Core Insights - The research team led by Professor Li Yibo from Huazhong Agricultural University has identified the gene QT12 as a "secret weapon" for rice to combat high temperatures, with findings published in the journal Cell [1] - The gene QT12 forms a "dual lock" structure with the NF-Ys complex, acting as a molecular "firewall" to protect rice grains from heat stress, ensuring quality and yield [1] - The study provides a theoretical basis for achieving high-quality and high-yield rice production in high-temperature environments, guiding green breeding efforts [1] Temperature Impact on Agriculture - Extreme high-temperature events have become more frequent over the past 20 years, posing serious threats to global agricultural production, particularly affecting the yield and quality of staple crops like rice [1] - Agricultural models indicate that a 1°C increase in global average temperature directly results in a 3.2% reduction in rice yield [1] - The Yangtze River Basin is China's largest rice-producing area, where large-scale field trials were conducted in 2024 under extreme heat conditions [1] Performance of Gene QT12 - In high-temperature environments, the QT12 gene demonstrated strong heat resistance, with CRISPR-edited QT12 rice strains showing yield increases of 92.5%, 64.1%, and 54.7% in Wuhan, Hangzhou, and Changsha, respectively, compared to wild types [1] - The introduction of gene QT12 into the hybrid rice variety "Huazhan" significantly improved its seed setting rate, single-plant yield, and rice quality, resulting in yield increases of 49.1%, 77.9%, and 31.2% in the same locations [2] - The research team has reached transformation and development agreements with several leading domestic companies, indicating the practical application of these findings in breeding practices [2]