Molecular mapping of quantitative trait loci in japonica rice

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) molecular maps have previously been constructed using interspecific crosses or crosses between the two major subspecies: indica and japonica. For japonica breeding programs, however, it would be more suitable to use intrasubspecific crosses. A linkage map of 129 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and 18 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers was developed using 118 F2 plants derived from a cross between two japonica cultivars with high and low seedling vigor, Italica Livorno (IL) and Labelle (LBL), respectively. The map spanned 980.5 cM (Kosambi function) with markers on all 12 rice chromosomes and an average distance of 7.6 cM between markers. Codominant (RFLP) and coupling phase linkages (among RAPDs) accounted for 79% of total map length and 71% of all intervals. This map contained a greater percentage of markers on chromosome 10, the least marked of the 12 rice chromosomes, than other rice molecular maps, but had relatively fewer markers on chromosomes 1 and 2. We used this map to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for four seedling vigor related traits scored on 113 F3 families in a growth chamber slantboard test at 18 degrees C. Two coleoptile, five root, and five mesocotyl length QTLs, each accounting for 9-50% of the phenotypic variation, were identified by interval analysis. Single-point analysis confirmed interval mapping results and detected additional markers significantly influencing each trait. About two-thirds of alleles positive for the putative QTLs were from the high-vigor parent, IL. One RAPD marker (OPAD13720) was associated with a IL allele that accounted for 18.5% of the phenotypic variation for shoot length, the most important determinant of seedling vigor in water-seeded rice. Results indicate that RAPDs are useful for map development and QTL mapping in rice populations with narrow genetic base, such as those derived from crosses among japonica cultivars. Other potential uses of the map are discussed. Key words : QTL mapping, RAPD, RFLP, seedling vigor, japonica, Oryza sativa.