The Curious Paradox of Improvement in Rice Breeding

Real genetic improvements are often limited by methodological constraints, which may lead to an overestimation of actual genetic gains. In contrast, genetic supremacy is a harmful pseudoscientific ideology that ignores the biological reality that diversity - not purity - is essential for survival, especially under climate change.This book examines the conflict between beliefs in genetic "purity" and the biological necessity of variation. Genetic supremacy falsely assumes that certain lines or varieties are inherently superior and that inbreeding improves populations. Scientific evidence, however, shows that genetic diversity is crucial for adaptation to environmental changes, disease resistance, and the avoidance of inbreeding-related risks. The book also explores the role of genetic diversity in Climate-Smart Agriculture and highlights the shift in rice breeding from a sole focus on yield maximization toward a more sustainable and resilient approach based on diversity and long-term adaptation.