Recent Advances in Molecular Mechanism and Breeding Utilization of Brown Planthopper Resistance Genes in Rice: An Integrated Review

Abstract

Over half of the world’s population relies on rice as their staple food. The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål, BPH) is a significant insect pest that leads to global reductions in rice yields. Breeding rice varieties that are resistant to BPH has been acknowledged as the most cost-effective and efficient strategy to mitigate BPH infestation. Consequently, the exploration of BPH-resistant genes in rice and the development of resistant rice varieties have become focal points of interest and research for breeders. In this review, we summarized the latest advancements in the localization, cloning, molecular mechanisms, and breeding of BPH-resistant rice. Currently, a total of 70 BPH-resistant gene loci have been identified in rice, 64 out of 70 genes/QTLs were mapped on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, and 12, respectively, with 17 of them successfully cloned. These genes primarily encode five types of proteins: lectin receptor kinase (LecRK), coiled-coil-nucleotide-binding-leucine-rich repeat (CC-NB-LRR), B3-DNA binding domain, leucine-rich repeat domain (LRD), and short consensus repeat (SCR). Through mediating plant hormone signaling, calcium ion signaling, protein kinase cascade activation of cell proliferation, transcription factors, and miRNA signaling pathways, these genes induce the deposition of callose and cell wall thickening in rice tissues, ultimately leading to the inhibition of BPH feeding and the formation of resistance mechanisms against BPH damage. Furthermore, we discussed the applications of these resistance genes in the genetic improvement and breeding of rice. Functional studies of these insect-resistant genes and the elucidation of their network mechanisms establish a strong theoretical foundation for investigating the interaction between rice and BPH. Furthermore, they provide ample genetic resources and technical support for achieving sustainable BPH control and developing innovative insect resistance strategies.

Molecular screening of local Indonesian rice to identified resistant varieties against brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) attacks

“…Since 1970, IRRI has been researching how to use Bph genes to develop BPH resistant plants. According to recent studies, combining two BPH genes, such as Bph6 and Bph9 or Bph14 and Bph15, can strengthen the ability of resistant rice varieties to control BPH (Yan et al 2023).…”

The Development of Multi-Resistant Rice Restorer Lines and Hybrid Varieties by Pyramiding Resistance Genes against Blast and Brown Planthopper

“…BPH is a notorious rice pest that feeds on the phloem sap of rice leaf sheaths using needle-like mouthparts, causing wilting, yellowing, Agronomy 2024, 14, 878 2 of 13 and plant death. Moreover, it transmits viral diseases such as rice grassy stunt virus (RGSV), rice ragged stunt virus (RRSV), and rice wilted stunt virus (RWSV), leading to significant yield loss and even complete crop failure [3]. Therefore, developing rice varieties resistant to both pests and diseases is crucial for ensuring food security and enhancing agricultural productivity.…”

Integration of molecular breeding and multi-resistance screening for developing a promising restorer line Guihui5501 with heavy grain, good grain quality, and endurance to biotic and abiotic stresses

“…The BPH is also a major pest affecting rice production ( Du et al., 2009 ). Currently, 70 BPH resistance genes/quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been identified in rice, with 17 resistance genes already cloned ( Yan et al., 2023 ). Out of these, nine genes primarily utilized in BPH resistance breeding are Bph1 , Bph2 , Bph3 , Bph6 , Bph9 , Bph14 , Bph15 , Bph18 , and Bph26 .…”