Generating photoperiod-sensitive genic male sterile rice lines with CRISPR/Cas9

Abstract

Obtaining photoperiod-sensitive genic male sterility (PGMS) lines is one of the most important steps in two-line hybrid rice breeding. Traditionally, such lines were screened and developed with a classic rice breeding system under both long-day and short-day conditions. The isolation and backcross process used for this could easily last for more than 3 years with a very low success rate. Here, we describe a straightforward method for generating csa-based PGMS lines by using the CRISPR-Cas9 technology in rice.