Genetic diversity, population structure and allele mining of genes governing grain size related traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

The present study was undertaken for allele mining of genes governing grain dimensions viz., grain length, grain width, grain thickness, grain size and grain weight. The molecular markers linked to the reported genes for these traits were used to screen 124 diverse rice genotypes. Thirty-two molecular markers used in this study produced a total of 86 alleles among 124 rice genotypes. The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 4 with an average of 2.58 alleles per locus. A dendrogram consisting of 124 rice genotypes revealed that all the genotypes can be divided into two groups. An analysis of the model-based population structure using simple sequence repeats (SSRs) covering all 12 chromosomes provided evidence of a significant population structure in the rice genotypes. The novel alleles identified in the study could be of great value for development of consumer-targeted rice varieties.