Progress on molecular genetics of harvest index in rice

Harvest index in rice is defined as the ratio of grain yield to biomass. It has been demonstrated that crop harvest index is closely correlated with yield. Harvest index has been suggested as one of the important targets in crop improvement by crop physiologists and breeders and considered as one of the important indicators in rice breeding for high yield. Understanding the genetic basis of harvest index is the prerequisite and basis for effective breeding for high harvest index in rice. In this review，we described the biological meaning of harvest index，the correlation between harvest index and yield，and reviewed the progress on genetic study of harvest index in rice，also discussed the current problems and prospects in the genetic study of harvest index in rice