Molecular Mapping of Sterility QTLs qSS-3, qSS-6a and qSS-7 as Single Mendelian Factors via NIL strategy

Hybrid sterility between Oryza glaberrima and O. sativa seriously hampers the introgression of favorable genes from each other. In order to further understand this issue, identification and isolation of hybrid sterility QTLs as single Mendelian factors are an effective strategy. A genetic map was constructed using a BC1 F1 population derived from a cross between an O. safiva japonica cultivar and an O. glaberrima accession. Four main-effect QTLs for pollen sterility were detected in the BC1F1. Five BC8F1 advanced backcross populations were developed via successive backcrosses based on phenotype and molecular selections. The BC8F1 populations showed bimodal distribution for pollen fertility and could be classified into semi-sterile and fertile types, fitting single Mendilian factor inheritance ratios. Three QTLs detected in the BC1F1 corresponding to qSS-3, qSS-6a and qSS-7 were mapped on chromosomes 6, 3 and 7, respectively, as single Mendilian factors.