A Simplified Heat-Tolerance Evaluation System at the Pollen Development Stage in Rice (Oryzasativa L.)

Heat stress, particularly during the reproductive stage, poses a major challenge to rice production, as pollen development is highly sensitive to elevated temperatures. Accurate assessment of heat tolerance during this period is crucial for improving rice heat-stress tolerance but is hindered by asynchronous panicle development and imprecise staging. In this study, we identified a pair of near-isogenic lines, ZP15 and ZP17, which exhibited contrasting seed-setting rates under heat stress. We demonstrated that this divergence arises from differential tolerance during the pollen developmental stage, corresponding to a critical window (9–16 days before heading). Taking these lines as references, we established a reliable system that synchronizes developmental staging and quantitatively assesses heat-induced fertility loss. Validated using heat-tolerant N22 and heat-sensitive Wushansimiao, this system was applied to assess four conventional varieties and eight hybrids. Huanghuazhan and self-bred hybrids (Yangxianyou 912, Yangxianyou 903, and Yangxian 9A/P119-8) displayed high tolerance comparable to control varieties, whereas Yangdao 6 and multiple hybrids showed pronounced sensitivity. Collectively, this work provides a precise and reproducible framework for evaluating heat tolerance during pollen development, offering a valuable tool for accelerating the breeding of heat-resilient rice varieties.