate change

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a critical staple crop that sustains more than half of the global population and is increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures, unpredictable climate and weather, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and shifting pest and disease dynamics pose significant challenges to traditional rice farming, contributing to reduced productivity and harvest failures. To mitigate these effects, the development of new rice cultivars with enhanced adaptability to diverse environmental conditions is imperative. This review explores the different types of rice commonly cultivated in Asia, including Indonesia. Furthermore, it also discusses the in vitro screening approaches for identifying elite rice cultivars, harboring drought and saline tolerance genetic information. Additionally, the application of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to enhance rice ability to cope with adverse environmental conditions has also been reviewed. This review also demonstrates some beneficial bacteria that has been used as PGPR, which directly and indirectly boost plant resistance to drought and salinity stress. Finally, seed priming technologies are also discussed. Some different types of seed priming agents, including phytohormones, organic substances, UV irradiation and nano-based priming agents have been comprehensively reviewed and shown to bolster plant resilience. By analyzing the interplay between climate challenges, in vitro screening method, application of PGPR and seed priming technology, this paper highlights the potential pathways for sustainable rice production in a changing climate. Collectively, these strategies are essential for ensuring sustainable rice production in the face of ongoing climate change, underpinning food security and rural livelihoods.