Conservation and Sustainable Development of Rice Landraces for Enhancing Resilience to Climate Change, with a Case Study of 'Pantiange Heigu' in China.

Climate change poses a threat to global rice production by increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The widespread cultivation of genetically uniform modern varieties has narrowed the genetic base of rice, increasing its vulnerability to these increased pressures. Rice landraces are traditional rice varieties that have been cultivated by farming communities for centuries and are considered crucial resources of genetic diversity. These landraces are adapted to a wide range of agro-ecological environments and exhibit valuable traits that provide tolerance to various biotic stresses, including drought, salinity, nutrient-deficient soils, and the increasing severity of climate-related temperature extremes. In addition, many landraces possess diverse alleles associated with resistance to biotic stresses, including pests and diseases. In addition, rice landraces exhibit great grain quality characters including high levels of essential amino acids, antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins, and micronutrients. Hence, their preservation is vital for maintaining agricultural biodiversity and enhancing nutritional security, especially in vulnerable and resource-limited regions. However, rice landraces are increasingly threatened by genetic erosion due to widespread adoption of modern high-yielding varieties, habitat loss, and changing farming practices. This review discusses the roles of rice landraces in developing resilient and climate-smart rice cultivars. Moreover, the Pantiange Heigu landrace, cultivated at one of the highest altitudes globally in Yunnan Province, China, has been used as a case study for integrated conservation by demonstrating the successful combination of in situ and ex situ strategies, community engagement, policy support, and value-added development to sustainably preserve genetic diversity under challenging environmental and socio-economic challenges. Finally, this study explores the importance of employing advanced genomic technologies with supportive policies and economic encouragements to enhance conservation and sustainable development of rice landraces as a strategic imperative for global food security. By preserving and enhancing the utilization of rice landraces, the agricultural community can strengthen the genetic base of rice, improve crop resilience, and contribute substantially to global food security and sustainable agricultural development in the face of environmental and socio-economic challenges.