Phenotypic screening and Single marker analysis for salinity resistance in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Author: Kylash, K.S., Shiva Prasad, G., Vanisri, S and Saida Naik, D.

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Abstract

This study focuses on the identification of marker-trait associations for salinity tolerance in rice, a critical factor in abiotic stress breeding. The research employed both in vitro and field screening techniques to assess 36 test entries for their responses to salinity stress. Leveraging 15 SSR markers linked to the Saltol QTL on chromosome 1, this study identified eight markers with distinctive banding patterns between resistant and susceptible rice varieties, further used to establish marker-trait associations. Single-factor ANOVA and regression-based analyses were conducted, resulting in the identification of nine significant marker-trait associations, contributing valuable insights into the genetic basis of salinity tolerance in rice. Notably, RM3412 emerged as a marker with a highly significant association, highlighting its potential as a robust tool for marker-assisted breeding programs. These findings provide a foundation for marker-assisted screening and breeding programs aimed at developing salinity-tolerant rice varieties. Through the use of molecular markers, the study demonstrates an efficient and cost-effective alternative to extensive field trials in identifying stress-tolerant rice genotypes, ultimately contributing to enhanced food security and economic sustainability in regions prone to salinity stress. The significant marker-trait associations identified here, particularly the strong correlation with RM3412, RM562, and RM10843, offer promising prospects for advancing rice breeding efforts, ensuring crop resilience to abiotic stress factors, and supporting sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change.

Keywords

Rice, Salinity, Single marker analysis, Microsatellite markers, Marker-trait associations

Conclusion

Abiotic stress breeding often involves the screening of a large number of plants to identify stress-tolerant individuals. Molecular markers offer a cost-effective alternative to extensive field trials, conserving resources, and reducing the expenses associated with maintaining and evaluating large breeding populations. Developing crop varieties that are resilient to abiotic stress can enhance farmers' economic sustainability by reducing yield losses due to adverse environmental conditions. Farmers can achieve better returns on their investments, enhancing overall food security. In this study, association analyses of SSR markers linked to Saltol QTL revealed that the markers in this region were significantly associated with the related traits and are capable of properly explaining the phenotypic variance of the mentioned traits. The most important markers in this study were RM3412 and RM10843 which revealed a significant association even with more than two traits.

References

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How to cite this article

Kylash, K.S., Shiva Prasad, G., Vanisri, S and Saida Naik, D. (2023). Phenotypic screening and Single marker analysis for salinity resistance in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 860-865.