Résumé
The high concentration of arsenic (As) in paddy fields and consequently, in rice grains is a critical issue in many rice‐growing areas. Breeding As‐tolerant rice varieties that prevent As uptake and its accumulation in the grains is a major mitigation option. Here, first, we review the literature on soil‐water and rice As relationships, and on mitigation of As‐related thread through varietal improvement, including options for markers‐assisted selection. Second, we present a case study of implementation of genomic selection for As‐tolerance in rice, based on the evaluation of flag leaf and grain As contents of a large diversity panel and a set of advanced inbred lines, grown in a naturally As‐rich paddy field. Third, we discuss the merits of different breeding approaches and argue that genomic selection is the most effective molecular breeding option. Finally, we draw up prospects for the future, in terms of further exploration of genetic diversity for As tolerance and the potential contributions of new plant‐breeding technologies, such as genome editing and the main‐streaming of genomic‐selection approaches.