Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Viviparous Germination in Rice

The viviparous germination (VG) with lodging caused the yield reduction and quality deterioration in rice. We carried out the evaluation of VG tolerance (on the 40th day after heading) and mapping QTLs associated with VG tolerance using the recombinant inbred lines (M/G RILs) from a cross between Milyang 23 (japonica/indica) and Gihobyeo (japonica). The VG rates of Milyang 23 and Gihobyeo were 0.0 and 7.0%, respectively. The averaged VG rate of 162 M/G RILs was 7.7%, and their range was from 0.0 to 50.9%. Of the 162 RILs, 144 lines were tolerant less than 10%, and 18 lines were susceptible more than 10%. Using the M/G RIL Map, three QTLs associated with the viviparous trait were detected on chromosome 2 (qVG 2-1 and qVG 2-2) and 8 (qVG 8). qVG 2-1 was linked to RM 32D and RZ 166, and had LOD score of 2.97. qVG 2-2 was tightly linked to E13M59.119-Pl and E13M59.M003-P2, and showed higher LOD score of 3.41. qVG 8 was linked to RM33 and TCT116, and had LOD score of 2.67. The total phenotypic variance explained by the three QTLs was about 24.4% of the total variance in the population. The detection of new QTLs associated with VG tolerance will provide important informations for the seed dormancy, low temperature germination, or comparative genetics.