Genetic Diversity Evaluation and Conservation of Kam Fragrant Glutinous Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm in Southeast Guizhou, China.

Qi-Yi Lei,Jiang-Ju Zhou,Chun-Lin Long,Jing Luo,Yong Xiong,Wen-Hua Zhang

doi:10.3390/plants10091898

Abstract

The genetic diversity of rice germplasm is the basis for increases in rice yield and quality. The collection, assessment, and protection of the genetic diversity of rice germplasm is important for achieving sustainable agriculture and assuring food security. Many underdeveloped indigenous areas have abundant and valuable rice germplasm resources. However, in-depth assessments of the genetic diversity of rice germplasm from these areas and studies related to protecting these traditional cultures are not available. In this study, from 2005 to 2016, the authors have conducted in-depth evaluation of the genetic diversity of Kam fragrant glutinous rice germplasm resources in southeast Guizhou by using multidisciplinary comprehensive methods such as ethnobotany, cultural anthropology, and modern molecular markers. In total, 376 Kam fragrant glutinous rice samples from 42 villages in the Dong community in southeast Guizhou were collected. Agronomic traits of panicles were complex and exhibited diversity. Some varieties had good disease resistance and adaptation to cold and wet climates. The Dong people named the Kam fragrant glutinous rice varieties by using seven elements, including diverse traits, growth environment, and origin. Traditional folk classification, in addition to morphology and biological analysis using molecular markers, indicates that Kam fragrant glutinous rice includes 91 varieties. Kam fragrant glutinous rice comprises a very high number of varieties, most of which are japonica-type and exhibit a high level of genetic diversity. The traditional folk classification of Kam fragrant glutinous rice by the Dong community is consistent with the biological classification. The traditional naming of Kam fragrant glutinous rice provides an important reference for understanding its genetic diversity. The high level of genetic diversity in Kam fragrant glutinous rice is not only related to the natural environment of the area but also tightly linked with the abundant and diverse Dong ethnic traditional cultures, which has led to protection of Kam fragrant glutinous rice’s genetic diversity.

Highlights

IntroductionRice (Oryza sativa L.) is cultivated in over 100 countries and provides food for millions of people [1,2]
Villagers were organized at three levels and identified the rice germplasm according to the Dong ethnic traditional classification (Figure 1)
According to the folk classification and modern biological classification of Kam fragrant glutinous rice, Kam fragrant glutinous rice has a high level of genetic diversity, and the folk classification is basically consistent with the biological classification

Summary

Introduction

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is cultivated in over 100 countries and provides food for millions of people [1,2]. The areas mentioned above have extremely abundant rice germplasm resources that play important roles in maintaining local agricultural biodiversity, preventing diseases and pests, increasing yield, and providing nutrition [11,12]. Rice genetic diversity is the core of agricultural biodiversity and an important resource for increasing rice yield and quality [13]. The collection, assessment, and protection of the diversity of rice germplasm resources form a crucial foundation for sustainable agriculture and food safety. Areas in Southeast Asia have experienced a significant loss in rice diversity due to economic and political globalization, the adoption of high-quality, high-yield rice varieties from modern agriculture, and changes in traditional farming systems and ethnic cultures

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Conclusion