Use of specific PCR‐based molecular markers for discrimination, rapid analysis of purity and identification of six fragrant rice varieties

Abstract

SummaryFragrant rice is high in quality and hence price. Therefore, fragrant rice is often mixed with non‐fragrant or low grade rice. The quality of fragrant rice depends on many factors such as variety, region in which it is cultivated, handling practices, etc. In this study, two specific primer pairs, including external sense primer, external antisense primer, internal non‐fragrant sense primer and internal fragrant antisense primer were used to differentiate fragrant and non‐fragrant rice based on the detection of 8‐bp deletion in betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene. The purity of the fragrant rice can be detected at 1% and 2% level of adulteration with homogeneous and heterogeneous non‐fragrant rice varieties, respectively, using only one primer pair (internal non‐fragrant sense primer and external antisense primer). Furthermore, six particular fragrant rice varieties were identified using specific RM 1 microsatellite markers. Further analysis should be conducted to verify the discriminating power of this method of analysis for the traceability of fragrant rice varieties.