Summary
This meta-analysis synthesised 1341 experimental records from 37 studies to quantify the impact of water stress on rice grain quality traits in China. Water stress significantly increased grain chalkiness and chalky rates whilst reducing milling quality indices, with effects modulated by soil water potential and growth stage timing. The findings provide quantitative evidence for climate adaptation strategies to maintain rice quality under drought and rainfall variability.
Regional applicability
This meta-analysis is specific to Chinese rice production systems and may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom conditions, where rice is not a major staple crop. However, the methodological approach and findings on water stress impacts on cereal grain quality could inform UK research on drought resilience in other cereals (wheat, barley) under climate change scenarios.
Key measures
Grain chalky rate, chalkiness, brown rice rate, milled rice rate, head rice rate, protein content, soil water potential
Outcomes reported
The meta-analysis quantified effects of water stress on seven rice quality criteria across 1341 experimental records. Water stress significantly increased grain chalky rate (7.63%) and chalkiness (17.7%), decreased milling quality indices (brown rice rate −0.8%, milled rice rate −0.9%, head rice rate −2%), and increased protein content (4.65%).
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