Integrating conventional breeding, biotechnology, and genome editing for herbicide-resistant rice: implications for sustainable development goals

Abstract

Global population growth, climate variability, labour scarcity, and declining availability of arable land have intensified the demand for sustainable and resource-efficient weed management strategies in rice production systems. Herbicide-resistant (HR) rice has emerged as a transformative innovation capable of improving weed control efficiency, facilitating direct-seeded rice cultivation, reducing labour dependency, and enhancing yield stability under diverse agroecological conditions. This review critically examines the evolution of HR rice technologies, herbicide modes of action, resistance mechanisms, and integrated weed management approaches, with particular emphasis on the convergence of conventional breeding, biotechnology, and advanced genome editing platforms for the development of next-generation HR rice varieties. The review further explores the agronomic, ecological, and socio-economic dimensions associated with HR rice adoption, including challenges related to HR weed evolution, gene flow to wild and weedy rice relatives, biodiversity loss, ecological imbalance, and long-term sustainability concerns. The concept of the HR rice paradox is introduced to describe the delicate balance between agricultural intensification and ecological stewardship, where enhanced weed management efficiency must be aligned with environmental safety and sustainable farming practices. The review emphasizes that the future success of HR rice depends on integrated strategies combining genetic innovation, region-specific agronomic management, resistance monitoring, and policy frameworks to ensure sustainable rice production, food security, and environmentally responsible agricultural transformation aligned with global sustainability goals.