Practice and Thought on Developing Hybrid Rice for Super High Yield by Exploiting Inter-subspecific Heterosis

Since the breakthrough of grain yield owing to the development of dwarf rice and three-line system hybrid rice, rice breeding for high yield hardly had showed significant progress in the next successive two decades. It was considered that utilizing heterosis between subspecific varieties (Oryza sativa L.) would be an effective approach to increase yield further. During 1987-1993, an indica-japonica hybrid Yayou 2 yielded as high as 10.5 t/ha; however, it failed to be commercialized because of seed purity problem due to non-uniform emasculation by chemical agent in seed production, and sensitivity of seed setting in Ft plants to environmental conditions. In the past decade, two inter-subspeific hybrids, Liangyoupeijiu (Peiai 64S/9311, javanica/indica) and Liangyou E32 (Peiai 64S/E32, javanica/ laponica); both of them exhibited grain yield higher than 10.5 t/ha, and were widely judged as the pioneers of super hybrid rice. Liangyoupeijiu has been successfully popularized over 4 million hectare in wide climatic areas, while Liangyou E32 made a yield record and offered a model of plant ideotype for super hybrid rice. It was considered that in combination with plant ideotype, active physiological functions, and wide-range adaptability to ecological conditions, exploitation of indica-japonica heterosis would be the key approach for super hybrid rice breeding.

Correlations of the Characteristics of Photosynthates between Female Parent and F_1 Inter-subspecific Hybrids of Rice

The utilization of hybrid rice heterosis between subspecies is an important way to prove rice breeding programs, but the low matter conversion rate of inter- subspecific hybrids becomes the bottleneck to get high yield. To further explore the reasons for the low conversion rate of dry matters, and the coordination mechanism between biological yield＇s potential and grain yield＇s potential, we evaluated the correlations of the agronomic characters between the female parent and F1 inter subspecific hybrids, using a male parent R292, three female parents Y58S, Peiai 64S and 83S, and their hybrid combinations Y58S/292, 64S/292 and 83S/292 as experimental materials, Yueyou 9113 as the control. The results indicated that the contents of both soluble sugar and starch of all the experimental materials varied at different growth stages, and the highest starch content appeared at pre-ripening stage while soluble sugar content was the lowest. Notable positive correlations in a- gronomic characteristics were observed between the female parents and their F1 hybrids. The soluble sugar content in stem was the highest, followed by that in panicle, and the soluble sugar content in sheath and flag leaf was lower. The re- sults provide a theoretical basis for the research on heterosis and yield coordination mechanisms of inter-subspecific hybrids of rice.

Correlation and Regressive Model Between Spikelet Fertilized Rate and Temperature in Inter-Subspecific Hybrid Rice

To study the sensitivity of inter-subspecific hybrid rice to climatic conditions, the spikelet fertilized rate （SFR） of four types of rice including indica-japonica hybrid, intermediate hybrid, indica and japonica were analyzed during 2000-2004. The inter-subspecific hybrids showed lower SFR, and much higher fluctuation under various climatic conditions than indica and japonica rice, showing the inter-subspecific hybrids were sensitive to ecological conditions. Among 12 climatic factors, the key factor affecting rice SFR was temperature, with the most significant factor being the average temperature of the seven days around panicle flowering （T7）. A regressive equation of SFR-temperature by T7, and a comprehensive synthetic model by four important temperature indices were put forward. The optimum temperature for inter-subspecific hybrids was estimated to be 26.1-26.6℃, and lower limit of safe temperature to be 22.5-23.3℃ for panicle flowering, showing higher by averagely 0.5℃ and 1.7℃, respectively, to be compared with indica and japonica rice. This suggested that inter-subspecific hybrids require proper climatic conditions. During panicle flowering, the suitable daily average temperature was 23.3-29.0℃, with the fittest one at 26.1-26.6℃. For an application example, optimum heading season for inter-subspecific hybrids in key rice growing areas in China was as same as common pure lines, while inferior limit for safe date of heading was about a ten-day period earlier than those of common pure lines.

Dry Breeding and Dry Planting Techniques for Indica Hybrid Rice in Karst Mountain Areas of Gejiu City

Based on the arable land situation in Gejiu City,upland dry planting of indica hybrid rice is being expanded in Karst mountain areas with a rainfall of over 1400 mm and an altitude of 1100-1600 m to develop grain production.This paper gives a specific description of hybrid rice upland dry seedling technology,upland transplanting technology,fertilization technology,field management,weed prevention and control technology,and disease and pest control.

Effect of Temperature on Pollen Fertility in Inter-Subspecific Rice Hybrids

Seventeen rice varieties and hybrids of different types (indica, japonica, javanica, indica hybrid, japonica hybrid and inter-subspecific hybrid) were evaluated to determine the effect of temperature on pollen fertility in inter-subspecfic hybrids. The pollen fertility of inter-subspecific hybrids was greatly reduced when average daily temperature dropped to 22.0 - 23.0℃ at meiosis stage, and the extent of pollen fertility reduction varied greatly with respect to different hybrids. However, the pollen fertility reduction of indica and japonica hybrids and conventional varieties was not obvious under the same regime of temperature conditions. When the average daily temperature dropped to 20℃, the pollen development of conventional varieties and hybrids was also affected. Correlation analysis revealed that there existed a positive correlation between pollen fertility and average daily temperature. A significant difference (P<0.01) was also found between the two correlation coefficients i.e. inter-subspecific hybrids and conventional varieties. Temperature at meiosis stage of pollen mother cell was a key factor in pollen developing, and the pollen fertility of inter-subspecific hybrids was more sensitive to low temperature than that of traditional variety.

Photosynthetic Characteristics of Two Superhigh-yield Hybrid Rice

The photosynthetic functions and the sensitivity to photoinhibition were compared between two superhigh_yield hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) Liangyoupeijiu and X07S/Zihui 100, the newly developed from two parental lines and traditional hybrid rice Shanyou 63 developed from three parental lines. The results showed that, as compared to Shanyou 63, the net photosynthetic rate of Liangyoupeijiu and X07S/Zihui 100 was 9.1% and 11.9% higher, the transpiration rate was 37.4% and 31.4% lower, and their water use efficiency was 74.2% and 63.5% higher respectively. After strong light (2 000 μmol photons·m -2 ·s -1 ) treatment for 2 h, the photochemical quantum yield and the photochemical quenching increased by 37.0% and 18.0% respectively in Liangyoupeijiu, 28.3% and 46.2% in X07S/Zihui 100, but decreased a little in Shanyou 63. The non_photochemical quenching decreased in Liangyoupeijiu and X07S/Zihui 100 (about 50%) but increased greatly in Shanyou 63 (about 50%). Better photosynthetic functions, higher water use efficiency and stronger resistance to photoinhibition, may be the physiological basis for the super high_yield of the two hybrid rice under study.

Study on Mechanization Hybrid Rice Seed Production Technology and Combine Breeding Advances

[Objectives]Current hybrid rice seed production mechanization and a new kind of hybrid rice seed production mechanization using Bentazone sensitive lethal genes for mechanized seed production technology are introduced in this paper.[Method]Sensitive Restorer Bentazone lethal dose of filtering,parental and seed weight are bred combinations of several aspects of the system described,and presented mechanized seed technology new research directions.[Results]The method of using Bentazone sensitive lethal genes for mechanized seed production technology is feasible,economic,seed production and combination advantages.[Conclusions] Using Bentazone sensitive lethal genes for mechanized seed production technology is the new study direction of mechanic production.

Correlation Analysis of Characters of Indica Hybrid Rice with High Content of Amylose

[Objective] The aim was to research and analyze characters and related correlation of indica hybrid rice containing high amylose. [Method] In the research, major characters of 16 species of groups of {ndica hybrid rice and the correlation were explored in rice belts in Sichuan in 2011. [Result] The variation of chalkiness degree was the highest at 26.8%, followed by rate of head rice at 22.89%; varia- tions of head rice rate and chalkiness degree were lower at 0.72% and 2.61%. In addition, rate of unpolished rice was of significantly negative correlation with chalki- ness degree; rate of chalky rice was of extremely positive correlation with chalkiness degree and gel consistency; chalkiness degree was of significantly positive correla- tion with gel consistency; gel consistency was of significantly negative correlation with protein content; amylose content was of insignificant correlation with gel consis- tency （r=0.166 9） of the 16 hybrid groups. These indicated that gel consistency would be still high as the content of amylose grows （AC≥25%）. For example, when the content of anylose in Chuanxiang 29A/Luhui 37, Kangfeng AJ6684, and Lefeng A/SR536 exceeded 27%, the gel consistency was over 80 mm in the research. [Conclusion] The research provides references for improvement of amylose content in breeding hybrid rice.

Breeding of New Japonica-indica Hybrid Rice Combination——Chunyou 618

[Objective] The aim was to select and breed Chunyou 618 which is a novel combination among japonica-indica hybrid rice subspecies. [Method] Chunyou 618 is a japonica-indica hybrid rice combination developed from Chunjiang 16A, a late japonica CMS line with dwarfness and early anthesis time, and C18, an indicaclinous wide compatibility restorer line. In addition, the concerning characters were researched. [Result] Chunyou 618, which is japonica inclining, proved high in pro- duction and in resistance to lodging with Cheng＇s index at 15. It is of moderate re- sistance against Xanthomonas oryzae and stripe virus disease, of moderate susceptibility on rice blast, and of susceptibility on Nilaparvata lugens. The indices of rice quality achieved departmental standard 4 and grade 4 of Cooking Rice Variety Quality, respectively. [Conclusion] Chunyou 618 enjoys strong heterosis, strong stem, good lodging resistance, large panicles, good cold tolerance, high yield and wide adaptability, which is suitable to be grown in Zhejiang Province as single cropping late rice.

Effects of Tiller-inhibitor on Growth and Yield Formation of Super Early Hybrid Rice Jinyou458

[Objective]The paper was to study the effect of tiller-inhibitor on the growth and yield formation of super early rice Jinyou 458.[Method] Two treatments including spraying tiller-inhibitor（TI） and spraying water（CK） at the SN-n stage were set in the test,the effect of tiller-inhibitor on yield and its components,leaf and plant morphology,field microclimate at booting stage and quality characteristics of rice population were studied.[Result] Spraying tiller-inhibitor could effectively reduce the occurrence of invalid and inefficient tillers,increase the proportion of high effective tillers（tiller with 4 or more leaves） in tiller composition at the maximal tiller stage.The panicle length,spikelets per panicle,spikelets density,number of secondary branches and the secondary spikelets,seed setting rate of rice plant sprayed with tiller-inhibitor were significantly higher than CK.Meanwhile,spraying tiller-inhibitor could increase plant height,biomass weight and leaf area index of rice population during middle and late stages of rice growing,improve the leaf temperature of top three leaves and the light transmittance of rice population at the booting stage,increase the leaf SPAD value,thus enhance photosynthetic capacity of rice plants.It also showed the characteristics of elongating the internode of rice plant and decreasing the stem thickness,etc.[Conclusion] The panicle-bearing rate of stems and tillers,effective panicles,spikelets per panicle,seed setting rate and 1 000-grain weight had coordinately increased after spraying tiller-inhibitor,thus increased the yield.

The Principal Component Analysis on Yielding and Agronomic Traits of Hybrid Rice of Liangyou 2111

In order to define the relationship between yield and important agronomic traits of two lines hybrid Uangyou 2111, the principal component analysis method was used to analyze the expadmental data of six test points in Yunnan Province. The results showed that the main factors influencing the production of Liangyou 2111 were grain number, grains seed number, panicle length, growth padod and panicle rate; then were 1 O00-grain weight, seed setting rate, effective panicle and highest stem tillers number; again was plant height. Therefore, when hybrid rice of Uangyou 2111 will be planted widely in yunnan province, we should focus on en- sudng the panicle traits, especially increase grain number and grain seed number, and coordinately develop other traits to achieve high yield.

Research on Yield and Quality of Hybrid Rice under Efficient Application Amount of Phosphorus and Potassium

[Objective] Application of P and K was not reasonable in southwest rice producing area, with no effective method for guiding application of P and K. This study aimed to conduct experiments with the same N application and different P and K application in different ecological points, to explore a scientific and efficient management method of P and K nutrients and provide guidance for application of P and K in rice production. [Method] Hybrid rice Chuanxiang9838 was used as experimental material to study the relationship among application amount of P and K, utilization rates of P and K, rice yield and rice quality in seven ecological points of four provinces （municipalities） including Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan and Guizhou. The application amount per hectare of P was 37.5, 75, 112.5 and 150 kg, respectively; the application amount per hectare of K was 45, 135 and 180 kg, respectively. A total of 10 treatments were set for split-plot design with three replications. [Result] Yield of Chuanxiang9838 significantly varied in different experimental locations and under different levels of P and K, interaction of ecological point and different P and K treatments varied significantly. Yield had reached the maximum in ecological point of Yunnan Binchuan and in treatment with application of N 150 kg P 75 kg K 90 kg. Efficient utilization rates of P and K varied in each ecological point, efficient application amount of P and K in Sichuan Dongpo, Sichuan Luxian, Guizhou Xiaohe and Chongqing Yongchuan was the same, while that in Sichuan Guanghan, Sichuan Zhongjiang and Yunnan Binchuan was different. The main objective of high-yield rice production was to increase the number of effective panicles per hectare and seed setting rate. Rice quality was clustered into 2 categories by locations and 6 categories by treatments. [Conclusion] Prediction models of efficient application of P and K in rice production were established, which provided guidance for high-yield rice production and rational and efficient utilization of P and K in southwest rice area.

Relationship between Leaf Area Index and Yield of Hybrid Rice

In the research, 20 indica hybrid rice varieties were investigated under high-dense and low-amount, mid-dense and mid-amount and low-dense and high-amount fertilization conditions in order to explore correlation between LAI in ful heading stage with yield and to analyze yield differences, yield components, material accumulation and transferring, as wel as correlation between key cultivation factors and yield. Final y, approaches and key technology for yield breakthrough were dis-cussed, which provides theoretical and technological references for rice high yield.

Correlations between Drought Resistance and Shoot Traits of Mid-season Hybrid Rice

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the correlations between the drought tolerance and plant traits of hybrid rice, so as to provide theoretical basis for the breeding of drought-tolerant rice varieties. [Method] In the field experiment in 2011, 30 hybrid rice cultivars were grown under three different conditions： drought at til ering stage, drought at panicle initiation stage and control （keeping shal ow wa-ter during the whole growth period）. Then, the main plant traits were measured, and the related drought tolerance indices were calculated. In 2012, 16 hybrid rice culti-vars were grown in pots under drought and normal water conditions respectively. And their main plant traits were measured, and the related drought tolerance indices were also calculated. [Result] The water content in soil under drought stress at til ering stage was nearly 60%, and that under drought stress at panicle initiation stage was 80%. Such low water content significantly reduced the rice yield. The cultivars with large panicle and great root growth potential had strong drought toler-ance at panicle initiation stage. Under drought stress, the cultivars with higher yield had stronger tolerance to drought. The drought tolerance indices at til ering stage had no correlations with those at panicle initiation stage. Under normal water condi-tions, the cultivars with smal er 1 000-grain weight had stronger tolerance to drought . Under drought stress , the cultivars with smal er 1 000-grain weight and higher grain yield had stronger tolerance to drought. [Conclusion] Among al the rice cultivars tested in the present study, D You 6511, Taiyou 99, Nei 5 You 317, Neixiangyou 18, Yixiangyou 7633, Tianyouhuazhan, II You 615, Neixiang 5306, Chuanguyou 7329 and Neixiang 7539 exhibited better tolerance to drought, and thus can be promoted in production.

Variation of Nitrogen Uptake and Utilization Efficiency of Mid-Season Hybrid Rice at Different Ecological Sites under Different Nitrogen Application Levels

[Objective] The study aimed at investigating the effects of different geographic sites,soil chemical characteristics and nitrogen application levels on nitrogen accumulation and distribution in different organs and utilization efficiency for mid-season hybrid rice.[Method] By using mid-season rice varieties II-you 7 and Yuxiangyou203 as the experimental materials,field experiment was conducted at seven ecological sites in four provinces or cities in Southwestern China in 2009.A total of four nitrogen application levels were set as follows：by using 75 kg/hm2 of P2O5 and 75 kg/hm2 of K2O as the base fertilizer,extra 0,90,150 and 210 kg/hm2 of nitrogen fertilizer（in which,base fertilizer,base-tillering fertilizer and base-earing fertilizer respectively accounted for 60%,20% and 20%.） was applied,respectively.In the split-plot design,fertilizer was considered as the main factor while rice variety was taken as the secondary factor.A total of eight treatments were set with three replications.[Result] Highly significant differences of grain yield were found among seven locations,two varieties,four nitrogen application levels,interactions of site × variety and site × nitrogen application level,but the interaction of variety ×nitrogen application level had no significant influence on rice yield.There were highly significant effects of site,varieties and nitrogen application level on dry matter production,nitrogen content,nitrogen utilization efficiency.Highly significant negative correlations between uptake efficiency and utilization efficiency for nitrogen were found;and multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that nitrogen uptake-utilization efficiency were significantly influenced by different ecological sites,chemical quality of soil and the levels of nitrogen application.[Conclusion] The research will provide theoretical and practical basis for the highly efficient application of nitrogen in mid-season hybrid rice cultivation.

Solutions to Insecurity Problems in Seed Production of Two-line Hybrid Rice

The insecure problems of seed production have seriously hampered the healthy and sustainable development of two-line hybrid rice.The safety issues on seed production of two-line hybrid rice and current research situation were pointed out in this paper.The three main reasons for unsafety in seed production of twoline hybrid rice were unsuitable site selection,high critical sterility-inducing temperature and the drift of critical temperature.In this paper,strategies and measures were put forward based on many years of practice.It could minimize the risk in seed production of two-line hybrid rice by selecting dual-purpose genic male sterile line with lower critical sterility-inducing temperature and long lower temperature resistant time.Based on the climate data and climatic demands of the ＂three safe-periods＂ in seed production,a new idea for determining appropriate bases and periods for seed production was proposed by using computer technology,which solved the aimless selection of sites and periods for the seed production of two-line hybrid rice.Besides,we established a system of single plant selection and identification method and original seed propagation with cyclic cold water,which could reduce the generation number of original seed propagation in seed production and avoid the drift of critical sterility-inducing temperature.This paper improved the seed production safety in the three aspects of seed nature,seed source and seed production site.

Identification of Phosphorus Starvation Inducible Genes in Rice by Suppression Subtractive Hybridization

Phosphorus is one of the three essential macroelements for plant growth. Plants respond to phosphorus starvation through adaptive mechanisms involved in morphological, biochemical and molecular changes. To investigate the molecular background of the adaptive mechanisms, the suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) method was used to construct a rice phosphorus-starvation ( Pi-starvation) induced cDNA library. Through screening of the cDNA library and sequencing of the enriched cDNAs, 18 known genes and 47 novel genes were identified. The known genes are involved in different metabolic processes, including phosphate uptake and transport, signal transduction, protein synthesis and degradation, carbon metabolism and stress response. Northern analysis was performed to detect the expression patterns of some known genes and novel genes under different phosphorus levels. Different expression patterns of the selected genes were identified, which suggests that genes involved in different pathways may have different responses to Pi-starvation.

Genetic Effects and Heterosis in Plant Height and Internode Traits of Japonica-Indica Hybrid Rice

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the genetic effects and heterosis of plant height and internode traits of japonica-indica hybrid rice. [Methed] Incomplete diallel crosses were made between six japonica CMS lines and nine indica widecompatibility restorer lines; the genetic effects of plant height and internode traits of japonica-indica hybrid rice were analyzed using the additive-dominance genetic model. [Result] The ple, nt height, panicle length and the length of internode 1 of japonica-in- dica hybrid rice were mainly controlled by the additive effects; but the length of in- ternode 3, internode 4 and internode 5 were mainly controlled by dominance effects. Both the narrow sense heritability and broad sense heritability of plant height, panicle length, number of elongated internodes and length of most internodes reached signifi- cance level. The positive phenotypic correlation, genetic correlation, additive correla- tion and dominance correlation between plant height and panicle length, number of e- longated internodes and internode length were significant; and most of the other paired traits were significantly positively correlated. Heterosis analysis showed that the positive heterosis value over mid-parent and positive heterosis value over better- parent of the length of internode 3, internode 4, internode 5 and internode 6 reached significant level, and the heterosis value over mid-parent of plant height reached extreme significance level. [Conclusion] This study will provide reliable theoretical basis for the genetic improvement and heterosis utilization of plant height and internode traits in japonica-indica hybrid rice.

The Application of Bentazon Susceptible Gene on Seed Production of Hybrid Rice

The seed production of male and female parent of ‘Hunzhi 1＇ contained bentazon susceptible gene was studied. The result showed that spraying 3. 375 L/hm2 48% bentazon aqua could control the self-pollinated fertilization rate below 1.0% and survival plant rate was 0. The spray of bentazon would not influence MC526 pollen vitality. Seed setting rate of female parent was not obvious different from that of control group with spraying bentazon aqua more than 3. 375 L/hm^2 from the sprouting appearing period to full heading stage. This demonstrated that bentazon aqua had no influence on seed setting rate during florescence of female parent. The weight ratio between male parent seeds and female parent seeds was 1 to 5, then seeds from parents with that weight ratio would be mixedly planted for seed production. With this weight ratio, relative proper structure of panicle and grain would be obtained ,panicle ratio was 1 to 4.3, glumous flowers ratio was 1 to 3.5. Cross seed-setting rate of female parent was 72.6% and seed production per hm^2 was 66 000 kg.

Changes in Agronomic Traits of Indica Hybrid Rice during Genetic Improvement

[Objective]The aim was to elucidate the changes of agronomical traits of indica hybrid rice during its genetic improvement.[Method]23 typical indica hybrid combinations cultivated in the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River during the last 30 years were selected as experimental materials.All the hybrid rice combinations were grown in the same field;and then yield and morphological characters of single plant were compared;correlation and path analyses among agronomic characteristics were also conducted.[Result]During the 30 years of genetic improvement,the effective panicle number per plant was progressively decreased,which caused the decrease of grain yield and biomass per plant of hybrid rice combinations in spite of the slightly increased plant height,1 000-grain weight and number of grains per panicle.Although the transformation percentage of the matter in stem and sheath decreased after flowering,leave photosynthetic capacity after flowering was increased as panicle weight.Correlation and path analysis showed that although both biomass per plant and number of grains per panicle were significantly correlated with grain yield per plant,biomass per plant acted as the key factor affecting yield per plant.[Conclusion]It was suggested that in rice high yield cultivation,panicle number was as important as large panicle,and tillering ability should not be neglected in breeding.