Regulation of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline and grain quality in early-season indica fragrant rice by nitrogen and silicon fertilization under different plantation methods

Fragrant rice has a high market value,and it is a popular rice type among consumers owing to its pleasant flavor.Plantation methods,nitrogen(N)fertilizers,and silicon(Si)fertilizers can affect the grain yield and fragrance of fragrant rice.However,the core commercial rice production attributes,namely the head rice yield(HRY)and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline(2-AP)content of fragrant rice,under various nitrogen and silicon(N-Si)fertilization levels and different plantation methods remain unknown.The field experiment in this study was performed in the early seasons of 2018 and 2019 with two popular indica fragrant rice cultivars(Yuxiangyouzhan and Xiangyaxiangzhan).They were grown under six N-Si fertilization treatments(combinations of two levels of Si fertilizer,0 kg Si ha^(−1)(Si0)and 150 kg Si ha^(−1)(Si1),and three levels of N fertilizer,0 kg N ha^(−1)(N0),150 kg N ha^(−1)(N1),and 220 kg N ha^(−1)(N2))and three plantation methods(artificial transplanting(AT),mechanical transplanting(MT),and mechanical direct-seeding(MD)).The results showed that the N-Si fertilization treatments and all the plantation methods significantly affected the HRY and 2-AP content and related parameters of the two different fragrant rice cultivars.Compared with the Si0N0 treatment,the N-Si fertilization treatments resulted in higher HRY and 2-AP contents.The rates of brown rice,milled rice,head rice,and chalky rice of the fragrant rice also improved with the N-Si fertilization treatments.The N-Si fertilization treatments increased the activities of N metabolism enzymes and the accumulation of N and Si in various parts of the fragrant rice,and affected their antioxidant response parameters.The key parameters for the HRY and 2-AP content were assessed by redundancy analysis.Furthermore,the structural equation model revealed that the Si and N accumulation levels indirectly affected the HRY by affecting the N metabolism enzyme activity,N use efficiency,and grain quality of fragrant rice.Moreover,high N and Si accumulation directly promoted the 2-AP content or affected the antioxidant response parameters and indirectly regulated 2-AP synthesis.The interactions of the MT method with the N-Si fertilization treatments varied in the fragrant rice cultivars in terms of the HRY and 2-AP content,whereas the MD method was beneficial to the 2-AP content in both fragrant rice cultivars under the N-Si fertilization treatments.

LHD3 Encoding a J-Domain Protein Controls Heading Date in Rice

Heading date is one of the most important agronomic traits of rice,which critically affects rice ecogeographical adaptation,yield and quality.In this study,a late heading date 3(lhd3)mutant was screened from the^(60)Co-γirradiation mutant library.The lhd3 delayed heading date in rice under both short day and long day conditions.Map-based cloning combined with Mutmap strategy was adopted to isolate the causal LHD3 gene.The LHD3 gene encodes a DNA_J domain protein,which was ubiquitously expressed in various plant organs,and dominant expressed in stems and leaves.Subcellular localization analysis showed that LHD3 was localized to nucleus,indicating that LHD3 may interact with other elements to regulate the expression of flowering genes.The transcriptions of the heading activators Ehd1,Hd3a and RFT1 significantly decreased in the lhd3 mutant,suggesting that LHD3 may control the heading date through the Ehd1-Hd3a/RFT1 photoperiodic flowering pathway.The variation and haplotype analyses of the genomic region of LHD3 showed that there were 7 haplotypes in the LHD3 region from 4702 accessions.The haplotypes of LHD3 can be divided into two classes:class a and class b,and the heading dates of these two classes were significantly different.Further study showed that two single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs),SNP10(G2100C)in Hap II and SNP3(C861T)in Hap VII,may be the functional sites causing early and late heading in accessions.Nucleotide diversity analysis showed LHD3 had been selected in the indica population,rather than in the japonica population.Therefore,the present study sheds light on the regulation of LHD3 on heading date in rice and suggests that LHD3 is a novel promising new target for rice molecular design and breeding improvement.

A hybrid CNN-LSTM model for diagnosing rice nutrient levels at the rice panicle initiation stage

Nitrogen(N)and potassium(K)are two key mineral nutrient elements involved in rice growth.Accurate diagnosis of N and K status is very important for the rational application of fertilizers at a specific rice growth stage.Therefore,we propose a hybrid model for diagnosing rice nutrient levels at the early panicle initiation stage(EPIS),which combines a convolutional neural network(CNN)with an attention mechanism and a long short-term memory network(LSTM).The model was validated on a large set of sequential images collected by an unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)from rice canopies at different growth stages during a two-year experiment.Compared with VGG16,AlexNet,GoogleNet,DenseNet,and inceptionV3,ResNet101 combined with LSTM obtained the highest average accuracy of 83.81%on the dataset of Huanghuazhan(HHZ,an indica cultivar).When tested on the datasets of HHZ and Xiushui 134(XS134,a japonica rice variety)in 2021,the ResNet101-LSTM model enhanced with the squeeze-and-excitation(SE)block achieved the highest accuracies of 85.38 and 88.38%,respectively.Through the cross-dataset method,the average accuracies on the HHZ and XS134 datasets tested in 2022 were 81.25 and 82.50%,respectively,showing a good generalization.Our proposed model works with the dynamic information of different rice growth stages and can efficiently diagnose different rice nutrient status levels at EPIS,which are helpful for making practical decisions regarding rational fertilization treatments at the panicle initiation stage.

Influence of Epistasis and QTL×Environment Interaction on Heading Date of Rice(Oryza sativa L.)

QTLs for heading date of rice （Oryza sativa L.） with additive, epistatic, and QTL × environment （QE） interaction effects were studied using a mixed-model-based composite interval mapping （MCIM） method and a double haploid （DH） population derived from IR64/Azucena in two crop seasons. Fourteen QTLs conferring heading date in rice, which were distributed on ten chromosomes except for chromosomes 5 and 9, were detected. Among these QTLs, eight had single-locus effects, five pairs had double-locus interaction effects, and two single-loci and one pair of double-loci showed QTL × environment interaction effects. All predicted values of QTL effects varied from 1.179 days to 2.549 days, with corresponding contribution ratios of 1.04%-4.84%. On the basis of the effects of the QTLs, the total genetic effects on rice heading date for the two parents and the two superior lines were predicted, and the putative reasons for discrepancies between predicted values and observed values, and the genetic potentiality in the DH population for improvement of heading date were discussed. These results are in agreement with previous results for heading date in rice, and the results provide further information, which indicate that both epistasis and QE interaction are important genetic basis for determining heading date in rice.

Research on the Dynamic Climatic Production Potential of Middle-season Rice in Jiangxi Province

According to the meteorological data from Meteorological Station during 1961-2007 in Jiangxi Province,using the calculation method of production potential of climate recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO),the variation trends of climatic potential productivity of mid-season rice during this period were analyzed.The results indicated a trend of yearly decline in the variation of photosynthetic and light-temperature potential productivity in Jiangxi.The changes of climatic production potential fluctuated widely.The main reasons for the above-mentioned changes in recent years included more serious air pollution,resulting in less light and decline in photosynthetic potential productivity.An increase in extreme high-temperature days inhibited the growth of mid-season rice.The uneven distribution of precipitation resulted in the volatility of climatic production potential.To ensure high and stable yield,some counter-measures should be taken,including increasing weather modification input,building water conservancy facilities,enhancing the accuracy of weather forecasts and strengthening the research on climate changes.All the methods could solve those problems so as to ensure an improvement in rice production capacity to address climate change.

The Inheritance of Early Heading in the Rice Variety USSR5

USSR5, a japonica rice variety from the former Soviet Union, is an extremely early maturing rice variety. To elucidate the genetic basis for its early heading, genetic analysis was carried out by crossing it with a set of major gene nearly isogenic lines （NIL） and QTL-isogenic lines. The early heading of USSR5 was attributed to the presence of photoperiod-insensitive alleles at E1 and Se-1 gene, the photoperiod-sensitive inhibitor gene i-Se-1, and the dominant earliness gene Ef-1. Analysis of a backcrossed population （BCIF1） derived from the cross USSR5 x N22 indicated that two quantitative trait loci （QTL） for early heading were located on chromosomes 7 and 8, accounting for 27.4% and 11.2% of the phenotypic variance, respectively, with both early alleles originating from USSRS. From an F2 population of the same cross, early heading QTLs were detected on chromosomes 1, 2, 7, 9, and 10, with individual QTL accounting for between 4.1% and 15.4% of the phenotypic variance. Early heading alleles at four of these five QTLs originated from USSRS. A comparison of chromosomal locations suggests that one of these QTLs may be identical with the known gene Hd4 （E1）. The relationship between the other QTLs and known genes for heading date are not clear. USSR5 is a promising source for propagating earliness for the development of improved early heading rice varieties.

Effect of Extreme Natural High Temperature on Seed Setting Rate of Rice(Oryza sativa L.) at Heading and Flowering Stage

The seed setting rates of total 198 rice cultivars （lines） at heading and flowering stage were investigated under the condition of extreme natural high tem- perature in 2013 so as to analyze the effect of extreme natural high temperature on seed setting rate of different rice cultivar （line）. The results showed that the contin- uous high temperature showed certain effects on the seed setting rates of tested materials, and significant differences were shown in seed setting rate among differ- ent rice cultivars （lines）. The seed setting rates differed significantly among indica F1 hybrids derived from different sterile and restorer lines, indicating that the sterile and restorer lines had great effects on heat tolerances of different F~ hybrids. The cor- relation analysis showed that the seed setting rates of conventional indica restorer lines and conventional japonica rice cultivars （lines） were negatively related to the daily highest temperature （P〉0.05）, and the seed setting rates of indica F1 hybrids were positively related to the seed setting rates of their restorer lines. Total four in- dica restorer lines, including Ninghuiguangkangzhan, Shuhui 527, Chenghui 3203 and Xianyin-8, and four new japonica rice cultivars （lines）, including Wuyinjinghui （B2）, Nanjing 4//W3660/Nanjing 44 （B12） and Wuyun 2330/JD6011 （B22） were pre- liminarily screened, and their seed setting rates were all close to the normal level （90%）. The screened rice cultivars （lines） showed higher heat tolerances.

Dynamic Responses of Super Rice IIyou602 Plants to Different Nitrogen Levels and Configuration Modes

[Objective] The paper was to study the dynamic responses of super rice Ilyou602 plants to different nitrogen levels and configuration modes. [Method] With super rice Ilyou602 as test material, the dynamic changes of total N content in functional leaves, leaf sheaths and stems under different, application amount of nitrogen and configuration modes were analyzed. [Result] The highest total N content of functional leaves under different N levels appeared in the different periods, which was the highest during rehydration period in A3 level. The total N content in various plant positions during full heading stage and maturity stage showed fertilization treatments 〉 CK, functional leaves 〉 leaf sheaths 〉 stems. The total N content in different plant positions showed obvious difference in different treatments. When the super rice Ilyou602 was planted in Chengdu plain, the proper application level of N and configuration mode was as follows： 165 kg/hm2, fertilizer： topdressing = 6：4. [Conclusion] The study provided theoretical basis for nitrogen regulation of high yield cultivation of super hybrid rice.

Influence Factors for Safety Full Heading of Machine-transplanted Rice Seedlings in Cool-warm Rice Area

[Objective] This study was conducted to discuss influence factors for safety full heading of machine-transplanted rice seedlings in cool-warm rice area. [Method] Effects of variety, seedling age and nitrogen fertilizer dosage and strategy of machine-transplanted seedlings on safety full heading of machine-transplanted seedlings were investigated. [Result] During mechanized rice production in coolwarm rice area, mid-early-maturing cold-resistant varieties with growth periods no longer than 180 d could selected, and seedling age could controlled within 30-35 d; and the total amount of pure nitrogen should be less than 300 kg/hm^2, and the proportion of nitrogen fertilizer applied in later stages should be properly reduced. [Conclusion] Under this condition, safety full heading of rice is ensured, and the target yield is realized.

A Study of the Factors that Affect Safe Full Heading of Machine-transplanted Rice Seedlings in the Temperate and Cool Rice-growing Areas

This paper studies the factors that affect the safe full heading of machine-transplanted rice seedlings in the temperate and cool ricegrowing areas,and explores the influence of machine-transplanted rice seedling varieties,seedling age,nitrogen fertilizer application rate and management on the safe full heading of machine-transplanted rice seedlings. Results show that for the mechanized production in the temperate and cool rice-growing areas,we should select the mid-early maturity cold-resistant varieties with growth period of not exceeding 180 d,control the seedling age to be 30- 35 d and total amount of pure nitrogen to be not more than 300 kg / ha,and moderately reduce the nitrogen fertilizer postponing ratio. Under this condition,we can achieve safe full heading of machine-transplanted rice seedlings and ensure the yield.

Modeling Dynamics of Leaf Color Based on RGB Value in Rice

This paper was to develop a model for simulating the leaf color changes in rice （Oryza sativa L.） based on RGB （red, green, and blue） values. Based on rice experiment data with different cultivars and nitrogen （N） rates, the time-course RGB values of each leaf on main stem were collected during the growth period in rice, and a model for simulating the dynamics of leaf color in rice was then developed using quantitative modeling technology. The results showed that the RGB values of leaf color gradually decreased from the initial values （light green） to the steady values （green） during the first stage, remained the steady values （green） during the second stage, then gradually increased to the final values （from green to yellow） during the third stage. The decreasing linear functions, constant functions and increasing linear functions were used to simulate the changes in RGB values of leaf color at the first, second and third stages with growing degree days （GDD）, respectively; two cultivar parameters, MatRGB （leaf color matrix） and AR （a vector composed of the ratio of the cumulative GDD of each stage during color change process of leaf n to that during leaf n drawn under adequate N status）, were introduced to quantify the genetic characters in RGB values of leaf color and in durations of different stages during leaf color change, respectively; FN （N impact factor） was used to quantify the effects of N levels on RGB values of leaf color and on durations of different stages during leaf color change; linear functions were applied to simulate the changes in leaf color along the leaf midvein direction during leaf development process. Validation of the models with the independent experiment dataset exhibited that the root mean square errors （RMSE） between the observed and simulated RGB values were among 8 to 13, the relative RMSE （RRMSE） were among 8 to 10%, the mean absolute differences （da） were among 3.85 to 6.90, and the ratio of da to the mean observation values （Clap） were among 3.04 to 4.90%. In addition, the leaf color model was used to render the leaf color change over growth progress using the technology of visualization, with a good performance on predicting dynamic changes in rice leaf color. These results would provide a technical support for further developing virtual plant during rice growth and development.

Characterization of the Main Effects, Epistatic Effects and Their Environmental Interactions of QTL on the Genetic Basis of Plant Height and Heading Date in Rice

Main-effect QTL, epistatic effects and their interactions with environment are important genetic components of quantitativetraits. In this study, we analyzed the QTL, epistatic effects and QTL by environment interactions (QE) underlying plantheight and heading date, using a doubled-haploid ( DH) population consisting of 190 lines from the cross between anindica parent Zhenshan 97 and a japonica parent Wuyujing 2, and tested in two-year replicated field trials. A geneticlinkage map with 179 SSR (simple sequence repeat) marker loci was constructed. A mixed linear model approach wasapplied to detect QTL, digenic interactions and QEs for the two traits. In total, 20 main-effect QTLs, 9 digenic interactionsinvolving 18 loci, and 5 QTL by environment interactions were found to be responsible for the two traits. No interactionswere detected between the digenic interaction and environment. The amounts of variations explained by QTLs of maineffect were 53.9% for plant height and 57.8% for heading date, larger than that explained by epistasis and QEs. However,the epistasis and QE interactions sometimes accounted for a significant part of phenotypic variation and should not bedisregarded.

Avoidance of Linkage Drag Between Blast Resistance Gene and the QTL Conditioning Spikelet Fertility Based on Genotype Selection Against Heading Date in Rice

Previous study showed that a linkage drag between a blast resistance gene Pi25（t） and QTLs conditioning spikelet fertility （qSF-6） and number of filled grains per panicle （qNFGP-6） was detected on the short arm of chromosome 6. A larger population was used for further verification, and the results confirmed the linkage drag between the blast resistance gene and QTL conditioning spikelet fertility, other than QTL conditioning number of filled grains per panicle. Breakdown or avoidance of the linkage drag could be achieved by selection against the genotype background of a heading-date gene （qHD-7） that resided in the region between RM2 and RM214 on chromosome 7. For further validation, two lines with almost identical genotypes on all chromosomal regions except the Pi25（t） region on chromosome 6 were chosen to develop a new population The results showed that qSF-6 could be further subdivided into qSF-6-1 and qSF-6-2. When the genotype of the region between RM2 and RM214 was from rice variety Zhong 156, the linkage drag between Pi25（t） and qSF-6-2 was detected and the allele of qSF-6-2 from rice variety Gumei 2 reduced the spikelet fertility. When the genotype of the region between RM2 and RM214 was from Gumei 2, no linkage drag was detected. This indicates that the linkage drag between the blast resistance gene and the QTL conditioning spikelet fertility could be broken down or avoided under a certain background genotype selection against heading-date and provides a marker aided solution for high level of blast resistance and yield breeding in rice and other crops as well.

Quantitative Trait Loci for Heading Date and Their Relationship with Genetic Control of Yield Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa)

Grain yield and heading date are key factors determining the commercial potential of a rice variety. Mapping of quantitative trait loci （QTLs） in rice has been advanced from primary mapping to gene cloning, and heading date and yield traits have always attracted the greatest attention. In this review, genomic distribution of QTLs for heading date detected in populations derived from intra-specific crosses of Asian cultivated rice （Oryza sativa） was summarized, and their relationship with the genetic control of yield traits was analyzed. The information could be useful in the identification of QTLs for heading date and yield traits that are promising for the improvement of rice varieties.

Analysis on Dynamic Heterosis for Allelopathy in Rice Under Different Environment Conditions

In this study, 5 parental rice varieties with different allelopathic potentials were employed in diallel cross [P(P+1)/2] to get a set of genetic materials including parental lines and two generations of F1s. The dynamic heterosis for allelopathy in rice under different environmental conditions, was analyzed by using additive-dominant developmental genetic model. The results indicated that heterosis in both F1 and F2 showed inhibitory effects on shoot and root length of receiver plant(Lactuca sativa L.). Heterosis over mid-parent based on population mean(HMP)in F2 was lower than that in differental environmental conditions, showing 1/2 HMP in F1 The heterosis in rice allelopathy was much higher under the field environmental conditions with lower temperature and weaker sunlight than that under favorable environment, implying that the allel-opthic potential could be increased by stress environment. This finding interpreted the genetic reason that plant could produce more allelochemicals under unfavorable environment.

Plant Ideotype at Heading for Super High-Yielding Rice in Double-Cropping System in South China

The newly released super high-yielding hybrid rice combinations, Yueza 122, Fengyou 428, Peiza 67, and the super high-yielding conventional cultivars, Guangchao 3 and Shengtai 1, were grown in both early and late seasons. The morphological characters of each population were investigated at the heading stage, and the data were analyzed by using ANOVY and other statistic methods. The plant ideal morphological characters at the heading stage were established as follows： 1 ） for the early-season cropping, 90-105 cm plant height; 11-12 tillers per plant; 35-40 em length and 2.1-2.2 cm width of flag leaf; 46-50 cm length and 1.8-2.1 cm width of the second leaf from the top （L2）; 59-64 cm length and 1.4-1.9 cm width of the third leaf from the top （L3）; 7°-14°, 18° and 200-33° for the ideal leaf angles of the flag leaf, L2 and L3, respectively; 2） for the late-season cropping, 90-100 cm plant height; 9-15 tillers per plant; 30-41 cm length and 1.8-2.0 cm width of flag leaf; 53-61 cm length and 1.3-1.8 cm width of L2; 52-58 cm length and 1.2-1.5 cm width of L3; 9°-19°, 15°-37° and 16°-49° for the ideal leaf angles of the flag leaf, L2 and L3, respectively. The main physiological characteristics of these varieties were also analyzed.

Dissection of Genetic Mechanism of Abnormal Heading in Hybrid Rice

Abnormal heading in hybrid rice production has caused great economic loss in recent years, but the genetic basis of this phenomenon remains elusive. In this study, we developed four testcross populations using 38 introgression lines （ILs） from Shuhui 527 （SH527）/Fuhui 838 （FH838）//SH527 population as male parents and four male sterile lines （MSLs; namely 11-32A, Xieqingzao A, Gang 46A and Jin 23A） as female parents. Progeny testing allowed us to identify 55 abnormal heading combinations in Hefei, but had late heading date in Hangzhou and Guangzhou of China. By one- and two-way analysis of variance, a total of 21 QTLs and 31 pairs of epistatic QTLs associated with photosensitivity were identified in the four populations, respectively. Genotypic analysis showed that the IL parent of most abnormal heading combinations showed some introgressions at markers RM331 and RM3395 on chromosome 8 （strongly associated with the known genes OsHAP3H/DTH8/Ghd8/LHD1） of donor FH838 alleles, and these two markers were also identified as affecting photosensitivity. The observation that the recipient parent （SH527）, donor parent （FH838）, their testcross combinations with four MSLs, and the IL parents of abnormal heading combinations had normal heading date in Hefei suggested that OsHAP3H/DTH8/Ghd8/LHD1 showed no independent regulation on abnormal heading in the abnormal heading combinations. It is noteworthy that complex epistasis among RM331 or RM3395 with other loci, including dominant x additive, additive x dominant, and dominant x dominant epistases, were identified only in the four testcross populations of the current study, but not in the SH527/FH838//SH527 population suggesting the cause of abnormal heading in abnormal heading combinations in Hefei and delayed heading in Hangzhou and Guangzhou.

Genetic Analysis of Heading Date of Japonica Rice Cultivars in Southwest China

Heading date of 26 native japonica rice cultivars in southwest China was investigated,and their basic vegetative growth(BVG),photoperiod-sensitivity(PS) and temperature-sensitivity(TS) were analyzed under artificial short-day and natural long-day conditions in Nanjing,as well as artificial high-temperature and natural low-temperature conditions in winter in Hainan.The results showed that the PS and TS varied among different cultivars.The BVG of all the japonica cultivars was well situated,but differed within cultivars.Regression analysis showed a significant correlation between heading date and PS,indicating that PS was the main factor affecting heading date of japonica cultivars in southwest China.Genetic analysis was conducted on these 26 cultivars using a set of heading date near isogenic lines as test lines.All the japonica cultivars carried the dominant early-heading gene Ef-1 or Ef-1t,and most of these cultivars carried the dominant photoperiod sensitivity allele E1 or E1t,the PS of which was slightly weaker than E1.For the Se-1 locus,these cultivars mainly carried recessive photoperiod insensitivity gene Se-1e.In addition,the PS of 22 japonica cultivars could be repressed or weakened by the recessive allele hd2,inhibiting the expression of E1 and Se-1.These results indicated that the genotypes of heading date determined different PS and well situated BVG in japonica rice cultivars in southwest China.

Mapping of Hd-6-2 for Heading Date Using Two Secondary Segregation Populations in Rice

Heading date is one of the most important traits for rice adaption to different cultivation areas and crop seasons. In this study, two single segment substitution lines(SSSLs), W31-41-61-3-11-3-6-7(W31-SSSL) and W32-59-80-2-11-1-10(W32-SSSL) with substituted intervals derived from the donor parents IR66897 B(W31) and IR66167-27-5-1-6(W32), respectively, with Huajingxian 74(HTX74) were found to comprise a gene for extremely late-heading date, and the gene was tentatively designated as Hd-6-2. Two secondary F2 segregating populations were developed by crossing the two heterozygous SSSLs with HJX74 to map Hd-6-2 gene. According to phenotype analysis of the two mapping populations, the late heading date trait was controlled by a major recessive gene. In the segregation population derived from W31-SSSL, Hd-6-2 was mapped on chromosome 6 between PSM677 and RM204 with the genetic distances of 1.3 and 2.7 c M, respectively. In the population of W32-SSSL, the gene for heading date was mapped to the similar region as Hd-6-2 and co-segregated with PSM672. The sequence alignment of Hd3 a in the coding domains and promoter regions of HJX74 and W31-SSSL are completely consistent, whereas there was a great difference between W32-SSSL and HJX74, suggesting that Hd3 a could hardly be the main cause of the heading date variation in W31-SSSL, but it was probably the main reason for the change of heading stage in W32-SSSL.

QTL Detection and Epistasis Analysis for Heading Date Using Single Segment Substitution Lines in Rice(Oryza sativa L.)

Heading date of rice is a key agronomic trait determining cultivated areas and seasons and affecting yield. In the present study, ifve primary single segment substitution lines with the same genetic background were used to detect quantitative trait loci （QTLs） for heading date in rice. Two QTLs, qHD3 and qHD6 on the short arm of chromosome 3 and the short arm of chromosome 6, respectively, were identiifed under natural long-day （NLD）. Nineteen secondary single segment substitution lines （SSSLs） and seven double segments pyramiding lines were designed to map the two QTLs and to evaluate their epistatic interaction between them. By overlapping mapping, qHD3 was mapped in a 791-kb interval between SSR markers RM3894 and RM569 and qHD6 in a 1 125-kb interval between RM587 and RM225. Results revealed the existence of epistatic interaction between qHD3 and qHD6 under natural long-day （NLD）. It was also found that qHD3 and qHD6 had signiifcant effects on plant height and yield traits, indicating that both of the QTLs have pleiotropic effects.