Expression of AtNF-YB1 activates early flowering, showing potential in breeding hybrid rice.

The nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) has been shown to be involved in plant growth and development in response to various environmental signals. However, the integration of these mechanisms into breeding practices for new cultivars has not been extensively investigated. In this study, the Arabidopsis gene AtNF-YB1 was introduced into rice, including inbred Kasalath and the hybrids Jinfeng × Chenghui 727 and Jinfeng × Chuanhui 907.