Participation of the INCT PlantsStress Biotech at the 2025 International Symposium on Rice Functional Genomics (ISRFG 2025), held from August 23-27, 2025, in Chengdu, China, under the theme “ Green and Nutritional Rice for Human Health and Sustainability” .
The ISRFG 2025 took place in Chengdu, China, a city known as the "Land of Abundance." It featured three days of scientific sessions and included a program with eight thematic sessions: Yield, Grain Nutrition and Quality, Biotic Interactions, Abiotic Stresses, Crosstalk of Multiple Processes, Functional Omics, Plant Nutrition and Development, AI and Biotechnology. A notable focus in the event was the Young Scientists Report on Sustainability, Gene Editing, and Bio-information. In the face of global challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and biotic stresses, considerable progress has been emphasized in rice research, driving innovations that support sustainable agriculture and nutrition. Conference participants explored the latest discoveries in rice genomics to advance crop science, develop new tools, and promote global food security.
One of the most significant highlights was Antonio Costa de Oliveira – UFPEL/RS, a member of the INCT PlantStress Biotech, who presented his work titled “WRKY Transcription Factors: A tool for Rice Resilience’. His research investigated the critical role of WRKY transcription factors in rice, particularly in Oryza glumaepatula, aiming to identify regulatory elements that can enhance resilience traits such as drought and heat tolerance. His findings provide valuable insights for genetic engineering efforts to develop resilient rice varieties, a crucial step in addressing global food demand and climate challenges. Overall, this works underscored the contribution of INCT PlantStress Biotech to sustainable agriculture and improved food security.