Identification of elite lines and consistent markers linked to yield and yield components in rice (Oryza sativa L.) using association mapping

Abstract

Genetic variation is the foundation of crop improvement. Identifying donors for yield and yield components will help to develop high yielding cultivars. Yield being a complex trait, understanding its molecular genetics may hasten breeding for high yield. Identifying molecular markers associated with yield traits will improve efficiency of breeding. Forty-nine diverse rice genotypes were evaluated for yield and yield components under irrigated conditions in three separate field trials at Paddy Breeding Station, Coimbatore during February – June, 2014, August – December, 2014 and 2015. Significant variation for yield and yield-related traits was noticed among the genotypes. IR58821 and IR52561 gave consistently higher yield in three and two trials, respectively. Association mapping detected a total of 46 markers associated with growth and yield traits. PSM432, PSM371A and PSM167 were consistently associated with yield and harvest index. IR58821 and IR52561 and markers consistently associated with yield traits may help to develop improved rice cultivars through marker assisted breeding.

Keywords

• rice
• diverse germplasm
• yield
• ssrs and association mapping