Genetic relatedness among Ethiopian Oryza longistaminata populations and other AA genome Oryza species

Oryza longistaminata is the only AA-genome Oryza species that is perennial via rhizome production. This undomesticated rice species, which is native to Africa, is hypothesized to be a good candidate for expanding the cultivated rice gene pool. However, its phylogenetic relationships with other Oryza members are still unresolved, and it is underutilized as a genetic resource in the breeding of cultivated rice ( Oryza sativa L.). This study therefore genotyped 361 O . longistaminata , 35 cultivated rice, 1 Japonica weedy-type, 25 AA genome and 8 CC genome wild rice accessions by using 67 SSR markers. Genotypic grouping confirmed the distinctness of O . longistaminata from other rice accessions and the sub-differentiation of this population influenced by eco-geographical conditions. The higher genetic diversity within the O . longistaminata population also implies its candidacy as a donor of diverse traits of interest.