RNA-seq profiling of rice (Oryza sativa L.) lines grown in paddy fields under normal ambient and low temperature conditions

The study and breeding of rice resistant to low temperature (LT) injury has a long history. It has been observed that the period most susceptible to LT damage occurs during pollen development, resulting in significant reduction in grain yields. Furthermore, temperature during the early panicle formation stage has been identified as a factor influencing LT injury later in pollen development. High temperatures during the early stages enhance tolerance to LT in the subsequent risk period, whereas LT increases susceptibility to LT during this time. However, the mechanism by which temperature variation in the early stages of reproductive growth intensifies LT injury remains unclear. The goal of this study was to investigate the transcriptomic responses of three rice lines with varying cold tolerance levels to during early reproductive meristem primordia. This study aims to identify differentially expressed genes and key regulatory pathways associated with LT response and tolerance. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular basis of thermal stress adaptation in rice and may support future breeding strategies for climate-resilient rice varieties.