Enriching Iodine and Regulating Grain Aroma,Appearance Quality,and Yield in Aromatic Rice by Foliar Application of Sodium Iodide

Applying iodine fertilizers to cultivate iodine-rich crops for daily intake is an effective approach for iodine supplementation,especially for aromatic rice.Field experiments were conducted during the early growing seasons of 2021 and 2022 to evaluate the impacts of foliar application of iodine fertilizer on aromatic rice and to explore the optimal iodine fertilizer concentration.At the full heading stage,six different concentrations of sodium iodide solutions of 0%(CK),0.010%(T1),0.025%(T2),0.050%(T3),0.075%(T4),and 0.100%(T5)were applied to indica aromatic rice cultivars Meixiangzhan 2 and Xiangyaxiangzhan.The results showed that sodium iodide treatments significantly increased the iodine and sodium contents in both leaves and grains.Compared with the CK,the T1 and T2 treatments increased the 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline(2-AP)content in mature grains by 8.41%-101.66%and 13.58%-74.60%,respectively.Improvements in the contents of 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid,proline,1-pyrroline,and methylglyoxal,as well as the activity of proline dehydrogenase were also detected.Additionally,sodium iodide treatments remarkably decreased the chalky grain rate,chalkiness area,and chalkiness degree of aromatic rice,with the T2 treatment exhibiting a 17.79%-47.42%decrease in chalkiness degree compared with the CK.Meanwhile,T1 and T2 treatments showed beneficial impacts on chlorophyll content,photosynthetic characteristics,and yield components,while T3,T4,and T5 treatments exhibited adverse effects on leaf and grain yields.The linear discriminant analysis revealed significant differences between treatments.The correlation analysis and piecewise structural equation modeling showed that the iodine and sodium influenced the photosynthetic characteristics and chlorophyll content of the leaves,thereby regulating the 2-AP biosynthesis and yield components,ultimately affecting the 2-AP content and yield.Overall,this study suggests that foliar application of 0.025%sodium iodide is an effective method to enrich the iodine content in rice grains,improve the grain aroma and appearance quality of aromatic rice,without detrimental effects on grain yield.

Sensory Phenotypic and Molecular Identification of Aromatic Rice Accessions Cultivated in Benin

Rice is one of the most widely cultivated cereals in the world, and its aroma is increasingly in demand. With the advancement of research, a major rice flavor gene has been identified on rice chromosome 8. It encodes non-functional betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase leading to the accumulation of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline which is the major olfactory compound that confers the fragrant character to rice. The aroma of rice is considered a special trait of enormous economic importance that determines the prime price in world trade. To satisfy the needs of the population and reduce rice imports into Benin, we conducted this study to identify aromatic rice accessions grown in Benin. Seventy-two rice accessions collected across Benin were PCR amplified with three SSR markers RM 7049, Aro 7, and RM 223, linked to the fgr (fragrance of rice) aroma gene. Molecular analysis revealed that 12 of the 72 accessions, namely Bagou 19, Bagou 22, Tchaka 34, Foun 15, Tchaka 41, Nana 32, Kan 61, Kung 69, Kung 67, Bagou 20, Agbab 101 and Koum 55 possess the fgr gene and can be considered as aromatic rice accessions. A sensory phenotypic test using KOH was carried out on rice accessions carrying fgr gene. Of the twelve positives, only one had the smell of aromatic rice, like the Azucena control. These results show that Benin also has aromatic rice varieties that can be sold on national and international markets.

Germplasm Resources,Genes and Perspective for Aromatic Rice

Aromatic rice is considered an important commodity in the global market because of its strong aroma and eating and cooking quality.Asian countries,such as India and Pakistan,are the leading traders of Basmati rice,whereas Thailand is the major supplier of Jasmine rice in the international market.The strong aroma of rice is associated with more than 300 volatile compounds,among which 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline(2-AP)is the principal component.2-AP is a phenotypic expression of spontaneous mutations in the recessive gene OsBadh2 or Badh2.The present review focuses on the origin,evolution and diversity of genetic resources of aromatic rice available worldwide.A brief discussion is presented on the genes responsible for quality traits along with details of their molecular genetics.This compilation and discussion will be useful for future breeding programs and the biofortification of quality traits of aromatic rice to ensure food security and nutritional need.

Development of new aromatic rice lines with high eating and cooking qualities

Rice is the staple food for about half of the world’s population.Preferred by consumers,aromatic rice is a special type of rice with great commercial value.Cooking and eating qualities and aroma are the major grain qualities favored by most consumers.Currently,most of the available aromatic varieties have low yields and some undesirable agronomic traits.Thus,there is an urgent need to develop better aromatic rice varieties.This work aims to identify rice germplasm lines that have good grain quality and to develop new varieties with desirable traits.Thirty-six out of 188 germplasm lines were found to have betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (badh2) controlling the aroma and were analyzed for their 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) contents.Then,17 of those lines were found to have alleles for low amylose content and low gelatinization temperature,controlled by waxy and starch synthase Ⅱa (SSⅡa),respectively,suggesting that they are aromatic rice lines with high cooking and eating qualities.A total of 158 F_(7)recombinant inbred lines (RILs) generated from five crosses of the selected germplasm lines were planted for phenotypic and yield observations,resulting in 27 F_(8)RILs selected for yield evaluation and genotyping.Finally,four out of the seven F_(9)aromatic RILs showed high yield,high 2AP production,and low amylose content,in agreement with their genotypes.The other three F9RILs were aromatic rice lines with high amylose content and high yield.Because consumer preferences for grain quality vary depending on regions and ethnic groups,the high-yielding aromatic RILs generated from this study can be used to increase the yield of Thai rice and to raise market value and farm profits.

Comparison of Genetic Diversity Between Local Cultivated Aromatic and Non-aromatic Rice in Yunnan Province

[ Objective] The genetic diversity of the local cultivated aromatic rice and non-aromatic rice in Yunnan Province were compared to provide further genetic resources for breeding practice. [Method] Genetic diversity of 10 aromatic rice and 45 non-aromatic rice were analyzed by 64 SSR primers covered on 12 rice chromosomes. [ Result] Per locus 5.44 and 7.98 alleles in average were detected, ranging from 2 to 12 and from 2 to 17 in aromatic and non-aromatic rice, respectively. Average genetic multiplicity index（Hs） was 0.46 and 0.67 respectively. The average polymorphism information content （PIC） was 0.43 and 0.58 in aromatic and non-aromatic rice respectively. [ Conclusion] The results indicated that genetic diversity was higher in non-aromatic rice than in aromatic rice.

The power of microsatellite markers and AFLPs in revealing the genetic diversity of Hashemi aromatic rice from Iran

Hashemi, a popular aromatic rice among Iranians, is famous for its fragrance and taste. Such features are major reasons for its higher price compared to non-aromatic varieties available in Iran. Therefore, the knowledge of genetic diversity of this profitable crop is a fundamental ineterst for plant breeders in future breeding programs. In the present research, genetic diversity among 35 genotypes of Hashemi aromatic rice （Oryza sativa L.） from Guilan and Mazandaran provinces of Iran was estimated using simple sequence repeat （SSR） and amplified fragment length polymorphism （AFLP） markers. Out of 21 SSR and 12 EcoRI-Msel AFLP marker combinations, only 16 SSRs and 10AFLPs exhibited polymorphic patterns while others were monomorphic. The 10 AFLP primer combinations produced a total of 142 of bands and 20 were polymorphic （14.08%）. Moreover, 40 out of 47 bands amplified with 16 SSR markers showed polymorphism （85.1%）. The average num- ber of alleles identified by SSR primers was 2.56 alleles per locus with a range of 2 to 4. The average value of polymorphic information content （PIC） was 0.393 and 0.468 for AFLP and SSR markers, respectively. However, the genetic similarity values ranged from 0.26 to 1 for SSRs and 0.21 to 1 forAFLPs. Later, a unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean （UPGMA） dendrogram was generated and genotypes were clustered into four groups with SSRs at similarity coefficient of 0.55 while AFLPs clustered them into six groups at similarity coefficient of 0.41. Cluster analysis revealed a narrow genetic diversity and low correlation between geographical differentiation and genetic distance within cultivars.

Accumulation of Polyphenolic Compounds and Osmolytes under Dehydration Stress and Their Implication in Redox Regulation in Four Indigenous Aromatic Rice Cultivars

Present work was undertaken to screen some drought tolerant indigenous aromatic rice cultivars(IARCs),commonly cultivated in West Bengal,India,based on their capacity to produce osmolytes,redox-sensitive phenolic acids and flavonoids,as contrivances for redox-regulation under drought stress.Polyethylene glycol induced post imbibitional dehydration stress mediated changes in redox regulatory properties of the germinating seeds of the four IARCs(Jamainadu,Tulaipanji,Sitabhog,Badshabhog),which were assessed in terms of changes in prooxidant accumulation(in-situ localization of reactive oxygen species(ROS)by confocal microscopy,DCFDA(2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate)oxidation,O2-and H2O2 accumulation),cumulative antioxidative defense(radical scavenging property and total thiol content),ROS scavenging phenolic acids(gallic acid,protocatechuic acid,gentisic acid,para-hydroxy benzoic acid,chlorogenic acid,caffeic acid,syringic acid,salicylic acid,sinapic acid and p-coumaric acid)and flavonoids(catechin,naringin,rutin,quercetin,kaempferol,myricetin and apigenin).The capability of germinating seeds to accumulate osmolytes(like glycinebetaine,proline,soluble carbohydrates and K+ion)and polyphenolic compounds was also correlated with their corresponding redox status and redox biomarkers(conjugated diene,hydroperoxide,thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and free carbonyl content)produced under the same conditions.The results in general showed that accumulation of osmolytes along with the redox-sensitive phenolics and flavonoids conferred the ability to maintain the redox homeostasis under drought stress for the tolerant IARCs(Badshabhog and Tulaipanji).

Effects of High-Quality Aromatic Rice Varieties on the Fitness of the Striped Stem Borer, Chilo suppressalis (Walker) in Central China

The striped stem borer （SSB）, Chilo suppressalis （Walker） （Lepidoptera： Pyralidae）, is a major pest of rice in China. Variation in host-plant quality may affect the body size of herbivorous insects, which in turn, can determine their life-history parameters such as survival, fecundity and fitness. In this study, we tested the effects of high-quality aromatic rice varieties on the fitness of SSB in China. Results showed that 1st instar larvae had higher penetrating rates and survival rates on the high-quality aromatic rice varieties （EX-1 and WX-988） than that on the non-aromatic rice varieties （EZ-5 and LYP-9）. In addition, shorter developmental periods, greater female pupal weights and higher of other life-history parameters （hatching rate, pupation rate, eclosion rate and increase index） were found on the high-quality aromatic rice varieties, although only female pupal weight showed a significant difference between the two varieties. The highest dead heart rate was found on the aromatic rice variety of EX-1. These results indicate that SSB sustains a lower fitness cost when consuming the high-quality aromatic rice varieties （EX-1 and WX-988） than on the non-aromatic rice varieties （EZ-5 and LYP-9） in Central China.

Utilization of Aromatic Rice in Improving Grain Quality of Hybrid Rice(Ⅰ)

To improve grain quality of the high-yielding hybrid rice in China, we introduced the aromatic rice MR365, an improved Indian cultivar, from IRRI in 1984 and began to transfer its aroma and good quality characters into the existing maintainer lines. In the meantime, the research on the inheritance of aroma for increasing the breeding efficiency was also conducted.It was found that the inheritance of aroma in MR 365 and its derivatives was controlled by one pair of recessive major genes based on the KOH-soaking method. There existed disparity in aroma degree among different grains of F2 generation, and different aromatic CMS lines derived from the same aromatic donor had also a little difference in the degree of aroma, which implies that, besides the major genes, aroma may also be affected by the genetic backgrounds or minor genes.Xiangxiang 2A, developed from the cross of V20A//V20B/MR365, is the first aromatic CMS line bred in China. It is not only aromatic but also has good grain quality and combining ability. Using it as female parent, Xiangyou 63 (Xiangxiang 2A / Minghui 63), the first quasi-aromatic hybrid rice combination in China, was developed, and released to farmers in 1995. Xiangyou 63 is characteristic of quasi-aromatic or partially aromatic (because only a portion of or not all grains are aromatic), good grain quality, high-yielding ability, good blast resistance and wide adaptability.

Effects of Exogenousα-Ketoglutaric Acid on 2-Acetyl-1-Pyrroline,Yield Formation and Grain Quality Characters of Aromatic Rice

The improvement of grain quality in aromatic rice is very important for farmer to increase their income.Present study was conducted with a two-year field experiment and three aromatic rice cultivars in order to study the effects of exogenousα-ketoglutaric acid on yield formation,grain quality characters and the biosynthesis of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline(2-AP,key component of aromatic rice’s fragrance)in aromatic rice.At heading stage,0.50 mmol L^(-1)(T1)and 1.00 mmol L^(-1)(T2)α-ketoglutaric acid solutions were overhead sprinkle to aromatic rice plants,respectively while the treatment which was overhead sprinkled with distilled water was set as control(CK).The results showed that 17.34%-33.04%and 21.39%-34.74%higher grain 2-AP contents were recorded in T1 and T2 treatments,respectively.Compared with CK,T1 and T2 treatments significantly reduced the transcript level of gene BADH2 which is related to the 2-AP biosynthesis in aromatic rice.3.86%-7.51%higher grain protein contents and 1.15%-3.37%higher head rice rates were also recorded inα-ketoglutaric acid treatments than CK.Moreover,T1 and T2 treatments remarkably decreased the chalky rice rate,chalkiness and grain amylose content.However,there was no remarkable difference in grain yield and related trails(effective panicle number,grain number per panicle,seed-setting rate and 1000-grain weight)among CK,T1 and T2 treatments.In conclusion,application of exogenousα-ketoglutaric acid enhanced 2-AP biosynthesis and improved grain quality of aromatic rice.

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on Yield and Quality of Aromatic Rice in North-Western Indo-Gangetic Plains

Most of the aromatic rice cultivars are susceptible to disease, insect-pest attack and are more prone to lodging. Therefore, nitrogen is the key input for increasing the productivity of aromatic rice. Research analyzing the effects of N level on yield and quality characteristics of modem aromatic cultivars in the north-western Indo-Gangetic Plains is not well documented. Therefore, the present study was conducted to optimise the N levels for higher yield and better quality of the modem aromatic rice cultivars. The mean grain yield increased by 22.5% when plots were supplemented with 40 kg/ha of N application as compared to control （unfertilized）. Among cultivars, Punjab Mehak 1 registered highest yield （5.3 t/ha） followed by Pusa Basmati 1121 （4.78 t/ha） and Punjab Basmati 2 （4.66 t/ha） respectively. Interactive effect between N levels and cultivars on grain yield revealed that in Punjab Mehak l, grain yield responded significantly up to 60 kg/ha of N application as compared to Pusa Basmati 1121 and Punjab Basmati 2 where it responded only upto 40 kg/ha of N application. All the quality characteristic found to be improved with N application, whereas amylose content decreased with 60 kg/ha of N application as compared to 20 and 40 kg/ha of N application.

Utilization of aromatic rice in improving grain quality of hybrid rice(Ⅱ)

Xiangxiang 2A has an evident drawback, i.e., instability in male sterility under higher temperature conditions resulting from the existence of minor restoring genes in it, which greatly hampered the extension of its elite hybrid Xiangyou 63 with both high yield and fine quality in commercial production. To improve Xiangxiang 2A, the hybridization of Xiangxiang 2B with V20 B was made again in 1990. A new aromatic CMS line Xinxiang A was successfully developed in 1994. It not only retains the favorable characteristics of Xiangxiang 2A in grain quality and combining ability, but also expresses complete and stable male sterility and high seed production yield potential. Up to now, by using it as female parent, a series of quasi aromatic hybrids have been developed. Some of them have been released to farmers. Because such hybrids can not only yield higher or as high as but also possess a better grain quality than the current common high yielding hybrid rice varieties,so that they are preferred and well welcome by the farmers in China. The planting area under these hybrids is increasing rapidly in China.

Abiotic and Biotic Factors Controlling Grain Aroma along Value Chain of Fragrant Rice:A Review

The aroma of fragrant rice is one of the grain quality attributes that significantly influenceconsumer preferences and prices in world markets. The volatile compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) isrecognized as a key component of the aroma in fragrant rice. The variation in grain 2AP content amongvarious fragrant rice varieties is associated with the expression of the badh2 gene, with 19 alleles havingbeen identified so far. The grain 2AP content is strongly influenced by environmental and managementfactors during cultivation as well as post-harvest conditions. This review pinpointed the major abiotic andbiotic factors that control grain 2AP content. Abiotic factors refer to water, temperature, light quality,fertilizer application (both macro- and micro-nutrients), and soil properties, including salinity, while bioticfactors include microorganisms that produce aromatic compounds, thus influencing the grain aroma infragrant rice. Post-harvest management, including storage and drying conditions, can significantly impactthe grain 2AP content, and proper post-harvest conditions can intensify the grain aroma. This reviewsuggests that there are rice varieties that can serve as potential sources of genetic material for breedingrice varieties with high grain aroma content. It offers an overview of recent research on the major factorsaffecting the aroma content in fragrant rice. This knowledge will facilitate further research on theproduction of high-quality rice to meet the demands of farmers and consumers.

Optimization Model of the Effects of Transplanting Density, Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization on Yield and Quality of an Aromatic Hybrid Rice "Luyoumingzhan"

Effects of transplanting density, nitrogen （N） application quantity and potassium （K） application quantity on hybrid rice ＂Luyoumingzhan＂ were studied by optimal design. Regression models between yield, quality and the three cultivation measures were built to study the effects of the three cultivation measures on rice yield and quality. The results showed that the yield and quality were influenced in various degrees. An optimization measure for high yield and low chalky ratio was simulated by computer,which was 214500 clumps per ha, 140.2 kg N per ha and N 136.6 kg per ha.

Comparison of 2-Acetyl-1-Pyrroline (2AP) in Rice Leaf at Different Growth Stages Using Gas Chromatography

Aromatic rice lines were examined for 2-Acetyl-1-Pyrroline (2AP) content in leaf tissue at five different growth stages (tillering, panicle initiation, 50% heading, booting, and maturity). A small plot trial with plot size of 1.42 m × 4.88 m (7 row-plots) was arranged in completely randomize design with three replications. Dry-seeded, delayed flood cultural practice was used in this study. The experiment was conducted at three locations. The average 2AP concentrations in leaf tissue at tillering stages were higher than the other four growth stages. 2AP levels were declined when rice plant reached booting. AP levels decreased slightly at heading stage and decreased significantly at maturity. There was no significant different between 2AP in leaf at 50% heading from three locations as well as the 2AP content in rice grain. Correlations between 2AP in leaf and 2AP in grain were significantly in all five growth stages. The highest correlation coefficient was found between 2AP in leaf at booting and grain (r = 0.811**) and lowest was in the leaf at harvest (r = 0.564**). Results indicated that 2AP could be determined in leaf tissue at early growth stage.

Economic outlook of rice crops in Pakistan:a time series analysis (1970-2015)

Background:The basic objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the rice output,its production area,water availability,and agricultural gross domestic product(GDP)of Pakistan.Annual time series data for 1970–2015 were collected from the National Food Security and Research,Economic Survey of Pakistan,and Pakistan Bureau of Statistics(various publications).Methods:Rice crop data were analyzed using the ordinary least square method and the augmented Dickey–Fuller test.Were interpreted using the Johansen cointegration test.Results:Our study revealed the existence of a long-standing relationship between rice output,its production area,and water availability with the agricultural GDP of Pakistan.Regression results indicate that rice output and cultivated area have a significant and positive relationship with agricultural GDP,while water availability has a negative relationship.Conclusions:The study suggests that the government of Pakistan should design new policies and funding schemes for developing and improving water availability.