  Genomic prediction can be a powerful tool to achieve greater rates of genetic
gain for quantitative traits if thoroughly integrated into a breeding strategy.
In rice as in other crops, the interest in genomic prediction is very strong
with a number of studies addressing multiple aspects of its use, ranging from
the more conceptual to the more practical. In this chapter, we review the
literature on rice (Oryza sativa) and summarize important considerations for
the integration of genomic prediction in breeding programs. The irrigated
breeding program at the International Rice Research Institute is used as a
concrete example on which we provide data and R scripts to reproduce the
analysis but also to highlight practical challenges regarding the use of
predictions. The adage: "To someone with a hammer, everything looks like a
nail" describes a common psychological pitfall that sometimes plagues the
integration and application of new technologies to a discipline. We have
designed this chapter to help rice breeders avoid that pitfall and appreciate
the benefits and limitations of applying genomic prediction, as it is not
always the best approach nor the first step to increasing the rate of genetic
gain in every context.
