Mapping QTLs for grain quality using an introgression line population from a cross between Oryza sativa and O. rufipogon

Abstract

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with four milling recovery properties, two chemical properties, six paste properties of grain, and six textural parameters of cooked rice were identified using an introgression line (IL) population of rice developed from an interspecific cross over two years. The IL population consisted of 121 lines from a cross between wild rice (O. rufipogon Griff.) and a japonica cultivar. A total of 28 QTLs were identified for the 14 traits using inter mapping. Of these, 10 were significant over two years indicating that these QTLs are stable across years and environments. For eight (21%) of the QTLs identified, the O. rufipogonderived alleles contributed a desirable effect on amylose content, protein content, minimum viscosity, final viscosity, and consistency. Among these, pc3 for protein content and ac7 for amylose content were significant in both years and showed an R2 value of 25.5 and 30.9%, respectively. The markers closely associated with these useful alleles can be used to trace the inheritance of specific chromosome segments in the IL population and also offer a starting point for map-based cloning of genes underlying these traits.