Breeding Low Glycemic Index Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars: Progress, Benefits, and Challenges

The study on low glycemic index (GI) rice cultivars is thoroughly reviewed in this review article. A significant portion of the glycemic load in the diet is contributed by rice, hence developing excellent low GI rice cultivars has become a research priority to reduce any adverse health effects. Low GI rice cultivars have been developed using conventional breeding techniques, but molecular breeding techniques, such as marker-assisted selection, genomics-assisted breeding, and transgenic methods, have become more popular. To pinpoint the genes and quantitative trait loci that cause low GI and comprehend the underlying mechanisms, genetic and genomic techniques have been used. Measurements of the glycemic index of rice cultivars are performed using in vitro, in vivo, and human intervention research. Low GI rice consumption is linked to better blood sugar regulation, diabetes management, weight management, and cardiovascular health. However, issues with consumer acceptance, intellectual property rights, and integration with sustainable agriculture still exist, in addition to the efficacy and safety of transgenic techniques. The development of better low GI rice cultivars has the potential to significantly improve global health outcomes, and molecular breeding techniques show promise in this regard. In order to create and implement low GI rice agriculture, which helps both human health and the environment, challenges must be overcome.