Identification of meta quantitative trait loci for agronomical traits in rice { Oryza sativa)

Abstract

In present investigation, analysis of previously known 171 QTLs in rice was performed to compile them into metaQTLs with more precise location. A total of eight significant meta-QTLs distributed over five different rice chromosomes were identified using BioMercator v2.0 software. A meta-QTL for plant height identified on chromosome 1 confirmed the involvement of sd-1 gene. More importantly, a meta-QTL comprising 16 QTLs for grain yield related traits identified on chromosome 3 have narrowed down the interval to less than 1 cM. In addition, significant meta-QTLs for panicle architecture traits were identified on chromosome 4 and 8. Subsequently, candidate genes were identified in the meta-QTLs and evaluated for their functional relevance in trait development. The meta-QTLs identified in present study will be useful for the molecular understanding as well as breeding approaches used for trait improvement in rice.