Research Progress and Breeding Prospects of Grain Size Associated Genes in Rice

The breeding objectives of rice include high yield and good quality. Grain size is the three-dimensional structure of seeds, which is one of the key traits determining grain yield and quality in rice. To date, more than 60 genes associated with grain size have been cloned, but the application of grain size genes in rice breeding has not been summarized. This review covers the current advances which can deepen our understanding, such as the key genes for grain size, genetic mechanism behind this trait, breeding application of cloned genes, functional markers for molecular breeding and prospects for future study, which will provide information of molecular breeding for rice breeders.