Topics and Trends in Most Cited Rice Cultivation and Yield Improvement Papers

Ranked by citations 18 months after publication

Class of 2026 (Papers Published in 2024)

What topics and trends defined most-cited Rice Cultivation and Yield Improvement research in the Class of 2026?

Nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen uptake dominated top rice cultivation research, accompanied by sustainable irrigation practices. The most significant shifts were the emergence of source-sink relationships and synthetic aperture radar, alongside a major increase in photosynthetic rate optimization and organic fertilizer studies.

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Updated July 24, 2026

At a glance

Field
Rice Cultivation and Yield Improvement
Cohort label
Class of 2026 (2024 publications)
Papers analyzed
6,314
Papers ranked
20
Top topics in ranked papers
Nitrogen use efficiency, Nitrogen uptake, Alternate wetting and drying (AWD), Organic fertilizers, Source-sink relationships
Publication window
Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024
Eligibility
Research articles; reviews excluded
Citation window
18 months post-publication
18m citation range
27–122
Data source
OpenAlex · Retrieved June 2026
License
CC BY 4.0

Rankings

20 papers ranked by 18-month citation count

#1 of 6,314
12218m citations

Engineering source-sink relations by prime editing confers heat-stress resilience in tomato and rice

Huanchang Lou et al.Cell202410.1016/j.cell.2024.11.005

Xu CaoInstitute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

prime editingSource-sink relationshipsHeat stress tolerancetomatoricemetabolic engineeringPhotosynthate allocationagricultural biotechnologygenome editingAbiotic stress toleranceyield under heat stressClimate-resilient rice
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#3 of 6,314
5618m citations

Effects of Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation on Methane and Nitrous Oxide Emissions From Rice Fields: A Meta‐Analysis

Chenxi Zhao et al.Global Change Biology202410.1111/gcb.17581

Rangjian QiuWuhan University, China

Alternate wetting and drying (AWD)Continuous floodingMethane emissionsNitrous oxide emissionsglobal warming potentialPaddy fieldsmeta-analysissoil drying levelmean annual precipitationSoil organic carbonmean annual temperatureNitrogen fertilizationsoil pHsoil texturegrowth cyclemild AWDwater productivitynon-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions
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#5 of 6,314
5118m citations

Enhancing rice panicle branching and grain yield through tissue-specific brassinosteroid inhibition

Xiaoxing Zhang, Wenjing Meng, Dapu Liu, Dezhuo Pan et al.Science202410.1126/science.adk8838

Xiaoxing Zhang, Wenjing Meng, Dapu Liu, Dezhuo Pan, Qian Qian, M. G. Zhao, Hongning TongChinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China

brassinosteroidsgrain yieldpanicle branchinggrain numbergrain sizeBRD3GSK3/SHAGGY-LIKE KINASE2OsMADS1TERMINAL FLOWER1-like geneRICE CENTRORADIALIS2clustered-spikelet germplasmBR catabolic geneBR signaling inhibitorsecondary branch meristemstissue-specific activationtrait trade-offsphosphorylationtranscriptional factor stabilization
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#6 of 6,314
5118m citations

<scp>CRISPR</scp>/Cas knockout of the <scp>NADPH</scp> oxidase gene <scp><i>OsRbohB</i></scp> reduces <scp>ROS</scp> overaccumulation and enhances heat stress tolerance in rice

Xiaolong Liu et al.Plant Biotechnology Journal202410.1111/pbi.14500

Xiaolong LiuYichun University, China

CRISPR/Cas knockoutOsRbohBNADPH oxidaseHeat stress toleranceROS accumulationriceNipponbareOsRbohB-overexpressionchlorophyll contentgrain yieldStarch synthaseSpikelets per panicleMilling qualityOsHSP23.7OsHSP17.7OsHSF7OsHsfA2aheat shock-related genesreproductive stage heat stresslong-term heat stress
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#7 of 6,314
4618m citations

Strategies for crop straw management in China's major grain regions: Yield-driven conditions and factors influencing the effectiveness of straw return

Jia Cheng et al.Resources Conservation and Recycling202410.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107941

Zhiyu Xu, Hai‐Lin ZhangChina Agricultural University, China

Crop residue managementStraw returnChina's major grain regionsyield-driven conditionsstraw return effectivenesscrop yieldgrain production systemssoil fertility managementregional crop management strategies
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#8 of 6,314
4518m citations

Sugar transporter modulates nitrogen-determined tillering and yield formation in rice

Jinfei Zhang et al.Nature Communications202410.1038/s41467-024-53651-1

Ying Liu, Guohua XuNanjing Agricultural University, China

OsSTP28nitrogen-responsive tilleringrice yield formationapoplastic glucose accumulationOSH15GA2oxsgibberellin 2-oxidasesgibberellin catabolismbioactive gibberellinShoot branchingtiller budsepigenetic regulationOsSTP28-OSH15-GA2oxs moduleelite alleleNitrogen use efficiencyplanting densityshoot base
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#11 of 6,314
3618m citations

Effect of Soil Texture on Soil Nutrient Status and Rice Nutrient Absorption in Paddy Soils

Chang Ye et al.Agronomy202410.3390/agronomy14061339

Danying WangChina National Rice Research Institute, China

soil texturePaddy soilNutrient uptakeNitrogen availabilityavailable potassiumavailable phosphoruscation exchange capacitysoil organic matter mineralizationMicrobial biomassClay contentsilt contentsand contentloamy sandy soilsandy loam soilsilty loam soilStructural equation modelingMantel's testBiomass productionpanicle dry matter distributionpot experiments
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#12 of 6,314
3518m citations

The miR172a–SNB module orchestrates both induced and adult-plant resistance to multiple diseases via MYB30-mediated lignin accumulation in rice

He Wang et al.Molecular Plant202410.1016/j.molp.2024.11.015

Wenming Wang, Yan LiSichuan Agricultural University, China

miR172aSNBmiR172a–SNB moduleinduced resistanceadult-plant resistanceMYB30lignin accumulationricemultiple disease resistancemicroRNA regulationtranscription factorcell wall modificationdevelopmental resistancepost-transcriptional regulation
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#13 of 6,314
3418m citations

The elite haplotype OsGATA8-H coordinates nitrogen uptake and productive tiller formation in rice

Wei Wu, Xiaoou Dong et al.Nature Genetics202410.1038/s41588-024-01795-7

Chunyuan Wang, Chunming Wang, Jianmin WanNanjing Agricultural University, China

OsGATA8OsGATA8-H haplotypeNitrogen use efficiencyproductive tillersnonproductive tillersnitrogen uptakeOsAMT3.2ammonium transporterOsTCP19Shoot branchingtranscription factortranscriptional repressionrice breedinggeographical distribution analysishaplotype frequencyfertile soil adaptation
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#14 of 6,314
2918m citations

Effects of Salt Stress on Physiological and Agronomic Traits of Rice Genotypes with Contrasting Salt Tolerance

Yunming Xu et al.Plants202410.3390/plants13081157

Guanglong ZhuYangzhou University, China

Salt stressrice genotypesSalt toleranceSalt-sensitive riceSalt-tolerant riceNaCl solutionplant heighttiller numberrelative growth ratesuperoxide dismutaseperoxidasecatalaseprolinemalondialdehydeNa+ contentgrain yieldSpikelets per paniclegrain-filling percentageAntioxidant capacityosmotic adjustment
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#15 of 6,314
2918m citations

The measurement of agricultural disaster vulnerability in China and implications for land-supported agricultural resilience building

Yuheng Li et al.Land Use Policy202410.1016/j.landusepol.2024.107400

Yuheng LiChinese Academy of Sciences, China

Agricultural vulnerabilityland-supported agricultural resilienceChinavulnerability measurementagricultural resilience buildingdisaster risk assessmentland use policyagricultural land managementresilience indicatorsvulnerability index
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#16 of 6,314
2818m citations

Ensuring China's food security in a geographical shift of its grain production: Driving factors, threats, and solutions

Shi Xue et al.Resources Conservation and Recycling202410.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107845

Zhou FangThe University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States

China's food securityGrain production distributiondriving factors of production shiftthreats to food securityspatial dynamics of agricultureagricultural policy solutionsregional agricultural patternsLand use changeclimate impact on grain productionWater availabilityagricultural mechanizationCrop yield variabilityfood supply chain resiliencerural labor migrationagricultural land management
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#17 of 6,314
2818m citations

Pathways to identify and reduce uncertainties in agricultural climate impact assessments

Bin Wang et al.Nature Food202410.1038/s43016-024-01014-w

Bin WangCharles Sturt University, Australia

Climate change impact assessmentuncertainty quantificationuncertainty reduction pathwaysAgricultural systems modelingmodel uncertaintyparameter uncertaintyscenario uncertaintyCrop modelingClimate change adaptationsensitivity analysisensemble modelingModel intercomparisonagricultural vulnerability assessmentimpact assessment methodology
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#18 of 6,314
2818m citations

Subfield-level crop yield mapping without ground truth data: A scale transfer framework

Yuchi Ma et al.Remote Sensing of Environment202410.1016/j.rse.2024.114427

Yuchi Ma, David B. LobellStanford University, United States

subfield-level crop yield mappingscale transfer frameworkground truth dataremote sensingspatial resolutionCrop yield predictiontransfer learningsatellite imageryprecision agriculturespatial disaggregationcross-scale inferenceagricultural monitoringfield-scale mappingwithin-field variability
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#19 of 6,314
2818m citations

Impact of irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticide management practices on groundwater and soil health in the rice–wheat cropping system—a comparison of conventional, resource conservation technologies and conservation agriculture

Shailendra Singh Shah et al.Environmental Science and Pollution Research202410.1007/s11356-024-35661-0

Shailendra Singh ShahWageningen University and Research, Netherlands

Rice-wheat cropping systemWater managementNutrient managementpesticide managementgroundwater healthSoil healthconventional agricultureresource conservation technologiesconservation agricultureagrochemical impactssustainable intensificationinput use efficiencySoil quality indexgroundwater contaminationCrop rotation
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#20 of 6,314
2718m citations

Intensifying rice production to reduce imports and land conversion in Africa

Shen Yuan et al.Nature Communications202410.1038/s41467-024-44950-8

Shaobing Peng, Patricio GrassiniHuazhong Agricultural University, China

rice production intensificationAfrica rice importscropland expansionProcess-based modelingyield gap closureYield gaprice yield stagnationLand use changerice self-sufficiency2050 rice demand scenarioshistorical cropland expansion trendweather-soil-management datasetsdomestic rice consumptionrice-agricultural areayield intensification scenarios
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Dominant research themes and year-over-year shifts in Rice Cultivation and Yield Improvement

What Topics Define the Class of 2026?

The Class of 2026 in Rice Cultivation and Yield Improvement is heavily characterized by precision nutrient management, physiological optimization, and sustainable water practices. Nitrogen use efficiency stands out as the most predominant focus area, appearing in 12% of top-ranked research papers, closely paired with nitrogen uptake studies (8%) to maximize yield while minimizing environmental leaching. Water management techniques, particularly alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and continuous flooding, remain central to production strategies (each representing 6% of top papers), addressing the dual challenges of water scarcity and greenhouse gas mitigation. Furthermore, physiological mechanisms such as source-sink relationships (6%), photosynthetic rate optimization (6%), and organic fertilizer incorporation (6%) represent key avenues for boosting yield potential. Remote sensing technologies, including synthetic aperture radar (6%), also play an increasingly vital role in crop monitoring and yield prediction. Together, these topics reflect a paradigm shift toward integrated agronomy combining molecular/physiological precision with climate-resilient field management.

Leading research themes
Leading research themes

How Did Topics Shift from the Class of 2025 to the Class of 2026?

Comparing the Class of 2025 to the Class of 2026 reveals a distinct reorientation toward physiological source-sink dynamics and advanced monitoring technologies. Most notably, research on source-sink relationships and synthetic aperture radar emerged rapidly from near absence to being featured in 6% of top papers. Nitrogen uptake studies underwent a four-fold surge, increasing from 2% to 8% representation, alongside a three-fold rise in studies evaluating organic fertilizers and photosynthetic rates (climbing from 2% to 6% each). Nitrogen use efficiency also doubled its footprint from 6% to 12%. Conversely, traditional soil-focused baselines experienced noticeable declines: soil organic carbon representation dropped from 12% to 4%, while methane emissions and nitrous oxide emissions fell by 50% and 33% respectively. These shifts highlight how high-impact rice research is transitioning from passive observation of environmental emissions and baseline soil carbon toward active genetic, physiological, and technological interventions designed to drive yield resilience.

How topics shifted year over year
How topics shifted year over year
Methodology

PRI identifies high-impact research using a transparent, topic-agnostic framework applied consistently across scientific domains. Bibliographic records are drawn from OpenAlex, including publication dates, citation relationships, and document types.

This ranking covers the Class of 2026 cohort: journal articles published in 2024. Reviews and other non-article document types are excluded to ensure comparability.

Research impact is quantified with an 18-month post-publication citation window—the number of citing works published within 18 months of each paper's publication date. This metric captures early impact while controlling for publication age.

An LLM-based relevance classifier then reviews each candidate's title and abstract to confirm substantive alignment with the target domain. Only papers classified as relevant appear in the final ranking.

Zheng Su, Tinsley Li, Thematic Shifts in Early-High-Impact Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics Research: A Bibliometric and Semantic Analysis. bioRxiv 2026.07.04.736459; doi: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.07.04.736459

Full methodologyGitHubbioRxiv preprint

Cite this ranking

Pepkio Research Index (PRI). Topics and Trends in Most Cited Rice Cultivation and Yield Improvement Papers, Class of 2026. https://pri.pepkio.com/top-papers/rice-cultivation-and-yield-improvement/2026. Accessed 2026-07-24.

Methodology
Zheng Su, Tinsley Li, Thematic Shifts in Early-High-Impact Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics Research: A Bibliometric and Semantic Analysis. bioRxiv 2026.07.04.736459; doi: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.07.04.736459