Detection of QTLs regulating the second internode length in rice dwarf mutant d1

Stem length is a crucial agronomic trait in rice breeding. The short stature of rice dwarf mutants is caused by shortening of internodes, resulting in five distinct internode elongation patterns: dn, dm, d6, nl and sh. Several genetic studies have been conducted; however, the genetic mechanisms underlying these internode elongation patterns remain unclear. In this study, we examined two Daikoku dwarf (d1) mutants, T65(d1-1) and Kin(d1-7), which display contrasting internode elongation phenotypes. Anatomical observation revealed that T65(d1-1) exhibits a dm-type internode elongation pattern due to the lack of the second internode counted from the top, while Kin(d1-7) shows a dn-type pattern with a relatively elongated second internode. To identify the genetic factors influencing these phenotypes, we conducted a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using two F₂ populations derived from reciprocal crosses between them. The QTL analysis showed that the second internode length is regulated by three QTLs on chromosomes 4, 5, and 6. Epistatic effects were observed through the analysis of F₃ progenies, indicating that the combination of Kin(d1-7) alleles at these QTLs is associated with an increased second internode length. Furthermore, specific combinations of alleles result in varying degrees of elongation in the second internode, significantly impacting the internode elongation pattern. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic factors influencing the internode elongation patterns in rice.