Identification of QTLs for Yield Related Traits in Indica Type Rice Using SSR and AFLP Markers

This research was carried out to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling yield and yield components in rice using 196 F2:4 lines derived from a cross between two rice varieties of indica, Sepidrood and Gharib. Quantitative trait loci analysis using composite interval mapping was carried out by 105 SSR and 111 AFLP markers. Results showed that 8 chromosomes contain 28 regions (QTLs) controlling 11 studied traits. One QTL was mapped for the number of spikelet per panicle on chromosome 12, three QTLs for number of filled grains per panicle on chromosomes 1, 6 and 11, three QTLs for empty spikelets per panicle on chromosomes 2, 3 and 12, five QTLs for plant height on chromosomes 1, 7 (2 QTLs), eight and 11, four QTLs for days to 50% flowering on chromosomes 2, 3 (2 QTLs) and 6, one QTL for panicle length on chromosome 1, two QTLs for 1000 grain weight on chromosomes 1 and 2, three QTLs for number of panicles per plant on chromosomes 1, 3 and 6, one QTL for grain yield on chromosome 3, four QTLs for days to maturity on chromosomes 2, 3 (2 QTLs) and 6 and one QTL for fertility percentage on chromosome 11. The identified QTLs on specific chromosome regions explaining high phenotypic variance can be considered for use in marker-assisted selection (MAS) programs