[QTL analysis for traits associated with photosynthetic functions in rice (Oryza sativa L.)]

A mapping population of 81 F11 lines (Recombinant Inbred Lines, RILs), derived from a cross between a japonica variety Kinmaze and an indica variety DV85 by single-seed descent method, was used to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for traits associated with photosynthetic functions. Total leaf nitrogen content (TLN), chlorophyll a/b ratio (Chl. a:b) and chlorophyll content (Chl) were measured in leaves of rice (Oryza sativa L.) at the 7th day after heading. A total of six putative QTLs were detected with percentage of variance explained (PVE) ranging between 11.2% -29.6%, and LOD of QTLs 2.66-4.81. Of those putative QTLs, three for TLN were detected on chromosomes 1,2 and 11, with PVE of 17.3%, 15.3% and 13.7%, respectively;Two controlling Chl. a:b on chromosomes 3 and 4, PVE of 13.8% and 29.6%, one for Chl on chromosome 1, PVE of 11.2%. Four of those detected QTLs were newly reported in this study. Interestingly, the QTL controlling chlorophyll content,namely qCC-1 reported here,was detected in the region of the RFLP marker C122 on chromosome 1, where harbored NADH-glutamate synthase structure gene according to a previous study. Because the biosynthesis of chlorophyll begins with glutamate, qCC-1 would play a vital role in photosynthetic functions. Whereas,no QTL controlling chlorophyll content were detected at the 30th day after heading, suggesting that the effect of the QTL controlling chlorophyll content decreased during leaf senescence.