Evidence of selection, adaptation and untapped diversity in Vietnamese rice landraces

Vietnam possesses a vast diversity of rice landraces due to its geographical situation, latitudinal range, and a variety of ecosystems. This study analysed 672 Vietnamese rice genomes that encompass the range of rice varieties grown in the diverse ecosystems found throughout Vietnam. The results highlight traits and their associated genomic regions, which are a potential source of novel loci and alleles to breed a new generation of sustainable and resilient rice. This genetic diversity constitutes a highly valuable resource at a time when the highest rice production areas in Vietnam are enduring increasing threats from climate changes, particularly in rainfall and temperature patterns.