Characterization of QTL for unique agronomic traits of new-plant-type rice varieties using introgression lines of IR64

To enhance the yield potential of an elite indica rice cultivar,an introgression(BC_3-derived) line of IR64,YTH288,was developed using a new-plant-type cultivar,IR66215-44-2-3,as a donor parent.YTH288 has agronomically valuable characteristics such as large panicles,few unproductive tillers,and large leaves inherited from NPT.To identify the genetic basis of these traits,we used 167 F_2 plants derived from a cross between IR64 and YTH288 to conduct QTL analysis for five agronomic traits:days to heading(DTH),culm length(CL),flag leaf length(FLL),flag leaf width(FLW),and filled spikelet number per panicle(FSN).Six putative QTL were detected:four on chromosome4(for CL,FLL,FLW,and FSN) and two on chromosome 2(for DTH and FLL).All QTL with the IR66215-44-2-3 allele,except that for FLL on chromosome 2,had positive effects on each trait.To confirm the effects of these putative QTL,we developed NILs with the IR64 genetic background by marker-assisted selection.We observed significant differences in several agronomic traits between IR64 and NILs that carried these QTL on chromosomes2 and 4.Additionally,four IR64-NILs carrying chromosomal segments derived from different NPT varieties on the long arm of chromosome 4 exhibited similar pleiotropic To enhance the yield potential of an elite indica rice cultivar, an introgression(BC3-derived) line of IR64, YTH288, was developed using a new-plant-type cultivar,IR66215-44-2-3, as a donor parent. YTH288 has agronomically valuable characteristics such as large panicles, few unproductive tillers, and large leaves inherited from NPT.To identify the genetic basis of these traits, we used 167 F2 plants derived from a cross between IR64 and YTH288 to conduct QTL analysis for five agronomic traits: days to heading(DTH), culm length(CL), flag leaf length(FLL), flag leaf width(FLW), and filled spikelet number per panicle(FSN). Six putative QTL were detected: four on chromosome4(for CL, FLL, FLW, and FSN) and two on chromosome 2(for DTH and FLL). All QTL with the IR66215-44-2-3 allele, except that for FLL on chromosome 2, had positive effects on each trait. To confirm the effects of these putative QTL, we developed NILs with the IR64 genetic background by marker-assisted selection. We observed significant differences in several agronomic traits between IR64 and NILs that carried these QTL on chromosomes2 and 4. Additionally, four IR64-NILs carrying chromosomal segments derived from different NPT varieties on the long arm of chromosome 4 exhibited similar pleiotropiceffects for unique agronomic traits. These NILs can be used as research materials for studying each trait and as breeding materials for yield improvement of indica rice cultivars.

Cultivar Mixture Cooperation(CMC)of rice varieties(lines) with different blast resistant gene

We studied Cultivar Mixture Cooperation(CMC)of rice varieties(lines)by screening mixture ofrice varieties which possess different genes,1983-1996.

Characterization of Fertility Alteration in 8 Environment-sensitive Genic Male-sterile Lines of indica Rice

Eight indica ( Oryza sativa L.) environment-sensitive genic male-sterile (EGMS) lines, 2-2S, K1405S, F131S, 2136S, Pei-Ai 64S, 1290S, GD-IS and N17S, were sequentially seeded with 10-15 d interval at three sites, Wuhan in 1997, Guiyang in 1997 and Sanya in 1997 and 1998, China. The results of investigations on self-sterilities showed that all of eight EGMS lines had stable sterile periods of longer than 30 d at Wuhan. They can be used for seed production of two-line hybrid rice, but can not reproduce themselves. Their stable sterile periods were shorter than 30 d at Guiyang, they can reproduce themselves and can not be used for hybrid seed production. In Sanya, their stable sterile periods were longer than 150 d, all of eight lines can be used for seed production in summer and autumn and reproduce themselves in winter. The fertility of all eight lines were sensitive to temperature. The sensitive stages, sensitive duration and critical point of temperatures (CPT) of fertility alteration in various lines were different. The sensitive stages of 2-2S and K1405S were from 18 d to 9 d before heading, the sensitive durations were 7-10 d and the CPTs were 23.7-24.5 degreesC. The sensitive stage, sensitive duration and CPT of F131S were from 17 to 5 d before heading, 13 d and 24.3-24.7 degreesC, respectively. The sensitive stage, sensitive duration and CPT of 2136S were from 18 to 12 d before heading, 7 d and 24.6-25.1 degreesC:, respectively. The sensitive stages, sensitive durations of Pei-Ai 64S, 1290S, N17S and GD-1S were from 24 to 13 d before heading and 10-13 d. And their CPTs were 24.6-25.1 degreesC, 25.5-26.2 degreesC, 25.4-26.1 degreesC,, and 24.1-24.7 degreesC, respectively.

Development of Isogenic Lines of Morphological Markers in Indica Rice

A total of 28 accessions of rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasms were collected from International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippine and Gene Pool of China National Rice Research Institute (CNRRI). These germplasms were attributed as a Donor Gene Pool, consisting of 27 diverse morphological marker lines with each having a unique valuable trait (gene), and the recurrent parent-Zhefu 802, an early-season indica cultivar in south of China in the 1980s and 1990s. A set of 27 isogenic lines with 2-3 markers on every chromosome were obtained after more than 10 successive backcrosses. Moreover, 15 accessions of double-marker isogenic lines were developed by further pyramiding markers on the same chromosome. Key agronomic traits such as heading date, plant height, tillering number and panicle length in this set of lines were similar to that of Zhefu 802 except the marker traits.

Correlation between Stigma Characteristics and Outcrossing Rate of Five Photo-thermo Sensitive Genic Male Sterile(PTGMS) Rice Lines

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the correlation between stigma characteristics and outcrossing rate of photo-thermo sensitive genic male sterile（PTGMS） rice lines. [Method] The stigma exsertion rate, stigma size and stigma vitality of Chuang 5S, Yun 9S, Peiai 64 S, P88 S and Y58 S were analyzed. Using R608 as a male parent, outcrossing rate of these five PTGMS lines was determined. [Result]There were differences in stigma exsertion rate, stigma size and stigma vitality among five PTGMS lines. P88 S exhibited the best stigma characteristics and relatively strong stigma vitality, with the stigma exsertion rate of 95.94%, stigma vitality coefficient of 2.71, outcrossing rate of 84.02% in the field. Peiai 64 s had the minimum stigma length（2.41 mm） and stigma width（1.10 mm） and the weakest stigma vitality, with the stigma exsertion rate of 93.04%, outcrossing rate of 65.47%. Yun 9S,Y58 S and Chuang 5S displayed medium stigma characteristics, among which Yun9 S exhibited higher outcrossing rate than other two PTGMS lines. Correlation analysis showed that stigma exsertion rate, stigma length, stigma width, stigma area and stigma volume were significantly correlated to outcrossing rate（P〈0.05）, with correlation coefficients of 0.897, 0.934, 0.934, 0.939 and 0.937, respectively. However,there was no significant correlation between stigma vitality coefficient and outcrossing rate. [Conclusion] Based on stigma characteristics of five PTGMS lines, auxiliary pollination measures should be adopted reasonably to save production costs and improve hybrid rice seed yield.

Mapping of QTLs Related to Grain Weight Using Chromosome Single Segment Substitution Lines in Rice

Grain weight, one of the major factors determining rice yield, is a typical quantitative trait control ed by multiple genes. With Guangluai 4 as recipient and Nipponbare as donor, a population of 119 chromosome single segment substitution lines had been developed. Correlation analysis between grain weight and grain shape by SPSS revealed that 1 000-grain weight shared extremely significant posi-tive correlation with grain length and length-width ratio, but no significant correlation with grain width and thickness. The QTL analysis of grain weight was carried out using one-way analysis of variance and Dunnett＇s test. Nineteen stable QTLs re-sponsible for grain weight were identified over two years. Al 19 QTLs were identi-fied on al chromosomes except for chromosome 10 and 12 at a significance level of P≤0.001. Among them, 10 QTLs had a positive effect and were derived from the Nipponbare al ele, the additive effect of these QTLs ranged from 0.49 to 2.74 g, and the contributions of the additive effects ranged from 2.00% to 11.05%. Another 9 QTLs had a negative effect and were al derived from Guangluai 4 al ele, the ad-ditive effect of these QTLs ranged from 0.60 to 2.35 g, and the contributions of the additive effects ranged from 2.40% to 9.84%. The results provide a basis for the fine mapping and gene cloning of novel locus associated with rice grain weight.

Evaluation and screening for resistance of some varieties(lines)to major diseases and insect pests of rice

During 1984-1988,2,231 varieties(lines)from International Rice Testing Program(IRTP)were evaluated and screened for resistance to riceblast(Bl),bacterial blight(BB),sheath blight

Resistance Evaluation of Part of Leading Rice Varieties to Rice Blast in Guangxi Province

In order to determine the resistance of leading rice varieties to rice blast in Guangxi, three natural induction rice blast nurseries were established in Cenxi, Sanjiang and Yongfu. The resistance of the 45 leading rice varieties in Guangxi to rice blast was determined under conditions of spray inoculation and natural induction at seedling stage. The results showed that resistance frequencies of the 45 leading rice varieties ranged from 8.33% to 94.44%. Among the 45 tested varieties, there were 8 varieties of which the resistance frequencies were all higher than 80%, accounting for 17.78%; there were 11 varieties of which the resistance frequencies ranged from 50% to 80%, accounting for 24.44%; the resistance frequencies of the remaining varieties were all lower than 50%, accounting for 57.78% of the total tested varieties. The twoconsecutive-year determination results showed none of the 45 leading rice varieties showed resistance to rice blast. In 2010, there were 26, 12 and 7 varieties that were moderately sensitive, sensitive and greatly sensitive to rice blast respectively, accounting for 57.78%, 26.67% and 15.56% of the total tested varieties. In 2011, there were 16, 23 and 12 varieties that were moderately sensitive, sensitive and greatly sensitive to rice blast respectively, accounting for 35.56%, 51.11% and 13.33%. The overall resistance of the 45 leading rice varieties trended to be decreased year by year. So in rice production, they should be selected properly.

Study on Cadmium Tolerance of Seed Germination and Seedlings Growth of Different Rice Varieties

The research used bioassay method to explore seed tolerance of Cd in terms of seed germination and seedling growth. Specifically, 12 rice varieties of three types were investigated under Cd stress, covering germination rate, shooting index, vigor index, seedling and shoot lengths, and fresh weights. The results showed that as Cd concentration grew, seed germination and seedling growth kept increasingly inhibited; germination index, vigor index, root length, shoot length and fresh weights went down; inhibition effects on seed germination and seedling growth were conventional rice〉two-line hybrid rice〉three-line hybrid ,rice. Shanyou 9588, Tianyou 998, Chuanxiang 8, and Y Liangyou 1 performed ~rongly in Cd tolerance; C Liangyou 651, Nei 5 You 263, Xiangwanxian 16, Huanghuazhan, Xiangwanxian 13, and Zhunliangyou 527 performed poorly in Cd tolerance, and Cd tolerance of rest treatments were moderate.

Analysis of the Nationally Registered Rice Varieties in the Last Decade

The nationally registered rice varieties during 2006-2015 were analyzed and there were 49.4 varieties on average annually registered in the last decade. In terms of the structure of varieties, there was a decreasing trend for the proportion of three-line hybrid rice varieties but a rapid increase for that of two-line hybrid rice varieties. The percentage of rice varieties developed by scientific research institu- tions was decreasing but that developed by seed companies kept a rapid increase, indicating the commercial breeding conducted by seed companies has become a principal model in rice breeding. With regard to grain quality of varieties, the con- ventional rice varieties showed an increasing trend while the hybrid rice varieties had a decreasing trend in the proportion of high quality varieties, indicating hybrid rice needs improving more in grain quality in breeding programs.

Major Physiological Characters of Different Double Cropping Rice Varieties by Different Mechanical Transplanting Methods

The research selected 16 rice varieties（8 early and 8 late double-cropping rice） by mechanical transplanting modes as per equivalent row and wide-narrow row to explore yield and physiological traits in order to provide references for selection of rice variety suitable for mechanical transplanting. The results showed that yields of early and late rice improved by 2.90% and 2.73% by mechanical transplanting as per equivalent row and wide-narrow row respectively. Besides, leaf area index in the treatment as per wide-narrow row was higher compared with the treatment as per equivalent row, as well as average photosynthetic potential which grew by 0.92%,3.99% and 5.64% of early from tillering-peak stage to mature stage and 3.46%,7.09% and 6.79% of late rice. Furthermore, by mechanical transplanting as per wide-narrow row, SPAD value, and root activity performer higher, as well as the number of differentiated branch and glumous flowers, but degradation rate showed lower. In addition, with mechanical transplanting the same, early rice Zhuliangyou819 and late rice Fengyuanyou 299 took advantages in yield, which can be priorities for mechanical transplanting in double-cropping areas in Jiangxi Province.

Combining Ability Analysis on Yield Traits of Recombinant Inbred Lines in Hybrid Rice

A population of 140 recombinant inbred lines at F8 generation were obtained after seven successive generations of self-pollination using single seed descent（SSD） method from the F2 hybrids of three-line restorers Luhui 8258 with high combining ability and Yanghui 34. Then, the 140 inbred lines obtained above and their parents Luhui 8258 and Yanghui 34 were crossed with three different types of cyto-plasmic male sterile（CMS） lines（Gang 46 A, Ⅱ-32 A and Lu 98A） according to NCⅡ design. The resulting 426 combinations were planted at Deyang and Suining bases to test the combining ability and inheritance of five yield traits： yield per plant, panicle number per plant, filled grain number per panicle, seed setting rate and 1 000-grain weight. The results showed that the variances of both general and specific combining abilities of the five traits all reached a significant or extremely significant level at the two sites. The broad and narrow heritability of the yield traits（except 1 000-grain weight whose broad and narrow heritability were both over70%） were all below 50% at the two experimental bases, suggesting that the four traits were easily subjected to environment influence. Very significant positive correlation of general combining ability was found between yield per plant and other traits except 1 000-grain weight. The general combining ability variance showed a normal distribution among the recombinant inbred lines at two sites, right in line with inheritance of quantitative traits. So, the genes controlling rice general combining ability can be targeted by QTL mapping.

Flowering Characteristics of Japonica Rice Male Sterile Lines Adaptive to High Temperature and Summer Drought

[Objective] This study was conducted to screen japonica rice male sterile lines with good flowering characteristics under high temperature and summer drought. [Method] The flowering habits of 23 japonica male sterile lines, such as flowering peak, single-panicle flowering duration, single-plant flowering duration, en- closed glume rate, glume-opening angle, the distance between glumes, stigma exer- tion rate and sigma vitality, were compared with II-32A as a control under above weather condition. [Result] The flowering characteristics had significant difference a- mong the tested rice lines. Compared with the control, three japonica rice male ster- ile lines 35478A, 35489A and 35502A had better flowering traits, such as earlier flowering peak, longer single-panicle flowering duration, longer single-plant flowering duration, lower rate of enclosed glumes, larger glume angle and larger distance be- tween glumes. 35478A performed its flowering peak from 10：00-11：00 am, 1.5 h earlier than the control; 35489A exhibited higher stigma exertion rate, up to 76.23%; and 35502A had higher stigma vitality, up to 84.68%, which kept longer time than that of the CK. [Conclusion] The results will provide high-quality resources for the breeding of new japonica rice varieties with high-yield and high-temperature toler- ance.

Effect of Enhanced UV-B Radiation on Seed Setting Rate and 1 000-grain Weight of Indica Hybrid Rice Restorer Lines

[Objective] This study was to investigate the effect of enhanced UV-B radiation on seed setting rate and 1 000-grain weight of hybrid rice combinations. [Method] The seed setting rate and 1 000-grain weight of 10 new sterile indica restorer lines planted in pots under enhanced UV-B radiation and fluorescent lamps （control） were respectively measured, and the differences were compared. [Result] The enhanced UV-B radiation significantly reduced the seed setting rate of indica restorer lines, and the differences between that UV-B radiation treatment and control all reached extremely significant level. In addition, the enhanced UV-B radiation reduced the 1 000-grain weight of most indica restorer lines, and compared with that of control the difference achieved significant or very significant level. However, the effect of enhanced UV-B radiation on seed setting rate and 1 000-grain weight differed to different indica restorer lines, and the differences among restorer lines tested were significant or very significant, which indicated the possibility to screen antiUV-B radiation rice materials and combinations. Finally, the indica restorer lines 09R-14, Luhui 37 and 10R-7703 which were strongly resistant to UV-B radiation were screened out. [Conclusion] This study laid foundation for breeding hybrid rice varieties resistance to UV-B radiation.

Effect of High Temperature on Outcrossing Characteristics at the Fertility Sensitive Period of Photo-thermo Sensitive Genic Male Sterile (PTGMS) Rice Lines

Four sterile lines （Peiai64S, Y58S, Guangzhan 63-2S and H638S） and the restoring line R527 were used as materials. Five temperature gradients （24, 27, 30, 33 and 36 ℃ in artificial climate chamber） and the natural temperature （as control） were treated to the four sterile lines for 6 d in the fertility sensitive period of heading to flowering stage, respectively, to study the effects of temperature on physiological biochemical characteristics of young panicles and outcrossing characteristics. The results showed that the percentages of exerted stigma of Peiai 64S and Y58S were the highest at 27 ℃, which were 86.81% and 86.06%, respectively, while the percentages of exerted stigma of Guangzhan 63-2S and H638S were the highest at 24 ℃, which were 76.24% and 81.76%, respectively; the stigma viability of Peiai 64S, Y58S, Guangzhan 63-2S and H638S were the best at 24 ℃, which were 1.96, 2.12, 1.74 and 1.94, respectively; the outcrossing rates of Peiai 64S, Guangzhan 63-2S and H638S were the highest at 24 ℃, which were 58.87%, 54.22% and 50.50%, respectively, while the outcrossing rate of Y58S was the highest at 27 ℃, which was 58.96%; and the contents of peroxidase （POD） of the four sterile lines increased significantly at 33 ℃ compared with the control, while the contents of malondialdehyde （MDA） and proline increased significantly at 36 ℃ compared with the control. There were differences in temperature sensitivity between the male sterile lines, and the 24 ℃ treatment during the sensitive period was the best for the fertility sensitive period of Peiai 64S, while 27 ℃ was the best temperature for Y58S, Gangzhan 63-2S and H638S.

QTLs Mapping for Salinity Tolerance at Seedling Stage or Rice(Oryza sativa L.) Using Chromosome Segment Substitution Lines

In this study, a population of chromosome segment substitution lines （CSSLs） derived from the cross between 9311 （indica） and Nipponbare （japonica） was employed to map the quantitative trait loci （QTLs） for salt tolerance under the salt stress simulated with 0.5% NaCI, using survival rate as the index. The data were analyzed by QTL IciMapping v3.1, and the results showed that one QTL （QSsr3） related to salt tolerance was located in the vicinity of the marker RM1350 on chromosome 3, into a genetic interval of 113.2-132.8 cM, with a contribution rate of 17.75%. The additive effect was 10.9, indicating that the QTL derived from the parent Nipponbare improved the salt tolerance of rice at seedling stage. This study will provide a theoretical basis for the selection of salt tolerant rice germplasm.

Mapping QTLs Associated with Sheath Blight Resistance Using Chromosome Segment Substitution Lines of Rice(Oryza sativa L.)

In this study, a population of 119 chromosome segment substitution lines （CSSLs） derived from backcross between indica 9311 and japonica Nipponbare was employed to map quantitative trait loci （QTL） associated with sheath blight resis-tance in rice with toothpick inoculation method. A total of three sheath blight resis-tance-associated QTLs （qsb8-1, qsb8-2 and qsb8-3） were identified, which were lo-cated on adjacent molecular markers RM3262, RM5485 and RM3496 of chromo-some 8; the genetic interval was 81.7cM-91.7cM, 91.7cM-108.1cM and 108.1cM-119.6cM, respectively. The additive effect of qsb8-2 was negative, indicating that sheath blight resistance of susceptible parent harboring qsb8-2 fragment was en-hanced; additive effects of qsb8-1 and qsb8-3 were positive, indicating that sheath blight resistance of susceptible parent harboring qsb8-1 and qsb8-3 fragments was reduced.

Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis of Fagopyrum tataricum Varieties(Lines)

In order to reveal the genetic differences and agronomic traits of Fagopy-rum tataricum_ varieties （lines） intuitively, explore good resources and avoid the blindness of parent selection during the breeding process, six primary agronomic traits of 45 F. tataricum_ varieties （lines） that came from the eleven buckwheat breeding departments across the country were analyzed with principal component analysis and cluster analysis. The results of principal component analysis showed that the six agronomic traits could be simplified into three principal components, and the cumulative contribution rate reached 83%. The results of cluster analysis showed that the 45 F. tataricum varieties （lines） were classified into four groups：high stalk, medium yield and smal grain type, medium stalk, high yield and large grain type, medium stalk, low yield and smal grain type and high stalk, medium yield and medium grain type. Among them, performance of comprehensive trait of the second type was better than that of the other types. Thus, the F. tataricum_va-rieties （lines） that were classified into the second type could be considered as good varieties （lines） or breeding materials. The genetic differences among F. tataricum_varieties （lines） had no necessary correlations with origin and geographical distance. ln addition to complementary traits and geographical distance, genetic distances （dif-ferent populations） should be taken into consideration during parent selection in cross breeding.

Evaluating Varieties and Test Sites in the 2017 Rice Regional Trials of Hubei Province by GGE Biplot Based on Genstat

为分析水稻区试参试品种的丰产性、稳产性、适应性以及区试地点的代表力和鉴别力,采用Gen Stat软件中的GGE双标图对湖北省2017年水稻区试A组12个参试品种和10个区试地点进行了分析。结果表明,深两优10号、亮两优1212、隆晶优4393、襄优5327产量较高,亮两优1212、隆晶优4393、聚两优639、深两优10号具有较好的稳产性,襄优5327稳产性较弱,但在生产上仍有推广利用的价值。区试地点沙洋县、黄冈市、孝南区的代表力和鉴别力较强。

Conservation of Traditional Rice Varieties in a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS):Rice-Fish Co-Culture

The traditional rice-fish farming system is selected as a ＂globally important agricultural heritage system＂ （GIAHS） by the Food and Agriculture Organization （FAO）,United Nations Development Programme （UNDP）,and Global Environment Facility （GEF）,etc.In Zhejiang Province of China,where the pilot site for this GIAHS farming system is located,we compared the use of traditional rice varieties in rice-fish co-culture and rice monoculture.Further,we determined how traditional rice varieties were performed in this rice-fish system.Only 19% of the farmers who practiced rice monoculture planted traditional varieties while 52% of farmers who practiced rice-fish co-culture planted traditional varieties.Traditional varieties represented 13% of the total land cultivated under rice in the rice-fish system but only 2% in the rice monoculture system.In the rice-fish system,yield was lower for traditional rice varieties than hybrid varieties but application of fertilizers and pesticides was also lower.In a field experiment in the rice-fish system without pesticides,rice planthopper numbers and sheath blight incidence were lower from three traditional varieties than one hybrid variety;yields were 8 to 32% lower from the traditional varieties than the hybrid.Our results showed that traditional rice varieties can be preserved through conserving GIAHS rice-fish co-culture.Our study also indicated that traditional rice varieties can survive in the rice-fish system because these varieties are helpful to the whole system and beneficial to the farmers.