Abstract

Drought is one of the most significant environmental stresses that negatively impacts rice production, a staple crop for more than half of the world’s population. With the effects of climate change exacerbating the frequency and severity of droughts, enhancing drought tolerance in rice through genetic engineering has become a priority. This review explores the current progress in genetic engineering for drought resistance in rice, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms, candidate genes, and biotechnological tools employed. Additionally, future directions for improving drought tolerance are discussed, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for the development of drought-resistant rice varieties through genetic engineering.

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