Identification of quantitative trait loci for seed storability in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

With 5 figures and 2 tables Seed storability is an important agronomic trait for rice. A population comprising 182 backcross recombinant inbred lines derived from the backcross ‘Koshihikari’ (japonica)/‘Kasalath’ (indica)//‘Koshihikari’ was used for detecting quantitative trait loci (QTL) for seed storability. Germination rate was used as the phenotype of seed storability under room temperature conditions after storage for 32 months (grown only at Nanjing) and 48 months (grown at Nanjing, Jinhu and Lianyungang). Six QTL named qSS‐2, qSS‐3, qSS‐4, qSS‐6, qSS‐9 and qSS‐11 were detected. qSS‐9 was the most stable one and was detected in seeds from all environments and storage times, explaining 10.63–33.10% of the phenotypic variation. The existence of QTL qSS‐2, qSS‐4, qSS‐6 and qSS‐9 was confirmed using ‘Kasalath’ chromosome segment substitution lines in a ‘Koshihikari’ genetic background. These results provide an opportunity for map‐based cloning of qSS‐9, thereby gaining an understanding of seed storability in rice and possibilities for its improvement.