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]

Core Insights - A key gene named QT12 has been discovered by a research team led by Professor Li Yibo from Huazhong Agricultural University, which enables rice to withstand high temperatures, addressing a significant threat to food security due to climate change [1][2] - The research findings were published in the international journal "Cell" on April 30, 2023, highlighting the importance of developing heat-resistant rice varieties for stable yields in high-temperature environments [1] Group 1 - The research team conducted extensive genetic analysis and identified the QT12 gene, which interacts with the protein complex NF-Y to create a molecular "firewall" that protects rice grains from high temperatures [1] - The study demonstrated that QT12 helps maintain the stability of protein and starch synthesis during high-temperature conditions, ensuring the quality and yield of rice [1] Group 2 - In field trials conducted in the Yangtze River basin under high-temperature conditions, the introduction of QT12 into the hybrid rice variety "Huazhan" significantly increased its seed setting rate, single-plant yield, and rice quality, with yield increases of 49.1% in Wuhan, 77.9% in Hangzhou, and 31.2% in Changsha [2] - The research team has reached agreements with several domestic companies for the transformation and development of these research results, aiming to accelerate their application in breeding practices [2]