Traditional Rice Cultivars Research Articles

Unveiling genetic diversity and population structure for nutraceutical and grain ionome profile in traditional rice cultivars

Unveiling genetic diversity and population structure for nutraceutical and grain ionome profile in traditional rice cultivars

Rapid Screening of Traditional Rice Cultivars against Drought Using Tolerance Indices of Seedlings

Aim: To screen the traditional cultivars of rice based on the tolerance indices of seedling characteristics. Study Design: The experimental plan used was Complete Randomized Design with 59 treatments (genotypes) and two replications. Place of Study: P.G. Laboratory, Department of Seed Science and Technology, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar district, West Bengal, India. Methodology: Seedling was raised in glass in two sets- PEG-mediated drought and normal conditions. Results: All the seedling characters showed highly significant differences among the varieties, different culture conditions as well as interaction between varieties and environment. Most of the cultivars exhibited reduction in number of primary roots per plant, root length, root fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot length, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight. Finally the cultivars were grouped under three categories- tolerant, semi-tolerant and susceptible based on mean tolerance index (MTI). The cultivars having ≥ 90.00, MTI Kashiya binni, Jhagri kartik and Garu Chakua were considered as tolerant. Among those three cultivars, Kashiya binni was found to be highly tolerant to drought as its MTI was ≥ 100.00 (114.96). Subsequently 22 cultivars were classified as semi-tolerant. In conclusion, the tolerance indices of seedling traits and subsequently the MTI can be used for rapid screening of rice genotypes for water stress.

Antioxidants Characteristics of Traditional Cultivars of Rainfed rice (oryza glaberrima) from Goh-Djiboua and Mountains Districts in Côte D’ivoire

The antioxidant compounds in foodstuffs are of great interests for the nutritional and health safety of consumers, given the preponderant role of food in the overall health. The current work focusses the main antioxidant compounds and activities from 27 traditional varieties of rainfed rice. Qualitative tests were performed to check the presence of the antioxidant compounds, namely total polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, sterols and terpenes, probed and measured from raw brown rice or whole grains using standard methods. In addition, the antioxidant activity was investigated using standard ABTS and DPPH methods. Only total polyphenols and, to a lesser degree, flavonoids, were qualitatively found from the studied rice samples. The total polyphenols contents (43.83 to 194.60 mg GAE/100g) and flavonoids contents (16.08 to 124.83 mg QE/100g) displayed significant differences from the traditional rainfed rice cultivars investigated (P<0.05), recording higher values in the grains of coloured pericarp rice compared to the other varieties. The greatest ABTS content is found in the varieties Sipricri (357.51 µM Trolox Eq/g) and Jbröko (137.85 µM Trolox Eq/g) which respective percentages of degradation of ABTS radicals are 52.95% and 20.09%. Regarding DPPH assay, the lowest EC50 is found from the variety Sipricri (36.07 µM Trolox Eq/g) and the highest with the rice Glawlon (3445.84 µM Trolox Eq/g). The antioxidant trend of the rainfed rice is nutritionally favorable to support a safety food diet using rice as common local food stuff for populations.

Comprehensive studies reveal physiological and genetic diversity in traditional rice cultivars for UV-B sensitivity

Acclimation to crop niches for thousands of years has made indigenous rice cultivars better suited for stress-prone environments. Still, their response to UV-B resiliency is unknown. 38 rice landraces were grown in cemented pots in a randomised block design with three replicates under open field conditions in Sambalpur University in the wet season of 2022. Half of the plants in each of the cultivars were administered UV-B radiation at the panicle emergence stage in an adjustable UV-B chamber permitting sunlight, and the effects of the stress on various morpho-physiological features, such as spikelet sterility, flag leaf photosynthetic and flavonoid pigment contents, and lipid peroxidation activities, were estimated for calibration of stress resistance. The experiment identified Swarnaprabha and Lalkain as the most sensitive and resilient to stress respectively, and the differential response between them was further revealed in the expression of genes related to UV-B sensitivity. Subject to the stress, Swarnaprabha exhibited symptoms of injuries, like leaf burns, and a higher loss of various photosynthetic parameters, such as pigment contents, SPAD and Fv/Fm, ETR and qP values, while NPQ increased only in Lalkain. Exposure to UV-B increased the total phenolic and flavonoid contents in Lalkain while depressing them in Swarnaprabha. Such an effect amounted to a higher release of fluorescent energy in the latter. The levels of expression of gene families controlling flavonoid activation and UV-B signal transduction, such as OsWRKY, OsUGT, OsRLCK, OsBZIP, OsGLP, and CPD photolyase were similar in both the cultivars in the control condition. However, exposure to UV-B stress overexpressed them in resilient cultivars only. The magnitude of expression of the genes and the impact of the stress on photosynthetic parameters, phenolic compounds and pubescent hair structure at the panicle emergence stage could be valid indicators among indigenous rice for UV-B tolerance.

Assessment of Grain Zinc, Iron and Protein Content in Selected Red Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Mutant Lines

Traditional red rice cultivars grown in coastal regions of Karnataka are popular as food and medicine and specifically in promoting lactation. Effect of zinc, iron and protein deficiency is more in children and lactating women. Analysis of variance evidenced that treatment with gamma rays created significant variability and all the mutant lines exhibited wide range of values for zinc (20-41.5ppm), iron (10-35 ppm), protein content (8-11.9g/100 g) and yield traits. Grain zinc exhibited negative significant association with grain yield per plant, while protein and iron content showed non-significant and negative association with grain yield per plant and very low residual effect of 0.2721 indicated that the traits included in this study explained high percentage of variation in the grain yield and grain zinc, iron and protein content. BMRM15 and BMRM13 mutants showed reduced plant height, early maturity, recorded one percentage increase of protein (9.5% and 10.0%), higher zinc (28 and 25 ppm) and iron content (17 and 13 ppm). These mutant lines can supplement the micronutrient requirement of consumers and also help prevent the micronutrient deficiency

Metabolomic analysis for disclosing nutritional and therapeutic prospective of traditional rice cultivars of Cauvery deltaic region, India.

Traditional rice is gaining popularity worldwide due to its high nutritional and pharmaceutical value, as well as its high resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. This has attracted significant attention from breeders, nutritionists, and plant protection scientists in recent years. Hence, it is critical to investigate the grain metabolome to reveal germination and nutritional importance. This research aimed to explore non-targeted metabolites of five traditional rice varieties, viz., Chinnar, Chithiraikar, Karunguruvai, Kichili samba, and Thooyamalli, for their nutritional and therapeutic properties. Approximately 149 metabolites were identified using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) library and Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) and were grouped into 34 chemical classes. Major classes include fatty acids (31.1-56.3%), steroids and their derivatives (1.80-22.4%), dihydrofurans (8.98-11.6%), prenol lipids (0.66-4.44%), organooxygen compounds (0.12-6.45%), benzene and substituted derivatives (0.53-3.73%), glycerolipids (0.36-2.28%), and hydroxy acids and derivatives (0.03-2.70%). Significant variations in metabolite composition among the rice varieties were also observed through the combination of univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. Principal component analysis (PCA) reduced the dimensionality of 149 metabolites into five principle components (PCs), which explained 96% of the total variance. Two clusters were revealed by hierarchical cluster analysis, indicating the distinctiveness of the traditional varieties. Additionally, a partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) found 17 variables important in the projection (VIP) scores of metabolites. The findings of this study reveal the biochemical intricate and distinctive metabolomes of the traditional therapeutic rice varieties. This will serve as the foundation for future research on developing new rice varieties with traditional rice grain metabolisms to increase grain quality and production with various nutritional and therapeutic benefits.

Comparison of nutritional and trace element concentrations in some Sri Lankan traditional rice varieties

SummaryRecently, traditional rice cultivars have become more popular than new, enhanced rice varieties, with the main focus being on their health benefits. Few rice cultivars have been thoroughly studied to understand their nutritional and health benefits. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission/mass spectroscopy methods were used to determine the concentrations of 24 key nutrients and trace elements in 104 traditional rice types (Oryza sativa L.) grown in Sri Lanka. Compared to the Codex Alimentarius provisional tolerable daily intake for 24 different elements, the concentrations of toxic elements such as As, Cd, Pb and Cr were significantly lower (P < 0.05), and most of the nutritional elemental concentrations were substantially higher (P < 0.05) in evaluated traditional rice varieties. Furthermore, Pb, Bi, B, K, Mg, S, Zn and Fe concentrations among traditional rice varieties were not substantially different (P > 0.05). Notably, several traditional rice varieties (i.e. Rathu Heenati, Pragathi Wee, Weda Heenati, etc.) contained significantly high levels of selenium (≈250 μg L−1 DM, P < 0.05), an important trace element that is deficient in the diets of 1 billion people globally.

Deciphering Variability and Genetic Parameters in Traditional Scented Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes of Kerala, India

Gandhakasala and Jeerakasala, the most popular traditional scented rice cultivars of Wayanad district in Kerala were used to assess the nature and magnitude of variability and genetic parameters in this investigation. The study on twenty yield and associated quantitative, cooking and biochemical characters revealed significant differences among genotypes for each character except for leaf width indicating the presence of high genetic variability among the genotypes. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variations showed high level of variability for grain yield (42.19%), number of spikelets panicle-1 (31.36%) and test weight (26.23%) and moderate level of variability for leaf length, culm number, culm length, number of productive tillers, number of spikelets panicle-1, panicle length, straw yield, grain length, grain width, amylose content and protein content. For most of the characters studied, the difference between GCV and PCV was narrow, indicating that environmental factors have little influence on these characters and are highly influenced by genetic factors. Heritability estimations ranged from low to high (17.86% to 99.90%). Characters like leaf length, culm number, number of spikelets panicle-1 and straw yield showed high heritability along with high genetic advance reflecting that these characters were under additive gene action and these could be the desirable characters for effective selection for developing high yielding scented rice varieties. This study provides information about the genetic variability and heritability measures of the various yield and related characters which may help to establish the selection criteria for future improvement in short grain scented rice breeding programmes.

Evaluation of karyotype diversity in Indian traditional aromatic rice cultivars through EMA-based non-fluorescent Giemsa and fluorescent DAPI staining

Evaluation of karyotype diversity in Indian traditional aromatic rice cultivars through EMA-based non-fluorescent Giemsa and fluorescent DAPI staining

Mapping of QTLs associated with yield and related traits under reproductive stage drought stress in rice using SNP linkage map.

Drought stress is a major constraint for rice production worldwide. Reproductive stage drought stress (RSDS) leads to heavy yield losses in rice. The prospecting of new donor cultivars for identification and introgression of QTLs of major effect (Quantitative trait locus) for drought tolerance is crucial for the development of drought-resilient rice varieties. Our study aimed to map QTLs associated with yield and its related traits under RSDS conditions. A saturated linkage map was constructed using 3417 GBS (Genotyping by sequencing) derived SNP (Single nucleotide polymorphism) markers spanning 1924.136cM map length with an average marker density of 0.56cM, in the F3 mapping population raised via cross made between the traditional ahu rice cultivar, Koniahu (drought tolerant) and a high-yielding variety, Disang (drought susceptible). Using the Inclusive composite interval mapping approach, 35 genomic regions governing yield and related traits were identified in pooled data from 198 F3 and F4 segregating lines evaluated for two consecutive seasons under both RSDS and irrigated control conditions. Of the 35 QTLs, 23 QTLs were identified under RSDS with LOD (Logarithm of odds) values ranging between 2.50 and 7.83 and PVE (phenotypic variance explained) values of 2.95-12.42%. Two major QTLs were found to be linked to plant height (qPH1.29) and number of filled grains per panicle (qNOG5.12) under RSDS. Five putative QTLs for grain yield namely, qGY2.00, qGY5.05, qGY6.16, qGY9.19, and qGY10.20 were identified within drought conditions. Fourteen QTL regions having ≤ 10Mb QTL interval size were further analysed for candidate gene identification and a total of 4146 genes were detected out of these 2263 (54.63%) genes were annotated to at least one gene ontology (GO) term. Several QTLs associated with grain yield and yield components and putative candidate genes were identified. The putative QTLs and candidate genes identified could be employed to augment drought resilience in rice after further validation through MAS strategies.

Stability analysis of Katarni rice (Oryza sativa) derived lines under different sowing dates

Katarni is a non-basmati traditional aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar of Bhagalpur district of Bihar. This rice is weak strawed, traditionally tall type, late maturing and easily prone to lodging. Due to photosensitive nature, it matures very late only at the end of November and provide a narrow window for the sowing of wheat in farmers’ filed. An experiment was conducted at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bihar during 2018 and 2019 to develop a semi-dwarf and early maturing lines derived from crossing of Katarni with 3 semi-dwarf high yielding cultivars and were advanced to F5 generation. In this study, 54 derived lines of Katarni in F6 generation were studied on the basis of 14 morphological traits and yield stability was analysed in 4 environments. The environments were created by different sowing dates across two years (2018 and 2019) in a single location at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour. Significant variability was found among the genotypes and four principal components (PC) identified, out of which two contributed 98.9% of total variation. Six advanced breeding entries were found to be significantly superior over parental checks for grain yield. Five Katarni derived were identified as highly stable genotypes on the basis of GGE and AMMI stability analysis. All four environments were constituted in two mega environments in which first one shared the best set of Katarni-derived lines. The promising advanced breeding lines with higher yield and stable performance can further be evaluated under multi-location testing for varietal release.

Traditional Cultivars Influence on Physical and Engineering Properties of Rice from the Cauvery Deltaic Region of Tamil Nadu

Standard unit operations/equipment have not evolved for the traditional rice varieties of the Cauvery Deltaic region of Tamil Nadu. The fame of traditional rice is increasing nowadays owing to its health benefits. Non-standard unit operations may cause rice grains to crack during milling, accumulating more broken rice and yields in products of inferior quality. As a result, research into the physical properties of rice is crucial for the development of rice processing equipment that minimizes post-harvest losses during milling. Hence, an assessment was made to evaluate 30 traditional rice cultivars on their Physical (grain length, width, thickness, shape, and size), gravimetric (bulk, true, tapped density, porosity, Carr’s index, and Hausner ratio), and engineering characteristics (equivalent, arithmetic, square mean, and geometric mean diameter) using standard protocols, with the goal of reviving and preserving older varieties. The results from the analysis showed significant variations (p < 0.05) between all properties that were evaluated. According to length, a substantial amount of traditional rice varieties were long grain (76.7%), whereas (16.7%) belonged to the medium type and (3.3%) were short-grain types, respectively. There were variations among the three different categories of local rice grains when it comes to size, ranging from 3.26 to 4.69 mm for arithmetic mean diameter, 2.84 to 4.00 mm for geometric mean diameter, and 3.02 to 4.28 mm for square mean diameter, respectively. Sphericity, aspect ratio, and surface area measurements of the samples varied from 37.7% to 81.2%, 0.26 to 1.00, and 25.4 to 50.1 mm2, respectively. Of the 30 varieties, 28 were under the high amylose category, and 2 belonged to the intermediate type. The Pearson correlation was established to study the interrelationships between the dimensions and engineering properties. Principal component analysis (PCA) reduced the dimensionality of 540 data into five principal components (PC), which explained 95.7% of the total variance. These findings suggest that it is possible to revive old landraces through careful selection and analysis of these properties. The superior characteristics of these traditional varieties can be further evaluated for breeding programs in order to improve the cultivation of these cherished rice landraces to enhance nutritional security.

Genetic variation and character association for grain yield and component traits in traditional rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars of Assam

Genetic variation and character association for grain yield and component traits in traditional rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars of Assam

Enhanced UV-B Radiation Induced the Proanthocyanidins Accumulation in Red Rice Grain of Traditional Rice Cultivars and Increased Antioxidant Capacity in Aging Mice

Proanthocyanidins are major UV-absorbing compounds. To clarify the effect of enhanced UV-B radiation on the proanthocyanidin synthesis and antioxidant capacity of traditional rice varieties in Yuanyang terraced fields, we studied the effects of enhanced UV-B radiation (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 kJ·m-2·d-1) on the rice grain morphology, proanthocyanidins content, and synthesis. The effects of UV-B radiation on the antioxidant capacity of rice were evaluated by feeding aging model mice. The results showed that UV-B radiation significantly affected the grain morphology of red rice and increased the compactness of starch grains in the starch storage cells of central endosperm. The content of proanthocyanidin B2 and C1 in the grains was significantly increased by 2.5 and 5.0 kJ·m-2·d-1 UV-B radiation. The activity of leucoanthocyanidin reductase was higher in rice treated by 5.0 kJ·m-2·d-1 than other treatments. The number of neurons in the hippocampus CA1 of mice brain fed red rice increased. After 5.0 kJ·m-2·d-1 treatment, red rice has the best antioxidant effect on aging model mice. UV-B radiation induces the synthesis of rice proanthocyanidins B2 and C1, and the antioxidant capacity of rice is related to the content of proanthocyanidins.

Estimation of Genetic Diversity by Principal Component Analysis of Yield Attributing Traits in Katarni Derived Lines

Katarni is a non-basmati traditional aromatic rice cultivar being grown in the Bhagalpur, Banka, and Munger districts of Bihar. However, it is weak-strawed, tall, prone to lodging, and late maturing. Attempt was made to develop a semi-dwarf and early maturing lines of Katarni by crossing with three semi-dwarf high-yielding cultivars and was advanced to F5 generation. In this study, 54 derived lines of Katarni were studied on the basis of 14 morphological traits. Five principal components (PCs) were observed which contributed 70% of cumulative variability and exhibited Eigenvalues> 1. The first PC (23.31%) and the second PC (35.59%) showed a cumulative variation of 63.90%. On the basis of genotype by trait biplot analysis, flag leaf length, plant height, and fragrance were found to be strongly positive. Genotypes biplot study revealed diverse genotypes like KIR-46 KIR-48, KRS-39, KRS-43, KRS-15, KRS-19, KRS-8, KRS-25, and KMTU-52 which can be further exploited for varietal development.

Investigation on Nutritional, Phytochemical, and Antioxidant Abilities of Various Traditional Rice Varieties.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a popular grain that is consumed by almost half of the world's population. Rice has several distinct breeds classified as traditional and ancient grains. The consumption of rice by 60% of the world's population is a staple food. Entire grain rice, often known as brown rice, is the unpolished counterpart of white rice, containing bran, germ, and endosperm. Eating whole-grain rice is linked to many health benefits; thus, scientists have focused on identifying and quantifying bioactive chemicals in this meal. The present study assessed the physio-chemical, cooking attributes, mineral contents, phytochemicals, and free radical scavenging capabilities of conventional rice cultivars using known approaches according to particle size analysis. Rice grain lengths varied between 4.10 ± 16 and 6.20 ± 007. The length and thickness ratios of rice were not substantially different (p > 0.05). Kattuyanam has the maximum protein content (9.99 ± 06%) of all the rice varieties that were physio-chemical investigated. It also has highest phenolic content and antioxidant properties compared to gallic acid equivalent (334.900 ± 61g) (GAE)/100g, followed by anthocyanins and flavonoids. Total phenolic content and phenolic fractions of the HPLC profile in tested landraces indicate the presence of bioactive substances derived from traditional rice cultivars and a range of phytonutrients, including phenol, revealing their healthy potentials in the present study.

FUTURE PROSPECTIVE: TRADITIONAL RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.) OF EASTERN INDIA

Rice was one of the most important field crop grown by farmers in different geographies in the World. It was grown due to its different unique with climatic, water, soil, genetic diversity, climatic - weather variance, dietary typical unique importance, cultural and rituals on food behavior among the growers. Rice is the major food energy source but on the other hand also meet the expectation of different valuable nutritive sources with unique nutritive qualities for different health benefit with essentials nutrients, vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrate, protein and fat etc. Rice was used by the different tribal people with their unique knowledge with respect to the traditional varieties those were being cultivated over a decade with very good understanding of the varieties with respect to ecological adoptability, seasonal suitability, cultivation and management practices, rice grain, farm produces, grain and grains by product with different unique health benefit and culturally adopted with different dices and preparations due to different health benefit and remedies. All the traditional rice cultivar was to be found very unique due to their unique qualitative identity found in the knowledge domain of the indigenous farmers and people. The traditional cultivars was the own self, it unique identity due natural or farmers selection process and consumer preparation consumption prefer ability in brief. Cultivation of traditional cultivar, it ecological adaptiveness with respect to biological traits and genes on the other hand availability of different quality traits like, medicinal, aromatic, puffing, glutinous, kernel elongation, richness with protein, Zn, Fe, antioxidants and vitamins etc. A few leading traditional rice were popular among farmers in the region, Tulaipanji, Gobindabhog, Paijam, Kalonunia, Tulsibhog, Pioli, Aghoni, Aghoni Bora, Bora, Bao, PioJoha, Jasua, Kalojira, Bhadui, Kalirai, Ramtulsi, Magusal, Jhingasal, Musisal, Rabansal, Motichur, Parijat, Agar, Ganga, Kuajoli, Nagraikalam, Chenga, Sasimahan, Binni Dhan, Dudheswar, Radhatilak, Soni Bhadui, Murisal, Balabhat, Brahmabalak, Sitabhog, Kalo Khasa, Khasa, Ponha, Khegurchori, Begun Bichi, Kotki, Kamal, Sada Nunia and Boka Kamol etc.

Effect of Parboiling on the Physicochemical and Phytochemicals Characteristics of Traditional Rice Cultivars

Background: The indigenous rice varieties of India are cultivated and utilized by tribal peoples as well as people in the distant regions with traditional culture. The main aim of the research work was to explore the inherit beneficial characteristics of traditional rice cultivars over hybrid varieties. Methods: The research work was aimed to investiagate the physicochemical and phytochemicals characteristics in traditional red rice cultivars (Mapillai Samba and Karungkuruvai) and traditional white rice cultivars (IR 20 and Improved White Ponni). The different treatments used in the study were raw rice (unpolished, polished) and parboiled rice (unpolished, polished). The interaction between physicochemical characteristics and phytochemicals were evaluated using Pearson correlation and Principal component analysis. Result: The physicochemical characteristics were analyzed for all the rice cultivars. It was observed that parboiled-unpolished mapillai samba showed highest length, breadth, 1000 grain weight. The raw rice cultivars showed highest phytochemicals than parboiled rice. The total phenolic, total flavonoids and total anthocyanin contents were highest for the mapillai samba (raw rice-unpolished). Among different traditional rice cultivars, mapillai samba showed significantly higher antioxidant levels. The results of the study suggested that these traditional rice cultivars can be incorporated in value added products.

Untargeted Metabolite Profiling of Specialty Rice Grains Using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry.

With-ever increasing demand food grains for the increasing population, it has also increased the importance of quality rice with nutritional and therapeutic properties. The quality of rice includes nutritional value, therapeutic properties, and further generation of aroma. Initial studies on sensory analysis using potassium hydroxide (1.7% KOH) identified the presence of a distinct aroma of the traditional rice cultivar Chakhao Amubi in comparison with other aromatic rice varieties were conducted. The metabolomic profiling of aromatic rice grains Chakhao Amubi, Pusa Basmati 1, and nonaromatic rice, Improved White Ponni was attempted to use gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of fifty volatile aromatic compounds, including aromatic hydrocarbons, alkanes, alkenes, ketones, and aromatic aldehydes, have been identified. Detected compounds include six crucial volatile i.e., pentanal, hexanal, 2-pentylfuran, pyridine, (Z)-7-Decenal, and Mesitylene for distinct flavor and presence of aroma in Chakhao Amubi. The findings showed a distinct difference in the metabolic profile of Chakhao Amubi compared to Pusa Basmati 1 and Improved White Ponni. Thus, this study paved the way for a new understanding of the aromatic aspects of traditional rice germplasm and its utilization in rice breeding programs to improve the aroma, therapeutic, and nutritional characteristics of rice.

Identification and characterization of genes for drought tolerance in upland rice cultivar 'Banglami' of North East India.

Rice is a major crop in Assam, North East (NE) India. The rice accessions belonging to NE India possess unique traits of breeder's interest, i.e., tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses. In the present research programme, the stress responsive genes were identified within the QTLs associated with drought tolerance. The differential expression profiling of genes were performed under drought stress and control conditions. Thus, the 'candidate genes' associated with drought tolerance were recognised and may be deployed in a breeding programme. A drought-tolerant traditional rice cultivar, Banglami, was crossed with a high-yielding, drought-susceptible variety, Ranjit. The mapping population (F4) was raised through the single seed descent (SSD) method and used in QTL analysis. Under drought stress, a total of 4752 genes were identified through in-silico mining of QTLs. Among these, only 21 genes primarily associated with the stress response. The maximum of four stress-responsive genes were located within the QTLs, qNOG12.1 and qGY1.1. However, under control conditions, 2088 genes were identified, out of which, only 15 were categorised as the major stress responsive genes. The functional characterization of genes recognized 24 different types of proteins. Among these, peroxidase and heat shock proteins (Hsp) are the principal proteins encoded during stress. In addition to that, OsbZIP23, inorganic pyrophosphatase, universal stress protein, serine threonine kinase, NADPH oxidoreductase, and proteins belonging to the ABC1 family were also produced during stress condition. The differential expression profiling showed a profound expression pattern of three candidate genes under drought stress condition, i.e., OsI_32199 (Ascorbate peroxidase), OsI_37694 (Universal stress protein) and OsI_32167 (Heat shock protein 81 - 1). The novel candidate genes identified for drought tolerance, may be used in the breeding programme for the development of 'climate smart rice varieties'.