Multi-Environmental Genetic Analysis of Grain Size Traits Based on Chromosome Segment Substitution Line in Rice(Oryza sativa L.)

Grain size traits are critical agronomic traits which directly determine grain yield,but the genetic bases of these traits are still not well understood.In this study,a total of 154 chromosome segment substitution lines(CSSLs)population derived from a cross between a japonica variety Koshihikari and an indica variety Nona Bokra was used to investigate grain length(GL),grain width(GW),length-width ratio(LWR),grain perimeter(GP),grain area(GA),and thousand grain weight(TGW)under four environments.QTL mapping analysis of six grain size traits was performed by QTL IciMapping 4.2 with an inclusive composite interval mapping(ICIM)model.A total of 64 QTLs were identified for these traits,which mapped to chromosomes 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,10,11,and 12 and accounted for 1.6%–27.1%of the total phenotypic variations.Among these QTLs,thirty-six loci were novel and seven QTLs were identified under four environments.One locus containing the known grain size gene,qGL3/GL3.1/OsPPKL1,also have been found.Moreover,five pairs of digenic epistatic interactions were identified except for GL and GP.These findings will facilitate fine mapping of the candidate gene and QTL pyramiding to genetically improve grain yield in rice.