Rice is susceptible to damage from herbivores, especially fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), which poses a risk for global food security. In this issue, Gandham et al. explored the possibility of using HIGHER YIELD RICE (HYR), a master regulator of multiple biological pathways that improves yield and tolerance to environmental stress, as a means of improving defence against herbivory in rice. They found that HYR expressing plants show a range of enhanced growth and physiological properties, as well as physico-chemical defense mechanisms, which deter herbivory.