Quantitative trait loci identification and genetic diversity analysis of panicle structure and grain shape in rice
Abstract Panicle structure and grain shape are important components of rice architecture that directly contribute to rice yield and are regulated by quantitative trait loci (QTLs). In this study, a doubled haploid (DH) population derived from a cross between japonica “Maybelle” and indica “Baiyeqiu” was used to determine genetic effects on panicle structure and grain shape. All detected traits exhibited a continuous, transgressive distribution in the DH population. QTL analysis showed that a total of 24 QTLs related to panicle structure and grain shape were detected on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 12, and three epistatic interaction QTLs were detected. Some genes related to panicle structure and grain shape were predicted in the major QTLs, and variations existed between the parents in all genes. Only OsIDS1, GS5, and SRS3 had nonsynonymous mutations that led to protein changes. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of GS5 and OsFOR1 significantly differed between the two parents. In addition, genetic diversity analysis showed that the H3-35–H3-37, H6-18–H6-19, and H7-12–H7-14 intervals might be selected in the breeding program.