The study looked at different traits in rice plants to see how they affect the amount of rice produced. They found that certain traits like the number of tillers and the length of the panicle can help increase rice yield. The researchers identified new rice lines that could produce more rice than the current varieties in Malawi. They also discovered that traits like days to maturity and spikelets per panicle directly influence rice yield, making them important for breeding programs. Overall, the study showed that genetic factors play a big role in how well rice plants grow and produce grain.