Improving Alkali Spreading Value of Minghui 1831 Rice by Means of MAS-assisted Technology

Objective  Molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) was applied in breeding to improve the alkali spreading value (ASV) of Minghui 1831.

Method  The high-ASV gene of Mingxiang 510 was introduced to the blast-resistant, aromatic Minghui 1831 using backcross breeding, MAS, and ASV detection. Genetic similarity between Minghui 1831 and the improved lines was analyzed based on 48 pairs of SSR primers. Main agronomic and some quality traits of them, as well as the combinations between Minghui 1831 and 4 sterile lines including Mingtai A and Tianxiang 2A, were compared.

Results  The ZiS_1_ALK molecular markers in the BC₃F₂ population were used to identify 8 homozygous high-ASV lines. Of which, MG-2, MG-3, and MG-6 were similar in genetic background to the recurrent parent, Minghui 1831, while superior on some agronomic traits and grain length/width ratio. Meanwhile, the combining ability remained intact.

Conclusion  Three newly bred high-ASV rice lines were successfully obtained that inherited the desirable characteristics and combining ability of their parent, Minghui 1831.