Genetic analysis and gene fine mapping for a rice novel mutant (rl 9(t) ) with rolling leaf character

Abstract

Leaf shape is an important parameter for ideotype breeding in rice, and the rolling of leaf is also beneficial to efficient ripening of grains. This encourages the explorations of new genes that regulate leaf shape. In this study, genetic analysis and gene mapping were carried out for a novel rolling leaf mutant identified from japonica variety Zhonghua 11. The SSR marker analysis showed that the mutant was controlled by a single recessive gene (rl9(t)) located on chromosome 9. Fine mapping of the Rl9(t) locus was conducted with 30 new STS markers developed around Rl9(t) anchored region based on the sequence diversity between Nipponbare and 93–11. The fine mapping necessitated the contruction of a PAC contig encompassing the Rl9(t) locus, which was delimited to a 42 kb region. This could therefore enhance the cloning of the target gene in further studies.