BC1F1 Populations Research Articles

Marker-assisted breeding for introgression of opaque-2 allele into elite maize inbred line BML-7.

Improvement of quality protein maize (QPM) along with high content of lysine and tryptophan had foremost importance in maize breeding program. The efficient and easiest way of developing QPM hybrids was by backcross breeding in marker aided selection. Hence, the present investigation aimed at conversion of elite maize inbred line BML-7 into QPM line. CML-186 was identified to be a donor variety as it revealed high-quality polymorphism with BML-7 for opaque-2 gene specific marker umc1066. Non-QPM inbred line BML-7 was crossed with QPM donor CML-186 and produced F1 followed by the development of BC1F1 and BC2F1 population. Foreground selection was carried out with umc1066 in F1, and selected plants were used for BC1F1 and BC2F1 populations. Two hundred plants were screened in both BC1F1 and BC2F1 population with umc1066 for foreground selection amino acid modifiers. Foreground selected plants for both opaque-2 and amino acid modifiers were screened for background selection for BML-7 genome. Recurrent parent genome (RPG) was calculated for BC2F1 population plants. Two plants have shown with RPG 90-93% in two generation with back cross population. Two BC2F2 populations resulted from marker recognized BC2F1 individuals subjected toward foreground selection followed by tryptophan estimation. The tryptophan and lysine concentration was improved in all the plants. BC2F2 lines developed from hard endosperm kernels were selfed for BC2F2 lines and finest line was selected to illustrate the QPM version of BML-7, with 0.97% of tryptophan and 4.04% of lysine concentration in protein. Therefore, the QPM version of BML-7 line can be used for the development of single cross hybrid QPM maize version.

Molecular Dissection of a Genomic Region Governing Root Traits Associated with Drought Tolerance Employing a Combinatorial Approach of QTL Mapping and RNA-seq in Rice

Drought is considered as one of the major obstacles for progressive yield enhancement and stability in rice, especially in rain-fed conditions. Being a complex trait, drought is regulated by numerous quantitative trait loci (QTL), of which, however, very few underlying genes have been cloned. In the present investigation, we made an attempt to uncover the candidate gene(s) behind a major QTL, rdw8.1 governing drought tolerance traits viz., root dry weight and root length. The targeted QTL has been delimited to 366.75 kb from 10.17 Mb by QTL mapping in BC1F2 population. Further, the targeted region was delineated employing next-generation sequencing based RNA-seq. Based on the QTL mapping and RNA-seq approaches, the plausible candidate gene underlying the QTL region was identified as a wound inducible protein (LOC_Os08g08090). This gene can be of potential value to enhance the drought tolerance of the elite rice varieties through molecular breeding.

Genetic Analysis of Photoperiod/Thermosensitive Male Sterility in Rice under US Environments

Two‐line hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) breeding in the United States and China uses photoperiod/thermosensitive genetic male sterility (PTGMS) to produce lines with fertile or sterile pollen, depending on temperature and/or daylength. Although studied in China for >30 yr, genetic analysis of PTGMS in US environments is lacking. We therefore conducted genetic studies of male sterility over 3 yr in five F2 and BC1F2 populations derived from PTGMS line 2008S in Louisiana and Arkansas. Chi‐squared analyses in all populations indicated that sterility was controlled at both locations by two or three recessive genes. Inheritance and expression of PTGMS was found to be influenced by the particular combination of population and year (environment). Sequence comparisons of two regions in PTGMS loci LOC_Os07g12130 and LOC_Os12g36030 from six fertile and sterile lines revealed a diagnostic single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at each locus. Two‐way ANOVA in two F2 populations inferred that interaction of the two SNP‐containing regions contributed up to 65% variation for sterility in one Louisiana environment. Selective genotyping of the 2008S/CL131 F2 population detected new quantitative trait loci with R2 values ranging from 5 to 27% using single‐marker and composite‐interval mapping. Results from this study indicate that 2008S can be used as parental material for development of two‐line hybrids in Louisiana and Arkansas, but extensive testing of populations across years and locations will be required.

Fine mapping and candidate gene analysis of qTAC8, a major quantitative trait locus controlling tiller angle in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Rice tiller angle is an important agronomic trait that contributes to crop production and plays a vital role in high yield breeding. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross of a glabrous tropical japonica rice D50 and an indica rice HB277, was used to investigate quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling rice tiller angle. Two major QTLs, qTAC8 and qTAC9, were detected. While qTAC9 mapped with a previously identified gene (TAC1), using a BC2F2 population qTAC8 was mapped to a 16.5 cM region between markers RM7049 and RM23175. Position of qTAC8 was narrowed to a 92 kb DNA region by two genetic segregating populations. Finally, one opening reading frame (ORF) was regarded as a candidate gene according to genomic sequencing and qRT-PCR analysis. In addition, a set of four near isogenic lines (NILs) were created to investigate the genetic relationship between those two QTLs, and one line carrying qTAC8 and qTAC9 presented additive effect of tiller angle, suggesting that these QTLs are involved in different genetic pathways. Our results provide a foundation for the cloning of qTAC8 and genetic improvement of the rice plant architecture.

Fine mapping of a quantitative trait locus for spikelet number per panicle in a new plant type rice and evaluation of a near-isogenic line for grain productivity.

Total spikelet number per panicle (TSN) is one of the determinants of grain productivity in rice (Oryza sativa L.). In this study, we attempted to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for TSN in the introgression lines with high TSN, derived from the cross of Indica Group variety IR 64 with new plant type lines. Two QTLs were detected on the long arm of chromosome 12: qTSN12.1 in the BC4F2 population of YTH63/IR 64 and qTSN12.2 in the BC4F3 population of YTH83/IR 64. TSN of the main tiller was significantly higher in near-isogenic lines (NILs) for qTSN12.1 (IR 64-NIL1; 188.6) and for qTSN12.2 (IR 64-NIL12; 199.4) than in IR 64 (141.2), owing to a significant increase in both primary and secondary branch numbers. These results suggest the critical function of these QTLs in the promotion of rachis branching at the panicle formation stage. Fine mapping of qTSN12.2 revealed six candidate genes in a 92-kb region of the Nipponbare reference genome sequence between flanking markers RM28746 and RM28753. Detailed phenotyping of agronomic traits of IR 64-NIL12 carrying qTSN12.2 showed drastic changes in plant architecture: this line had lower panicle number, longer culm, and longer and wider leaves compared with IR 64. Percentage of fertility and 1000-grain weight tended to be greater, and grain yield per square meter was also greater in IR 64-NIL12 than in IR 64. The newly identified QTLs will be useful for genetic improvement of the yield potential of Indica Group varieties. The markers tightly linked to qTSN12.2 are available for marker-assisted breeding.

The Construction of a Chinese Cabbage Marker-assisted Backcrossing System Using High-throughput Genotyping Technolog

The goal of marker-assisted backcrossing (MAB) is to significantly reduce the number of breeding generations required by using genome-based molecular markers to select for a particular trait; however, MAB systems have only been developed for a few vegetable crops to date. Among the types of molecular markers, SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) are primarily used in the analysis of genetic diversity due to their abundance throughout most genomes. To develop a MAB system in Chinese cabbage, a high-throughput (HT) marker system was used, based on a previously developed set of 468 SNP probes (BraMAB1, Brassica Marker Assisted Backcrossing SNP 1). We selected a broad-spectrum TuMV (Turnip mosaic virus ) resistance (trs ) Chinese cabbage line (SB22) as a donor plant, constructing a BC₁F₁ population by crossing it with the TuMV-susceptible 12mo-682-1 elite line. Foreground selection was performed using the previously developed trs SCAR marker. Background selection was performed using 119 SNP markers that showed clear polymorphism between donor and recipient plants. The background genome recovery rate (% recurrent parent genome recovery; RPG) was good, with three of 75 BC₁F₁ plants showing a high RPG rate of over 80%. The background genotyping result and the phenotypic similarity between the recurrent parent and BC₁F₁ showed a correlation. The plant with the highest RPG recovery rate was backcrossed to construct the BC₂F₁ population. Foreground selection and background selection were performed using 169 BC₂F₁ plants. This study shows that, using MAB, we can recover over 90% of the background genome in only two generations, highlighting the MAB system using HT markers as a highly efficient Brassica rapa backcross breeding system. This is the first report of the application of a SNP marker set to the background selection of Chinese cabbage using HT SNP genotyping technology.

Genotyping-by-sequencing targeting of a novel downy mildew resistance gene Pl 20 from wild Helianthus argophyllus for sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Genotyping-by-sequencing revealed a new downy mildew resistance gene, Pl 20 , from wild Helianthus argophyllus located on linkage group 8 of the sunflower genome and closely linked to SNP markers that facilitate the marker-assisted selection of resistance genes. Downy mildew (DM), caused by Plasmopara halstedii, is one of the most devastating and yield-limiting diseases of sunflower. Downy mildew resistance identified in wild Helianthus argophyllus accession PI 494578 was determined to be effective against the predominant and virulent races of P. halstedii occurring in the United States. The evaluation of 114 BC1F2:3 families derived from the cross between HA 89 and PI 494578 against P. halstedii race 734 revealed that single dominant gene controls downy mildew resistance in the population. Genotyping-by-sequencing analysis conducted in the BC1F2 population indicated that the DM resistance gene derived from wild H. argophyllus PI 494578 is located on the upper end of the linkage group (LG) 8 of the sunflower genome, as was determined single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with DM resistance. Analysis of 11 additional SNP markers previously mapped to this region revealed that the resistance gene, named Pl 20 , co-segregated with four markers, SFW02745, SFW09076, S8_11272025, and S8_11272046, and is flanked by SFW04358 and S8_100385559 at an interval of 1.8cM. The newly discovered P. halstedii resistance gene has been introgressed from wild species into cultivated sunflower to provide a novel gene with DM resistance. The homozygous resistant individuals were selected from BC2F2 progenies with the use of markers linked to the Pl 20 gene, and these lines should benefit the sunflower community for Helianthus improvement.

Verification and fine mapping of qGW1.05, a major QTL for grain weight in maize (Zea mays L.).

Grain weight, one of the important factors to determine corn yield, is a typical quantitative inheritance trait. However, the molecular genetic basis of grain weight still remains limited. In our previous researches, a major QTL associated with grain weight, qGW1.05, has been identified between SSR markers umc1601 and umc1754 at bin locus 1.05-1.06 in maize. Here, its genetic and environmental stabiliteis were verified using a BC3F2 population to identify the effect of qGW1.05 on grain weight. Further, qGW1.05-NILs were obtained by MAS successfully. Via a large BC6F2 segregation population, together with polymorphic microsatellite markers developed between the parents to screen the genotype of the recombinant plants, qGW1.05 was positioned to a 1.11Mb genome interval. Furthermore, the progenies of 15 recombinants were tested to confirm the effect of qGW1.05 on grain weight. Combining collinearity among cereal crops and genome annotation, the several candidate genes taking part in grain development were identified in the qGW1.05 region. In this study, qGW1.05 was limited to a 1.11Mb region on chromosome 1, which established the foundation for understanding the molecular basis underlying kernel development and improving grain weight through MAS using the tightly flanking molecular markers in maize.

Breeding cowpea for resistance to Striga gesnerioides in the Nigerian dry savannas using marker‐assisted selection

AbstractHistorically, conventional breeding has been the primary strategy used to develop a number of Striga‐resistant varieties currently grown in the Sahel of Western Africa. In this study, we have successfully developed and applied a marker‐assisted selection strategy that employs a single backcross programme to introgress Striga resistance into farmer preferred varieties of cowpea for the Nigeria savannas. In this strategy, we have introduced the Striga resistance gene from the donor parent IT97K‐499‐35 into an elite farmer preferred cowpea cultivar ‘Borno Brown’. The selected 47 BC1F2 populations confirmed the recombinants with desirable progeny having Striga resistance gene(s). The 28 lines selected in the BC1F2:4 generation with large seed size, brown seed coat colour and carrying marker alleles were evaluated in the field for resistance to Striga resistance. This led to the selection of a number of desirable improved lines that were immune to Striga having local genetic background with higher yield than those of their parents and standard varieties.

QTL mapping with different genetic systems for nine non-essential amino acids of cottonseeds

Amino acid is an important nutrient resource for both human and animals. Using a set of 188 RILs population derived from an elite hybrid cross of upland cotton cultivars ‘HS46’ × ‘MARCABUCAG8US-1-88’ and their immortal F2 (IF2) with reciprocal backcrosses BC1F1 and BC2F1 (BC) populations in two environments, the QTLs located on the embryo genome and maternal plant genome for nine amino acids of cottonseed were studied across environments. The QTL Network-CL-2.0-seed software was used to analyze the QTLs and their genetic effects for nine amino acids. A total of 56 QTLs for nine amino acids were detected in both populations, with many having over 5% of phenotypic variation. Ten of the total QTLs could be simultaneously found in the IF2 and BC populations. For most QTLs, the genetic effects from embryo genome were more important than those from maternal plant genome for the performance of nine amino acids. Significant embryo additive main effects and maternal additive main effect with their environment interaction effects from many QTLs were also found in present experiment. Some QTLs with larger phenotypic variation were important for improving the amino-acid contents in cottonseeds.

Physical mapping of DNA markers linked to stem rust resistance gene Sr47 in durum wheat.

Markers linked to stem rust resistance gene Sr47 were physically mapped in three small Aegilops speltoides chromosomal bins. Five markers, including two PCR-based SNP markers, were validated for marker-assisted selection. In durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum), the gene Sr47 derived from Aegilops speltoides conditions resistance to race TTKSK (Ug99) of the stem rust pathogen (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici). Sr47 is carried on small interstitial translocation chromosomes (Ti2BL-2SL-2BL·2BS) in which the Ae. speltoides chromosome 2S segments are divided into four bins in genetic stocks RWG35, RWG36, and RWG37. Our objective was to physically map molecular markers to bins and to determine if any of the molecular markers would be useful in marker-assisted selection (MAS). Durum cultivar Joppa was used as the recurrent parent to produce three BC2F2 populations. Each BC2F2 plant was genotyped with markers to detect the segment carrying Sr47, and stem rust testing of BC2F3 progeny with race TTKSK confirmed the genotyping. Forty-nine markers from published sources, four new SSR markers, and five new STARP (semi-thermal asymmetric reverse PCR) markers, were evaluated in BC2F2 populations for assignment of markers to bins. Sr47 was mapped to bin 3 along with 13 markers. No markers were assigned to bin 1; however, 7 and 13 markers were assigned to bins 2 and 4, respectively. Markers Xrwgs38a, Xmag1729, Xwmc41, Xtnac3119, Xrwgsnp1, and Xrwgsnp4 were found to be useful for MAS of Sr47. However, STARP markers Xrwgsnp1 and Xrwgsnp4 can be used in gel-free systems, and are the preferred markers for high-throughput MAS. The physical mapping data from this study will also be useful for pyramiding Sr47 with other Sr genes on chromosome 2B.

Genetic analysis and identification of SSR markers associated with rice blast disease in a BC2F1 backcross population.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) blast disease is one of the most destructive rice diseases in the world. The fungal pathogen, Magnaporthe oryzae, is the causal agent of rice blast disease. Development of resistant cultivars is the most preferred method to achieve sustainable rice production. However, the effectiveness of resistant cultivars is hindered by the genetic plasticity of the pathogen genome. Therefore, information on genetic resistance and virulence stability are vital to increase our understanding of the molecular basis of blast disease resistance. The present study set out to elucidate the resistance pattern and identify potential simple sequence repeat markers linked with rice blast disease. A backcross population (BC2F1), derived from crossing MR264 and Pongsu Seribu 2 (PS2), was developed using marker-assisted backcross breeding. Twelve microsatellite markers carrying the blast resistance gene clearly demonstrated a polymorphic pattern between both parental lines. Among these, two markers, RM206 and RM5961, located on chromosome 11 exhibited the expected 1:1 testcross ratio in the BC2F1 population. The 195 BC2F1 plants inoculated against M. oryzae pathotype P7.2 showed a significantly different distribution in the backcrossed generation and followed Mendelian segregation based on a single-gene model. This indicates that blast resistance in PS2 is governed by a single dominant gene, which is linked to RM206 and RM5961 on chromosome 11. The findings presented in this study could be useful for future blast resistance studies in rice breeding programs.

Analysis of Submergence Tolerant Gene (Sub-1) on BC2F1 Population, Backcross of Selected Swamp Rice Genotipe Using Molecular Marker

Analysis of Submergence Tolerant Gene (Sub-1) on BC2F1 Population, Backcross of Selected Swamp Rice Genotipe Using Molecular Marker

Characterization and Fine Mapping of a Blast Resistant Gene Pi-jnw1 from the japonica Rice Landrace Jiangnanwan.

Rice blast is a destructive disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, and it has a large impact on rice production worldwide. Compared with leaf blast resistance, our understanding of panicle blast resistance is limited. The japonica landrace Jiangnanwan from Taihu Lake region in China shows highly resistance to panicle and leaf blast. In this study, three generations (F2:5, F2:6, F2:7) consisting of 221 RILs (recombination inbreeding lines), developed from the cross of Jiangnanwan and Suyunuo, a susceptible-blast japonica variety, were evaluated for panicle blast resistance in the fields and leaf blast resistance in greenhouse in Nanjing in 2013, 2014 and 2015. A blast resistance gene Pi-jnw1 referring to panicle blast resistance and leaf blast resistance was identified in the three generations and located in the region of RM27273 and RM27381 in chromosome 11. The RIL18 line harboring Pi-jnw1 was selected to be backcrossed with Suyunuo to develop BC2F2 populations. According to the genotyping of 1,150 BC2F2 individuals and panicle blast and leaf blast resistance evaluation of 47 recombinants between RM27150 and RM27381, Pi-jnw1 was finally mapped to the 282 kb region between markers W28 and BS39. This study revealed that Jiangnanwan harboring a panicle blast and leaf blast resistance gene Pi-jnw1 could be a genetic source for breeding new rice cultivars with panicle blast resistance.

Allelism analysis of BrRfp locus in different restorer lines and map-based cloning of a fertility restorer gene, BrRfp1, for pol CMS in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L.).

In Chinese cabbage, there are two Rf loci for pol CMS and one of them was mapped to a 12.6-kb region containing a potential candidate gene encoding PPR protein. In Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa), polima cytoplasmic male sterility (pol CMS) is an important CMS type and is widely used for hybrid breeding. By extensive test crossing in Chinese cabbage, four restorer lines (92s105, 01s325, 00s109, and 88s148) for pol CMS were screened. By analyzing the allelism of the four restorer lines, it was found that 92s105, 01s325, and 00s109 had the same "restorers of fertility" (Rf) locus (designated as BrRfp1), but 88s148 had a different Rf locus (designated as BrRfp2). For fine mapping the BrRfp1 locus of 92s105, a BC1F1 population with 487 individuals and a BC1F2 population with 2485 individuals were successively constructed. Using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers developed from Brassica rapa reference genome and InDel markers derived from whole-genome resequencing data of 94c9 and 92s105, BrRfp1 was mapped to a 12.6-kb region containing a potential candidate gene encoding pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein. Based on the nucleotide polymorphisms of the candidate gene sequence between the restoring and nonrestoring alleles, a co-segregating marker SC718 was developed, which would be helpful for hybrid breeding by marker-assisted screening and for detecting new restorer lines.

Novel CMS lines in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] derived from cytoplasmic substitutions, and their effective restoration and deployment in hybrid breeding

The availability of stable cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS or A) lines coupled with a robust restoration system (R lines) is an essential prerequisite for efficient hybrid breeding. CMS-enabled hybrid technology holds immense potential to enhance the long-stagnant productivity of pigeonpea. In the present investigation, cytoplasmic substitutions were made in the nuclear backgrounds of early-maturing pigeonpea varieties or lines. Three new CMS lines (ICPL 88039A, Pusa 992A, and DPP 3-2A) resulted from genetic crosses involving cytoplasmic donors from A2 (GT 288A) and A4 (ICPA 2089) categories. In addition to visual inspection of anthers, pollen-staining techniques and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were used to confirm pollen sterility. Further, given the relevance of the plant mitochondrial genome to CMS manifestation, 25 mitochondrion-specific DNA markers were assayed on these newly developed A lines and isogenic maintainer (B) lines. DNA polymorphism between Pusa 992A and Pusa 992B as revealed by the nad7a_del marker confirmed the successful combination of sterilizing cytoplasm (A4) and nonrestoring nuclear background (Pusa 992). Such cytoplasm-specific DNA markers are required for A2-CMS as well. Further, to assess restoration ability, potential restorers were crossed with these CMS lines, and as a consequence, promising A×R combinations exhibiting 100% pollen fertility could be identified. In parallel, we also analyzed the inheritance patterns underlying fertility restoration using ICPL 88039A-derived F2 and BC1F1 populations, and established a monogenic dominant model to explain the phenomenon of A2-CMS restoration. In summary, we report the successful development of new CMS lines and describe their effective deployment in hybrid breeding of pigeonpea.

Chromosomal Localization of Genes Conferring Desirable Agronomic Traits from Wheat-Agropyron cristatum Disomic Addition Line 5113.

Creation of wheat-alien disomic addition lines and localization of desirable genes on alien chromosomes are important for utilization of these genes in genetic improvement of common wheat. In this study, wheat-Agropyron cristatum derivative line 5113 was characterized by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) and specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq), and was demonstrated to be a novel wheat-A. cristatum disomic 6P addition line. Compared with its parent Fukuhokomugi (Fukuho), 5113 displayed multiple elite agronomic traits, including higher uppermost internode/plant height ratio, larger flag leaf, longer spike length, elevated grain number per spike and spikelet number per spike, more kernel number in the middle spikelet, more fertile tiller number per plant, and enhanced resistance to powdery mildew and leaf rust. Genes conferring these elite traits were localized on the A. cristatum 6P chromosome by using SLAF-seq markers and biparental populations (F1, BC1F1 and BC1F2 populations) produced from the crosses between Fukuho and 5113. Taken together, chromosomal localization of these desirable genes will facilitate transferring of high-yield and high-resistance genes from A. cristatum into common wheat, and serve as the foundation for the utilization of 5113 in wheat breeding.

Quantitative trait loci analysis of Verticillium wilt resistance in interspecific backcross populations of Gossypium hirsutum × Gossypium barbadense.

Background Verticillium wilt (VW) caused by Verticillium dahliae (Kleb) is one of the most destructive diseases of cotton. The identification of highly resistant QTLs or genes in the whole cotton genome is quite important for developing a VW-resistant variety and for further molecular design breeding.ResultsIn the present study, BC1F1, BC1S1, and BC2F1 populations derived from an interspecific backcross between the highly resistant line Hai1 (Gossypium barbadense L.) and the susceptible variety CCRI36 (G. hirsutum L.) as the recurrent parent were constructed. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to VW resistance were detected in the whole cotton genome using a high-density simple sequence repeat (SSR) genetic linkage map from the BC1F1 population, with 2292 loci covering 5115.16 centiMorgan (cM) of the cotton (AD) genome, and the data concerning VW resistance that were obtained from four dates of BC2F1 in the artificial disease nursery and one date of BC1S1 and BC2F1 in the field. A total of 48 QTLs for VW resistance were identified, and 37 of these QTLs had positive additive effects, which indicated that the G. barbadense alleles increased resistance to VW and decreased the disease index (DI) by about 2.2–10.7. These QTLs were located on 19 chromosomes, in which 33 in the A subgenome and 15 QTLs in the D subgenome. The 6 QTLs were found to be stable. The 6 QTLs were consistent with those identified previously, and another 42 were new, unreported QTLs, of which 31 QTLs were from G. barbadense. By meta-analysis, 17 QTL hotspot regions were identified and 10 of them were new, unreported hotspot regions. 29 QTLs in this paper were in 12 hotspot regions and were all from G. barbadense.ConclusionsThese stable or consensus QTL regions warrant further investigation to better understand the genetics and molecular mechanisms underlying VW resistance. This study provides useful information for further comparative analysis and marker-assisted selection in the breeding of disease-resistant cotton. It may also lay an important foundation for gene cloning and further molecular design breeding for the entire cotton genome.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-3128-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

IDENTIFICATION AND MAPPING OF A GENE FOR RICE SLENDER KERNEL USING Oryza glumaepatula INTROGRESSION LINES

<br />World demand for superior rice grain quality tends to increase. One of the criteria of appearance quality of rice grain is grain shape. Rice consumers exhibit wide preferences for grain shape, but most Indonesian rice consumers prefer long and slender grain. The objectives of this study were to identify and map a gene for rice slender kernel trait using Oryza glumaepatula introgression lines with O. sativa cv. Taichung 65 genetic background. A segregation analysis of BC4F2 population derived from backcrosses of a donor parent O. glumaepatula into a recurrent parent Taichung 65 showed that the slender kernel was controlled by a single recessive gene. This new identified gene was designated as sk1 (slender kernel 1). Moreover, based on the RFLP analyses using 14 RFLP markers located on chromosomes 2, 8, 9, and 10 in which the O. glumaepatula chromosomal segments were retained in BC4F2 population, the sk1 was located between RFLP markers C679 and C560 on the long arm of chromosome 2, with map distances of 2.8 and 1.5 cM, respectively. The wild rice O. glumaepatula carried a recessive allele for slender kernel. This allele may be useful in breeding of rice with slender kernel types. In addition, the development of plant materials and RFLP map associated with slender kernel in this study is the preliminary works in the effort to isolate this important grain shape gene.

IDENTIFICATION AND MAPPING OF A GENE FOR RICE SLENDER KERNEL USING Oryza glumaepatula INTROGRESSION LINES

<br />World demand for superior rice grain quality tends to increase. One of the criteria of appearance quality of rice grain is grain shape. Rice consumers exhibit wide preferences for grain shape, but most Indonesian rice consumers prefer long and slender grain. The objectives of this study were to identify and map a gene for rice slender kernel trait using Oryza glumaepatula introgression lines with O. sativa cv. Taichung 65 genetic background. A segregation analysis of BC4F2 population derived from backcrosses of a donor parent O. glumaepatula into a recurrent parent Taichung 65 showed that the slender kernel was controlled by a single recessive gene. This new identified gene was designated as sk1 (slender kernel 1). Moreover, based on the RFLP analyses using 14 RFLP markers located on chromosomes 2, 8, 9, and 10 in which the O. glumaepatula chromosomal segments were retained in BC4F2 population, the sk1 was located between RFLP markers C679 and C560 on the long arm of chromosome 2, with map distances of 2.8 and 1.5 cM, respectively. The wild rice O. glumaepatula carried a recessive allele for slender kernel. This allele may be useful in breeding of rice with slender kernel types. In addition, the development of plant materials and RFLP map associated with slender kernel in this study is the preliminary works in the effort to isolate this important grain shape gene.