Culm strength association mapping in selected Oryza sativa L. varieties from 3KRG dataset and prediction of SNP functional effects

Abstract

It is projected that rice crop production will not be able to keep up with global demand in the near future. Thus, there is a need to address this through improving rice yield. Greater culm strength in rice supports growth of heavier grain-laden panicles while providing increased resistance to bend-type and break-type lodging. The researchers describe a genome-wide association study involving 3024 rice varieties to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the rice genome which are associated with culm strength. Twelve distinct SNPs were identified. They are associated to genes which code for several enzymes including nonspecific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs), DNA methyltransferase, and folylpolyglutamate synthase. All are involved in cell wall component organization and synthesis. The findings provide insight on the genetic regulation of culm strength and lodging resistance in rice, and have applications in crop improvement and breeding strategies.