Mapping QTLs for hybrid sterility in three AA genome wild species of Oryza

In order to know the genetic nature of hybrid sterility further, three populations, a BC4F2 population derived from Oryza nivara crossed with Yundao 1, a BC4F2 population derived from O. rufipogon crossed with Yundao 1, and a BC10F1 population derived from a cross between O. barthii and Dianjingyou 1 were developed, respectively. Three hybrid sterility QTLs, qHS-6a, qHS-6b, and qHS-6c, detected from those three populations, were mapped into the region between RM190 and RM510, RM190 and RM3414, RM190 and RM587 on chromosome 6, respectively. These QTLs showed collinearity, and explained 88.24%, 61.52%, 44.46% of the phenotypic variance in pollen fertility and 80.60%, 35.20%, 29.01% of the phenotypic variance in spikelet fertility, respectively. In all three crosses, the gametes carrying Yundao 1 or Dianjingyou 1 alleles were eliminated by gametes carrying the wild species alleles. Comparison of the location and the mode of gene action of three QTLs correspond to the S1 locus indicates a common and conserved hybrid sterility locus in AA genome specie playing an important role in reproductive barriers in Oryza. Fine mapping of these QTLs would lead to understand the micro-collinearity and evolutionary relationship among Oryza species.